Flower Essences to Relieve Menopause Symptoms
Bach Remedies May Decrease Menopausal Discomfort
What are Bach Remedies?
Bach (pronounced Batch) flower remedies were among the first flower essences. Created by Edward Bach in the 1800s, these 38 classic flower essences are gentle homeopathic formulas made by setting flowers in a bowl of water in the sun to release their oils, which are then diluted many times over and preserved with brandy. Barks of trees are boiled in water and their liquid is diluted and preserved similarly. These are called "mother tinctures," which can be purchased in small bottles and further diluted to render individual doses. Many additional flower essences have been discovered since the Bach originals; however, these are basic and simpler to work with for beginners.
How do Homeopathic Flower Essences Work?
According to Bach, these essences work by addressing negative emotional and psychological states. Normally they are not chosen to remedy physical conditions; however, on occasion, since the body and mind are connected, they may be found to assist in the improvement of physical symptoms. It is important to remember that flower essences are not the first line of treatment for medical problems. Always see your physician first to rule out any serious physical conditions. For the most part, these homeopathic remedies can be taken alongside traditional medicines and herbs without any interactions. Consult a practitioner for further information.
To use the remedies, simply put two drops of the tincture (four drops for Rescue Remedy only) into a glass, ceramic, or stainless steel (no plastics) drinking container containing spring water, milk, or juice. Sip slowly, allowing the liquid to linger on the tongue for a moment before swallowing. Doses may be taken as frequently as every 20-30 minutes; however, minimum dosing frequency should be at least four times daily (preferably six). Continue for as long as needed, decreasing frequency as the symptom lessens. If you are suffering from multiple symptoms, you may mix remedies to make a composite. A maximum of four essences should be mixed by beginners. If your symptoms do not resolve, check with your physician, and see a professional flower essence practitioner.
Remedy Suggestions for Symptoms Associated with Menopause
- irritability--beech, holly, impatiens, rock water (w/ inflexibility), vervain (argumentative)
- mood swings--holly
- a feeling of being overwhelmed--elm
- feeling overburdened--hornbeam, olive (w/ exhaustion)
- dissatisfaction--wild oat
- pessimism--gorse
- indecision--scleranthus, wild oat, cerato (w/ self-doubt)
- fuzzy thinking--crab apple
- disturbing memory lapses--crab apple
- easily wounded feelings--beech
- unshakable depression--mustard, cherry plum, plus white chestnut
- inexplicable panic attacks--rock rose plus aspen, cherry plum
- lack of interest (including sexual)--clematis
- insomnia and/or weird dreams--holly, olive, mustard, white chestnut
- early morning awakening--white chestnut
- crying for no reason--mustard
- sudden and inappropriate bursts of anger--holly, beech, cherry plum, rock water, vine
- loss of self-confidence--larch
- anxiety--mimulus (known source), aspen (inexplicable), crab apple (w/ shame)
Resources:
- Dr. Susan Love's Menopause & Hormone Book: Making Informed Choices by Dr. Susan Love with Karen Lindsey (New York: Times Books, 1998.)
- The Twelve Healers and Other Remedies by Edward Bach (C.W.Daniel, 1936.)
- http://www.nelsonsnaturalworld.com/en/uk/our-brands/bachoriginalflowerremedies/
Bach Flower Remedies
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