CASES

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Copyright pending 2011 by Sharum Sharif, ND

Main traits of common polycrests

(Note: Many remedies can have the traits listed in each box; the ones listed are the most likely to have that trait.)

1) Mild Pulsatilla Phosphorus Natrum muriaticum Silica Sepia (can be)	2) Soft Pulsatilla Natrum muriaticum Phosphorus Carcinosin (maybe)	3) Very Sensitive and gentle Natrum muriaticum Pulsatilla
4) Physically Delicate Silica	5) Cry very easily Natrum muriaticum Pulsatilla	6) Warm/sweet Phosphorus Pulsatilla Carcinosin (Not Nat mur)
7) Shy Natrum muriaticum Staphysagria Carcinosin (can be) Pulsatilla (can be)	8) Irritable Ignatia Nux vomica Causticum (can be similar to Ignatia irritability)	9) Intense or Intimidating (Not suppressed – unlike “tense” people) Nux vomica Lachesis Ignatia Causticum (can be) Kali carb
10) Tense (Suppressed feelings  tension) Ignatia (irritable) Carcinosin Staphysagria	10.1) Relaxed: Phosphorus Sulphur Sepia	11) Angry (ASK) Nux vomica Lachesis Lycopodium Staphysagria (totally suppressed anger) Carcinosin (partially suppressed anger)
12) Aggressive (ASK) Nux vomica Lachesis Ignatia Sepia (not often)	13) Stubborn/ Obstinate/ Calcarea carbonicum Silica	14) Hard working or industrious (ASK) Calcarea carbonicum Nux vomica Ignatia
15) Organized or Fastidious (ASK) Silica (if not too exhausted) Nux vomica Kali carb Carcinosin	16) Serious Kali carb Nux vomica Causticum (maybe)	17) Very social Phosphorus Pulsatilla Sulphur Medorrhinum (inappropriate) & most “Intense” remedies
18) Arrogant Sulphur Lycopodium	19) Emotionally cold and reserved Natrum muriaticum Kali carb (very)	20) Flat affect Natrum muriaticum (maybe) Sepia Kali carb

II. POLYCREST ALGORITHM

Algorithm for the top homeopathic polycrests

To simplify constitutional homeopathy, I suggest that we categorize people and their

corresponding constitutional homeopathic remedy into these three main categories:

1) Soft and sweet - Pulsatilla, Phosphorus, and Carcinosin.

2) High intensity (angry/irritable) – Nux vomica, Lachesis, Ignatia, Causticum and Kali carb.

3) “The other” common remedies- Calc carb, Natrum muriaticum, Sulphur, Sepia, Staphysagria, Silica, Medorrhinum, and Lycopodium.

These are the remedies we will focus on during this seminar. If you can correctly place your patients into one of these categories, then you can narrow down their remedy to only a few out of 15 or so common remedies. So, the key is being able to correctly put your patient into one of these three categories. Ask yourself during the interview, what state is the patient in for the MAJORITY of the time? Angry and charismatic? Respectful, sensitive, and withdrawn? Or, soft and sweet?

There is a Materia Medica at the end of this book where each remedy is discussed in detail. In this section, I list the “keynotes” (or highlights) for each of these most common remedies and compare the remedies to one another. What I have noted for each remedy is not necessarily found in a conventional Materia Medica; my remarks are mostly based on careful observation of the energy and feeling of each of these remedies. The nature of the physical substance the remedy is made from often has features in common with its corresponding homeopathic constitution. The element Sulphur smells bad, and Sulphur people can smell sometimes. The Lachesis snake is dangerous, and Lachesis people can be very aggressive. I have listed in parenthesis for each remedy the animal that I think most resembles the personality and the

energy of the remedy in question. This is not meant to be disrespectful of our fellow human

beings- it is simply a tool to give you a feeling for that remedy. Also please note that not all of

the statements about a particular remedy have to be present in every person who needs that

remedy. For example, not all Sulphurs have to be lazy.

Notice that in the Polycrest Algorithm, I have not classified the remedies into high, medium and low intensity. The “high intensity” remedies are always intense even when relaxed. The “soft and sweet” remedies can come in any intensity. And, “the others” category remedies can be medium or low in intensity, and on rare occasions in high intensity. (Refer to the section on the Intensity Graph for more information.)

Also note that in this section, I have written about how similar top polycrest remedies compare and contrast. For example, if you are trying to decide whether your patient is Pulsatilla or Phosphorus, both of which are in the soft and sweet category, then you will find this Algorithm section very useful.

1) Soft and sweet remedies:

The remedies in the “soft and sweet” category almost always smile at you. They are often soft, sweet and warm-hearted. Of course, many people color their hair so keep this in mind when using the illustration above. The fact that we have a “high intensity” group in our categorization does not make the “soft and sweet” group weak. Carcinosin, for example, can be very intense, especially when upset.

Notice that based on the illustration above, if you see a very soft and sweet person with black (or very dark brown) hair, consider Carcinosin (as well as Pulsatilla and Phosphorus). On the other hand, if they are soft and sweet, but do not have black (or very dark brown) hair, then consider

Pulsatilla and Phosphorus, NOT Carcinosin. All Carcinosins I have seen so far in my practice have darker hair (either black or very dark brown).

In this section, all items in bold are the most important traits for the various constitutions.

Note:

the patient does not have to possess all the physical and emotional traits listed under each remedy. Additionally, I would like to point out that we are not necessarily doomed to the natural tendencies that come with our homeopathic “constitution.” With God’s grace, we can all rise above the weaknesses of our “constitutions.”

Carcinosin:

Very kind and sweet (probably the kindest remedy, even more than Phosphorus)

Often has romantic eyes

Has many fears and worries

“Tight” energy (a bit tense, but not forceful)

Why tense? Because of too much fear/worry

Black or dark brown hair (I’ve never seen a blond Carcinosin)

Clean and organized (fastidious)

Has significant digestive problems

Passionate people who have a sense of longing/romance in eyes

Loves to dance (in most cases), in order to release her tension.

Sometimes uncomfortable socially (trying too hard to be nice)

Blue hue to their sclera

(Animal: lovebirds)

Carcinosin is the only remedy in this category that can be mistaken for an “intense” remedy when you catch them in a bad mood. Carcinosin’s tension is kept more inside (but, not in a suppressed way as in Natrum muriaticum), and it does not leak out like Ignatia. Their tension does come out, but they are hardly ever forceful, even when upset and angry. The “intense” remedies get forceful easily and often. Carcinosin tries so hard to be more kind and loving, and this makes them appear slightly uncomfortable and awkward socially. Once in a while, a Carcinosin, if too emotionally dysfunctional, can come across extremely intense.

Phosphorus:

Warm and very social (can socialize with anyone)

Relaxed like Sulphur (but not arrogant like Sulphur)

Expansive (especially the large body type) and dispersed energy (as opposed to Carcinosin whose energy is tight).

Often has scattered thinking

Bubbly personality and very talkative

Very comfortable in social settings (versus Carcinosin which is uncomfortable socially)

Emotionally independent and stronger (as opposed to Pulsatilla who is needy and dependent on others)

Tendency towards respiratory problems (chronic cough, asthma, recurrent bronchitis or pneumonia in cold months, etc.)

Tendency towards heavy bleeding (nasal, menstrual, etc.)

Least controlling of all the polycrests

(Animal: Bunny)

Pulsatilla:

Emotionally, very young for their age

Very mild and soft, and often sweet

Emotionally needy/clingy- loves to hug. People pleasers. “Mama’s baby”

Very weepy. Sometimes can’t control crying Very social

Can be annoying and/or hyper

SRP (Strange-rare-and-peculiar): Thirstless, but often with a dry mouth

Easily changeable mood. Emotional swings (Bipolar type)

Often are blond in the U.S.

Pulsatilla men are often effeminate.

Ear infections even in adults (Kids get a lot of ear infections too)

(Animal: Baby animals of all sorts such as baby duck or baby chick, or a cat

when it’s curled up on the couch.)

Pulsatilla is very yielding. They are very tuned into what you want. You must be careful to avoid leading questions with a Pulsatilla patient. They may arbitrarily agree with you. If you present an idea, and there is much resistance, you are likely not dealing with Pulsatilla. If a Pulsatilla does resist, it will be in a soft, non-confrontational way.

Differences among the “soft and sweet” remedies

I. General differences among the “soft and sweet” remedies:

The remedy Pulsatilla is made from a flower whose common name is ‘wind flower.’ The entire energy of a Pulsatilla person is fragile like a flower, bending in the wind, often going along with whatever anyone has to say. Carcinosin is much harder than Pulsatilla, and much more likely to have opinions about things. Phosphorus is in between: they have opinions, but are not as tense about them as Carcinosin. Phosphorus is much more relaxed than the other two in this category.

Phosphorus has a dispersed energy. Phosphorus is like the wind itself (as opposed to the wind flower like Pulsatilla). Carcinosin would be a shrub in this analogy.

Carcinsoin is a Phase 2 remedy, and Phosphorus and Pulsatilla are Phase 1 remedies (Note: Refer to Dr. Paul Herscu’s chart in this book for an illustration of the 4 phases that the various remedies can belong to.)

Organizational traits of Phosphorus & Pulsatilla vs. (versus) Carcinosin

Of the three sweet remedies, Carcinosin is by far the most organized and neat. As a rule, they dress more neatly than the other two. Phosphorus is too spacey and ethereal to be as organized as Carcinosin. Phosphorus and Pulsatilla are not necessarily sloppy either, but they don’t have to be organized to feel balanced. The uptightness of Carcinosin causes them to feel very tense about organization and cleanliness. They feel out of balance if they cannot be clean and orderly.

Carcinosin can also get very irritated if people around them are not organized. So, if you are stuck amongst the three, ask them “how organized are you?” Whether they like to dance or not (according to the Materia Medica, Carcinosin likes to dance) is not going to help you since all the three soft and sweet remedies can like to dance. This is an example of how the Materia Medica can be misleading.

