Deck the Halls with Bach Flower Remedies! Seasonal remedies for support (or rescue) during the holidays…
Looking forward to the festive season?
For many, it’s a blissfully happy time of celebration and connection with family and friends. For most, there will be lashings of food-glorious-food and probably, a few sherbets to be had. Bottoms up!
For some of us, Christmas can be a challenging time
Days or weeks of preparation followed by a stream of guests can take its toll, leaving us overwhelmed and exhausted, perhaps also financially. Or maybe you’re travelling to see family at Land’s End with a bulging carload of luggage, gifts, overexcited children and the dog. Best of luck, driver.
Not everyone feels comfortable in a group setting. Navigating familial relationships can feel like walking on eggshells. In every clan, there's almost always one relative (or in-law) who pushes everyone to breaking point. Deep breath and count to ten…
If we’ve lost loved ones during the year, the first Christmas without them can be painfully difficult.
Singletons or those without family often dread Christmas. They can’t wait for it to be over and simply withdraw, feeling unwanted or lonely and isolated.
And, as statistics show, romantic relationships are often purged at this time of year when existing weaknesses are amplified.
Of course, we all have different stories and there will be a case for every single remedy. But when Christmas rolls around, we see heightened emotions. Common, difficult themes tend to emerge from what should be a joyous time for all.
Bach Flower Remedies are a safe, effective option to help us find calm and balance when confronted with challenging circumstances and difficulties.
Remedies to try
Here are 6 seasonal Bach Flower Remedy recommendations to support you from beginning to end of the holiday period. And of course, we can’t forget Rescue Remedy!
Beech
The remedy for intolerance. When we are easily irritated by the mannerisms, habits and shortcomings of others; critical of their opinions, behaviour, abilities and failing to find any redeeming qualities.
In extreme circumstances, this may result in outbursts and judgement… which can quickly sour the taste of everyone’s Christmas turkey or nut roast (for my vegan friends).
The positive potential of Beech is for tolerance, compassion and importantly in group situations, harmony. We are able to see the good in others despite their imperfections and idiosyncrasies.
Elm
The remedy for feeling overwhelmed. Seen in highly capable, organised people who ordinarily, have no difficulty in looking after the requirements of others.
In the negative Elm state, we have a temporary crisis of confidence, doubting our abilities. We take on too much, forgetting our own needs. Suddenly, we’re exhausted, sometimes depressed and feel incapable of keeping up with events or meeting responsibilities.
The positive potential of Elm is restored faith in our ability to meet obligations and achieve them with efficiency. We take on only what is comfortable and remember that it's important to look after ourselves too.
Honeysuckle
In the Honeysuckle state, we dwell on the past, recall happier times and remain attached to those we have loved and lost. This remedy is particularly helpful to the bereaved and ageing people who live alone.
The positive potential of Honeysuckle allows us to live happily in the present and plan for the future, grateful for our experiences but no longer imprisoned by the past.
Mimulus
The remedy for fear and worry of known things. Some hypothetical scenarios:
You’re terrified of dogs. Your new in-laws are hosting Christmas Day. They have an enthusiastic Rottweiler named Hannibal. Yikes!
You’re meeting your partner’s grown-up children for the first time over Christmas dinner and you’re anxious…
You’re already worrying about the Christmas credit card statement…
Mimulus is also very helpful for shy and timid people who struggle in the company of others. They can become tongue-tied, blush or very often we see nervous laughter, playing with hair, fidgeting etc.
The positive potential of Mimulus helps us face and work through our fears or difficulties with confidence, courage and determination. When emotions are in balance, we are able to relax and enjoy being in the moment.
Walnut
This remedy offers protection from change and external influences and is very helpful during transitional periods. Walnut is for those who are keen to make a fresh start. And when a New Year comes around, who doesn’t like to make a resolution or two?
Walnut is also known as ‘the link breaker’. When we are keen to grow and move forward with our lives, Walnut helps us to sever links with the past, shake off doubts and interference from others. This remedy really helps when (in the wise words of Neil Sedaka), breaking up is hard to do. We bravely embrace the new, follow our true path and reach our full potential despite setbacks, restrictions or objections from those around us.
Roll on 2024!
Water Violet
This remedy is usually recommended as a ‘type’ remedy. For those who like their own company, appearing proud or aloof. Those requiring Water Violet are gentle, self-reliant and very private, finding it difficult to mix with others or to discuss personal issues or concerns. These people don’t do small talk.
In this case, I’m recommending Water Violet for social withdrawal. When struggling with external factors (eg. the reality of another Christmas alone), we can find it difficult to be open with those who are gearing up for an extended period of celebration. Preferring to quietly retreat, we can give the impression of being anti-social, aloof and emotionally cold.
The positive potential of Water Violet helps us find warmer, more supportive relationships while maintaining independence, privacy and distance. We feel a greater sense of belonging and are less isolated.
Rescue Remedy
We’ve talked about anticipatory scenarios in the remedy descriptions above. But, for the unexpected, unwelcome surprises or unfortunate accidents, it’s always sensible to have a bottle of Rescue Remedy handy.
Great for any stressful situation and when single remedies or mixes aren’t available. If a disagreement turns nasty; when hubby forgets to thaw the turkey; if there’s an accident in the kitchen or a shock of any sort, Rescue Remedy can be put to good use by all.
Don’t forget your pets! Routine, Retreat, Reassurance and Rescue Remedy…
If your schedule or household is likely to change over the holiday period, please keep the following in mind…
Your pets need routine. Help them to feel safe and reassure them by keeping to their feeding and wellness schedule (grooming, toilet breaks and litter trays) as closely as possible.
If expecting visitors, make sure your pets have a quiet, safe zone where they can comfortably retreat. Many pets will find strangers in the home stressful and confusing. Cats especially will not want to meet and greet everyone who walks through the door. Make sure that your guests respect their space and give your pets the opportunity to leave the room if they wish.
While you’re busy or away from home for longer periods, make extra time for cuddles, play and interaction with your pet. They will be very glad of the reassurance.
If you are anticipating or aware of changed behaviours and other indications of stress and anxiety, Rescue Remedy (for pets) is extremely effective in these situations.
Dosage
For pets: four drops whenever required.
Do not put the glass dropper directly into your pet’s mouth. The safest option is to add Rescue Remedy to food or water.
How to take the Remedies
For people, the two most common ways to take the remedies are as follows:
Short term and passing moods
Take two drops of each remedy in a glass of water, juice, tea or any other beverage. Sip regularly throughout the day until symptoms fade. Remedies can also be taken neat on the tongue.
Long term and complex remedies
You may feel attracted to more than one of the remedy descriptions above. It's perfectly safe and efficient to take up to seven remedies in one mixture. Just choose the ones that feel most relevant now.
If your worries are longer-lasting, the most economical method is to mix your remedies in a treatment bottle.
To do this, you will need a 30ml bottle with a dropper.
Fill the bottle to the shoulder with still mineral water.
Add two drops of each chosen remedy.
Take 4 drops from your mixture, 4 times per day in a beverage or directly on the tongue.
The mixture bottle will last three weeks and is best kept refrigerated. If this is not possible, add a teaspoon of brandy to fortify the mixture. Cider vinegar or glycerin can also be used if you prefer an option without alcohol.
If your current mood feels more extreme than any of the remedy descriptions above, there may be a more appropriate prescription for you.
If you’d like personalised help with remedies for any other emotional concerns, consultations are available at the Light Centre, Clapham Common at my introductory price of £49.
For further information about Bach remedies or to find a local practitioner, visit the Bach Centre website.
