I haven't heard of Hornbeam being of use in raising platelets. Not sure if you're referring to an herbal formulation of it, or the Bach Flower essence. Without an experienced herbalist to guide you, I would not use the herbal formula. But, the Bach Flower essences are very gentle acting, and have their action more on ones emotional state, rather than the physical. I highly doubt there would be any harm from using the flower essence. If your state matches to this, it might help you emotionally deal with things better. (If you've ever used Rescue Remedy, it is also a flower essence. Your doctor might be an exception, but I find most are not terribly knowledgeable about alternative remedies. I have not heard of anyone on here using Hornbeam before. Here are what a few books say about Hornbeam:
HORNBEAM (CARPINUS BETULUS)
From Flower essence Repertory:
Hornbeam - Carpinus betulus (yellow/green) - English
Positive qualities: Energy, enthusiasm, involvement in life's tasks
Patterns of imbalance: Fatigue, weariness; daily tasks seen as an overwhelming burden
The soul makes unlimited reserves of energy available to the body; unfortunately, these are seldom tapped to their full potential. At the soul level, energy is produced not by calories or fuel, but by full attention and positive connection to one's work or life tasks. Those individuals who experience monotonous routine, or lack genuine interest or involvement in their work, can feel extreme tiredness and exhaustion completely out of proportion to the real capacity of the physical body. The Hornbeam essence re-orients the soul so that it can freshly perceive work or habits which may have become overly dull or routine. Hornbeam sometimes brings an inner realization that a new approach or new lifestyle is necessary to completely recapture one's full energy. Above all, Hornbeam nourishes the soul with renewed strength and vitality so that it may live more effectively and more joyfully in the world.
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From Master’s Bach Flower Remedies:
"MONDAY MORNING" FEELINGS
Weariness-mental fatigue.
Doubts strength to face or to cope but usually accomplishes.
Convalescents doubt strength to recover.
Tiredness through self-preoccupation.
The remedy for 'Monday morning' or 'Morning after'
The Remedy that gives strength to those who feel weary in mind and body, and cannot cope with things of the moment.
This remedy gives emotional strength to those who cannot face the day ahead or cannot be enthusiastic about some project or duty which they should attend. It is not due to exhaustion or tiredness from overwork, but is rather a mental weariness at the thought of what lies ahead. It causes procrastination and letharygy so the work which is once a pleasure becomes a chore. It is however. like the familiar 'Monday morning feeling" and once work has begun and the days routine is in progress, the feeling disappears.
Symptoms may include predominant fatigue, lassitude, inclination to lie in bed in mornings, feel they cannot face the burden of the day.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~From Boedler’s Bach Remedies:
Natural History:
DOCTRINE OF SIGNATURES: As the remedy invigorates and strengthens mind and body, so does the tree have exceptionally durable and tough wood, akin to a "horn"; the wood actually has a whitish appearance and resembles a horn when polished. It lends itself to the manufacture of tool handles and other durable wooden articles. In comparison, the remedy Hornbeam enables one to use one's "tools" more efficiently; it enlivens and brings forth the best physical fiber and most invigorated consciousness to apply to one's tasks. Despite being tough, however, this wood can be bent into sturdy arches and frames, suggesting the flexibility and lack of harshness of a clear mind and toned-up body.
On looking closely at the foliage, catkins, and flowers, one notices their droopy or relaxed nature, their apparent lack of fiber, hinting at the fatigued mind and body in need of this remedy.
Hornbeam helps to take life by the "horns," to move forward into accomplishment. It sends a "beam" of light into the mind.
METHOD OF PREPARATION: Collect twigs with both male and female flowers; the males are the catkins, whereas the females are smaller and actually look more like flowers and grow at the end of the twig. Boil for half an hour, strain the water and use as medicine.
PHYSICAL TENDENCIES: Lethargy in mind and body, which may seem like a mild depression in some cases, often accompanies the Hornbeam state. The remedy can be of service after head injuries when power of concentration is diminished and fatigue sets in readily (cf. Scleranthus, Mustard, Wild Oat).
In brain dysfunction due to physical causation, as in organic mental syndromes and disorders, and in retardation, Hornbeam can help restore maximum clarity of consciousness within the physical limitations.
A chronic Hornbeam state may lead not only to physical fatigue but also to reduced interest in living a healthful life, with subsequent loss of overall vitality (see Wild Oat).
The remedy Hornbeam, together with Cerato, Scleranthus, Gentian, Gorse, and Wild Oat, belongs to Bach's group of “For Those who Suffer Uncertainty”. These remedies help those suffering from lack of certainty or strength of purpose in their daily affairs. Specifically, Hornbeam treats a mind not fully invigorated and lacking clarity of focus.
MIND: The mind in need of Hornbeam is fatigued and listless, and the body may feel this lethargy as well. One has to use willpower and push oneself to work, and still the mind may feel dull or lacking in power of concentration.
Due to fatigue, avoidance of work and procrastination may occur. Work does not appeal; one feels lax in fiber, thinking that one needs strengthening before duties can be fulfilled joyfully and with ease. It is as if the mind is not fully connecting with or seizing the tasks at hand; brightness of concentration and devotion is diminished.
There is no deep-seated exhaustion, however; and one usually manages well, once one has mustered strength and willpower.
This remedy is of value in study and school settings, or whenever prolonged mental work is called for. It will revitalize mental powers of clarity and concentration and give perseverance. It is of service in developmental disorders, learning disabilities, and retardation (cf. Chestnut Bud, Mustard, Wild Oat).
EMOTIONS: Emotions center around the fatigue, and one copes with
listlessness, frustration, temporary feelings of being overwhelmed, lack of interest, boredom, mild depression, and occasional resentment and unkindness. One is more prone to be irritable and may be less inclined to be of assistance or do extra work for others, mostly because one needs the extra strength for oneself.
There are lighter Hornbeam cases, when one feels fairly well but lacks some invigoration or internal strengthening so that tasks are tackled more joyfully.
GOAL OF THERAPY: To give alertness, brightness of consciousness, help with learning and task fulfillment. To invigorate mind and body.
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From Murphy’s Home Remedy Guide:
Lethargy in mind and body, often accompanies the Hornbeam state. Which may seem like a mild depression in some cases. The remedy can be of service after head injuries when power of concentration is diminished and fatigue sets in readily (Scleranthus, Mustard, Wild Oat). This remedy is of value in study and school settings, or whenever prolonged mental work is called for. It will revitalize mental powers of clarity and concentration and give perseverance. It is of service in developmental, learning disabilities and retardation, (Chestnut Bud, Mustard, Wild Oat).
In brain dysfunction due to physical causation, as in organic mental syndromes and disorders and in retardation, A chronic Hornbeam state may lead not only to physical fatigue, with a devitalization of the body, (see Wild Oat). Avoidance of work and procrastination may occur due to fatigue. Work does not appeal, one feels lax in fiber.
MIND - The mind in need of Hornbeam is fatigued and listless and the body may feel this lethargy as well. One has to use willpower and push oneself to work and still the mind may feel dull or lacking in power of concentration.
Emotions center around the fatigue and one copes with listlessness, frustration, temporary feelings of being overwhelmed, lack of interest, boredom, mild depression and occasional resentment and unkindness. One is more prone to be irritable and may be less inclined to be of assistance or do extra work for others, mostly because one needs the extra strength for oneself.
SOURCES - Bach.
April
