Treating PTSD with homeopathy and botanical medicine

Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can be the memory recall result of intense, fearful, stress related events. Many associate PTSD with those that have endured the horrors of war however it can also be linked to a variety of non-combat scenarios. These include physical or sexual abuse, a serious accident such as a car wreck or plane crash, a mass disaster like 9/11 or even being a witness to such. PTSD can affect children just as much as adults.

When the mind endures intensely negative situations it can go into defense mode. It may lock away these memories due to the enormity of the stress that could be highly damaging at the time. Eventually, these memories find their way to the surface in the form of anxiety, flashbacks, nightmares, depression, mood swings, addictions and more presenting as a diagnosis of PTSD.

Conventional medicine offers a variety of pharmaceutical cocktails to tamp down these symptoms which, in many cases, can only make them worse in the long run. Treating PTSD with homeopathy and botanical medicine could be a better choice as it enables the body to embrace a natural healing protocol rather than a band-aid on many sprung leaks.

Always check with your doctor if you are experiencing symptoms of PTSD before using any natural remedy approach. This is especially important if you are already on a pharmaceutical protocol.

Like-Cures-Like

The practice of homeopathy has been around for over two-hundred years. Originating in Europe it is the unique approach of like-cures-like. This means that if symptoms of an ailment show similarity to what might happen if one is exposed to a particular plant, mineral or animal, a remedy derived from just those is administered.

It is hard to imagine how homeopathy works, for each remedy is diluted to such lengths scientists have found no residue of the original source, deeming it useless. Yet, generations of people healed from this practice prove otherwise.

According to Dr. Edward Shalts, former vice president of the National Center of Homeopathy,

“Homeopathic remedies have been shown to have a profound effect on children and adults suffering from PTSD.”

Below are a few homeopathic remedies and how they may apply to PTSD symptoms (these remedies are best administered by a professional homeopath and should also be reported to your doctor before taking):

Arnica (Leopard’s bane – plant) – Notable for its anti-bruising ability and used as a topical cream or ingestible, arnica Montana is the go-to remedy for acute shock. Whether a tangible accident or sudden inexplicable fear, arnica begins to pull on its reins.

Ignatia (St. Ignatius Bean – legume) – Used for heavy grief which includes loud crying and hysterical anxiety, ignatia may calm to a more manageable state.

Natrum Muriaticum – (sodium chloride or table salt) Nat-Mur, as it is often referred, goes deep into the depression of PTSD and quells those who may be unable to move on from difficult memories. It may be used after Ignatia shows no results.

From the Ground

Nature offers up a veritable holistic pharmacy right under our feet. Herbal remedies (or botanical medicine) are the keystone of so much natural healing.

When it comes to PTSD, with notification to your physician and being guided by a naturopathic doctor, herbal remedies could have the potential to replace or work peripherally with synthetic medication.

Some Herbs that may help various symptoms of PTSD include:

Hops – Being linked to working as a sedative (maybe why they’re in beer?), hops could help relieve symptoms of restlessness, anxiety, sleeplessness, inflammation and some pain. They are also used to treat muscle spasms due to their anti-spasmodic properties

Green Tea. – Green tea is full of immune system boosting anti-oxidants and some caffeine which together support a stronger constitution. Note: Green tea is excellent yet many cups would be needed to achieve its full potent healing effects. Tinctures are the best choice for administration.  

Valerian Root –  Some believe this is an ingredient in the pharmaceutical Valium, which it is not, however, it’s effects can be potentially just as calming easing insomnia, grief and depression.

Holy basil – The adrenal glands can be on the forefront of visceral stress during and/or after PTSD event. Holy basil has been found to protect the adrenals from this trauma.

Treating PTSD with homeopathy and botanical medicine gives those a choice that do not want to succumb to pharmaceutical pills or otherwise. Knowing it is a natural attempt at healing may ease the mind of a PTSD sufferer and gently  put them on the road to recovery.