ALTERNATIVE THERAPEUTIC METHODS

The use of flower remedies is very helpful in all cases and harmless. They are completely natural products derived from ……. They are prepared ……. Currently, there are 3 flower remedies on the market, each originating from a different source. In addition to the world-renowned Bach flower remedies, Australian-sourced and California-sourced remedies are also equally effective.

URANUS-SUN

Difficult aspects between Uranus and the Sun create several problems, both for the individual and for those who come into contact with them. Flower extracts to help reveal the best aspects of this combination include:
1. SHOOTING STAR for the tendency to not feel socially comfortable, due to your uniqueness.
2. FIVE CORNERS, GYMEA LILY, ILLAWARA FLAME TREE, for the acceptance and free expression of your uniqueness.
3. BUTERCUP, if you underestimate your work or lifestyle, due to a lack of social approval.
4. CORN, for relaxation, tranquility, elimination of anxiety and nervousness.
5. ALMOND, for peace of mind and nerves.
6. STICKY MONKEY FLOWER for the fear of intimacy and pain during early breakups.
7. BASIL for balancing spirituality and sexuality.

The last two remedies, namely STICKY MONKEY FLOWER and BASIL, offer excellent help in balancing the tension that accumulates from dilemmas, which stem from the need for intimacy and emotional connection, combined with the simultaneous desire for freedom, autonomy, independence, stimulation, and a tendency for change.

URANUS-MOON

1. BLUEBELL, FLANNEL FLOWER, YELLOW COWSLIP ORCHID for dealing with emotional apathy or excessive sensitivity.
2. FLANNEL FLOWER for dealing with the difficulty in expressing emotions with words. BLUEBELL for the case where someone feels disconnected from their own emotions. HIBBERTIA, YELLOW COWSLIP ORCHID for dealing with excessive caution, coldness, and the dominance of logic over emotions. RED HELMET ORCHID for dealing with a strong need for independence and a rebellious attitude. TALL MULLA MULLA, RED HERMET ORCHID for dealing with social isolation and difficulty in social adaptation.

URANUS-MERCURY

Flower extracts that prove useful include: JOJOBA and CORN for achieving grounding. FAIRY DUSTER for dealing with nervousness, overstimulation, and strong reactions to external stimuli. ISOPOGON for dealing with stubbornness and inflexibility. BUSH FUCHSIA or Cognis for improving articulation, mental concentration, and the expression of thoughts, especially in cases of dyslexia.

URANUS-VENUS

Difficult aspects between Uranus and Venus create tension between the desire for closeness and the need for personal freedom. The individual may struggle with emotional inconsistency, fear of intimacy, and abrupt beginnings or endings in relationships. Flower essences that can offer support are:
1. BLEEDING HEART, to address the difficulty in letting go of past relationships and to heal emotional wounds caused by sudden separations.
2. PINK MONKEYFLOWER, to help overcome the fear of emotional vulnerability and encourage openness in intimate relationships.
3. EVENING PRIMROSE, for individuals who avoid commitment due to early experiences of rejection or emotional coldness.
4. STICKY MONKEYFLOWER, to balance the tension between the desire for closeness and the fear of intimacy.
5. MALLOW, to cultivate trust in social and romantic relationships and to overcome barriers to genuine connection.
6. CALENDULA, to improve warmth in communication and reduce emotional aloofness.
7. WILD ROSE, to rekindle enthusiasm and engagement in love when apathy or emotional detachment sets in.

URANUS-MARS

Flower essences that can offer support in such situations are:
1. ALOE VERA for individuals who feel depleted and exhibit low vitality.
2. IMPATIENS, to address irritability, lack of patience and tolerance, as well as impatience.
3. TIGER LILLY, to balance excessive or aggressive energy.
4. SHOOTING STAR, to address the feeling of being out of sync with the times.
5. WILD OAT, to address the tendency to take on too many activities at once, as well as the anxiety and stress caused by the inability to focus and complete tasks.
6. CHERRY PLUM, to address moments when the individual feels they are losing control and fears they will engage in destructive actions.
7. MULLEIN, when the individual's pursuits conflict with prevailing social norms and are not considered acceptable.
8. CLIF ROSE, to strengthen the stability of goals and the persistence in taking action to achieve them.
9. DOGWOOD, to facilitate the creation of relationships, improve charm, tact, and sociability.

