Family carers: They too can benefit from homeopathic self-care.

We put a great deal of energy into caring for those who need care. That is natural and part of life.

But what about the family carers and care staff in institutional settings?

When we deal with the topic of homeopathic healthcare for family members and other people close to us, our full attention usually focuses on the sick and those in need of care. Often we then lose sight of the fact that we ourselves are affected by the suffering of others.

Caring challenges us

Caring for relatives is a physical, mental and emotional challenge. I first experienced this with my children – whom I, as a mother, naturally cared for – and later with my parents. Often I sat at my mother's side and watched her. I looked at her closely in order to notice even small changes in her condition or simply to perceive her needs. Sometimes I read to her, prayed with her, or quietly tended to her well‑being.

And all the while the world passed me by.

While I sat beside my mother and watched her, I often experienced a rollercoaster of emotions. One moment I was full of worry and fear and then hopeful again when I noticed signs of improvement, only to sink into hopelessness a few minutes later.

I was torn between my conflicting feelings and felt like a ping‑pong ball bouncing around the room. And it is this emotional rollercoaster that exacts a toll even from the most steadfast carers.

Exhaustion sets in, but as always homeopathy also offers a way forward here.

Cocculus as a healing remedy

Cocculus is a gentle remedy that, in my view, gives body and mind a 'courteous' nudge and restores inner balance. The condition is perfectly addressed in the rubric 'General – Weakness – Nursing and Sick‑Watch'. Some call it 'night watch' and I love that word because it describes the situation so aptly. All those who care for others can intuitively identify with that term (although the description 'care around the clock, 24 hours a day' is, unfortunately, in most cases even more accurate).

At this point I would like to quote a passage from my own materia medica:

"Cocculus indicus is an excellent remedy for people who have been feeling tired and burnt out for a long time but do not want to admit it themselves. In many cases these are family carers or professional nurses who have to stay awake for many hours at a time and who routinely put their own needs aside. They are available for others around the clock. It is an excellent remedy for doctors, nurses, midwives, paramedics and mothers."

I have used both Cocculus C30 and Cocculus C200 with consistent success. Generally it is sufficient to take Cocculus (in whichever potency it is available) twice daily for several days until the carer has regained strength. If exhaustion returns, the remedy can be taken again for a few days until a marked improvement is seen. Further information on homeopathic potencies can be found here.

Self‑care is important

As they say on flights: "In case of emergency, please put on your own oxygen mask first and then assist other passengers." That's cabin‑speak and a nice way of saying that you cannot help anyone if you don't look after yourself first. But this wisdom flies out of the window as soon as we have to care for someone. Instead we throw ourselves into caring with all our energy and give everything. Our own needs suddenly no longer matter.

Even if it seems like the only right thing to do in the situation, such self‑sacrifice cannot endure. After all, we are only human.

So: put on your oxygen mask and then look after others.

When I cared for my parents, Cocculus C30 or C200 was my personal 'oxygen mask'.

I can assure you from my own experience that caring is one of the most demanding tasks you will ever undertake. At the same time it is one of the most rewarding. Now that my parents have passed away, I have almost completely forgotten the exhaustion and hardships of those times. They have receded into the background and made way for the precious memories of the final months we spent together, full of affection and closeness, during which I cared for them.

Caring is a wonderful gift, which at first we believe we are giving. In reality, however, we as carers are just as richly gifted.

In that spirit: homeopathy helps those who care and those who are cared for. Pass it on!

Warmly,

Yours

P.S. The use of Cocculus is not limited to carers working in palliative care or looking after elderly people at the end of life. Caring for sick children, spouses or even pets may also call for Cocculus. It is up to you to apply your knowledge and find the appropriate homeopathic remedy for the situation. I encourage all students of homeopathy to invest in a good homeopathic materia medica. It is worth it!

Source: https://joettecalabrese.com/blog/care-for-the-caregiver/