II. Differences between two similar remedies:

Phosphorus (type B personality) vs. Carcinosin (type A personality):

Carcinosin is not as relaxed as Phosphorus. Carcinosin is Type A, and Phosphorus is Type B.

Phosphorus is not worried about minute details. Carcinosin is a bit uptight about small details and has a lot of worries. Phosphorus does not come across worried even if they feel anxiety inside. Phosphorus comes across relaxed, like Sulphur does.

Fruit analogy: Energetically, Phosphorus is typically like a ripe orange which is juicy and soft inside. Carcinosin is usually like a crisp apple which is harder on the inside than an orange.

Carcinosin talks in a cautious way because of all the fears that are present in this remedy type.

One does not get that sense of cautiousness when talking with Phosphorus.

Phosphorus vs. Pulsatilla

Phosphorus individuals are more relaxed than Pulsatilla. To use Ayurvedic terms, Phosphorus tends to be more kapha, while Pulsatilla is more vata or pitta. Both constitutions can come in all doshas, however. Phosphorus is more emotionally independent and stable; whereas, Pulsatilla is much more clingy, and tends to be emotionally volatile. The common emotional complaint or disorder for Phosphorus is anxiety. Pulsatilla either suffers from bipolar depression or mood swings. Phosphorus is suggestible, Pulsatilla is malleable. In his book Essence of Materia Medica, George Vithoulkas says, “Pulsatilla is a river shaped by its surroundings. Phosphorus is

a cloud, also changing, but diffusing.” Phosphorus is more talkative than Pulsatilla, but more emotionally stable. The mood of Pulsatilla changes rapidly. Pulsatilla can be liked or not by others, but nearly everyone likes Phosphorus with their relaxed and kind nature. Generally speaking, Phosphorus tends to be more generous than Pulsatilla, meaning that they can give more of themselves to others. When you are seeing someone as a patient, they are in their weaker state. In a weakened state, Pulsatilla can come across a bit needy and clingy, whereas Phosphorus will seem somewhat giving and independent even in a weakened state. Phosphorus might like to give hugs (out of being loving), but Pulsatilla is more likely to enjoy receiving hugs (out of neediness). Phosphorus does not come in the “reserved” variety. Pulsatilla, however, can

come in both varieties, social and reserved. (Keep in mind, however, that Pulsatilla is often social and sometimes reserved.)

Carcinosin vs. Pulsatilla

Both constitutional types are sweet natured, but Carcinosin has a much stronger and more intense personality than Pulsatilla. In a Carcinosin/Pulsatilla relationship, the Carcinosin is definitely going to be the stronger one. However, it doesn’t take much to be stronger than Pulsatilla.

Pulsatilla is soft and usually very flexible with their ideas since they are people pleasers.

However, Carcinosin, though kind and loving, is not as flexible with their ideas as Pulsatilla although they can come across soft like Pulsatilla.

Carcinosin treats almost everyone with kindness and love; however, Pulsatilla tends to be more selective in whom they love. As a rule, Pulsatilla is definitely more selfish than Carcinosin.

Physically, Pulsatilla tends to have a dry mouth (and yet no thirst) in majority of the cases you will see. Carcinosin does not have this keynote. Almost all Carcinosins (even Caucasian ones) have darker hair; however, most Caucasian Pulsatillas have lighter-colored hair. It is infrequent

that I see a Caucasian Pulsatilla patient with black hair.

2) High intensity (angry/irritable) remedies:

The “high intensity” constitutional types tend to be angry and/or highly irritable.

Causticum:

All about social welfare/justice for all; often involved in volunteer activities to help a social cause

Great anger over injustice

Very sincere

Always strong personalities

Sometimes irritable. If irritable, their irritability might feel a bit like Ignatia.

OCD (checking and rechecking tasks compulsively)

Body temperature is cold

Almost always some neurological symptom

They can be very nice like the “soft and sweet” category remedies, but you can feel the intensity in them. Causticum is the nicest of all the common “intense” remedies. They are emotionally strong and confident, but often not as mentally confident as, say, Sulphur.

Ignatia:

Raw nerve feeling about them (irritable)

Touchy and cranky

Type A

Often high strung and idealistic, works hard to reach her ideals

Predominantly a female remedy

Sighs often to release the tension inside

Can be very critical of others

Connects well with others

Body temperature is not an issue (unlike the other intense remedies)

Sometimes there is a feature in her face that is not normal

The shape of the lips is often a giveaway- they reflect anger

(Animal: A cat whose tail is being stepped on)

They like to engage emotionally like Lachesis, unlike Nux that likes to engage mentally.

Three I’s of Ignatia: Irritable, Industrious, and Idealistic.

Kali carb:

Very rigid, inflexible and dry (very law abiding)

Extremely organized

Overly serious (often intimidating to others)

Cannot read the emotion behind their eyes- they have a cold feeling

For all practical purposes, the eyes of a Kali carbonicum person are impossible to read. They won’t let you in. The expression in their eyes will likely look the same whether they hate or love you. Natrum muriaticum is reserved, but you can at least try to guess what they are feeling/thinking by the expression in their eyes or their body language.

Lachesis:

Passionate and intense

Aggressive

Very verbal and enjoys engaging with you emotionally during the interview

She feels hot/warm physically.

Often has left sided symptoms

(Animal: Snake)

There is a subcategory of Lachesis that is much more difficult to spot. They tend to be more introverted and not quite as visibly loquacious as the typical type. They are very pleasant and are not aggressive like most other Lachesis individuals. You can tell, however, that they are strong and have intense emotions. If extremely frustrated, they can be aggressive, but not nearly as much as the typical type of Lachesis individual. You can feel the strong suppression and their holding back.

Nux vomica:

Serious and angry

Type A and discontent

Extremely hardworking

Very masculine (males and females)

Very organized

Body feels cold

Usually, she has definition to her facial bones (unless very overweight)

(Animal: Lion)

Nux vomica often enjoys engaging with you during the interview, but more on a mental level, not an emotional level. This is a remedy for both males and females, but Nux vomica always has a very masculine energy, even in women. They are always trying to fix things (malcontent).

Differences among the “intense (angry/irritable)” remedies

I. General differences among the “intense” remedies:

Note that Kali carb is much more obvious than the other five remedies in this category. Kali carbs are too dry to talk or connect with you. You can get their remedy almost immediately.

Intense remedies (with the exception of Kali carb) can be warm and able to connect to people wonderfully, especially Causticum, Ignatia, and Lachesis. This does not mean they are in the soft/warm category. Intense remedies are not SOFT. Nux vomica people come across more cold than warm. Intense people can CONNECT wonderfully because they are intense. Ignatia, for example, connects better than most other remedies. If an intense remedy gets excited and intense about something, or upset, they can get forceful. This will not feel nice to others. They have no difficulty saying to me “No, I don’t want your resident doctor to be present during my visit with you.” A soft/sweet remedy would never have the heart to say that.

Body temperature differences among the intense remedies

Lachesis is the only one that definitely feels warm physically.

Ignatia has average body temperature.

Causticum and Nux feel cold in their body.

Personality differences among the intense remedies

Of all these five remedies, Causticum is the “nicest” of all, and Kali carb is the least “nice” of all.

You will likely have a much harder time spotting Causticum because they can be so nice that some of you might think these patients belong to the soft and sweet category. If you evaluate them carefully, however, you will see the intensity in them. Causticum, of all the intense remedies, is a remedy that seems to have an easier time being nice. They don’t have to work at it as hard as the other intense remedies. Ignatia, on the other hand, does have to work at it.

Nux vomica will not work at being nice- they are satisfied with how they behave, and will not change their ways to accommodate others. It would be rather difficult for a Lachesis to stop their lashing out even if they wanted to change their behavior.

Causticum is the least selfish of the remedies in the “intense” category. Other intense remedies such as Nux vomica, Ignatia, Lachesis or Kali carb get intense and angry due to more selfish reasons; however, Causticum becomes intense when working for the good and welfare of others, or what they think is good for others. They may hurt someone needlessly in the process of doing “good” for another. This is where Causticum’s behavior becomes questionable.

Behaviorally speaking, from warmest to coldest personality: Causticum, Ignatia, Causticum, Nux vomica and Kali carb. Causticum and Ignatia are the warmest personalities and are most social. Lachesis can be very warm too but may be harder to have a pleasant conversation with.

Nux is definitely the least warm (personality wise) compared to the other three remedies, but very social. This may confuse some of you if you equate being social with having a warm personality- not so.

Lachesis is significantly more into looking beautiful and wanting to appear physically attractive.

Nux vomica, Ignatia, and Causticum are not nearly as much into their appearance.

Approximate frequency with which I see these 5 intense remedies in my practice

Ignatia: One or two per week

Nux vomica: One per month

Causticum, Lachesis, and Kali carb: One every several months

Intense remedies- Are all of them type A?

No.

Ignatia and Nux are always type A.

Kali Carb is always type A.

Causticum and Lachesis – I would not classify these remedies as type A even if they seem to be type A. The high morals of Causticum should not be confused with a type A personality. Type A individuals want to do things the “right” way because they are type A, not necessarily because

of some high morals (although they can have high morals).

Morality among the intense remedies

Causticum has some of the highest morals of the intense (and non-intense remedies).

Ignatia is also very moral. Nux vomica is too busy working to worry about morals, although they might tend to be more concerned about morals than many people. Lachesis is not too concerned about morals. Kali carb likes to think they are moral by abiding by the rules/regulations. They are more dogmatic than moralistic.

Gender predominance among the intense remedies

All my Lachesis patients so far have been female. Ignatia, which is another intense remedy, is also predominantly female. Nux vomica, on the other hand, is a very masculine constitution.

I have seen an equal number of male and female Nux vomicas, however. Causticum is not as masculine as Nux vomica, and I have had more female Causticums in my practice than males.

(Note, however, that more females see naturopaths than males. Therefore, it’s difficult to quantify gender.)