URANUS-JUPITER

Because there is a tendency to seek opportunities and take risks (which is often the goal), there will be periods of uncertainty in the individual's life. Useful flower essences for these situations are: BIG ROOT JATROPHIA, because it strengthens the sense of security during phases of expansion and change. COW PARSNIP, for inner peace during transitional phases, as well as the ability to experience enjoyment in the present.

URANUS-SATURN

SHOOTING STAR, to address feelings of alienation. QUAKING GRASS, to cultivate a harmonious social consciousness, flexibility, and balance in cooperating with others. SAGUARO, to release from the past and address conflicts with power structures. SCITCH BROOM, to improve positive feelings and optimism about the world and the individual's place within it.

URANUS-SUN

The negative effects that arise from challenging aspects between Uranus and the Sun can be mitigated by using precious and semi-precious stones, such as:
1. MOLDAVITE, to draw inspiration from the universe.
2. BLUE TOURMALINE, to follow your inner guidance and discover your true purpose. It also helps to avoid being overly influenced by dominant social values and principles, which serve the needs of a social group at a specific time and place and change based on new needs that emerge over time and in relation to the place where this group or nation lives.
3. BLUE TOPAZ, to incorporate new ideas and experiences, even if they do not align with previous beliefs, whether your own or those of others.

URANUS-MOON

Challenging aspects between Uranus and the Moon create emotional instability, sudden mood changes, and a tension between the need for emotional security and the desire for freedom. Crystals that can help restore emotional balance include:
1. MOONSTONE, to stabilize emotions, soothe inner restlessness, and promote emotional self-awareness during periods of sudden change.
2. AMAZONITE, to calm the nervous system, regulate overactive emotions, and relieve the anxiety and stress that arise from emotional unpredictability.
3. LABRADORITE, to strengthen intuition while providing a protective shield against emotional overwhelm and the draining effects of constant inner turbulence.
4. LEPIDOLITE, to ease nervous tension, promote emotional balance, and support restful sleep when emotional agitation causes insomnia.
5. ANGELITE, to bring a sense of calm and peace, reduce feelings of dread and emotional reactivity, and encourage gentle self-expression.

URANUS-MERCURY

Creative ideas, inventive abilities, and inspiration are characteristics of a person whose astrological chart shows an aspect between Uranus and Mercury. When these aspects are challenging, the person faces difficulties in expressing and implementing these ideas. The use of CITRINE, AMBER, and RUTILATED QUARTZ crystals helps to manifest and bear fruit in the best possible way.

URANUS-MARS

Precious stones that calm, ground, and harmonize the energies within a person are:
1. BLUE LACE AGATE, which calms impulsiveness, encourages gentleness, and promotes clarity.
2. GREEN or BLUE CALCITE, which calm, relieve, and soothe the solar plexus and nerves. CHRYSOPRASE, which alleviates fears as the person moves into unfamiliar situations and encourages emotional peace and stability. GALENA, a mineral that provides grounding. All of these can be used when the person feels out of balance, and LARIMAR, which has an excellent effect, as it helps the person gain confidence when combined with innovative plans.

URANUS-JUPITER

AVENTURINE provides support during transitional periods or when a sudden change in direction is required, and PERIDOT, which stabilizes the person during new beginnings.

Written by Dimitra Togka, Astrologer

Essential oils of benzoin, black pepper, camphor, basil, and rosemary, either individually or in combination, for topical application to the feet in cases of difficulty with blood circulation. They act as tonics for circulation and provide effective relief in this sensitive area of the body.

Regarding exhaustion, insomnia, nervousness, and stress, essential oils of basil, geranium, cypress, lemon balm, sandalwood, chamomile, and lavender offer immediate relief from these unpleasant symptoms. When combined with exercise and a careful diet, they help achieve deep relaxation and sleep that rejuvenates the body and mind. Stimulants should be avoided, especially in the evening, such as tea, coffee, and caffeinated soft drinks. Ways to use: 1) Place 3 drops of lavender and 2 drops of chamomile on a gauze or handkerchief and take 3 deep breaths. 2) Add a few drops of lavender, chamomile, and Ylang-Ylang to the sheet or pillow. 3) Add the appropriate oil blend to a warm bath. 4) Massage with the oil blend, diluted in 15 ml of carrier oil (approximately 2.5 teaspoons), either by yourself on the face and shoulder areas, or by someone who can offer you a complete body massage.

