continued from last issue . . .
LYCOPODIUM
The third member of the triad, Lycopodium, is predominantly syphilitic in nature but also includes subtle characteristics of the other miasms. Prominent syphilitic traits of Lycopodium are as follows: The patient is chilly with lack of vital heat and is sensitive to cold yet desires open air. At the least provocation there is a tendency to take cold with involvement of the frontal sinuses. Indeed, respiratory weakness and ailments are common in Lycopodium and it is often called for when there is difficulty in respiration and the face appears cyanosed. The pulse may be accelerated and the respiratory rate greatly increased and shallow.
The typical slow digestion of Lycopodium causes chronic gastritis, gastralgia, hyperacidity and sourness. Discharges are sour, everything tastes sour, and there are sour eructations and vomit. Heartburn is severe and extends up to the pharynx. The Lycopodium patient likes milk, but it turns into gas and causes acidity. They desire sweets, crave hot food and have intolerance for cold food and drinks. Even though they tend to have canine hunger, after a few mouthfuls they may feel full up to the throat and unable to continue eating. On the other hand, they may be ravenously hungry after taking a heavy meal. They may complain of a sensation as if a ball were rising up into the throat, causing a choking feeling or tight feeling in the throat when swallowing, associated with constant desire to swallow saliva. A peculiarity of Lycopodium is dryness of the tongue without thirst. There may be also be dryness of the skin and mucous membranes, especially the palms of the hands.
A few mental keynotes of Lycopodium are as follows: Lack of confidence along with hyper conscientiousness and fear of failure under stress; easy nervous sweating under emotional stress; severe sweating followed by intense thirst; extremely self-conscious; wants to be alone yet dreads solitude. They may be cowardly yet dictatorial and have a love of power. In addition, they may exhibit a number of fears such as fear of not reaching their destination, of darkness, death, crowds or of anything that cannot be controlled. The Lyco personality can’t bear to be corrected or found fault with or opposed. Temper may also be a problem. Impatient and irritable, they may easily be made angry with liability to sudden explosions of wrath. Along with this irritability, they are very sensitive to noise and strong odors.
In conclusion, these three remedies—Sulphur, Calcarea carb and Lycopodium—are often prescribed in sequence because in this way all three miasms are covered. This series is one of the most potent instruments available in the entire homeopathic materia medica for preventing and curing chronic diseases. The subtle levels of the unconscious act as a blueprint that determines the form and function not only of the subtle levels but also of the denser levels of the human being. This blueprint carries with it the scars of functional problems and health deficiencies and weaknesses from previous lives. In homeopathy these are the chronic miasms that preclude chronic diseases.
Aude sapere. Look beyond.
Dr. Barbara Bova, HOD, Dept of Homeopathy