II. Differences between two similar remedies

Nux vomica vs. Ignatia

These remedies are both intense, and can be mistaken for one another. Ignatias do NOT have the aggressiveness, anger and charisma of Nux vomica. Additionally, unlike Nux vomicas who like to engage more on a mental level, Ignatias like to engage emotionally. Using the animal analogies, Ignatia is similar to a cat, but Nux vomica is similar to a lion.

Lachesis vs. Ignatia

Both remedies are emotionally warm. Lachesis people are pleasant until you make them angry; however, they are not irritable. Ignatia is almost always mildly irritated even if they are in a perfect environment. When Lachesis is mad, they can be unfair about things. Ignatia, when angry, is definitely not as hurtful as Lachesis. The peak of anger and intensity in Ignatia might be high though. Ignatia might get upset if you step on their ideals. Lachesis does not necessarily have the idealism of Ignatia. I might see a Lachesis patient every 4-6 months, whereas Ignatia is much more common.

Ignatia vs. Phosphorus

Ignatia can be very friendly, warm, and social. A beginning homeopath might think she is Phosphorus. She is very strong, and definitely not very relaxed. This is how you know she cannot possibly be Phosphorus. Phosphorus is warm AND RELAXED. They don’t get worked up much. Ignatia is friendly and social, and might even laugh a lot. But, if you just wait long enough, you will see the tension and irritability of the Ignatia show its head.

Causticum vs. Nux Vomica

Even though Causticum is intense, they do not come across very aggressive like Nux vomica.

In other words, Causticum can be aggressive, but aggression does not define Causticum like it defines Nux vomica.

Causticum vs. Ignatia

Ignatia and Causticum can both have an exposed/raw nerve feeling about them; however, the “exposed/raw nerve feeling” is rare in Causticum, but defines Ignatia. Both Causticum and Ignatia are idealistic. Ignatia is idealistic in every area of their life. Causticum’s mission centers mostly on doing good for others or for working towards assuring the presence of justice in the society. For example, Ignatia is likely to try to attain an optimal state of wellness on all levels; however, Causticum may ignore her health at the cost of doing what they consider good for others.

Causticum is typically too impatient like Ignatia to deliver their kind message in a soft and nurturing way. Instead, they offer you help and like to move on quickly. Causticum tends to have difficulty connecting with others; they are a bit removed. They can be friendly, but not intimate with others like Ignatia. Causticum often has low libido; which is a reflection of their inability to connect with others. Ignatia, on the other hand, tends to have high libido. On the physical level, Causticum tends to have more neurological symptoms (i.e. numbness); however, Ignatia is more likely to have problems with their muscles (i.e. twitches/spasms). In fact, Causticum always has some (even if minor) neurological symptom(s).

Causticum vs. Carcinosin

Since Causticums have high ideals and are very sincere, a beginning practitioner can initially mistake them for a remedy in the “soft and sweet” category such as Carcinosin. You know, however, that you are not dealing with a remedy in the “soft and sweet” category when you see the shear charisma, power and intensity in their eyes, hear it in their voice, and observe it in their overall personality.

It is the intensity and the drive to do well for others, often on a larger scale, in a “gutsy” way, that defines Causticum. Carcinosin also cares very much for others; however, Carcinosin cares in a much softer and warmer way than Causticum. Causticum is more cold and matter-of-fact about the way in which they care for others.

3) The “other” common remedies:

The “other” category includes constitutional types that do not nicely fit into neither the “soft and

sweet” category nor the “high intensity” category.

Calcarea carbonica (Calc carb):

Very hard working

Very stubborn

Harsh/tough energy, but not intense

Emotionally and intellectually simple people

Always chubby or overweight

(Animal: Ox)

Lycopodium:

Bossy towards those with less authority

Subservient and respectful (due to fear) towards those with more authority

(The above makes Lycopodium. more difficult to perceive than other constitutions.)

Very intellectual, serious, and emotionally dry

Poor self-esteem and feelings of inferiority

Some are introverted and some are extroverted

Often has abdominal bloating and liver problems

Great remedy for liver problems

(Lycopodium is found in UNDA #243 and #1, both are for liver.)

Often right-sided problems

Often has deep brow furrows

(Animal analogy: Owl. Owls are quiet thinkers.)

Medorrhinum:

Extremist in all ways: physically, mentally, and emotionally

Most are excessively and often inappropriately social (more social than

Sulphur and Phosphorus); some are excessively reserved and timid Gazes right into your eyes

Full of desires, yet many fears

Better with discharges; develops severe illness with suppression of d/c

(Animal: A puppy)

Natrum muriaticum (Nat mur):

Reserved and “closed” (averse to consolation, at least when initially upset)

Quiet and not very talkative

Very proper

Vulnerable and gentle (overly sensitive)

Can get teary-eyed easily

They can be the nicest people- even nicer than the “soft and sweet” category, but are not necessarily “sweet”; they are just nice and proper

Often artistic

Perfectionist

Body is on the dry side (look for constipation and/or dry skin)

(Animal: Turtle with head tucked in)

There are two main types of Natrum muriaticum:

1) Sad and depressed type who is reserved

2) Emotionally content, but still reserved.

Sepia:

STASIS IS THE CENTRAL THEME

Often (not always) flat affect and flat voice- She appears bored

Can be nasty and rude when upset (or even when not upset)

Disconnected and indifferent to family and others; has a “don’t care” attitude

“Sepia” (sallow yellowish brown) colored skin

Often has gynecological problems

Silica:

Very poor physical health (numerous physical ailments)

Extremely organized

Extremely detail oriented

Extremely stubborn (but can also give in easily, as opposed to Calc carb who is stubborn and does not give in.)

As a rule, not the warmest personality

Can physically carry themselves like royalty

Often very thin, and never fat (as opposed to Calc carbs who are always chubby or overweight, and are never thin)

Almost always have constipation and/or other GI issues

(Animal: Mouse)

Silica individuals need to take their remedy to stay functioning. Without homeopathic treatment they develop all sorts of chronic illnesses. Their condition may not improve much with other types of therapies, pharmaceutical or natural.

Staphysagria:

Shy

Suppressed anger/frustration (ready to explode) - You can feel the anger under the surface, in an overall nice person. (This is in contrast to Nux vomica, whom you will definitely know is angry- it won’t be under the surface.)

Comes across as sweet/polite (but not as sweet as the people in the soft and sweet category)

They internally feel as if they are royalty- feel superior to others. However, they do not act prideful or carry themselves as if royalty like Silica might.

High libido

Sulphur:

Social

Intellectual, always trying to figure things out, and has an opinion about everything

Often arrogant

Some tend to be lazy and messy

Relaxed energy, not tight. Their relaxedness is similar to Phosphorus

She feels warm/hot

Often has problems with skin and/or acid reflux

Differences among the remedies in the “other” category

I. General differences among the “other” remedies:

Since I have put so many remedies in the “other” category, it is difficult to come up with trends that can go in this section. However, I believe we could contrast Natrum Muriaticum with the “soft and sweet” remedies.

The general differences between the “soft and sweet” remedies and Natrum Muriaticum:

Natrum muriaticum is emotionally/behaviorally “soft”, but not necessarily “sweet”. Therefore, it’s important to point out the difference between Natrum muriaticum and the remedies in the soft and sweet category. Carcinosin tends to be both introverted sometimes and extroverted at other times. These individuals can enjoy having some alone time, but they also like to socialize and be with people at other times. Natrum muriaticum tends to be more private, while Pulsatilla and Phosphorus tend to want to be around people. Of these four remedies, Natrum muriaticum would rather not have attention on her, Carcinosin is okay with attention but may feel shy if there

is too much attention on her, Phosphorus is okay with attention but doesn’t crave it, and Pulsatilla craves attention.

II. Differences between two similar remedies

Sulphur vs. Phosphorus

Sulphur and Phosphorus have a lot in common- they are social, relaxed, warm blooded, emotionally healthy, likable, the life of the party, etc. Physically, they both often feel hot in their body. The main difference is this:

Sulphur has a strong and arrogant mind with strong opinions; Phosphorus has a weak (scattered and often forgetful) and humble mind with relaxed opinions.

Sulphur intellectualizes all the time, whereas Phosphorus usually does not intellectualize at all.

Sulphur wants to know all the details of the therapies recommended to them and probably have some ideas of their own about what they need. They are quite intelligent, and often do have good ideas about things, but the Sulphur signature is that this has gone to their head. This can make them much more confrontational than Phosphorus. The strong mind and ego of a Sulphur can make them argumentative, hard to convince, and hard to talk with sometimes. In an argument, they have to win. Because they are used to winning, and they often do know better, this makes them even more arrogant. Phosphorus does not argue with the power of Sulphur. For

one thing since they are more humble about their opinions they don’t tend to argue as much to begin with. They’re also much less intellectual, with typically weak, scattered minds. They’re not dumb, but certainly not half as bright as Sulphur is.

Another difference between Sulphur and Phosphorus is that Phosphorus will typically feel like socializing with just about anyone. Sulphur will be a little more selective, and may leave if they don’t feel like socializing with a particular person.

Physically, Sulphur is one of the healthiest remedies. However, Phosphorus tends to have numerous health problems due to their extremely scattered Chi or energy.

Sulphur vs. Lycopodium

Both constitutions are arrogant. However Sulphur is confident while Lycopodium is not. In fact, Lycopodium is rather insecure. (Note: Sulphur is not fully confident either, because if they were truly confident, they would not act and feel arrogant. In other words, if anyone acts arrogantly, there must be some insecurity underneath to fuel the arrogant behavior.)

The insecurity and lack of confidence in lycopodium is rather visible. With Sulphur, however, you actually do see a strong air of confidence even if there is some insecurity present underneath.

Sulphurs are and come across very capable.

Sulphur doesn’t care that you are the doctor- they still have their own strong opinions about their health. Lycopodium, on the other hand, is much less likely to argue with you because you are a figure of authority.

