Bach flower remedies to recover from lost pets
Losing a pet is not just the loss of a dear friend, but often the loss of an important source of unconditional love and affection. We become so attached to our pets that when they are no longer with us, the impact of their love and friendship still lingers in our hearts. When we are unable to let go of the intense emotions surrounding the loss of our pets and become trapped in thoughts of the past, unable to accept the present, then it is a good time for us to try flower remedies.
Bach Flower Remedies are 38 herbal and flower based remedies developed by British physician Dr. Edward Bach in the 1930s that can help you manage the emotional demands of life. The loss of a loved one often initiates a prolonged state of grief and discouragement. There are specific Bach flower remedies that can help with the emotions associated with grief and loss. Each remedy represents a particular emotional archetype, such as fear, sadness, guilt, discouragement, etc.
Recognizing exactly how you feel is the key to choosing the most appropriate Bach flower remedy. This can be tricky at times, as our mental and emotional states can be a mixture of many emotions that may require a combination of the corresponding flower remedies. The emotional states described below are common in pet owners after the loss of a pet.
There are some remedies that are also safe to give to any companion of pets, as they are probably experiencing pain too: Rescue Remedy, which is a blend of scents and walnut. If you are having difficulty identifying which of your emotions should be addressed first, ask a friend to help you work through them.
Here are some commonly prescribed remedies for healing and loss, and their key indicators:
BELEN STAR: To recover from a SHOCK, if the loss was sudden and unexpected. It also helps animals that have suffered trauma or abuse.
WALNUT: If you have a hard time ADAPTING to the loss, the walnut works as a “LINK SWITCH” to help you loosen and let go of your pet. Walnut is also safe for your other pets that may be grieving.
PINE TREE: For overcoming the ‘FEELING OF GUILT’, if you are struggling with euthanasia or have had to make a very difficult decision to let your pet go.
THROAT: For the feeling of DESPERANCY especially when you feel discouragement, darkness and resignation. Gorse brings deep and lasting faith and hope; equanimity and optimism full of light.
SWEET CHESTNUT: In extreme cases of LOSS OF HOPE where nothing rejuvenates the mind and darkness eclipses life itself. Brings deep courage and faith in life.
HONEY SUCK: When our mind escapes from the present, IT PLACES TO THE PAST and longs for what was. Helps one learn from the past while releasing it.
WHITE BROWN: If your lost pet’s particular THOUGHTS / DREAMS recur frequently, they almost make him feel like a prisoner. This will bring inner calm and a calm and clear mind.
ASPEN: For any sudden increase in ANXIETY you may be feeling about the health of your other pets, despite their good health. Provides confidence and security to face the unknowns.
How to take them:
You can add 3-4 drops of the corresponding remedy to a glass of water. Sip frequently until the emotional state resolves to a more manageable intensity. For a combination of dominant emotions, add 2 drops of each applicable essence.
