When life takes an unexpected turn. How Herbs Can Help When life takes an unexpected turn.

Anything Can Happen Heraclitus said “The only thing that is constant in life is Change”. No matter how shattered our lives feel, the world moves on. This can be both a good and bad thing. Good, because it helps us keep going when we want to crawl into a hole. Bad, because it can mean we don’t allow ourselves the time to process the shock/grief.

Process the Effects Bach flowers, herbs, and even essential oils are beneficial in helping to heal emotional trauma such as shock, grief and depression. They do not mask the cause, or stop the person dealing with emotional pain, but they can support the healing process, and bolster the body’s resilience. A first aid kit containing a few of the following remedies would be helpful in any home or office.

Bach Flowers Bach flowers work on emotional states of mind, and are a very helpful tool in an emergency. They are portable and dispensed quickly. They work fast to help bring calm. They don’t interact with any other medication.

Bach Flowers Star of Bethlehem Rock Rose White Chestnut It is the remedy for the after-effects of shock caused by unexpected bad news or any unwelcome event. For that sense of emptiness and loss that occurs when a loved one dies or moves away. For those who for a time refuse to be consoled this remedy brings comfort. Rock Rose For panicky, terrorstruck fear that makes conscious thought and decision impossible. This remedy provides calm and courage. White Chestnut To get rid of thoughts that circle in our mind incessantly and bring us mental peace.

Bach Flowers Cont... Rescue Remedy A mix of five of the Bach Flowers, Star of Bethlehem and Rock Rose among them. This remedy is amazing for calming shock, panic and is a must have in emergency situations. Rescue Sleep Rescue Remedy with White Chestnut included. Helps calm the mind at night and stop useless thoughts circling.

Herbal Tonics Adaptogens Helps bolster your body through times of stress Increases the body’s resistance to physical, environmental, emotional or biologic stressors and promotes normal functioning. Promotes feelings of calmness and wellbeing Increases relaxation and boosts mood. Helps to get good rest.

Adaptogens Withania (Ashwagandha) Astragalus Eleutherococcus (Siberian Ginseng) Gotu Kola Korean Ginseng Schisandra

Nervine Tonics Nervous System Controls the functioning of organs and digestion. Controls the flight or fight response and the release of adrenaline. Nervine Tonics Improve the tone, vigour and function of the nervous system. Relax and energize the nervous system. Balances the ‘Resting and Digesting’ Parasympathetic Nervous System with the ‘Flight or Fight’ sympathetic nervous System.

Nervine Tonics Damiana Gotu Kola Green Oats Schisandra Skull cap St John’s Wort Vervain Notice the two herbs in red were also adaptogens, so these are very beneficial to have on hand.

Essential Oils Oils are great as you can use them alone, or in a blend. Quick and easy to carry round with you. Pleasant to apply – not like taking liquid herbs. The chemicals in the oils are absorbed through the skin, and through the mucosa in the nose, and can be found floating in your blood stream in minutes.

Essential Oil Blends Sandalwood, Frankincense and Lemon Balm is a great blend for the numb shock that comes directly after bad news or trauma. Roman Chamomile, Jasmine and Lavender helps during the denial and anger phase. Mandarin, Lavender and Clary Sage can help with depression.

Be Prepared. Anything Can Happen. Prepare a disaster kit – if something should happen to you, what do people need to know? List important phone numbers, insurance, accountants, lawyers etc. Have all your legal documents in place like your Will and Powers of Attorney. Have an emergency ‘first aid’ kit with a few essentials like Rescue Remedy and Herbal Tonics.

Kate Hargis-Roycroft 021 439 177 www.ArcadiaEarth.co.nz If any of these remedies have interested you and you’d like to know more about them, feel free to schedule a chat with me so we can talk more about which ones are right for you or your situation. Kate Hargis-Roycroft 021 439 177 www.ArcadiaEarth.co.nz