Bach Flower Remedies
Hornbeam

Carpinus betula

Hornbeam grows up to about 20m and in some respects might be mistaken for beech. The leaves are similar but distinctly toothed, somewhat like a smooth elm leaf. The smooth bark of the trunk has characteristic grey streaks unlike any other tree. The flowers are often very numerous and showy; male and females appear on the same tree although one or other may predominate. The males are yellow catkins, the females are smaller with unusual curving bracts. These grow to form a three-pointed wing for flight to carry the seed away from the tree.

Flowering Period

Hornbeam flowers in April and May. Hornbeam does not flower strongly every year.

Preparation

Hornbeam is prepared by the boiling method. Pick twigs with both male and female flowers, gathering them from as many different trees as possible.

Uses

Lethargy, unaccountable mental weariness.

The Hornbeam state is often described as 'the Monday morning feeling'. It is the cloud of weary lassitude which makes us feel as though we have no strength to face the day or task ahead, and leads us to procrastinate or give up the job altogether. The Hornbeam remedy helps to remove that languor thus enabling us to look upon life's challenges more eagerly, more willingly and with a greater sense of purpose.

Animals can also suffer this Hornbeam state of mind. An animal who seems to be lazy, shying away from anything which is demanding or requiring activity, for example a dog lacking enthusiasm to go for a walk, may be in the Hornbeam state (although there are other remedies such as Wild Rose which should also be considered). The way to recognize Hornbeam is through the weariness.

Signs of fatigue alone may lead you to think of Olive in the first instance, but the Olive tiredness always has a reason, essentially overwork. With Hornbeam, there is no actual reason - it is tiredness at the thought of doing something rather than feeling tired due to the effort of actually having done it.

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