Silica vs. Natrum muriaticum

These remedies are similar. Both can appear polite and “together” and neither like confrontation.

Silica can and does confront much more than Natrum muriaticum might. If Silica does not confront, it is because they do not have the ego strength or sheer energy to fight back. Natrum muriaticum does not like confrontation because they are extremely polite and they are afraid of getting hurt. Silica is often weak and frail physically. They are sticklers for details- very anal

retentive. Natrum muriaticum appears stronger physically and is more artistic, not so anal retentive. Natrum muriaticum is always much more polite than Silica. You often are aware of hurt feelings in Natrum muriaticum. Silica is not about hurt, it’s about appearances and details.

Natrum muriaticums are “deep” people. Silica might be sensitive emotionally, but they are not as deep as Natrum muriaticum.

Silica vs Staphysagria

Both of these remedies are very prideful. One of the emotional differences is that Silica acts like a king or queen. Staphysagria, on the other hand, feels king/queen-like. Staphysagrias internally feel as if they are royalty, they feel superior to others. They don’t, however, act very prideful or carry themselves as if royalty like Silica might. And if you don’t treat them like royalty, it hurts them so badly that they can blow up with anger. Silica, on the other hand, doesn’t blow up as big if not treated like royalty.

Silica vs Sulphur

Both of these remedies are more mental than emotional. Silica is detailed-oriented and a bit uptight. Sulphur is relaxed. Physically speaking, in my observation, amongst the main constitutions, Silica has the weakest/sickest body, but Sulphur has the strongest/healthiest body.

Staphysagria vs. Pulsatilla

They both come across as sweet, but Pulsatilla is genuinely sweet. Staphysagria can be sweet, but not necessarily all the time. It depends on when you catch them. When they are in the queen-like state, they can come across arrogant, stubborn, and strong. Pulsatilla patients, on the other hand, even when very angry, don’t come across as strong. They seem weak because of their softness. Staphysagria is not nearly as common a remedy as Pulsatilla.

I have not met many Staphysagrias that are very pleasant, they often seem sour and bitter. On the contrary, I have rarely met a Pulsatilla person who appears bitter to me. Even when angry, Pulsatilla will look to you for approval and acts sweetly. Staphysagria people couldn’t care less about your approval if they are upset.

Natrum muriaticum vs. Pulsatilla (THE TWO GENTLEST REMEDIES)

These two remedies are the two gentlest polycrest remedies, so you need to understand the difference between the two. Other than the obvious differences talked about under each remedy, you might find the following helpful:

A Pulsatilla adult might have the personality of a child.

A Natrum muriaticum child might have the personality of an adult.

I have seen Pulsatilla adults in their sixties who come across as if they are in their teens or early twenties, while Natrum muriaticum kids can seem wise and mature beyond their years. Natrum muriaticum is very quite and proper, whereas Pulsatilla is usually very talkative and can even be loud in some cases. Natrum muriaticums are very thoughtful of others while Pulsatilla, as a rule, is much more selfish. Natrum muriaticum is more insecure, while Pulsatilla is more secure, yet still soft and yeilding. Natrum muriaticum can be more forceful if they want to.

Natrum muriaticum vs. Carcinosin

When anxious, a Carcinosin person can seek protection, but a Natrum muriaticum individual can seek isolation instead of protection:

Carcinosin: Anxiety  seek protection

Natrum muriaticum: Anxiety  seeks isolation

They both feel their emotions very strongly, but Carcinosin shows it on an external level, while Natrum muriaticum feels it internally.

Sepia vs. Ignatia

If an Ignatia upsets you and you confront them and talk in a civilized way, they are likely to say they are sorry if they made a mistake. They can’t help their irritability, but will not be outright rude. On the other hand, if you confront Sepia, they are far less likely to say they are sorry because they really don’t seem to care. They can be sarcastic by nature, and some of them would be considered downright rude. Even in the ones that do not say rude things, you can still feel a sarcastic, rude energy under the surface.

Medorrhinum vs. Hyoscyamus

They are both socially inappropriate. However, Medorrhinum is in phase 2. Hyoscyamus is in phase 4, and is restless, hypersexual, exhibitionistic, and has muscular tics. Medorrhinum has a lot of fears and can be hypersexual, but not necessarily exhibitionistic.

III. INTENSITY GRAPH

Categorization of the top remedies based on their intensity

This graph shows, in a simplified way, the general essence of each of the most common remedies based on their intensity and does not represent all possible states of each remedy.

Spikes in the graph represent anger or emotional outbursts. Pointy spikes represent more intense and abrupt outbursts. Rounder spikes are softer and gentler outbursts.

• Very intense and angry: Nux vomica, Lachesis, Causticum, and Ignatia

• Medium to high intensity: Sulphur

• Medium intensity: Calc carb (very level energy in a healthy way)

• Medium to low intensity (lively, but not angry): Carcinosin, Phosphorus, and Pulsatilla

• Low intensity, but w/ intense anger outbursts: Staphysagria

• Low intensity: Silica and Natrum muriaticum

• Low intensity and energetically “flat”: Sepia

When one of these constitutional types experiences an anger outburst, the size of the peak as illustrated on the graph is an approximation of how intense their anger can get. For Sepia, the size of their peak can be high, but not as high as the intense people like Nux vomica and Lachesis. Sepia doesn’t have the energy to be intense all the time, but when they do blow up, they can blow up with more intensity than the soft/sweet category remedies but not with as much intensity as the “intense” category remedies such as Nux vomica. On a day-to-day basis, Sepia comes across flat and low energy. Even when Sepia is nasty and rude, they still might sound like

the air has been knocked out of them. This is why I have placed them at the bottom of the intensity graph.

Phosphorus or other softer remedies do not have any tall peaks in the graph, but they can become angry too. However, it would be out of character for them to do so. Plus, Phosphorus won’t be angry in the same intense, charismatic way that a Nux Vomica would. Thus the shorter peaks in the Phosphorus graph versus the taller peaks in the Nux Vomica or more intense remedies.

Notice that there is no flatness to Ignatia. Their intensity can be illustrated as a line with spikes going up and down all day long. They can have times when they are a bit flat; but this is not long lasting. Therefore, there might be a bit of exaggeration in the graph, but this is to illustrate a very important aspect of Ignatia- their irritation, industrious and idealistic nature leads to unrest and dissatisfaction with how things are. Furthermore, they constantly try to enhance whatever is “not perfect” in their view. This unrest and agitation translates to their energy flow not being very smooth- thus, the squiggly graph for Ignatia.

I could not come up with a straightforward graphic representation of the three remedies Lycopodium, Medorrhinum and Kali carb. Therefore, even though these remedies are covered in this book, they are left out of the Intensity Graph.

It is important to note that in the Polycrest Algorithm, I have not classified the remedies into high, medium and low intensity. The “high intensity” remedies are always intense even when relaxed. The “soft and sweet” remedies can come in any intensity. And, “the others” category remedies can be medium or low in intensity, and on rare occasions, in high intensity.

More details to distinguish remedies

Approximate order in which remedies hold in their emotions

Some remedies, such as Natrum muriaticum, are extremely reserved and tend to hold their emotions in. Other remedies, such as Lachesis, as a rule, cannot avoid talking about their emotions. Even though everyone can talk about their emotions, and everyone can be reserved at times, if I were to write a list of some of the top remedies based on their level of reservedness

(from most reserved on the left to least reserved on the right), I would offer the following:

Natrum muriaticum, Staph, Carcinosin, Calc carb, ….. , Causticum, Nux and Ignatia

Natrum muriaticum will hardly ever share their emotions with others. Staph will hold them in, and then they might explode. Carcinosin is simply suppressed. They hold their emotions in, and once in a while get upset, and might even get angry. They are not as likely to blow up like a Staph, however. Ignatia might try to hold their emotions in, but irritation seeps out continuously.

In addition to their irritation seeping out, Ignatia can and does get angry.

Note that Kali carb and Natrum muriaticum are both very reserved. Neither one talks much during the interview. How do you know which one is which? You can’t tell what is going on inside a Kali carb person. The expression in their eyes is like that of closed doors. Natrum muriaticum people are significantly nicer people than Kali carbs, and often appear hurt

emotionally.

Tone of voice in homeopathy

You can’t go by the depth of the voice, ONLY tone of voice. A deeper, more masculine quality does not mean a more intense remedy. I have a male Pulsatilla patient with a very deep voice.

However, his tone of voice is very feminine.

What does the person’s tone of voice tell you about their character? Harshness versus gentleness, aggressiveness versus passiveness, anger and hate versus kindness and compassion?

Pulsatilla sounds gentle, often with a childish and more feminine tone of voice. (Notice, you can have a feminine tone of voice even if your voice is deep and masculine.)

Carcinosin sounds gentle, but you can hear some worry in their voice. Sometimes, their voice has a crackling nature to it, demonstrating being on the verge of tears.

Ignatia tends to have a very clear, choppy voice. I have met exceptions, but as a rule, their voice is clear as opposed to muffled. The choppy voice goes along with their choppy emotional state (Refer to the squiggly line in the intensity graph for the representation of their intensity.)

Nux vomica sounds very strong, intense, and in control. Nux vomica males tend to have a very masculine, strong and deep voice.

Physical appearance and features of some of the top polycrests

The main criterion for choosing the correct remedy is the full emotional/mental and the physical picture. However, in the following descriptions are some significant generalizations on the physical appearance and features of some of the top polycrest remedies. If I have not shared a correlation between a particular remedy and particular physical traits (such as body weight or hairstyle), then I have not observed such a correlation; not that it does not or cannot exist.

Overall physical appearance and bodily movements

Kali carb and Silica body movements are more rigid. Silica can look and move like a mouse.

Silica bodies are weak and scrawny, but also sort of rigid and stiff, like the cartoon character Pinocchio. When they walk, they appear like a stick- stiff and wooden like. I have noticed that often Silica patients move their body as if they are royalty- as if they want you to know they are special. Most Carcinosin individuals have a tight body, and move with a bit of reservation.

