Flower Remedies

for your Children

(and you)

Deborah Campbell
S.N.H.S. Dip. (Advanced Flower Remedies)

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First published in 2014
Copyright Deb Campbell 2014
Deborah Campbell asserts the moral right to be identified as the author of this work
ISBN 978-1-291-69123-8
Cover designed by Jon Hosgood
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a
retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic,
mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of
the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or
reviews .

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Why Flower Remedies?

Since discovering Flower Remedies when my daughter was approaching the

terrible twos, they have proven to be an absolute godsend, protecting my sanity
and helping my daughter cope with the multitude of changes and emotions while she
navigated teens into adulthood.

Since my early tentative dabblings in the healing powers of flower remedies, I have
continued to learn from teachers and books and used the remedies professionally
and personally on family, friends, colleagues, clients and even pets and plants.

This book focuses mainly on Bach Flower Remedies, which have been the mainstay
of my medicine box. However, there is also a short section about Australian Bush
Remedy blends which I have also come to love.

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Bach Flower Remedies

Most people are familiar with Rescue Remedy, the remedy for times of stress and
upset. It has become so commonly used that colleagues share it with uptight
workmates and friends dole it out with tea and sympathy. Rescue remedy is a blend
of remedies designed to treat shock and anxiety and although it was created as an
emergency or first aid remedy it has become the mainstay of handbags.

There are actually 38 Bach flower remedies (excluding rescue remedy) and they
are perfect for children. Not only are they safe for children but each remedy has a
unique quality that treats the emotional highs and lows of growing up - from
sleeplessness and hyperactivity to apathy and nervousness. It helps children adjust
to new surroundings and family situations, eases nightmares and aids the day-to-day
knocks and bruises.

Lets face it, if your children are happy, life is so much easier and you as parents
are more relaxed and better able to cope. Not that you can expect anything to put
your children in a permanent state of euphoria; we all have ups and downs (many
times in one day for many teenagers), but flower remedies can be supportive and
help avoid them getting stuck or becoming so low that it becomes harder to come
through.
Flower remedies are not just for your children of course, they are also invaluable
for parents and carers; they ease anger, worry, irritability and the whole range of
emotions that we go through when raising our children. And just as our childrens
emotions and behaviour have a direct affect on us, so does ours on theirs.

And flower remedies do not just help with the sanity of our household, it can be
good for our health generally. After all, our emotional wellbeing has a big influence
on our health, the colds and ulcers we get when we are feeling under the cosh being
just the thin edge. Because Bach flower remedies help to alleviate the symptoms
emotional strains, it can help us become stronger and more centred, making us less
prone to common illnesses. But do not just take my word for it, try them for

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yourself.

Choosing the Right Remedy

Given that there are 38 flower remedies, how do you know which one to use; how
do you know that your childs sleeplessness is due to hyperactivity rather than a
problem at school, or that those teenage mood swings are due to depression rather
than just a hormonal phase?

It is actually easier to spot symptoms in strangers, as we are more objective, but

really, it we just need to be aware of the clues. This can be an odd word that jars
with what they are saying or a slip of the tongue, or their body language a heavy
gait or clumsiness for example, or even a change in environment, such as new
school, home, sibling, even bedroom.

It also means encouraging them to speak honestly not necessarily the most
comfortable thing in the world, but try to avoid having to come back on everything
they say. Remember, we can only ever speak the truth as we feel or experience it at
that moment and for teenagers there is a volcano of feeling and experiencing going
on for them which all they sometimes need to do is vent.

To a certain extent, there can appear to be some trial and error. You may give them
a remedy that helps only to find that something else is wrong. People, no matter
how old they are, are tricky and treating their upsets can be a bit like peeling an
onion you sometimes treat the obvious symptoms, eg. fear of the dark, only to find
another layer, a deeper emotion.

That said, not everything is that complicated and flower remedies can be very
effective. Not only can they help your children, but using flower remedies allows
you, as parents, to feel actively involved in the well-being of your children and
able to offer a practical level of support. This can be particularly comforting for
those of you with teenagers, who are at a stage of their development when parents
can feel less important and even impotent at times.

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Flower remedies have the benefit of being gentle and are entirely safe, with no fear
of side-effects, so you dont need to worry about giving the wrong remedy.
Because the remedies are often quick to act, if there hasnt been much difference
you can try another although do not be tempted to keep giving one after the other,
give a little time to see if the effect.

When the most appropriate remedy is given, the transformation is surprisingly quick
and effective. For more chronic problems, it's worth giving the same remedy over a
few days rather than instantly discarding it if there is not a miraculous cure.

