Flower Therapy

This was the discovery of Dr Edward Bach (1886-1936), a physician and bacteriologist.  In observing the behaviour of factory workers under threat of dismissal, he theorised that their fears, tensions and uncertainties unbalanced the harmony between mind and body.  His favourite dictum was "There are no diseases, only sick people."  For him the patient was more important than the disease.*

He therefore set about trying to find some cure for the patient's mental state rather than the physical complaint that had been diagnosed.  In due course he discovered - claiming that he had arrived at this discovery intuitively - that a variety of wildflowers had the ability to heal these negative mental conditions.  He claimed that by physical contact with a plant or flower he could intuitively discover its healing powers.  Flowers contain the plant's life force, or vibrations. Bach flower therapy enables the transfer of these vibrations from the flowers into water, with the help of sunlight, by non-destructive means. Sunlight has the power to transfer a plant's life force into water. Hence morning dew is said to be full of vitality and an early morning walk in the midst of this dew can cure a number of diseases.

In this system as prescribed by Bach Flower therapy, flowers are kept in spring water and exposed to the sunlight for many hours. Alcohol is then added to the water to stabilize the vibrations.  Edward Bach believed that he could intuitively divine what plants or flowers could be used to produce essences  for specific disturbances.

38 such essences were developed, each one used to balance a specific emotional pain or, where the lack of balance is particularly advanced, to remit the physical symptoms.

Natural Remedies

[1] Headaches 

The vast majority of headaches are not medically serious.  Most can be controlled by the use of simple medications - and in the case of tension headaches, by altering habits or lifestyles.  Although headaches can be very uncomfortable and temporarily disabling, most are not associated with serious illness.  They can often be relieved very simply.  In some cases, however, they can be associated with more serious conditions.

For example (and rarely) headache is a symptom of a dangerous condition such as cerebral aneurysm, brain tumour, stroke,  meningitis, or encephalitis.  Very high blood pressure can cause headaches and this situation is a medical emergency.   If you have any doubt about your headache, contact your physician.

The most common type of headache is "tension headache."  Tension headaches generally develop gradually, often involve the entire head as well as the neck and shoulders.  They probably are not actually caused by increased muscle tension, although muscle relaxation techniques can be very useful in treatment.  Most people get tension headaches occasionally and these can usually be treated simply.  Some people get them often, but there are usually some useful interventions to help decrease the number of sick days.

Migraine headaches are "bad headaches."  With classic migraine, the headache is preceded by a feeling that a headache will develop (prodrome) followed by visual phenomena such as dark or bright spots, streaks of light, or tunnel vision (aura).  The headache then develops, usually on one side.  It is throbbing in nature, accompanied by nausea and increased sensitivity to light and noise.

Most people with migraine headaches do not experience prodrome or aura.  Common migraine headache, like classic migraine headache is treatable and often preventable.

Sinus headaches are those frontal headaches that some people experience with sinus infection and with changes in the weather.  Allergies can also provoke them.

Relaxation and related stress reduction therapies can diminish the frequency and intensity of headaches.  Alternative therapies used for headache management include hypnosis, biofeedback, meditation, visualization and guided imagery, acupuncture, acupressure, yoga and other physical relaxation exercises.

See a health care professional on an urgent basis if any of the following occur:

1. Severe, sudden headaches that seem to come on like "a bolt out of the blue."

2. Headaches that are accompanied by a loss of consciousness, alertness or sensation, confusion, or other neurological and/or personality changes.

3. Headaches that recur in one particular area such as an eye, temple etc.

4. Headaches that recur and are of high intensity or frequency.

5. Headaches that are accompanied by neck stiffness and fever.

6. Headaches that are associated with head injury.

7. There is a change in the nature or frequency of headaches.

8. The worst headache in one's life.

9. Temporary change in vision or visual acuity may simply be a sign of migraine headache but deserves special attention if new.

Here are some of the suggested Natural Health remedies for some different types of headache:

Tension headaches: Relaxation is the automatic advice; the stress may be very effectively and speedily reduced by employing two of the exercises given in the Bates Eye Therapy - rotating the neck and palming.

Migraine headaches: Recommended as a palliative is niacin, a B vitamin.  It should be taken at the very first symptoms, even when roused from a deep sleep.  It may produce uncomfortable symptoms such as an intense flush, reddening of the body, a burning or itching sensation, but provided the dosage recommended by a doctor is taken, it is harmless, and if  no flush occurs within ten minutes of taking, then a second dose is to be taken.  Once the flush is produced, the migraine will vanish.

Cluster headaches will usually respond to similar treatment to migraine headaches.

Sinus headaches may be treated by "sensible" doses of Vitamin A and/or large quantities of Vitamin C.

[2]   Insomnia

It has been estimated that one in three adults suffer from insomnia and women are more likely than men to experience it. A lack of sleep will adversely effect your physical and emotional health and will leave you feeling tired, irritable, with a decrease in your ability to concentrate and make rational decisions. You will become more accident-prone and your immune system will be less effective in fighting off infections.

The most common cause of insomnia is stress, anxiety, linked with physical and/or psychiatric disorders such as pain, illness, asthma, and depression. Environmental and lifestyle factors may also cause insomnia such as too much light or noise, an uncomfortable bed, drinking too much coffee or alcohol or eating late. Some post-menopausal women are prone to sleep problems.

Of course, you could always ask your GP to prescribe drugs to help you sleep but a proper diet and changes in your lifestyle may not only be more effective, but certainly longer-lasting. Changes in your lifestyle, diet and eating habits can work miracles on your sleeping problems, especially if stress is the main cause. When under stress the hydrocortisone and adrenaline produced in the body increases and stimulates the fight or flight syndrome, thus keeping you alert and unable to fall asleep.

A number of relaxation techniques such as meditation, visualisation, and gentle exercises such as yoga can be tried to help decrease stress and thus decrease the build up of these stress hormones. Physical exercise raises your core body temperature and increases your adrenaline levels. Exercise should take place in the afternoon or early evening since hormone level lowers after five or six hours, thus promoting a deep sleep. Exercising immediately before going to bed will inhibit sound sleep.

The food we eat may also effect how well we sleep. Protein-rich foods, large meals, caffeine and nicotine should be avoided at least four hours prior to going to bed.  Drinking alcohol before bed may also lead to problems since once the alcohol metabolises it disrupts the restorative levels of sleep.

Calcium, magnesium and zinc as well as vitamins B6, B3 and C supplements can help calm the nervous system and so help treat insomnia.

The actual set-up of your room may also effect your sleeping habits. Avoid bright colors and different patterns in the room and radios and alarm clocks should be kept at least three feet away. Soft calming pastel colours are best and there should not be a drastic difference in the patterns of your bedspread, curtains and carpets. Place your bed near a wall and it is best if you can see your bedroom door (directly or through a mirror). Your room should also be tidy before going to sleep. Use dim lighting (or candles), have adequate ventilation and the room should be at a comfortable temperature. The most important item in your room, if you want a good nights sleep, is your bed. A good-quality mattress and pillow are essential. It is recommended to replace your bed every ten years.  (Recommendation was perhaps made by the Association of Furniture Manufacturers!}

Establishing a routine before bedtime is a good way to program your mind ‘that it is time to sleep’. Several ways to’ let go’ and relax before bed is not going to sleep right after work or watching TV in bed. Getting a massage with calming essential oils will increase the effect, taking a warm bath, having sex, drinking a warm cup of herbal tea or taking a herbal supplement. Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day and try reading or listen to soft music before going to bed. Finally, try burning camomile or frankincense in an oil burner for about an hour before bed.