They do not have the fluidity of Phosphorus and Sulphur in their movement. I believe the tightness in the physical body of Carcinosin is due to all the worry and anxiety in their being.

Sulphur individuals stand and move in a very relaxed and confident way. They come across more relaxed (physically and emotionally) than all the other polycrests. Phosphorus is also relaxed and appears relaxed in her body, but tends to have anxiety and does not appear as confident as say Sulphur in the way they stand or move.

Shape of the face

Nux vomica tends to have well-defined, sharp facial features, including jaw lines and nose, especially in males. If the person happens to be obese, these features will not be as noticeable.

Calc carb tends to have a rounder and harsher face.

Hair texture and color

Pulsatilla often tends to have very soft hair, which correlates to their soft/gentle personality.

Their hair is often blond. It’s rare for me to see black-haired Pulsatillas. Calc carbs tend to have rougher hair texture, which matches their stronger and more stubborn personality. I have never met a blond Carcinosin- they have always been dark haired, either black or dark brown.

Hairstyle

I can talk more about the hairstyle than I can about hair texture as related to people’s constitutions. Is the hairstyle organized and clean, or very relaxed? Does the hair lay on the scalp in a relaxed way or stick up chaotically? Nux vomica tends to have clean haircuts.

Phosphorus and Pulsatilla haircuts tend to be more relaxed. Kali carbs’s personality is extremely rigid and they absolutely hate change. Their haircut is also extremely conservative. Calc carb hairstyle is more straight (as opposed to wavy), and their haircut is often simple which is analogous to their personality. Carcinosin hairstyle, generally speaking, is more organized which matches their OCD personality.

Eyes

Phosphorus and Carcinosin tend to have very sweet and kind eyes to match their personality.

The heavier-set Phosphorus has big, soft, very sweet, deer like eyes. The thinner Phosphorus has kind eyes. Carcinosin often has a slightly bluish sclera (sclera is the white part of the eyes). Carcinosin has tightness in their eyes that Phosphorus doesn’t have. Phosphorus eye movements are softer and less abrupt. Ignatia individuals are often very abrupt behaviorally, and their eye movements are also rapid. Their eyes are sharper, piercing, and protrude more which all match their personality. Kali carb often has eyes that appear emotionless and reserved. It is very difficult to “read” them. Natrum muriaticum is fragile, and their eyes look either deeply hurt, fragile or reserved. The way the eyes are set in the skull is important too. It’s not uncommon to see a Natrum muriaticum with their eyes set more inward (versus popping outward). Their personality is more inward and so are their eyes. Phosphorus eyes protrude more than Natrum muriaticum, resembling how they are on an emotional level- Phosphorus is very extroverted and

Natrum muriaticum is introverted. Additionally, Natrum muriaticum eyes appear deep, reflecting a deeper and a more sophisticated personality as opposed to Calc carb eyes which appear simple, reflecting a simpler and less sophisticated personality profile.

Mouth

In my experience, if the corners of the lips point downward (like a downward facing crescent), this is a sure sign that the person is aggressive. There are two constitutions that can have such lips, Ignatia and Calc carb. Note that this is true in some cases, but not in all the cases among these two constitutions.

Ignatia people tend to have a unique set of lips. Sometimes you will see that their lips stick out. They either have very mean and aggressive lips (they might curve downward on both sides and have a mean look), or have non-aggressive appearing lips (the corners don’t curve downward), but the inner mucosa of the lip is visible even if they hold their mouth in a normal way. It’s almost as if their lips are protruding more than most other people. It’s not just that their lips are full, but they have this sort of turning inside-out effect. As a rule, Ignatia has larger lips- either fuller, or longer, or both. Sometimes, their lips appear odd in a way that is very difficult to detect (unless by a very astute observer) or next to impossible to describe.

Most Calc carbs have normal looking lips. However, some Calc carbs (the meaner type) also have lips that appear aggressive. The aggressive appearance of the lips in these particular Calc carbs often manifests in a way that is similar to Ignatia- the corners of the mouth point downward. They might appear and sometimes act like bulldogs, i.e. aggressive and mean. Their facial muscles can be tight and aggressive even though they are chubby. This version of Calc carb can be spotted instantly once you are familiar with their look.

Fingers

Ignatia people have much more intense fingers than the soft/sweet category- Phosphorus, Pulsatilla, or Carcinosin. You can visualize the hands of some Ignatia people pointing a finger at another person in an aggressive/authoritarian way, or slapping someone in the face. Some remedies have strong hands, but you don’t see aggression in their hands. For example, Calc carb has strong hands, but you might have a difficult time seeing them slap someone with those hands.

Pulsatilla has very gentle fingers/hands, probably gentler than all other remedies.

Skin

I can’t say I have seen a significant trend in the skin characteristics of the various common polycrests. However, it’s noteworthy that many Pulsatillas tend to have softer skin, and often look (and act) much younger than their age.

Weight

For the most part, weight doesn’t play a role in finding the constitutional remedy, but there are exceptions. Calc carb is always overweight, chubby, or flabby, or at least larger size. You will NEVER see a thin Calc carb, unless perhaps severely emaciated due to severe illness. I have met numerous Calc carb individuals with various health conditions, and none of them have ever been thin. They tend to have larger bones as opposed to Silica, which tends to have finer, more delicate bones. Calc carb features and physical traits are all tougher, as opposed to the softness you will see in Pulsatilla. You can think of it in the following terms: Calcium is a hard mineralbones

are made of calcium. Calc carb’s tough features remind us of the hardness/toughness of the element calcium. Conversely, Silica can’t be overweight. If you have a person who is overweight, immediately rule out Silica. Phosphorus can be any size, but there tends to be two distinct types: overweight ones and thin/fit ones. The overweight ones are softer in their

mannerism, more easygoing, and potentially more loving.

Clothing

Sulphur clothing is more relaxed as a rule, and sometimes a little messy and smelly. If you have a patient whose clothes smell fowl and disgusting, you should at least consider Sulphur as a remedy. I am not saying that all Sulphurs smell disgusting (only a minority of them do), but the only people that have ever smelled disgusting in my practice have been Sulphurs. On the other hand, Carcinosin tends to have very clean and organized clothes, and have a crispness to their outfits. Ignatia can be similar to Carcinosin in this way, but not as much. Nux vomica looks sharp, crisp, and clean-cut. Pulsatilla is cozy – they wear two layers or wrap themselves with a scarf, not because they are cold (although can be cold like anyone else can be), but to be cozy.

Lachesis wears more sexy and seductive clothing. Natrum muriaticum tends to wear clothes that are more grayish and drab- they are not likely to wear bright colors like Phosphorus and Pulsatilla might. The Natrum muriaticum choice of color is depressed like their mood.

Easiest remedies to spot based on physical appearance

1) Calc carb is always larger and overweight. These are some of the largest people in society. They can have round faces, or square jaw lines (reflecting their stubbornness).

2) Silica is thin, the opposite of Calc carb. Their limbs appear and move like wooden limbs, sort of like the cartoon character Pinocchio.

3) Sepia tends to have sepia-colored skin (sepia is a particular shade of yellow). They often appear very indifferent and bored.

4) Carcinosin always has darker hair color (even amongst Caucasians), often has the blue hue to their sclera and has a tight (as opposed to relaxed) body type.

5) Natrum muriaticum eyes are closed, reserved and often depressed.

At times you can see and detect these constitutions at first glance or within a few seconds since their remedy is based on obvious physical clues.

GET YOUR VOCABULARY RIGHT

USING THE CORRECT WORD TO DESCRIBE A PERSON IS A VERY IMPORTANT

PART OF LEARNING AND PRACTICING HOMEOPATHY. We all need to use and understand the same terminology, or we may miss the remedy. For example, when I say tense, I don’t mean intense. There is a list of about 10-15 words, the meaning of which you must understand really well so we can communicate more easily, at least for the purpose of practicing homeopathy using the Visual Homeopathy technique. Watching the videos for this course should also help tremendously with what is meant by the following terminology.

Notice that in this section, I have tried to list certain remedies under the term(s). This will illustrate what I mean by a certain word. For example, I have listed Ignatia and Carcinosin under the section on “tension”. Once you watch a number of videos of various Ignatia or Carcinosin individuals, you will see for yourself what is meant by the word “tension” in this class.

Angry, aggressive, intense, and tense

Anger and aggression is fairly easy to understand. However, the two words “tense” and “intense” are not so well understood. I’d like to explain the difference between “tense” and “intense” as follows:

“Tension” is created by energy (such as anger) that is meant to come out, but gets pushed back in by the act of suppression. “Intensity”, on the other hand, is energy (such as anger) that is meant to come out and it DOES come out strongly without being suppressed.

Suppressed energy/feelings  Tension

Allowing upset energy/feelings out abruptly  Intensity

Tense people look and feel tense. For example, Carcinosin is a classic “tense” remedy in my categorization. They have a great deal of worry and a history of suppression, all of which leads to tension in their emotional and physical body (their muscles appear tight). Carcinosin can also get intense at times, and let their frustration out in an intense way.

Another tense and intense remedy is Ignatia. Ignatia’s tension tends to ooze out continuously and sometimes be expressed intensely in an outward way.

Both Carcinosin and Ignatia can be tense and intense. However, I’d say that Ignatia is much more tense and intense than Carcinosin. Ignatia is much more charismatic and strong in their intensity than Carcinosin; and they are much more tense and uptight than Carcinosin. Carcinosin is a much more pleasant remedy, and that is why they are in the soft/sweet category as opposed to Ignatia which is placed in the intense category.

