Seasonal Sadness

I've had some friends who mention they get sad during the winter and around holidays, perhaps because of Seasonal Affectiveness Disorder or just memories of a different time. Having personally gone through a serious depression in my life, I understand how these thoughts and feelings return from time to time. So, aside from a constitutional remedy prescribed by a homeopathic doctor or rx drugs, here is an alternative. It's called Ignatia. Ignatia (the name goes on, but if you find that, you are good) is great for depression, baby blues and children who are looking at negative side of things. It's safe for pregnant moms and nursing moms, too. But, the really important thing to remember is that it only works if you take it!!! If you find yourself not motivated to do anything, primarily thinking of things that make you feel sad or remind you of a time when everything was better than it is now, use the "depressive thoughts" as a sign to TAKE POSITIVE ACTION. Do not go to bed! Take action, take a dose of Ignatia and if your thoughts are still negative in 20 minutes, take another dose. It isn't a mind altering drug and it won't make grief go away. It just makes it manageable and allows you to continue with your life. There is always something positive to find, but it can be so hard when the depressive thoughts are in control. Let Ignatia or Field of Flowers (harder to find) help you regain control and put things into the proper perspective. Be well & be happy.

Basics on Homeopathy

Since I've been talking a lot about homeopathic remedies, I decided it might be a good idea to post some basics about taking homeopathics. If you are afraid of the word, check out www.boiron.com to learn more about the uses, history, etc. of homeopathics. Homeopathy dates back to 1700's, but this site, by a popular maker of the remedies, contains lots of current information on the subject. And their remedies have the Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United States (HPUS) approval.

On to some basics about homeopathic remedies...
1- Always store your homeopathic remedies separate from everything else except other homeopathics. This is a really broad suggestion so that the odor from the mint in your toothpaste or other herbal tincture does not interfere with the homeopathic remedy.
2- Avoid other foods and drinks (besides plain water) at least 15 minutes before or after taking your homeopathic remedy. Again, this is so that strong odors and citrus foods and drinks do not interfere with your remedy.
3- Pellets, liquid or soft tablets... all forms work and you can take whatever type you prefer or find available. I find the soft tablets and liquid easier to use in small children. Also, since they dissolve faster, it makes the time easier to calculate if you have a child who is always hungry.
4- Homeopathics are very safe and effective, when you use the correct one. See more on the Boiron site about this. Also, Doctors of Homeopathy can help you find the correct remedy for you. Many remedies, however, can be purchased just like you would an over the counter medicine. In fact, it is becoming more common to find homeopathic formulations in Wal-Mart and Target. Examples or these are Similasan ear drops or pink eye treatment and Hylands teething tablets. The best reference I've found for homeopathic remedies (as well as other conventional and alternative remedies) are in the Smart Medicine for Healthier Living or Smart Medicine for Healthier Child books available at Amazon.com.
5- Don't be afraid to use them! Sometimes, you may need to take a remedy every 15-20 minutes for the first hour, then it can be taken perhaps every hour or few hours after that. If it is not working after taking a remedy 4 times in an hour, you have the wrong remedy. This is where a knowledgeable health care practitioner is very helpful. If you don't have a homeopathic doctor and it's not an emergency situation, go ahead and try something else. These remedies are very specific to the symptoms and individual.
Be well!