Letting your child choose the remedy(ies) they need

There is another way of getting the right remedy for your child and that is to let
them pick it. I am lucky enough to have a box of the complete set of remedies and
from the youngest age, my grandchildren have picked their own remedies from the
box and they are amazingly accurate every time.

Unfortunately, this stops being as effective once they are able to read and get an
understanding of what the remedies are for. So I also have a set of cards. There are
cards already out there which you can buy, but you can just as easily make your
own, Mine are home-made with just the name of a remedy on each card and all you
have to do is shuffle the cards and hold them out, a bit like a magic trick, and get
them to choose a couple. It never fails.

Using this Guide

The following guide is designed to help parents/carers to assist the growing child
through the emotional and behavioural phases that take place from babyhood to
teenager.

A lot of the behavioural phases that are accepted as the norm, can actually be
effectively eased/treated with the use of flower remedies. This in turn eases the

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frustration parents can feel instead of just having to grin and bear it.

Designed as a guide, this booklet is not comprehensive and instead outlines the
most common remedies for ailments. There is a temptation, particularly with older
children/teenagers to try to coerce them into taking the remedies dont. Try to
trust your child - after all, it will have the added advantage of teaching them to be
responsible for their own health/healing.

I know it can be extremely frustrating when you know that a few sips could change
how they feel, but try to resist interfering until the opportunity arises. Try suggesting
instead that they may just like to try it and see if it helps them feel
happier/better/braver/more positive. After all, it's not uncommon to resist things
that we feel forced into doing, so why should your children be any different.

Even children who have always had flower remedies as part of the family medicine
box come of an age when they doubt the effectiveness of the remedies, but in my
experience, if you allow them time to discover the remedies for themselves (with
gentle encouragement), they wont hesitate to take them when they next need them.

My own daughter is a prime example of this. Despite having always taken them she
became healthily sceptical but after some particularly trying times when flower
remedies eased her out of the doldrums, my daughter and her teenage friends soon
began to ask for them, and at times, even recommended I take them. after all, a part
of growing up is about discovering things for themselves.

The remedies are supportive and arent intended to be treated as a cure all; there
are times when other treatments will be needed, homeopathic or medical. Bach
flower remedies are completely safe and can be used in pregnancy, and can be used
with babies, albeit not directly (see Section 1).

They can be used at the same time as taking many medically prescribed drugs
without counteracting the effects, but make sure you check with your doctor first.

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There wont be any harm to you or your child if you take the wrong one, however
when the right ones are taken, there can be dramatic improvements, depending on
the condition being treated.

This guide has been designed to help you find the right remedy for common
problems so you can support and help your child through tricky times. However,
bear in mind that if there are deeper problems, your child may need professional
help, from a doctor or therapist.

If flower remedies are new to you, enjoy discovering their potential. Before long,
youll wonder how you ever managed without them.

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 Section 1

How to Take the Remedies

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To use the flower remedies, add two drops of the chosen remedy(ies) to spring
water or cooled boiled water. It can be added to cold drinks, but preferably not
drinks with a strong flavour. The flower remedies are preserved in brandy and in
my experience, young children can find the taste quite overpowering, so give them
the remedies in a diluted flavoured drink, such as, milk or cordial. As strong
flavours can dilute the remedies, dont take before or after coffee or before using
toothpaste.

Up to five remedies can be taken at one time; there will not be any harm if you take
more than that but the effects may be counteracted taking all 38 remedies in one
go will not help.

Often, a one-off dose is all that is needed, but there are times when a long-term
approach is needed. For this, buy a dropper bottle from your local pharmacist or
health food shop, fill it with spring water and add two drops of each of your chosen
remedies, then gently shake the bottle; take four drops, three - four times a day for
up to five days.

Remember that less is more; dont be tempted to add more than the recommended
amount, as this will not increase its potency.
For babies/toddlers, either add the remedies to their bottled milk or in cooled
boiled water in a sterilised bottle (or trainer cup for older babies and toddlers).
Do NOT use spring water.

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 Section 2

Index of Bach Flower Remedies

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Here is an index of the 38 Bach Flower Remedies, with a brief indication of the
symptoms they treat. Although I have included Rescue Remedy in Section 3, I have
not included it in this section as it is a ready-mix of five remedies for the treatment
of shock-related symptoms.