Any constitution can be angry and aggressive at times, but far fewer are aggressive in nature on a day-to-day basis. The intense category remedies, including Nux vomica, Lachesis, Ignatia, Causticum and Kali carb are much more likely to be angry and aggressive than the remedies in the other categories. Some remedies from the other less intense categories can also be very angry and aggressive at times, such as Carcinosin, Staphysagria, and Sulphur. However, it is not second nature to these remedies to be angry and aggressive. Staphysagria, for example, can have anger brewing inside, but they rarely let it out, and when they do, it is very explosive in nature.

Carcinosin suppresses their anger, leading to tension.

Note: Be aware that hypoglycemia and some other physical illnesses/imbalances can cause anger in just about any remedy. Therefore, rule out any physiological reason for anger before assuming that anger is a part of a person’s constitution.

Causticum can be angry, but not like Nux and Lachesis. Causticum people are definitely assertive and can be very aggressive. Anyone can be angry at times, but anger is a major part of Nux vomica and not a major part of Causticum. Causticum is more intense than angry.

Nux vomica can be very social and cheerful in their disposition. However, even when smiling and in a good mood, you can tell they are strong and majestic. This puts them in the intense category. Tense individuals can definitely get angry as well. However, you don’t have to be angry to be tense. Often Carcinosin can be very tense, but they are not really angry.

Different types and ways of being tense:

There are different types and ways of being tense. Below I have tried to summarize some of the reasons why a person becomes tense:

o A person can’t wind down.

o Kali carb tension is about stiffness. If things are not going the way they want, they can get stiff and tense.

o Feelings of being uncomfortable and shy like a Carcinosin or Staphysagria person may be interpreted as being tense.

o When a person feels insecure, they can be tense. This is situational, and not necessarily a part of their constitution. For example, if an employer criticizes an employee, the employee can react tensely, even if their remedy is Phosphorus or Calc carb, which are typically not tense.

o If there is irritation and anger under the surface, this can cause tension in the person. When I say tense, I mean “in relation to others.” A Phosphorus who has a difficult time unwinding at the end of the day may be described as tense, but they are not socially tense. So, I would not categorize them as tense.

“Uptight” people need to have things a certain way. So tension and uptightness can be related in a certain way.

Again, you can be either tense or intense or both. To me, being intense implies having charisma and strength of character. Intense people also come across as invasive, in their manner or their energy. Causticum, for example, tends to be very intense, sometimes very visibly and sometime

not quite as obviously, unless you talk to them. Causticum can be somewhat tense as well.

Ignatia is very tense, but are not as intense as Nux vomica. Nux vomica can be even more intense than Causticum or Ignatia, but since they tend to release it easily (by frequent anger outbursts or by simply being very assertive and often aggressive) instead of holding it in like Ignatia tends to, I’d not consider Nux vomica a tense remedy at all.

Tense people can be snappy. If someone snaps, you can put her in the category of “tense.”

Anyone can snap. Ignatia can be snappy a good amount of the time, but Phosphorus people are rarely snappy. So, the question is: how frequently is a trait is manifested? This is a very critical point. If a Calc carb comes in and smiles, often my students think that the person is

Phosphorus just because they smiled. They forget to look at the rest of the person. Calc carbs are not sweet and soft. They might be (and often are) “nice,” but they are not “soft or sweet.”

By the same token, not everyone who smiles nicely is Phosphorus or Pulsatilla. Look at the rest of the person. Calc carb is very hard and strong on the inside, compared to the soft/sweet remedies. Remember not to be fooled by your patients’ superficial facial expressions.

IMPORTANT: Sometimes some traits, such as intensity, can get buried over by a particular disease process. Often, traits are obvious (especially if you are intuitive, and pay close attention to the patient’s behavior while they are in your presence), but sometimes they can be difficult to discern. For example, I have a MS patient who is Causticum, and definitely has the intensity present in her, but not as obviously as it could be if she did not suffer from MS. The pathology of MS brings about weakness, which can overshadow the intensity of character in a person. How did I detect the intensity in her? One of the signs that clued me in on her being intense was how she periodically flared her nostrils when she became emotional about a particular subject.

During her case taking, I asked her how she USED TO BE when younger; what was she like when she did not have MS. In response, she expressed how in high school, she was always looking out for weaker individuals. This translates to “anger over injustices” which is a keynote for Causticum. Causticum can have neurological symptoms (numbness in various parts of their body) of various sorts as well, and MS is a neurodegenerative disease. Noting the intenseness in her (although subdued), along with the diagnosis of MS and the “anger over injustices,” I decided on Causticum as her constitutional remedy. This remedy has helped her MS symptoms very much, although she is not cured yet.

Can any remedy act “crazy”?

The answer is yes; even a soft and sweet remedy like Pulsatilla or Carcinosin can act in crazy ways or be certifiably psychotic. The reason I am pointing this out is if you happen to see someone who is acting very vicious on the surface, it doesn’t mean that you automatically put them in the intense category. You could be dealing with a very out of balance Pulsatilla, Carcinosin, or Phosphorus, the soft and sweet remedies (I have never seen a Phosphorus person act crazy, but I have seen Pulsatilla and Carcinosin act in a crazy way). You should always look at how the patient is most of the time, not just some of the time.

Antagonistic

Refer to section on “stubbornness.”

Anxiety/worry

Think Carcinosin, Arsenicum and Phosphorus. I have had only two Arsenicum patients in the last year, but over 30 Carcinosins. Fears can lead to anxiety and worry. Carcinosin can have many fears leading to much worry and anxiety. Other remedies, of course can have fears too.

For example, most Calc carbs are afraid of being financially poor. Most of us are concerned about money, but Calc carb is more intensely afraid of being poor.

Arrogant

Think Sulphur and Lycopodium. A teenage Sulphur boy in my practice stated, “I know I’m different from others, and out of the ordinary, and I’m proud of it.” He uttered this sentence with strong confidence. A Carcinosin, Pulsatilla, or Phosphorus or other polycrests would not speak such words, and even if they did, they would do so with a smile on their face, in a joking way, not an arrogant way like Sulphur would. Lachesis can be haughty, in a sexual as opposed to intellectual way, like Sulphur. Lycopodium acts arrogant towards people who are “lower” than them, but not everyone; as opposed to Sulphur who acts arrogant towards everyone.

Boring, bored, disengaged, flatness

Anyone can be boring at times; however, a few remedies appear bored, disengaged and flat much of the time. Sepia is going to appear bored and flat even if they feel happy. There is a difference between the flatness of a Sepia and depression. Sepia hardly ever looks excited, even if they feel

excited a little bit inside. My experience has been that they don’t feel extremely excited about anything. That may be why they look for exercise or other means to come to life. A depressed person might come across bored, but that does not mean that they are bored in their nature. Once

a depressed person feels better, their true nature will come out. You need to be able to detect your patients’ true nature, not their condition (depression, etc). Discern between being bored and being depressed. A Carcinosin can be depressed, for example, but they are definitely not

bored or boring individuals. They like to organize things, dance, long for things, etc.

Closed or open

People who are social and friendly are considered “open”. On the other hand, those who are reserved and private are considered “closed”. If the patient is quite open, think of Phosphorus first, and then Pulsatilla. If very closed and reserved, think of Natrum muriaticum or Kali carb.

Confrontation

Some people do not like to confront others because rejection hurts them deeply, like Natrum muriaticum.

When you read the Materia Medica for Silica, it says that they lack internal grit. I used to think that this means that Silica does not like confrontation. I have come to see that Silica is a very confrontational remedy. They just do so in a more fragile way than an intense remedy such as Nux vomica or Lachesis.

People who don’t mind confrontation might say things like: “Well, I just state it as it is.” This statement sounds confident and could be from any of the following main polycrests: Calc carb (emotionally solid and stable), Nux vomica (aggressive), Lachesis (aggressive), and Sulphur (confident). Even Phosphorus might make such a statement due to their openness and Simple mindedness, not that they necessarily want to confront others.

Consolation, averse to = Reserved

Being averse to consolation implies that the person is reserved. When your patient is averse to consolation, think of Natrum muriaticum as the number one possibility. Once Natrum muriaticum is upset, they typically need a certain amount of time to collect themselves before they let anyone in. Natrum muriaticums are extremely reserved. Usually, a Natrum muriaticum might really want to be consoled, but reject it anyway due to the fear of getting hurt. This is very important to discern by questioning, as you might not feel it until you ask very specifically.

When I had just started doing constitutional homeopathy, I prescribed Carcinosin to a patient, which she did not find useful at all. She was very romantic, very sweet and kind, very organized, and had black hair; thus the prescription Carcinosin. She had previously told me she was OK with consolation. When I asked at her follow up, “How do you feel about being consoled when you are upset?” She said, “Well, I do crave consolation when I am upset, but I reject it.” When I asked her why, she said she was just too afraid of getting hurt. She was a perfect Natrum

muriaticum. I gave her Natrum muriaticum 1M on the spot, and she started to feel better emotionally and physically within minutes after she took the remedy. There was a sensation of tightness in her chest that simply disappeared. This is also a Natrum muriaticum trait- having tightness in the chest, which is due to holding in all that grief and hurt.

Content, lack of

If the person is malcontent and dissatisfied, think of Nux vomica and Ignatia. The “sweet” remedies are not nearly as dissatisfied. Nux is malcontent; Ignatia is irritable and idealistic.

Crying

Does the patient cry at all? How much? Can they control it? This last question is a critical one.

Everyone cries at some point in her life. However, for a Pusatilla person, crying is a major part of their life. If you see a person who appears mild, but they hardly ever cry (once a year), you should seriously doubt giving them Pulsatilla. Another remedy that often develops tearful eyes when talking about their emotions is Natrum muriaticum.

Depression/Grief

Classically Ignatia and Natrum muriaticum are known as “grief” remedies. However, ANY REMEDY CAN HAVE DEPRESSION AND GRIEF. Therefore, be careful with this particular classification. Depression and fatigue are the top two complaints I treat on a daily

basis in my practice, and I see depression in all constitutions, so don’t limit yourself to just the “grief” remedies Natrum muriaticum and Ignatia if you see a depressed patient. Conversely, I have had a number of Ignatia patients who are not depressed at all, and they are not aware of any grief in their life.

