Grief
We all experience loss in our lives. This week I honored the 13th anniversary of the death of my best friend, received news of a young soul whom I had recently had the pleasure of meeting passing away, and am contemplating the upcoming anniversary of my dad’s death a year ago. It’s a strange time and I know that I will go through this in a different way than each of you will.
From an emotional perspective, we have all heard Elisabeth Kübler Ross’ stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. The thing you may not know is that most people do not go through these stages in a orderly fashion. Just know that however you do grieve, is the right way for you.
What I want to offer you today are some of the naturopathic ways to support yourself through this process.
To help with sleep;
- Melatonin – 3-10 mg a night can help you fall and stay asleep
- Ignatia 30C – this homeopathic remedy is designed for the feeling of being overwhelmed by grief. You can also use it during the day. Just put 3-5 pellets under your tongue and let them dissolve
- Calms Forte – another homeopathic by Hylands – designed to ease your mind, it can help you fall asleep. Chew 1-2 before bed. If you wake up at night, take another dose.
To help with stress;
- Adaptogenic herbs – these help your body deal with stress without being stimulating. Good examples are Eleutherococcus, Rhodiola, Ashwaganha and Holy Basil. If you haven’t taken these before, please consult your naturopathic doctor to see which will benefit you the most.
- Kali Phos 6x – a certain type of homeopathy called a cell salt that can help reduce stress. Dissolve 4-6 pellets under your tongue, up to 4 times a day
To Help with Anxiety;
- Theanine – an amino acid that helps calm the nervous system. 200mg up to 3 times a day
- Rescue remedy – it comes in a spray, liquid, chewable. Use as needed to help throughout the say and night.
To help with Depression;
- Exercise – you may not feel like doing it, but will feel better once you do. Just get out and move your body
- 5HTP or tryptophan – as precursors to serotonin, they actually help to rebuild your serotonin levels. This is another one that you consult with your naturopathic doctor about to get the dosing and correct form for you.
- Breathe and relax- try inhaling to the slow count of 4, hold for the count of 4, then exhale to the count of 4. Repeat 5-10 times as often as you can throughout the day. As simple as it may seem, relaxation and breathing can really help reset your nervous system.