Agrimony: putting on a brave face; a mask of cheerfulness

Aspen: fear of the unknown; creeping sensation
Beech: intolerance; critical; irritability
Centaury: cant say no; weak-willed
Cerato: easily influenced by the opinions of others
Cherry Plum: fear of letting go; fear of losing ones mind; uncontrolled
rage
Chestnut Bud: makes the same mistakes over and again
Chicory: demanding attention; look what Ive done for you; needy;
manipulative
Clematis: day-dreaming; little awareness of surroundings
Crab Apple: feelings of self-disgust; self-condemnation; pedantic
Elm: overwhelmed by responsibility; too many demands causing
exhaustion
Gentian: easily discouraged; sceptical; knocked by setbacks
Gorse: feelings of hopelessness
Heather: self-obsessed; repeatedly talking about self; needs an audience
Holly: jealousy; anger; mistrustful
Honeysuckle: living in the past; cant let go; regrets
Hornbeam: Monday morning blues; heavy-headed
Impatiens: impatient; irritable
Larch: lack of self-confidence; feelings of uselessness
Mimulus: fear of known things; timid
Mustard: depression that descends out of the blue

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Oak: tiredness after a long period of endurance; tries to keep going despite
exhaustion
Olive: complete physical and mental exhaustion
Pine: feelings of guilt; remorse; feels unworthy; feelings of shame
Red Chestnut: over-concern for others; over-protective
Rock Rose: terror; panic attacks
Rock Water: perfectionist; sets high standards on self
Scleranthus: indecision; lack of inner balance
Star of Bethlehem: after-effects of frightening experiences
Sweet Chestnut: cant take anymore, reached the limit of endurance
Vervain: over-enthusiastic; highly-strung; zealot
Vine: dominating; tyrannical; ambitious
Walnut: major changes; decision made, but step needs to be taken
Water Violet: proud reserve; keeps stiff upper lip
White Chestnut: unwanted thoughts and mental arguments going round and
around
Wild Oat: dissatisfaction in life; unclear ambitions
Wild Rose: apathy; fatal resignation
Willow: victim of fate; resentment; bitterness

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15
 Section 3

An A to Z of Symptoms

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This section gives an overview of common symptoms and behaviours in children
and the remedies which may help. Although the following is aimed at children,
remedies for parents have also been included in this section at times, for example
during and after labour (see 'Baby'). And of course, if something resonates with
you, take the remedy yourself after all, they can help people of all ages.

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Accidents
From falling over and bumping heads to falling off bikes, Rescue Remedy should
be given immediately this doesn't mean don't take your child to a doctor or
hospital to check they're okay where needed.
Were all familiar with the classic signs of shock, but if your child constantly
shows their wound, repeatedly talks about their accident or has disturbed sleep, it
is a clear sign that they have been shocked and should be treated for it.
(Also see shock)

Acne
Acne affects a teenagers confidence and can affect their self-image. To help, give
Crab Apple, Larch and White Chestnut. (Also see self-image)
Alcohol (see drugs/alcohol)

Anger
Anger isnt always a destructive emotion. If channelled properly, it is a motivating
force and can even be the energising determination that get us through our teenager
years into adulthood, but often children/teenagers dont know how to direct their
anger or can let it fester, making them grumpy and miserable. Holly helps alleviate
rage and anger, while Willow is for passive anger and feelings of victimhood.
Rescue Remedy is a good emergency remedy when a situation, such as an
argument, has made your child angry.

Anxiety
Some children are born worriers and would benefit from Larch to help them feel
more confident. If they worry about others too much give them Red Chestnut. If on
the other hand they are really anxious and bordering on panic attacks, give them
Rock Rose.

Antibiotics

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Crab Apple, if taken during the course of antibiotics, this remedy supports the
immune system and can assist the natural healing properties of the body. It also
relieves the grotty feeling that people commonly feel while on a course of
antibiotics.

Attention Seeking
Attention-seeking behaviour can take many forms, from talking incessantly, to being
aggressive, and can sometimes be a sign that your child needs you to spend more
time with you or is feeling insecure or uncertain. For children who don't stop
talking close to your face and are vocally demanding give Heather, and Chicory
for clinging children who constantly need you to do things with them.

Baby
Parents have to learn to be intuitive when their baby is crying or listless. Bach
flower remedies are known to be entirely safe and effective in the treatment of
babies. For breastfed babies, the mother should take the remedy herself, as the baby
will absorb it through breast-milk; for bottle-fed babies, put two drops of the
remedy into the cooled bottle. It is important to remember that an unhappy baby
leads to stressed parents, so it can be a good idea to treat yourself first.
Rescue Remedy is like the deep breath needed to cope; Olive treats exhaustion
and Red Chestnut is that constant worrying about your child. Elm should be taken
when you feel as if you just cant cope anymore and Cerato will help you sift
through all the well-intentioned advice you receive and help you to do what you
know to be right for you and your baby.