A Sepia person may simply be flat, but not necessarily depressed. Aurum is always depressed, and Natrum muriaticum is always hurt (and often depressed). Phosphorus might have to tell you that they are taking an anti-depressant medication; otherwise, you might not notice their depression since their nature comes across so bubbly, open and light.

Mean

Any remedy can be mean and vicious. The more intense remedies are more likely to be mean.

The soft/sweet remedies are least likely to be mean, but they can be. Pulsatilla can be mean because they are needy, and they can get mean if their needs are not met. Phosphorus is emotionally independent and not needy, so even less likely than Pulsatilla to be mean. I have had Phosphorus patients who are a pain to work with for various reasons, but they are not mean.

I mention this because most beginning practitioners are under the impression that Phosphorus is somehow angelic in every way.

Nice

Notice that being “nice” does not necessarily mean that you are a sweet or a warm person. The most likely of the top polycrests to be “nice” are the soft/sweet remedies (Pulsatilla, Phosphorus, Carcinosin) and a few of the medium intensity remedies such as Natrum muriaticum and Calc carb. This does not mean that other remedies cannot be “nice”. Even a Mercurius person, who may be homicidal, can be nice. A Nux vomica can be tamed and nice. I think all Natrum muriaticums are nice, but most of them are not warm at all. In fact, they tend to be more on the cold side. You should be able to feel whether a person is nice or not on an energetic level.

However, you can also ask your patient how others tend to view them. If the patient says, “Everyone in my life always tells me that I am so nice,” and if you feel that they truly are nice, then think of the nice remedies mentioned here. Remember, we are analyzing polycrest prescribing and we are focusing on the top remedies that you are more likely to see in your practice.

Organized

Carcinosin, Silica, Nux vomica, and Kali carb are all organized. I have never met a Carcinosin who was not organized. All Kali carbs are organized. Most Nux vomica individuals are organized, but they don’t absolutely have to be. If the extreme level of organization in your patient is something that catches your attention, think of these four polycrests. The rest of their personality traits will help you find their remedy. Note that Phosphorus or other polycrests can be organized, but you won’t feel an “edge” in their need to organize. Kali carbs are master organizers who won’t feel overwhelmed and tense by doing organizational work (Note: Kali carb is tense, but their tension is not related to organizing.) Carcinosin can be organized, but is often anxious about the whole subject.

Clean versus detail oriented/precise/accurate

There is a difference between being detail oriented/precise/accurate and clean. Carcinosin is clean and neat, but isn’t necessarily (although can be) detail-oriented, accurate and precise. They can make a lot of wrong moves, but they are clean. Silica is detail oriented, accurate AND they’re clean. As far as accuracy, I can’t say whether one particular remedy is more accurate

than others. Silica is almost pathological about details and structure. Carcinosin, however, is pathological about being clean.

Serious

Kali carb, Nux vomica, and Causticum are serious. It does not make sense to ask a patient “Are you serious?” You should be able to intuitively feel this trait. Causticum can be serious, but does not have to be. The other two remedies, Kali carb and Nux vomica, however, are always serious. (Note: Even “serious” people can laugh and have fun, especially Causticum and Nux vomica. Kali carb is probably the only remedy amongst the top polycrests that I just can’t visualize having fun.)

Shyness

Of all the polycrests, Staphysagria and Natrum muriaticum are the most shy. How does shyness manifest in a patient sitting in front of you? They tend to occupy less “space” in the room, energetically speaking. Carcinosin and Pulsatilla can sometimes be shy as well.

Social/ Happy

These traits can be a part of many remedies, so this is not the best way to narrow down your search for a remedy. If a person is happy and social, this does not make them Phosphorus. It could be a Silica person who is happy and social, or an Ignatia.

Softness/gentleness

The softest polycrest remedies are Pulsatilla and Natrum muriaticum. Softness in Visual

Homeopathy implies gentleness in action and behavior. Even though Carcinosin is typically very nice and sweet, and can be very soft as well, I have met a number of Carcinosins who are so intense that their softness is buried deep inside them.

Strong willed, stubborn, obstinate, antagonistic

Calc carb and Silica are definitely stubborn. Calc carb is stubborn inside and out, but Silica is stubborn on the inside but more mild and yielding on the outside than Calc carb. You can ask your patients if they think they are stubborn (or strong willed) or if others have told them that they are stubborn. Can other remedies be stubborn? Sure, but these two are at the top of the list of the most stubborn polycrests. The stubbornness is very close to the surface; it is a major trait that defines them. The more intense remedies, such as Nux vomica and Causticum, can be stubborn as well, but you will not confuse them for Calc carb and Silica. Calc carb is strong but is not intense. However, when very angry, a Calc carb can come across intense too, just not as forceful as the “intense” remedies. Think about where the patient is and how are they are operating MOST of the time. A Calc carb is not in the intense category most of the time. They are stable and strong for the most part. They can become intense when fighting. This does not put them in the intense category. Nux vomica spends most of the time being intense.

How does the trait “obstinate” translate to reality in case taking? If the patient states, “If I don’t like something, I will just tell you as it is,” this implies that the person is strong-willed and stubborn in nature. Does a Pulsatilla person do this? No. How likely is it that Phosphorus would say this? I’d say unlikely. A Calc carb patient uttered this sentence when he first started to talk about himself. You see, people just give their remedy away if you know what to listen for.

If the patient is antagonistic about whatever you say, they can’t possibly be Pulsatilla, and are unlikely to be Phosphorus or Carcinosin. Think of stubborn remedies, such as Calc carb or Silica, if the patient is antagonistic and stubborn. Also, think of the more charismatic and strong remedies such as Causticum, Nux vomica and Lachesis, who can also be stubborn, but

remember, you need to look at the other traits to find out exactly which remedy you are dealing with. I recently had a Phosphorus patient who was very cynical, but she was not obstinate and strong willed, just cynical.

Sweetness, sensitivity, sympathetic

Sweetness is a trait you should be able to detect in your patient without having to ask them “Would you consider yourself to be a sweet person?” A Nux vomica can be sympathetic (like anyone else can at certain times in their life). However, being sympathetic is a major part of being Carcinosin, Phosphorus or Pulsatilla. When you see a person, you can very quickly find

their remedy if you ask yourself where they are on the spectrum of sensitivity/harshness.

From left to right, from softest to harshest, the following remedies can be listed as follows:

Pulsatilla to Phosphorus to Silica to Calc carb to Causticum to Ignatia to Nux vomica and Lachesis.

Silica appears soft and mild on the surface, but they do not feel sweet. There is a difference.

They are obstinate and stubborn on the inside. There is harshness within. So, being “soft and mild” does not automatically mean that you are either Pulsatilla or Phosphorus. What’s behind the surface? If stubbornness is present on the inside, then think Silica. If soft and mild on the inside and outside, then think Pulsatilla and Phosphorus.

Remember that disease can affect a person’s level of sweetness. A Phosphorus person with a debilitating chronic cough can be frustrated and somewhat angry at times. This does not make them Nux vomica. If you sense sweetness in their soul, you can ignore the superficial layer of

frustration and anger. Nux vomica is simply aggressive (and often angry) at their core. Nux vomica may be sweet at times, but sweetness is not a core characteristic of theirs.

Suppressed, emotionally (leads to tension)

According to the Webster dictionary, suppression means to “exclude from consciousness”.

Suppressed individuals hold themselves back from experiencing their feelings and/or expressing their feelings. During your patient interview, you need to try to detect whether your patient is noticeably suppressed or not. A few of the top polycrests are noticeably suppressed or have a history of suppression: Staphysagria, Carcinosin, and Natrum muriaticum. How are you going to detect this? You can always feel tension and a feeling of being emotionally uncomfortable in suppressed individuals. You may also feel intensity in such individuals, not just tension.

The energy behind the feeling of suppression tends to want to ooze out from inside the suppressed person without success, creating a feeling of tension in them. Such is the case with Staphysagria and Carcinosin. Carcinosin has history of suppression; however, when you see them, they are some of the most emotional people in the society and feel very deeply. They appear as if they are longing for something.

In some cases, the suppression is on such a deep level that the person is flat with no tension. Such is the case with Natrum muriaticum. Refer to the section on intensity and tension for further information on suppression.

Vulnerability versus insecurity

There is a distinct difference between the two traits vulnerability and insecurity. You can be secure in yourself, yet be sensitive and vulnerable. Vulnerability implies being sensitive. A vulnerable person’s heart does not have much protection around it; that is why they get hurt easily. This is different than being insecure, which implies not being sure of one’s abilities.

Natrum muriaticum is emotionally vulnerable, but not necessarily insecure. Of course, Pulsatilla may also be vulnerable. Anyone can be insecure, but not necessarily emotionally vulnerable.

Warmth

You need to detect the level of emotional warmth in a person by looking at their eyes or feeling their energy, not by paying attention to their actions, as their actions could be pretentious.

All human beings can have emotional warmth. Intense category people can have warmth coming out of their eyes, and so can those in the soft and sweet category. Therefore, it’s difficult to categorize people based on their level of warmth.

Working hard, Industrious

Calc carb and Nux vomica are the hardest working of the top polycrests. Carcinosin and Ignatia can be very hard working too. Of course, a lot of remedies can be “hard working”, not just the ones I am mentioning here. If you ask a Sulphur or Phosphorus person if they are hard working, they might describe themselves as hard working as well. However, Sulphur and Phosphorus are really not in the same class as these other remedies when it comes to being hard working.

If a person has depression and/or fatigue, they may not be able to work as hard as they used to.

You should ask them how hard working they were before they started to feel bad emotionally and/or physically.

