| Shadow tendency | Wholeness |
|---|---|
| Feelings of absolute dejection | Experience of nothingness on the threshold to new horizons |
| Thinks one has reached the limits of endurance | Was lost and has found oneself again |
| Back to the wall feeling | Phoenix rising from the ashes |
| Feels utterly lost inside | Has recognised that a crucial change is possible |
| Helpless in emptiness | Inner journey has started |
| Total isolation | Able to believe again |
| Extreme thought | Strong character |
| No thought of suicide | Full control of emotions |
| No thought of yesterday or tomorrow | Likely to keep troubles to self |
| Appears to be nothing but chaos and destruction around one | The cry for help is heard and miracles happen |
| All hope abandoned but keeps it to one’s self | Brighter lives |
| Afraid one may break down under stress against one’s will | Raise curtain of despair |
| Unprotected | Faith is restored |
| One hangs suspended in empty space | Reconnect to emotional wisdom |
| Completely desperate present | Optimistic |
| Terrible appalling mental despair | Comfort |
| Anguish of bereavement | Support |
| Almost destroyed | |
| Exhaustion and loneliness is total | |
| No peace or hope | |
| Nearly burnt out | |
| Desolate | |
| Heartbroken | |
| Feel wretched at times | |
| Like there is no light at the end of the tunnel | |
| No way out of inner darkness | |
| Life holds no joy for them | |
| Helps emotional pain that we don’t know how to get through the day | |
| Tried everything and can’t see no way forward | |
| Acutely painful moments | |
| All-consuming despair |
Origin and Specification of the Plant
Binomial Name: Castanea Sativa
Kingdom: Plantae
Family: Fagaceae
Genus: Castanea
Species: C.sativa
Origin: Southern Europe and Asia
Shade: yellowish-green
Other names: common chestnut, Eurasian chestnut, European chestnut, sardian chestnut, Spanish chestnut, castanea vesca, castanea vulgaris
Elements/Chemicals contained by the plant: Acrylamide
Foliage: deciduous
Height: 20-35m
Description: This is a strong deciduous tree with rough, grooved bark and shiny, serrated, oblong-lanceolate leaves that can grow up to 20cm long. The tree produces male yellowish catkins that can grow up to 15cm long, followed by spiny fruits that contain nuts that are safe for consumption.
Flowering season: April to May
Areas of growth: woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens
Qualities and preferences: well-drained soil in full sun
The bark and leaves of the Castanea Sativa contain compounds, such as flavonoids and tannins, that have potent anti-inflammatory effects. These compounds can help reduce inflammation and swelling in the body, which makes them useful in treating conditions such as arthritis, gout, and other inflammatory disorders.
The nuts of the tree are a rich source of antioxidants, including vitamin C and various phenolic compounds. These antioxidants can help protect the body against oxidative damage caused by free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can harm cells and contribute to the development of numerous chronic diseases.
The leaves of the tree contain tannins, which give them astringent properties. This means they can help tone and tighten the skin, making them useful in treating skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis. Additionally, their astringent properties can help treat diarrhea and other digestive issues by reducing inflammation and calming the digestive system.
The bark of the tree contains compounds, such as triterpenoids and flavonoids, that have pain-relieving effects. This makes them useful in treating various types of chronic pain, including back pain, joint pain, and neuropathic pain. The leaves of the tree have been traditionally used to treat respiratory issues such as coughs, bronchitis, and asthma. This is due to their expectorant, anti-inflammatory, and antispasmodic properties, which help to soothe the respiratory tract and relieve congestion.
The etymology of the name "Castanea" comes from the Greek word "kastanea," which originally referred to sweet chestnuts and was later used to describe the tree itself. The word "Sativa" comes from the Latin word "satus," which means "sown" or "cultivated," indicating that the European Chestnut has been cultivated by humans for a long time. Together, "Castanea Sativa" refers to the cultivated species of the chestnut tree that is found in Europe.
Specification of remedy
Group: Second nineteen
Emotional Group: Despondency or despair
Emotional response: Utter desolation
Method of extraction: Boiling
Sweet chestnut is connected with the principle of release. Dr Bach first prepared the Sweet Chestnut remedy near Wallingford in 1935.
Comparison between other flowers
Gentian:
Discouraged through lack of faith: cause is known.
Mustard:
Low mood comes and goes like a black cloud, cause not known.
Sweet Chestnut:
Deepest mental anguish and despair; acute emergency state for the soul.
The picture on the right shows a closeup aspect of cupules and the nuts within them. The image on the left-hand side there is a sweet chestnut tree.