Labour:
Rescue Remedy should be taken regularly throughout labour and Olive at the first
signs of tiredness. Oak will give you the strength to keep going, while Elm will
help you cope. At the start of third stage of labour when you become overwhelmed
and tearful, take Sweet Chestnut and Elm.
Birthing partners should take Red Chestnut, as well as Rescue Remedy.

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Birth:
The birth of a baby, no matter how joyful, is a shock to all, therefore baby and
parents should take either Star of Bethlehem or Rescue Remedy (remember that
breast fed babies will receive whatever the mother has taken and wont need a
separate dose).
It is also a time of enormous change, so Walnut should be taken by everyone
involved, including brothers and sisters.

Baby Blues:
Hormonal changes after the birth of your baby causes intense mood swings and can
make you feel very weepy especially around day three. But you do not have to feel
this way; start taking Mustard, Scleranthus, Star of Bethlehem and Walnut as
soon after the birth as you can and take this mixture regularly for five days to
reduce the risk of 'baby blues'. Walnut will also help when your milk starts to come
in.

Bottle-feeding:
Bottle-feeding can cause feelings of guilt and self-disgust in new mothers,
especially in those who had hoped to breast-feed but then discover that they cant.
Pine and Crab Apple will ease these feelings.

Breast-feeding:
Some new mums can find it hard to keep going with feeding in
the first few days, but Walnut can help when your milk is coming in, and Oak can
give you the strength to keep going and Cerato and Larch will make you feel more
confident.

Demanding:

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Thankfully, most people no longer believe the old-fashioned
view that a new baby is spoilt if we show them too much attention. Instead, it is
now widely recognised that babies need to feel secure and as such, often need much
coddling.
There are times, however, when your child can be more demanding of your
attention than usual, at these times, Chicory or Heather should be used. Use
Heather if your child needs not only your company, but your undivided attention.

Fractious Baby:
Flower remedies are unfortunately not a magic antidote to a tearful baby, but the
following can sometimes help when your baby wont settle:
Irritability (Beech)
being overtired (see Sleep)
having been around too much activity or over-stimulated (Vervain)
fearful of being left alone (Mimulus)
having had a fright (Star of Bethlehem)
needing constant attention (chicory).

Frustration:
As they grow, babies, like us, become impatient for the next stage, for example the
baby on the verge of crawling who is no longer happy just to lay there, and gets
irritable - for this, give Impatiens and Walnut.

Post-Natal Depression:
Despite a hormonal link, post-natal depression is different to baby blues,
therefore, see the section on depression.

Teething: (see separate entry)

Return to Work: (see separate entry)

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Sleep: (see separate entry)

Weaning: (see Food)

Bed -wetting
In children who don't wet the bed anymore, bed-wetting can be a sign that your
child is upset. If they are scared give them Rock Rose or Mimulus; Star of
Bethlehem if it is shock-related, or Elm if they feel that things are getting too much,
such as coping with school.

Biting
Biting other children is actually quite a common phase in toddlers and can be
assisted by giving Walnut and Holly.

Boredom
For those days when your child just doesnt know what to do with themselves, give
Beech. Use Hornbeam if theyve got out of bed on the wrong side or, Wild Rose
if theyre feeling apathetic.

Bullying
Bullying is an upsetting experience, which can lead to disruption at home and in
school. If your child is being bullied, give them Star of Bethlehem to treat shock,
Mimulus if they are scared or Rock Rose if they are terrified. Then give them
Larch and Centaury to give them the courage needed to deal with it.
If your child is bullying others, give Chicory and Crab Apple, as bullying others is
closely related to feelings of self worth; Holly will help deal with their anger and
Vine if they're being domineering and demanding that everyone do what they want
them to do.

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Change
Children are creatures of habit and changes in their environment, be it moving
house or starting school, can unsettle them. Give them Walnut leading up to the
change if you know it is happening, and continue for a week or more after the
change.
For those children who feel it just is not fair, give Willow, and for those who are
outwardly angry give Holly.
To help them adapt, give Rock Water and Honeysuckle so that they can move into
the present and feel happier.

Clumsiness
Children often have spells when they appear clumsy, this can happen when they are
learning a new skill and are lacking confidence (Larch), or they are rushing
(Impatiens); it can also indicate something being on their mind (Scleranthus), or
maybe due being too day-dreamy (Clematis).
If your child makes the same mistake again and again, give Chestnut Bud. And of
course, the most obvious cause of clumsiness is a growth spurt, so give Walnut and
Scleranthus.

Communication
Each baby/toddler is unique and that includes the age at which they start to talk.
Whether verbal or non-verbal, communication is an integral part of a childs
development, and as well as being a skill that allows them to interact with people
as they grow older, it is a basic survival tool and plays a part in maintaining
emotional good health.

