News for June 2011

BACH FLOWER REMEDIES: VERVAIN REMEDY – RECOMMENDATION FOR GIVING

Thus Vervain remedy brings orderliness in enthusiasm.
It is a routine remedy given for mental tension of any type.
In order to choose the correct remedy for ‘SLEEPLESSNESS’ in Bach Flower remedies remember: ‘VERVAIN’ is suitable in a case where the mind is always busy, day and night, thinking about work—his various schemes, both finished and unfinished and schemes yet to be started.
It is for a mind which is always preoccupied and over-enthusiastic of his schemes which keep him awake at night.
‘RED CHESTNUT’ is called for when the fear and solicitude for the welfare of a loved one prevents sleep.
‘WHITE CHEST NUT’ is useful when the mind is unable to get rid of any idea – when the same idea goes on circulating in the mind day and night.
‘SCLERANTHUS’ sleeplessness is caused by diverse ideas in a grass-hopper mind. Various ideas unrelated to each other keep the mind puzzled and awake during night.
‘CHERRY PLUM’ is the remedy for sleeplessness due to unbearable pain whether physical or mental or some unbearable sensation i.e. frequent urination or frequent thirst during night which keeps him awake for most part of the night. ‘MIMULUS’ would cover the sleeplessness due to fear of anything—fear of loneliness, fear of darkness, fear of dacoits etc.
For mental tension although Vervain is given as a routine remedy, it should not be taken as a panacea for all types of mental tension.
‘VERVAIN’ would be useful if the cause of the mental tension is over-enthusiasm, overwork, and a constant attachment to work without rest or respite.
‘MIMULUS’ would have to be called for, if the cause of mental tension is fear of some coming event i.e. an impending court decision of an important matter, an examination, the biopsy report of a swollen gland etc. ‘HOLLY is required if the cause of mental tension is jealousy; envy; hatred or suspicion. “IMPATIENCE” only could relieve extreme tension in a person who is temperamentally irritable and impatient.
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Edited: June 22nd, 2011

BACH FLOWER REMEDIES: WALNUT REMEDY – HARDYAL’S CASE

Hardyal was very badly addicted to wine. At the age of 40 he had three narrow escapes from road accidents. The entreaties of his grown up children and his wife failed to make him leave the habit, although he desperately wanted to do it. One day he walked into the dispensary with his wife and said, ‘Doctor sahib’ can you help me – an inveterate drunkard. I know, drinking has ruined my health. It has ruined me financially. I am tortured day & night by scolding from elders, entreaties by youngers and unkind remarks by neighbourers. I have spent a heap of money in this vice and a lot of money in trying to get rid of this habit by allopathic drugs. Nothing has helped. My family doctor has warned me that I have already developed an ulcer in the stomach and every drop of liquor that I would take now would act as poison. I am mortally afraid. Yet I cannot rid myself of this habit. Liquor has become a part of my body. Unless I take some liquor, the thought of liquor haunts me. Please doctor, can you do something for me?”
The case presented 3 clear-cut facets:
(a)    Age-long habit which could not be broken, despite efforts. Walnut T.D.S for 6 weeks was prescribed.
(b)    Mimulus T.D.S for fear, and   White Chestnut for persistent thought of liquor.
A combination of Mimulus and White Chestnut was given T.D.S. for 2 weeks.
After 2 weeks his condition improved and the combination was discontinued. Walnut alone was continued for 3 months to bring complete relief.
*198\308\8*

Edited: June 19th, 2011

PROBLEMS DURING PREGNANCY: TOXEMIA AND ECLAMPSIA

Toxemia
Toxemia is not a word which is currently used. Today, the word pre-eclampsia is used and relates to a condition in which the blood pressure is raised and there may be associated swelling of the hands and face as well as the feet and ankles. Protein may also be passed in the urine. Toxemia is a serious problem that can affect women during pregnancy. There is an added strain on the mother’s kidneys and liver during pregnancy. Not only do these organs need to eliminate the toxins that are produced by the mother but they must also remove all waste products and toxins that are produced by the developing fetus. Other toxins that may be produced are also absorbed into the mother’s blood stream. If these toxins build up in the mother’s blood and the eliminatory organs are unable to remove them, then a condition known as toxemia may result.
If the expectant mother has a history of high blood pressure or kidney disease it is important that she advise her practitioner as this may lead to complications later in the pregnancy.
Symptoms that should be reported to your practitioner are: swelling of the feet and legs, high blood pressure, puffiness of the face and/or severe headaches or dizziness and any increase in your temperature.
Any or all of these symptoms could indicate a problem that needs professional advice and treatment.
Eclampsia
This is fitting which can occur when ‘toxemia’ is unable to be controlled. This is a major toxemia of pregnancy and is accompanied by high blood pressure. Eclampsia most often affects the kidney, liver, brain and placenta. This is a very serious condition and must be managed in hospital. The life of the mother and the unborn child could be placed at risk if time is wasted.
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Edited: June 5th, 2011