January/February 2011 Alternative Health
Flower Power
by Denise Lamothe
Every year when January hits, sales of chocolate and alcohol plummet as we promise ourselves a new strict diet program or an energetic gym schedule. However, many people are ready to get back to their old ways by mid-March. This year, try using flower remedies to keep on track.
In the 1920s, noted British physician and homeopath Dr. Edward Bach discovered a system of flower remedies that can help to relieve everyday moods, stress, worries and anxiety. He believed, as many doctors do today, that attitude of mind plays a vital role in maintaining health and recovering from illness. When he died in 1936, Bach had developed a complete system of 38 flower remedies, each prepared from the flowers of wild plants, trees and bushes.
Slimming Down
Weight loss is one of the top resolutions for many people. The average person puts on between five and 10 pounds between November and January, and it's pretty easy to gain more if you feast on all the delights of the season. Many people take out new gym membership during the first two weeks of January. Joining the gym or starting a new diet is the perfect way to start the year and aim for the beach body of your dreams.
If you need a helping hand to get you back on track with your diet and healthy living regime, try these three flower remedies: crab apple (to help you appreciate your body), cherry plum (to help you stay in control) and chestnut bud (which prevents you from making the same mistakes again).
No Smoking
Giving up smoking is one of the most popular resolutions that people make. However, it’s a hard one to achieve. If you have a moment of weakness, try taking chestnut bud to stay on track.
Be Patient
You may find yourself a bit more tired and irritable than usual as you adapt physically and emotionally to your self-improvement routine. Try a few drops of impatiens to help you keep your cool when little things annoy you.
Boost Your Energy
Take a few drops of olive to keep your energy level up. It helps you stay energized but it doesn’t make you jittery. It can help you to remain calm and productive while adapting to your self-improvement program. Whenever you initiate change in your routine, your physical and emotional bodies need time to catch up with your good intentions.
Stay Productive
When you have the pressure of deadlines to meet and limited time to get things done, taking a few drops of elm will help you keep yourself and your intentions in focus and keep your priorities straight.
Dr. Denise Lamothe is the resident psychologist for Bach Original Flower Remedies. Visit www.bachremedies.com.