Late talker:
A number of factors come into play in the development of speech. If your child
seems to rely on an older sibling to speak for them, then Larch, Wild Oat and
Centaury will help.

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And for your talkative sibling, who only wants the best for their little brother/sister
but ends up speaking for and over them, give Chicory.

Non-stop Talker:
Children go through phases of non-stop chatter, particularly when something is
preying on their mind (although some are just natural chatter-boxes). To help, give
Heather or Vervain; Vervain is for the more fanatical chatterbox, particularly
those that have to convince you that what they are saying is utterly and totally right.
Alternatively, White Chestnut will calm their thoughts from going round and
around in their head.
It is not always easy to gauge whether your child has something on their mind. Like
adults, children can hide what is going on inside. If you think your child has a
problem which they are unable to talk about, you can help them by giving
Agrimony for putting on a brave face, or Water Violet for proud reserve. By
gently peeling off the layers, flower remedies allow you to see the true cause and
help you to treat it.

Withdrawn:
Periods of withdrawal are especially common in teenagers and are quite normal. It
is a time when they feel that parents just dont understand and there is no point in
trying to convince them otherwise, this will upset you more than it will them.
Instead, offering them support and making yourself available is more useful, as is,
finding some common ground or activity that you can both enjoy together.
There are times, however, when they may be experiencing problems and, for
whatever reason, do not feel able to talk it through with anybody. At these times,
Water Violet, Willow or Vine will be helpful. And for the child/teenager who
feels like they do not want to overburden anyone with their problems, give Red
Chestnut.

Confidence
Even extroverts suffer moments when confidence may be lacking, such as, in a new

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situation; Larch can help make them feel a little braver while Cerato will give
them confidence in themselves.

Day-Dreaming
Daydreaming is like a safety valve in a sometimes demanding or uncomfortable
world and for this reason, it should not be discouraged. However there are times
when a child appears to live in this state, never quite connecting with the world
around them, Clematis or Hornbeam are useful in helping them find a balance and
reconnecting; use Hornbeam when they just do not seem quite awake.

Death (see Trauma)

Decision-making
Some children find it more difficult than others to make decisions, for this, use
Scleranthus. For bigger decisions, such as, what school subjects to follow or
whether to get rid of a boyfriend/girlfriend, give Wild Oat.

Depression
Depression is not the exclusive domain of adults and given the enormous pressures
placed on children and teenagers, it has been widely acknowledged over recent
years that depression has become more common in teenagers and children.
Depression is not a weakness; it is a medical condition, with some individuals
being more susceptible than others. On a positive note, it can be seen as time out
when things can no longer be coped with, but only if it is properly treated.
Unfortunately, in our society depression can still be considered a sign of a weak
person, when in fact most people will have suffered depression at one time or
another during their lifetime. It is important that depression is recognised and
treated in teenagers.
The following remedies are most commonly used for depression:-
Gorse: gives faith when the person feels they are struggling against the tide and can
not see the light at the end of the tunnel. The situation feels hopeless and there does

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not seem to be any reason to expect an improvement. This is the remedy of hope.
Gentian: is gentler, helping the child who has become discouraged. It is the
equivalent of holding their hand while they have another go. It can be particularly
useful if your child has become discouraged at school.
Wild Rose: is for the child who can no longer be bothered; it is for those who have
been told nothing more can be done and therefore, do not see the point in making the
effort; this person will be apathetic and may have an underlying sadness. It is a
more extreme state than gorse.
Cherry Plum: is for the feeling of losing your mind, when you no longer feel in
control and are clinging onto your sanity. This state is seen as the most closely
linked to suicidal tendencies.
Sweet Chestnut: is for when you feel as if your back is against the wall and you
can not see a way forward; the limit of endurance has been reached. This is often a
tearful state.
Mustard: there is a heaviness of spirit which just can not be shaken. They can not
see a logical reason for the depth of unhappiness they are feeling. This remedy is
like a ray of sunshine.

Although flower remedies can help with depression, it sometimes needs further
intervention, so you should speak to a doctor or other relevant complementary
therapist if you are at all worried that your child is depressed.

Divorce
Separation and divorce has an enormous impact on children, particularly teenagers,
with different children having separate reactions. In the first instance, give Star of
Bethlehem for shock and Walnut for the change in circumstances.
From here, there will be other emotions that may need addressing over time,
including, Agrimony for putting on a brave face; Red Chestnut for over-concern
for those involved; Holly for anger; and Willow for resentment; Pine for feelings of
guilt and Crab Apple.
Children often blame themselves for the separation of parents and should therefore

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be given Pine and Crab Apple. Honeysuckle is for helping them let go of the rosy
image of how things were and helping them move into the new phase.

