Sadness is a normal response to the death of a loved one or the loss of a love. It’s been written that there are stages to the process – from shock and denial to depression and finally acceptance.

It’s really important to realize that the mourning process is normal, usually painful, and always necessary to sustain good mental (and physical) health. And it takes time – so be patient with yourself.

I have found in my years of practice that homeopathy can help those who struggle with sadness and then get stuck in an unyielding worried state. Here are just a few of the remedies most often called for in these situations:

• Ignatia: There is perhaps no homeopathic remedy more often indicated in a case of acute, recent sadness than Ignatia. At times referred to as the “sighing remedy”, people needing this remedy tend to be markedly sad and disposed to being very private about their sadness. They may cry a great deal, great big sobs, even – and are often found sighing with marked regularity. These patients typically prefer to avoid company when sad and also tend to be quite moody. Ignatia patients may have contradictory symptoms (ie, a sore throat which feels better from swallowing food).
• Natrum muriaticum: This homeopathic remedy places a close second to Ignatia for the number of times it is called on for those struggling with sadness. Those needing this remedy are often quite melancholy and weep often, like a Pulsatilla patient, – but unlike those requiring Pulsatilla, Natrum muriaticum patients generally avoid consolation of any kind. Attempts at consolation are often rejected with anger or embarrassment. People needing this remedy often feel worse from 10-11:00AM and have a great aversion to the heat of the sun. They often have a strong craving for salty food.
• Phosphoric acid: This homeopathic remedy is called for less frequently for sadness – but still has its place. People needing this remedy tend to suffer more the chronic effects of sadness and look haggard and gray… the sadness seems to be more deeply rooted than in cases calling for the remedy Ignatia. The patient often feels very drowsy and might also be described as profoundly indifferent. They crave juicy and refreshing things, especially fruit.
• Pulsatilla: One might think of this homeopathic remedy in cases where the patient is inclined to silent sadness with much weeping. The person needing this remedy is typically mild, gentle, and yielding – and someone who weeps very easily. They can’t talk about their problems without weeping. Unlike Natrum muriaticum patients, Pulsatilla patients like to be consoled. In general – a Pulsatilla patient tends to be warm blooded, dislikes a warm room – feeling better in cool open air, has physical symptoms that seem to shift about, and is thirstless.

How to dose:

Dose with either a 30C or 200C potency to start - placing one pellet under the tongue or one pellet in water, stirring vigorously and taking teaspoon doses as needed. Always cease dosing when relief begins and only redose if symptoms again worsen. As with any medical condition, consult with your physician if you have any concerns about the severity of your condition as it may first require medical diagnosis and/or intervention and monitoring.

Remember - the key to choosing the correct remedy is ALWAYS the same. Match the characteristic symptoms of the patient to the characteristic symptoms produced by our many remedies – choosing the remedy with the most similar characteristics. If you try a few remedies with disappointing results, don’t give up! If you can see a professional homeopath and determine the “general” remedy you need overall, this step can also help immensely. 

About Dr. Lisa Samet:

Dr. Lisa Samet N.D. is an exceptional homeopath who provides Washington Homeopathic Products with a regular column on using homeopathy for the family. She's a naturopathic physician who specializes in homeopathic medicine and she's a partner with Dr. Andre Saine N.D. Dr. Samet graduated from the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in 1998 and has been practicing in Montreal since then. She was born and raised in New York.

Dr. Samet has chosen to focus on homeopathy because in her experience it is the deepest healing modality available in that it does not just soothe or palliate symptoms but can actually stimulate the body to start to heal itself. Dr. Samet sees patients in her Montreal office as well as long distance using Skype. Learn more here: Dr. Lisa Samet.You can follow her on Facebook as well.