Regarding mental fatigue, a Uranus individual, as is natural, thinks constantly and has many different interests. The use of rosemary, sage, and juniper berry essential oils yields impressive results. Whether the fatigue stems from workload, personal problems, or adverse living conditions, such as a lack of fresh air or vitamin B due to poor diet, a blend of relaxing and invigorating essential oils is the most effective solution. Rosemary stimulates both the body and the mind, while sage and juniper berries help to relax tension, while maintaining vitality and energy. A balanced diet that ensures sufficient vitamins, exercise in the open air, and avoidance of beverages containing tannins, such as various types of tea, which hinder iron absorption, the deficiency of which causes fatigue, are essential. A few drops of rosemary on a gauze pad or handkerchief and inhaling it revitalizes a tired mind. Even if this gauze or handkerchief is placed on the body, where the temperature releases the aromatic compounds, you will have the same results: revitalization, vitality, and strength. Also, 3 drops of sage and juniper berry in the bath, either in the morning or evening, as well as a massage with the same mixture dissolved in 15 ml (2.5 teaspoons) of a carrier oil or lotion, will provide the same results. The mixture can also be used in an aromatherapy diffuser during the day. Beyond mental fatigue, stress and daily tension are a reality that a Uranus individual can hardly avoid. If stress prevails, the risk of developing serious conditions, including cardiovascular diseases, increases. A useful blend for these cases is: 2 drops of geranium essential oil, 2 drops of lavender essential oil, 2 drops of sandalwood essential oil, and 1 drop of Ylang-Ylang essential oil. It can be used in all the aforementioned ways. Also, useful oils for combating stress are Rose Otto, Neroli, and True Melissa, although they are a bit expensive and difficult to find. They can be replaced with sage, geranium, chamomile, juniper berry, lavender, marjoram, sandalwood, and Ylang-Ylang oils, which have similar effects.

Muscle cramps are a fairly common phenomenon in people with a strong Uranus placement. They are believed to be caused by reduced blood flow and potentially a lack of calcium. This condition can be effectively addressed with the help of aromatherapy. The most useful essential oils for these cases are marjoram, chamomile, and mandarin. Cypress oil is also considered particularly beneficial for its invigorating properties. Since prevention is the best way to address a health problem, it is recommended to use a mixture of 3 drops of marjoram oil and 2 drops each of chamomile and mandarin oil in the evening bath. This blend helps to relax the body. Cramps can be treated by applying the oil to the affected areas every night initially, then every other night, and eventually twice a week. If they reappear, repeat the same process from the beginning. The application is done with a solution consisting of approximately 15 cubic centimeters (2.5 teaspoons) of a carrier oil or lotion and the aforementioned oils, i.e., 3 drops of marjoram, 2 drops of chamomile, and 2 drops of mandarin. The same solution can also be used for foot massage.

Circulatory problems are a condition that people with Uranus often experience. These can manifest as arrhythmias, low blood pressure (hypotension), or high blood pressure. In all cases, the doctor's instructions are, of course, the most appropriate solution. Essential oils can help preventatively or provide temporary relief until the person consults a specialist. If arrhythmias are caused by emotions of the moment, such as fear, excitement, or excessive consumption of alcohol and nicotine, relaxing oils can be very helpful. A cloth or gauze with 2-3 drops of neroli, lavender, and Ylang-Ylang, with a few inhalations, helps the person to calm down and relax. Also, a mixture consisting of 4 drops of neroli, 3 drops of lavender, and 3 drops of Ylang-Ylang, dissolved in 15 ml of carrier oil and massage, produces the same results. In cases of low blood pressure, the help that a person can receive is immediate and effective. The invigorating oils of black pepper and rosemary help to improve circulation. Massage with a mixture consisting of 3 drops of black pepper and rosemary dissolved in 15 ml of carrier oil. The same ratio can be used for an invigorating bath. In cases of high blood pressure or neurohypertension, useful oils are sage, lemon, melissa, mandarin, and Ylang-Ylang, which reduce blood pressure, while the oil of argan kernels improves kidney function. In addition to a careful diet, which includes garlic (either in its natural state or in capsules) and parsley, minimizing fats, salt, sugar, and alcohol is very helpful. Apply to the chest and legs every night, at least twice a week in the bath, using 3 drops of marjoram and Ylang-Ylang, and massage the chest, abdomen, and back with a solution consisting of 2 drops of argan kernel oil, 2 drops of sage, 4 drops of lemon oil, and 1 drop of Ylang-Ylang in 15 ml of carrier oil.