Drugs/Alcohol
I am not going to pretend that flower remedies will stop your children
experimenting; experimentation is a natural part of growing up, the effect of which
can be minimised by being honest and supportive of your children. Those who
misuse drugs/alcohol tend to be children/teenagers who are experiencing emotional
difficulties. This is not to encourage you to panic if your son/daughter comes in
rolling drunk at 14, or even stoned, they are often just learning about the effects of
excess. However, if you feel that their misuse is linked to other issues, flower
remedies may help.
Drug and alcohol use can be linked to feelings of self-worth, so give Crab Apple,
plus Cerato for helping them know their own mind and Larch for confidence.
Alternatively, it could be linked to depression, for which Cherry Plum or Sweet
Chestnut would be more appropriate.
Sometimes, excessive drinking can cause verbal outbursts or hallucinations, give
them Rock Rose or Rescue Remedy to calm them. The same applies to drug
related downers.
And dont forget to take Rescue Remedy and Red Chestnut yourself in order to
be able to stay calm. It is worth remembering that the majority of teenagers become
adults without having come to harm and without having an addiction to drugs or
alcohol. However, if you are at all worried that is becoming a problem, see
professional advice.

Eating (see food)

Exams
Before all exams, give Rescue Remedy for nervousness and Larch for confidence.

Exhaustion

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Hornbeam is for that Monday morning feeling when you or your child feels that it
is all too much effort this is useful after a late night, whereas Olive is for
complete and utter exhaustion when your child can barely put one foot in front of
the other (irritability is usually indicative of the need for Olive).
Oak is useful for those times when your child has kept going and going, remaining
strong, either through coping with an illness or just an endless series of activities
and, needs the strength to keep going just a little longer.

Fear
After any fright, give Rescue Remedy; it can even be taken after a scary film or
story to help them sleep easily. Star of Bethlehem is the direct remedy for treating
any shock they may have experienced, while Rock Rose treats terror.
Mimulus treats specific fears, such as, fear of spiders, and is a useful remedy for
phobias; while Aspen treats unspecific fears, those creeping fears that seem to
overtake, and is, therefore, useful for children who are afraid of the dark. Similarly,
Aspen is brilliant for easing their fears when they have had a nightmare keep a
bottle upstairs ready.

Food
Weaning:
Some babies are resistant to the change of diet, particularly to lumpy foods, plus
they are impatient to feed themselves. This can cause distress during feeding, so
give Mustard and Walnut, and Impatiens for patience. Take Impatiens yourself;
they will eat properly one day.

Dieting:
Sadly, even young children are feeling the need to diet, pressurised into thinking
they are fat. In addition to positive encouragement, give Crab-Apple for self-worth
and Larch for self-confidence.

Habits
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A number of habits in young children are related to periods of emotional turmoil,
by treating these conditions, the habit will often disappear without any other
intervention except of course positive encouragement. Water Violet types often
hold everything in, but it has to manifest itself somewhere. Other remedies that can
help are Rock Water for adapting to new situations, Agrimony for keeping
everything inside, Elm for feelings of inadequacy, Star of Bethlehem and
Honeysuckle for change.

Homesickness
Children often become homesick when away from home for any
length of time, even an overnight stay, but Honeysuckle eases feelings of
homesickness.

Hospital
Going into hospital can be a worrying time. It is a new experience for which there
is little preparation. Give Rescue Remedy, as well as Aspen; but if your child is
able to speak about what is actually worrying them, give Mimulus instead unless
they are genuinely terrified in which case, give Rock Rose.

Hyperactivity
Periods of hyperactivity can be eased by giving Scleranthus and Vervain. It can
also indicate feelings of going mad, for which Cherry Plum would help. Give
Beech for intolerance and Oak for frazzled energy.

Infections
The bodys immune system usually falters when the emotional body has been
exhausted, either from working through a problem or just overwork. To encourage
the body to self-heal, give Wild Oat, Hornbeam and Crab Apple (the cleanser).

Irritability

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There will be lots of times when children are irritable and nothing appeases them,
at these times, give Beech.

Jealousy
A new baby in the house can lead an older sibling to become difficult and
demanding, sometimes even hurting the baby; Holly is a lovely remedy for helping
them become more accepting and even welcoming. Occasionally, jealousy isnt as
easy to detect, not all children are able to express their emotions, they just seem
quiet and not quite themselves - for these children give Willow and of course, extra
reassurance.

