Remedies for Grief + Loss

This year, I had two profound losses. The first was the unexpected and tragic death of a close family member. The second was the passing of our beloved dog of 15 years. Both were unique and different experiences, pointing to how grief can be different in each person and with each loss.

I want to acknowledge how ongoing constitutional care with our homeopath helped me and my family "weather" these losses. Although we've grieved, it's not been in a way that's greatly impacted our physical or mental health. We were resilient.

The following remedies can be useful in times of acute grief (i.e. during or soon after the loss). Longstanding grief or heartache is something to address constitutionally with a homeopath.

Will a Remedy Stop or Suppress My Grief?

No. Homeopathy never suppresses, but rather gently guides the body through the experience. It can soften the edges. We need express grief and heartache, as it's an (unfortunate) part of being alive! If we stuff our feelings inside, we know they can show up later as physical or mental symptoms.

Homeopathic Remedies for Grief

Dosing: 30c of these remedies taken every 3-4 hours during the acute experience. Typically, we stop remedies when we're feeling 80% better. However, you know your body best.

Arnica montana: Arnica doesn't always come to mind immediately for grief. However, I include it here because most people have Arnica 30c or 200c on hand. Arnica is so useful in times or mental or physical shock. The person who needs Arnica will say, "I'm OK...I don't need help" (even if it's obvious that they do!). They might retreat and withdraw from others.

Ignatia amara: The classic "acute grief" remedy. A person who needs Ignatia will be tearful and sobbing. They might be worse with consolation and want to be alone. They can be oversensitive and experience mood swings. They might try to control their emotions.

Aconitum napellus: Aconite is the remedy for acute shock. It is a remedy to give after a frightening and/or sudden event. Often, a person who needs Aconite is in a panic. They will want company and consolation. This is a great remedy to reach for initially when a loss has taken you by surprise.

Bach Flower Essences for the Grieving Process

Dosing: With Bach Flower Essences, you can take as often as needed. Preferred dosing methods are 4 drops directly under tongue or in a glass of water to sip throughout the day. Bach Flower Essences may be combined (as opposed to a homeopathic remedy, where we take one remedy at a time). Bach Flower Essences may be taken in tandem with a homeopathic remedy.

Bach 5-Flower Blend/Rescue Remedy: Powerful in times of shock, anxiety, and distress. This blends five of the Bach Flower Essences. Great for times of injury or stressful events. Calms the nervous system. This is absolutely what I would reach for immediately (in fact, I keep it in my purse). Can be placed on the skin of infants or elderly persons as well if oral dosing is an issue.

Star of Bethlehem: A beautiful Bach flower essences that soothes the soul during times of loss. In the week leading up to our pup's death as we watched his health deteriorate, my entire family (kids included) sipped on this in their water throughout the day as our grieving process had already begun. It doesn't suppress our grief, but provides a balm to move through it.