Under no circumstances can the use of essential oils, or other methods such as herbs, crystals, or flower remedies, replace a qualified medical doctor. All of these methods are supplementary and can be used as a first aid solution or even preventatively, always in combination with a careful diet, appropriate exercise, yoga, etc.

BENEFICIAL HERBS

Herbs that offer therapeutic benefits to the body include wild rose, eucalyptus, nettle, and marjoram. In harmonious combinations with other plants that support health, such as lemon balm, chamomile, bilberry, yarrow, and orange peel.

JUNIPER – Juniperus communis

Two different types of essential oils are derived from this specific plant. The oil derived from the juniper berries is considered superior for therapeutic purposes. It is produced by distilling the ripe berries, which are collected from the bush and then dried. A more economical, but less potent, option is the oil extracted by distilling the leaves and shoots. It has a medium volatility. It is a useful oil, particularly noteworthy for its antiseptic and diuretic properties. It is colorless to slightly yellow when it comes out of the still, but over time it darkens and becomes thicker. When new, its aroma resembles cypress, with a more pronounced acidity and a slight peppery sensation. It is calming and invigorating. It is helpful for anxiety, insomnia, and mental exhaustion. Astringent and cleansing, it offers beneficial effects on acne, oily skin, oily hair, dandruff, and eczema. Toning and diuretic, it relieves indigestion, colic, and diarrhea. It contributes to reducing blood pressure, cleanses the body, reduces fluid retention, cellulite, varicose veins, and hemorrhoids, and urinary tract infections, while also strengthening kidney function. It is used for muscle aches, pains, and rheumatism. It also strengthens kidney function. It is useful for irregular and painful menstruation, and it is invaluable for breast swelling during menstruation. It should be avoided during pregnancy and in cases of serious kidney conditions.

ROSEMARY - *Rosemarinus officinalis* The shrubs of this aromatic plant are naturally found in the countries of the Mediterranean, often near the coasts. The ancient Egyptians knew its properties and considered it a symbol of love and death, using it in religious ceremonies and funeral rites of the ancient Greeks and Romans. Its therapeutic properties have been known for centuries. It is extracted from the flowering tops by distillation. It has moderate volatility. It possesses strong antiseptic and stimulating properties. A mild analgesic, without sedative effects, it contributes to the balance of the body and mind. Its aroma is reminiscent of camphor and is warm and intense. It stimulates and constricts. It improves memory, clears the mind, and relieves headaches and migraines. As an antiseptic and antispasmodic, it relieves coughs, colds, and flu. It cleanses and tones the skin, preventing dandruff and hair loss. It helps with indigestion, constipation, colitis, gastroenteritis, and stomach pain. It also stimulates liver function. Tonic and hemostatic, it helps with hypotension and improves blood circulation. It reduces fluid retention and helps fight cellulite and varicose veins. As a mild analgesic, it relieves cases of arthritis, sprains, etc. Stimulating and balancing, it supports the restoration of the menstrual cycle. In cases of pregnancy or hypertension, its use should be avoided.