Nightmares
Even babies sometimes whimper in their sleep and cant resettle when they awake
in the night. Aspen is like the miracle remedy in or house for nightmares. It soothes
the child after a nightmare and can be given before going to bed if your child has
been having nightmares. If your child awakes in a panic from dreaming, give Rock
Rose to soothe, and give Aspen to help them have a more restful sleep.

Panic Attacks
Although these may not be very common in children, they can happen
if the child feels under severe stress and it is a frightening experience. Rock
Rose and Star of Bethlehem (or Rescue Remedy) will soothe them quickly,
helping them to breathe more easily.

Play
Play is how a child learns about the world around them, including how to interact
with others. Learning to share is hard, they are instinctively selfish to begin with, it
is not their fault, it is just how they are designed in order to survive, but all children
can be taught to share. If your child is having particular difficulties in learning to
share, give them Chicory, Holly and Crab Apple; Vine is also useful for

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flexibility.
If your child seems to give in quickly to other children, even when it is clear they
dont actually want to, give Centaury, Chestnut Bud and Larch to help them
develop their sense of self.

Puberty
Puberty obviously affects boys and girls differently and on the whole, girls are
coming into puberty at an earlier age, with girls bodies often beginning to change
shape before they have even left primary school.
Puberty, unfortunately, is not over in one fell swoop; instead it affects both boys
and girls in waves as hormones surge through their bodies, and despite them all
going through the same experience, puberty affects everyone differently - while
some seem to cruise it, others remain emotionally turbulent for a long time.
When puberty first starts, there is a transitory period
between child and young woman/man, give Honeysuckle or Walnut to help them
through this time. Crab Apple will help them cope with the rapidly changing
appearance of their body. Willow eases those days when nothing is right in the
world and for when nobody understands them. Beech for irritability, Sweet
Chestnut for tearful days, and Elm to cope with the pressure that accompanies
growing up. And Holly for those days when they are just cross.

Relationships
Relationships are a time of learning by experience and are often accompanied by
hurt and upset, as well as the glow of discovering love. For parents, this is a time
when it becomes apparent that your baby is growing up and you want to protect
them, plus it can be particularly difficult to watch them growing into a sexual being,
particularly daughters. If they could remain forever celibate, we would be quite
happy.
To begin with, remedies for parents Honeysuckle, Chicory and Red Chestnut
will help you cope with the change. Also use Holly or Willow depending on
whether you are the type who explodes or feels that life is unfair.

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Exploring relationships is a natural part of growing up, involving tentative steps in
testing others attraction towards them. Self-image forms a big part of this, (see
separate entry). Each young person is different when it comes to feeling ready to
have a boyfriend/girlfriend, while some are impatient for the first kiss, others are
quite happy to wait.
There is no golden rule, but if your child is becoming disillusioned because all
their friends are with someone and they are not, other than giving them remedies to
boost their self-image, give Impatiens and Willow. If your child is in a relationship
and is unable to decide whether they want to stay in it or not, give Scleranthus or
Wild Oat. A strong sense of self-worth (see self-image) and confidence will help
them do what is right for them.
The break-up of a relationship, particularly the first serious one, may cause feelings
of anger (Holly); resentment or feelings of why me? (Willow); shame/self-doubt
(Crab Apple); and indecision as to whether they have made the right decision
(Scleranthus). If no other remedies are to hand, give them Rescue Remedy.
Remedies are not just limited to the aggrieved, it often takes strength to end a
relationship and this will also require Rescue Remedy; for feelings of guilt give
Pine and for concern about the how their ex is feeling give Red Chestnut.
If your child keeps attracting a similar type of person and getting hurt as a result,
give Chestnut Bud and Cerato.
Discovering and exploring sexuality is a part of growing up and for those who are
gay/lesbian it can be particularly difficult. If you are finding it hard to come to
terms with, take Willow, Crab Apple, Chicory, Honeysuckle and Scleranthus.
For your child, Crab Apple will ease their self-doubt, Wild Oat/Scleranthus
while they are coming to terms with their sexuality and Centaury and Larch for
developing their sense of self.

Return to work
In an age when mothers (and fathers) have to return to work so soon after the birth
of a baby, flower remedies are invaluable in easing some of the mixed emotions
that can affect mothers (and fathers) when they have return to work.

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For some parents this can be a time of uncertainty (Scleranthus) and concern for
the child (Red Chestnut) and for all involved it is a time of transition (Walnut).
If your child is clingy, give Chicory, Mimulus and Mustard, as well as
Honeysuckle.
For yourself, take Pine for feelings of guilt; Olive for exhaustion; Oak to keep
going and Elm if you feel that you are unable to cope with the demands of home and
work.

