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.