LAVENDER - *Lavandula officinalis* A significant portion of international production comes from the Balkan countries. France produces the highest quality, however, caution is needed, as a hybrid of lavender is cultivated at lower altitudes, with flowers in a purple color, while the authentic lavender has flowers in a distinct blue color and is cultivated at an altitude of 1000 meters. It is extracted from the flowering heads by distillation and has moderate volatility. It has balancing and regulating properties, which promote harmony in the body and mind. It is safe and has a characteristic aroma. Tonic and relaxing, it relieves daily stress, anxiety, depression, and fatigue. Antiseptic and anti-inflammatory, it relieves colds, flu, sinusitis, and throat infections. Balancing, antiseptic, and regenerative, it treats acne, dandruff, hair loss, head lice, insect bites, sunburn, herpes simplex, eczema, and psoriasis. It facilitates cell growth and helps heal scars. Cleansing and relaxing, it helps with bad breath, mouth ulcers, indigestion, bloating, nausea, and gastroenteritis. Relaxing and decongestant, it reduces blood pressure and rapid heart rate. It relieves fluid retention and helps remove toxins from the lymphatic system. Analgesic and anti-inflammatory, it is useful in dislocations, inflammation, muscle pain, and rheumatism. Relaxing and balancing, it supports the restoration of the normal cycle, particularly suitable for premenstrual syndrome and menopause.

MARJORAM - *Origanum majorana*

It grows exclusively in the Mediterranean region, where it is cultivated for the production of essential oil. The ancient Egyptians used it for its therapeutic properties. There is also Spanish marjoram – *Thymus mastichina* – which is also cultivated for its essential oil, but it is not as safe for home use as the genuine article. It is often used to adulterate the authentic oil. It is extracted from the leaves and flowering heads by distillation. It has moderate volatility. It is calming and soothing, suitable for dealing with anxiety, stress, insomnia, lethargy, nervousness, and hysteria. It relieves discomfort caused by emotional difficulties, such as sadness, loneliness, and feelings of rejection. It soothes headaches and migraines. It is soothing and warming, relieving bronchitis and asthma. It is antispasmodic and calming, helping to relieve constipation, indigestion, bloating, and colic. It is warming and analgesic, relieving muscle cramps, spasms, and pain, neuralgia, sprains, rheumatism, and arthritis. It is antispasmodic and stimulates the menstrual cycle, effective for menstrual pain. Its use should be avoided during pregnancy.

GERANIUM – *Pelargonium graveolens*

It originates from Africa and was introduced to Europe in the late 17th century. There are over 700 different species, with *P. graveolens* and *P. odoratissimum* being the most common in aromatherapy. The island of Réunion in the Indian Ocean is the center of its commercial production. It is also cultivated in France, Spain, Italy, Morocco, Egypt, and China. It is extracted from the leaves by distillation and is characterized by moderate volatility. It has been shown to be effective in detoxifying the body and improving mental function. It has a rich, sweet aroma and is typically green-yellow in color. It is invigorating and useful for dealing with anxiety, stress, and depression. It cleanses and soothes, offering help in cases of colds and flu. It supports the treatment of throat and mouth infections, and is also used for rinses and gargles. It is astringent and balancing, cleansing and toning the skin. It regulates sebum production, soothes inflammation, reduces acne, eczema, and scalp oiliness. It is beneficial in cases of herpes and minor wounds, and also helps with lice infestations, relieving measles rashes. It is astringent, stimulating, and antiseptic. It contributes to the elimination of toxins. It reduces fluid retention and cellulite. It is cleansing and effective for mouth ulcers, diarrhea, and gastroenteritis. It is stimulating and regulates hormonal function. It is useful in premenstrual syndrome, menopause, and vaginal infections.

SALVIA - Salvia sclarea. It grows at high altitudes in the Alps, in light and dry soils. Its small, blue or white flowers appear at the tops of the stems, which reach a height of up to 1.5 meters. Its strong aroma resembles nutmeg and was formerly used by German winemakers to improve the quality of their wines. It is not related to sage or mint, although they belong to the same plant family and have different essential oils. It is extracted from the flowering tops of the stems by distillation and has a high volatility. It acts as a powerful relaxant and simultaneously invigorating. It has a penetrating, sweet, and sensual aroma. It is useful in cases of depression, anxiety, and general weakness. It promotes deep, dream-filled sleep. It is suitable for irritable or temperamental children. It is soothing and anti-inflammatory, relieving irritated throats and hoarseness. It is soothing for skin inflammation. It supports the management of hypertension. It is antispasmodic and a mild stimulant of menstruation. It relieves premenstrual syndrome and menstrual pain. It helps restore the cycle, reduces hot flashes, and swelling in the breasts and legs. Caution is advised when inhaling the oil directly, as it may cause drowsiness, as well as when using it during pregnancy. Its use is ideal in the evening, when physical or mental exertion is not required.