School
Walnut is the remedy for change, whether they are starting school or changing
school. If your child is becoming discouraged and no longer wants to go to school
give Gentian or Gorse.
When the pressure of school work and homework feels too much, give Elm and
Oak. Olive will help when they are feeling exhausted.
If they are falling behind and beginning to doubt their ability, give Larch and
Gorse; and Wild Oat when it comes to decisions about the choices they have to
make about subjects or their future.
Finally, with tests and exams being imposed upon them at a much younger age, keep
a bottle of Rescue Remedy to hand.

Self-image
Lots of growing children have a distorted perception of themselves. A strong sense
of self gives them the confidence to make friends and help them throughout school
and into adult life.
There is a strong link between poor self-image and drug/alcohol misuse, as well as
eating disorders and other forms of self-harm. There is no miracle cure, but in
addition to your unreserved support and helping them to believe in themselves from
an early age, flower remedies will assist at those stages in their development when
a boost is needed. Crab Apple, Centaury, Rock Water, White Chestnut,
Mustard and Star of Bethlehem can all help.

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Shock
Shock can slow down the bodys natural healing properties, as well as causing
nightmares and phobias. It is therefore important that shock is always treated.
Shock is commonly overlooked in seemingly minor accidents, including burns and
falls. For shock, give Rescue Remedy. Star of Bethlehem is specifically for
shock and can be used to treat delayed shock or shock that has not previously been
treated. (Also, see accidents)

Sleep
Sleep is one of those bodily functions that should be natural to all, yet we all have
different sleep patterns and needs, and most children will at some point suffer
sleep-related difficulties.

Overtired:
This creates an inability to relax into sleep; Vervain and Olive eases the mind and
body. (Lavender baths are also soothing).

Insomnia:
The occasional sleepless night may cause tiredness the following day, but
otherwise, it is just an irritation, but if it continues, it can affect a persons ability to
think clearly, perform well and can take its toll physically.
If your child is unable to sleep because of thoughts going over and over in their
head give White Chestnut, or Vervain if their thoughts are manic or obsessive and
they just can not switch off; aspen if it is because of fear; Rock Water will help
them relax; Elm will ease feelings of having too much to think about or do; Cherry
Plum is useful when they are unable to let go as insomnia can be linked to
depression; and Wild Rose is for those with little motivation in life.

Nightmares (see separate entry)

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Sleepwalking:
This can indicate that there is something on their mind. White Chestnut,
Scleranthus, Beech, Crab Apple and Pine are all remedies that can help them
sleep more peacefully.

Stress
A feeling of being unable to cope leads to stress (Elm), as does the inability to
decide what to do for the best (Scleranthus). Larch gives them courage to try new
things, Rescue Remedy alleviates stress-related feelings and Oak gives the
strength to continue.

Tearfulness
Sweet Chestnut is effective when your child is weepy, as is Rescue Remedy.
Mustard is for crying for no particular reason.

Teething
Crab Apple, Gorse, Wild Oat, Water Violet and Impatiens will help them
through this difficult time.

Temper tantrums
Temper tantrums are usually caused by frustration, for which Elm and Sweet
Chestnut can help. Water Violet and Aspen are also useful during these times and
Holly will ease their anger. For uncontrolled outbursts of temper, give Cherry
Plum.

Trauma
Some events which may seem natural to us, may actually be traumatic on a child,
therefore if there is a marked change in your child following some incident in their
life give Star of Bethlehem. Other events, such as a break-in in the home, the loss

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of a close relative or a death should be treated with Star of Bethlehem.
Mustard, Aspen, Water Violet, Honeysuckle and White Chestnut will also help
them come to terms with and recover from a traumatic incident.

Withdrawn (see communication)

Worry
Some children are prone to worrying; White Chestnut, Red Chestnut, and
Scleranthus are useful if your child is worried.

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 Section 4

Alternative Flower Remedies

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Australian Bush Remedies

I am not going to go into detail in this guide about the Australian Bush Remedies -
that would be a whole other guide. However, the Bush Remedies are worth bearing
in mind as an alternative or to complement the use of Bach Flower Remedies.

Personally, I find the Bush Remedies particularly effective when progress seems
slow or they are not responding to other treatment, despite having responded well
in the past. My own view is that the Bush Remedies act on a slightly different level
and can bring about quicker progress at times. That said, I always start with the
Bach remedies as these usually prove to be highly effective.

You do not have to know what all the individual Bush Remedies do, instead go for
one of the pre-mixed blends that are available in some health shops and online.
These include Adol, which as the name suggests is particularly good for
adolescents and Dynamis, which is a lovely blend for bringing back some joy into
your life when you are feeling down.

You can find the whole range of blends with a description of what they can help on
the Australian Bush Remedies website.

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