SANDALWOOD - Santalum album.

The island of Karnataka, formerly Mysore in eastern India, is the center of its commercial production. The high-quality essential oil is extracted by distillation of the wood of mature trees, while the best wood is used for making furniture and the rest is distilled. It is widely used in Ayurvedic medicine for its therapeutic properties and is known for improving memory. It is also mentioned in the Bible, where Solomon used sandalwood to build the temple, which was filled with the aroma of the oil. The supply of this oil should be obtained from reliable sources. It has a low volatility and contains santalol at a percentage of over 90%. It exhibits strong calming effects and is an excellent antiseptic with a wide range of uses for respiratory and urinary system ailments. It is useful in removing traumatic experiences from the mind and in treating insomnia. It is calming and antitussive, relieving irritation and pain in the chest from coughing, irritated throats, and laryngitis. It soothes inflammation, bronchitis, and asthma.

It balances and reduces inflammation, softens dry, aged, or wrinkled skin. It helps in the treatment of dandruff and eczema. It soothes irritation from sunburn, itching from rashes, and is beneficial in allergic skin reactions. It is calming and muscle-relaxing, relieving nausea, colic, and hiccups. It reduces headaches, nausea, and especially morning sickness. It relieves varicose veins and hemorrhoids. It regulates and balances hormonal function. It is a good choice for premenstrual syndrome or menopause.

CHAMOMILE - Anthemis nobilis.

This variety is characterized by small, double flowers that are harvested, dried, and then distilled, resulting in a high-quality essential oil that is useful in aromatherapy. There is also the Matricaria chamomilla variety, which offers an essential oil with a higher concentration of azulene and is mainly used for serious skin conditions. Additionally, there is the Moroccan Ormeris mixta variety, which has similar properties and is cultivated for this purpose, although it does not belong to the same family. It is extracted from the flowers by distillation and has a moderate volatility. Its multiple therapeutic properties, combined with its minimal toxicity, make it suitable for use in children. It contains the powerful anti-inflammatory substance, azulene, which is capable of relieving a wide variety of skin conditions. It has a light, but distinctive aroma reminiscent of apple. It is calming and relaxing, alleviating stress, daily tension, depression, hysteria, nervousness, and neuralgia. It proves useful in dealing with headaches and insomnia. Soothing and antiseptic, it is suitable for sensitive and dry skin. It helps to treat acne, eczema, rashes, burns, and minor wounds. It is antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory, soothing indigestion, bloating, colic, diarrhea, and constipation. It is calming and a mild analgesic, relieving muscle pain and cramps. It reduces inflammation and pain associated with rheumatism and arthritis. Calming and antispasmodic, it helps with painful or irregular periods, relieves premenstrual syndrome, and symptoms of menopause.

There are many ways to use essential oils, and they vary depending on the situation. They can be used with inhalations, mouthwashes, and gargles, baths, applications, compresses, massages, in diffusers, and sprays.

Under no circumstances should they come into direct contact with the skin, considering that they are in a concentrated form. Instead, they should be diluted either in water for mouthwashes and gargles, or in diffusers or sprays, or in lotions, creams, or oil solvents for other uses. Certain precautions should be taken, such as storing them in places inaccessible to children, closing the cap to prevent evaporation and loss, and, above all, obtaining them from reliable sources and using them with caution, and ideally, after consulting with a therapist.

URANUS-MERCURY

Incorporating lavender, chamomile, and rosemary essential oils into the bath is extremely beneficial. Lavender, chamomile, and rosemary are particularly useful. They promote relaxation of the nervous system, and nervousness, hyperactivity, and anxiety are significantly controlled. Sensitivity to external influences is reduced, which helps the individual to communicate better with both themselves and others.