IMPORTANT: Note that Calc carbs might not describe themselves as hard working. This is because they have such high standards for themselves that they don’t realize they are being hard working when they work two jobs, then go home and clean the house until they go to bed, every single night, without taking a break on the weekends. Calc carbs work hard even if they don’t have to. Most people work hard if they have to. How do you detect the trait of being hard working in children? Most children are constantly busy playing, so how do you detect this trait in them? Calc carb children busy themselves with things more than other kids. Busy bee is a good term for them. Of course, they are stubborn and chubby as well.

KEY QUESTIONS TO ASK PATIENTS

during homeopathic case-taking…

How to ask questions

In order to avoid hurting the patient’s feelings by direct questioning, I always preface my questions by saying something to the effect that “we can all be stubborn or angry at times, etc., but I am curious whether you... ”? This approach makes the person feel more comfortable

revealing some of their personality traits to me that I may otherwise not learn about if I go just by their “energetic read”. Some traits you can feel kinesthetically, but it’s still helpful to ask

direct questions to learn more about these traits. For example, stubbornness is an example of a

trait that you are often able to feel in the person, but should probably inquire about it from your

patient directly. If you want to find out if a person is stubborn, you can ask, “are you very

strong-willed?” If the answer is yes, you have to probe deeper, and find out how stubborn the

person can get.

What to look out for when you ask your patient or their relatives about the patient

I have found that people can give honest answers much of the time, but you do have to be careful

when asking a person about herself as most people have difficulty facing their negative traits.

Your patient has to be sufficiently intuitive, secure, honest and educated to provide truthful and

accurate answers to the questions you might ask about her personality traits. Since intuition,

being emotionally secure, honesty and high level of education are traits that are not

commonplace among the majority of the people in the society, you have to ask your questions

remembering that you might not get the truth with full accuracy from your patient - thus the

critical need for a kinesthetic approach to case taking.

List of Questions

-Do you get angry? (Or does your child get angry?) How angry? How does your anger come out (yelling, screaming, hitting, hurting yourself, etc.)? Do you break objects, or slam your hand or fist on the table? Nux vomica tends to break objects.

If angry, find out why?

For example,

Natrum muriaticum can be very angry because of hurt emotions.

Staphysagria can be very angry because of suppressed emotions.

Nux is angry because they are just the angry type.

Ignatia is angry because they are simply irritable and idealistic.

Causticum can be angry because: 1) They can simply be irritable. 2) They like to fight for a good cause.

Pulsatilla can be angry because they are not getting enough attention and are clingy in nature.

Keep in mind the person is not going to tell you “I am the angry type,” or “I needed to be hugged

and receive some attention. I didn’t receive enough attention, and that is why I am angry.”

Therefore, you need to be able to sense much of this on your own, kinesthetically or

energetically.

-Do you feel irritable much of the time? An honest Ignatia will admit that they are irritable much

of the time (at all times, either under or above the surface). The more suppressed Ignatia types

may not admit to this problem, but the great majority of my Ignatia patients do admit to this.

Nux vomica, Causticum, and Lachesis (the other intense remedies) can also be irritable. Note

that anyone can be irritable, but you want to find out what percent of the time your patient is this

way. If they are rarely irritable, cross out Ignatia. Phosphorus and Sulphur are rarely irritablethey are way too cool to be irritable, especially Phosphorus.

-How important is your appearance to you? How important is the appearance of your loved ones to you? Silica cares about appearance UNLESS they are fatigued.

-Do you have much anxiety? Carcinosin and Phosphorus are more likely to have anxiety than the other top remedies.

-Do you ever cry? Pulsatilla probably cries more than all other top remedies. In fact, if you think a person is Pulsatilla and they do hardly ever cry, you should think twice about your prescription. Natrum muriaticum are often tearful when talking about emotions.

- How well do you get along with people? Pulsatilla and Phosphorus get along almost with anyone.

- Do you love socializing or are you more reserved? Phosphorus, Pulsatilla, most of the intense remedies (Nux, Ignatia, Lachesis and Causticum), Medorrhinum and Hyoscyamus will all be very social.

-How are you with consolation when upset? Would you rather be alone or be consoled? After you get upset, if you don’t mind being consoled, is there any length of time during which you still want be alone, and then later like to be consoled? Natrum muriaticum does not like

consolation in general. And, even if they did, once hurt, they would rather wait a bit, digest their

hurt on their own before they receive consolation from anyone.

-How are you with confrontation? Do you avoid it? Why not or how is it that you don’t like confrontation? More intense remedies have no difficulty confronting others. Pulsatilla and Natrum muriaticum are definitely far less likely to confront others than most other polycrests.

-Do you like to dance? Carcinosin often does.

-Somewhat independent? Pulsatilla is not. Phosphorus is.

-Do you suffer from depression? Natrum muriaticum is often depressed.

-Would others describe you as being super nice? Do a lot of people in your life love you?

If so, think of the soft/sweet remedies.

-How organized are you? Silica, Carcinosin and Kali carb are the most organized in the list of top polycrest remedies.

-Are you typically serious? Kali carb is the most serious of all polycrests. Nux is also serious.

-Are you strong willed (This is a polite way to say “Are you stubborn”)? If you ask them “Are you strong willed?” Often times a Calc carb might say, “Well, my husband or wife tells me that I am very stubborn.” If the person’s relatives are in the room, they usually nod their head in agreement.

-How sensitive are you? Most sensitive polycrest is Natrum muriaticum. Pulsatilla is also very sensitive.

-Are you hard working? Calc carb, Nux vomica, Ignatia are very hard working.

Remember each one is hard working for a different reason. Calc carb is hard working often because they fear poverty. Nux vomica is hard working because they are type A and are often discontented with the way things are. Ignatia works hard to reach their ideals.

-Libido- High or low? Sexuality- free or suppressed? How easy is it to start a new romantic relationship? Note that, in general, the more intense the remedy, the more likely they have high libido. For example, Lachesis has high libido. Staphysagria also has high libido. (If you suspect high sexuality in a child, ask parents if the child touches himself in private or in front of others. If in front of others, think of shameless and rude remedies such as hyoscyamus or medorrhinum.)

-How deeply do you feel your emotions? Or, do you feel that you are less emotional than you’d like? Sepia may not feel their emotions very much. If your patient says that they feel deeply and consider themselves very emotional, I’d tend to think they aren’t likely to be Carcinosin or

Natrum muriaticum.

Carcinosin has history of suppression, but they do have many emotions and feel very deeply.

Natrum muriaticum feels very deeply and usually carries hurt feelings.

-What are some of the social activities you are or have been involved in?

If the person is looking out for others in anyway (such as minority rights, disabled and poor people in the society, children, etc.), then you should think of Causticum. If you are caught between two intense remedies such as Nux vomica and Causticum, the answer to this question can lead you to one over the other. Nux vomica just likes to work, they are type A, critical and aggressive people who like to get the job done, PERIOD. Causticum is not about work, it’s about looking out for others. If they have to work very hard in the process, they will.

Questions not to ask

-Are you emotional? This question does not make any sense because every human being is “emotional”. Both Pulsatilla and Ignatia can be very emotional. However, one is warm and fuzzy, and the other one is very intense.

-Don’t ask obvious questions such as: Are you sweet? Are you sarcastic?

These are traits that you should simply be able to feel, and not have to ask the patient. Even though some people will tell you the truth about themselves, please don’t expect to get the truth when probing into traits and emotional patterns that might be considered negative such as sarcasm.

You cannot simply rely on the patient’s words

If the patient says “I am very friendly, outgoing, feel pretty balanced emotionally, and most people would describe me as friendly and nice, and consider me to be a good friend,” you don’t want to automatically put them under the “soft and sweet” category that includes Pulsatilla, Phosphorus, and Carcinosin. I recently had an Ignatia patient describe herself using the above words. I saw the “Ignatia stare” (refer to the section on the remedy Ignatia) in her eyes and felt the irritability in her, so asked her “Is irritability a problem?” and she said, “Yes, all the time.”

So, Ignatia is not necessarily going to volunteer this information to you. You have to feel the irritability in them; otherwise you could miss the case. You need to learn to ask the “key” questions, one of which is “Do you feel irritable much of the time?”

Another example: A patient came into the office one day and his clothes were dirty, he was very relaxed, had greasy hair, smelled, was unemployed, was hypothesizing the entire visit, and hated it when people thought he was a lazy bum. Just because he was talking about how he was angry with his daughter that day, my student thought he was Nux vomica. It was very evident to me that he was Sulphur just by simply looking at him and listening to a few of his words. Even if you didn’t look at him and just looked at his clothes, you’d know that he was not likely to be

Nux vomica. Nux vomica dresses cleanly. This man wore dirty and smelly clothes. Nux vomica is workaholic, and this man was telling us that he had not been working for months. He was leaning back against his seat in a very relaxed way as if he had just smoked marijuana. I have

never seen a Nux vomica this casual and relaxed. Nux is intense, angry looking, charismatic, and far from being “cool.” Sulphur as well as any other remedy can be angry at times, but that does NOT make them a Nux vomica.

The mother of a Natrum muriaticum teenage patient told me that their teenage daughter was very stubborn. They clearly had a very dysfunctional relationship since the daughter was stubborn only towards her mother, but not towards me or anyone else. Can’t we all be stubborn at times?

Being stubborn does not define Natrum muriaticum. The parent might have thought that their teenager was stubborn, but in reality, the daughter was not truly a stubborn person. You, as a practitioner, need to be able to feel stubbornness in a patient in order to consider that as a keynote. Even though it can be helpful to receive input from the patient’s loved ones (or the patient herself), I would not rely too heavily on such input.

If patient says, “I get volatile.” Are you going to automatically think Nux vomica? No, because

many remedies can be volatile. Carcinosin (typically a nice remedy) can be volatile as well. You

need to feel the volatility and “smell it” to see if it “smells like” the Nux vomica volatility or the Carcinosin volatility, etc. You can also ask the patient about how they are volatile. Also, you need to have the whole picture about all their traits, not just the volatility. If the person is volatile in a very aggressive way, are very critical, charismatic, they are always working hard, tend to be organized, have a colder body temp, and have a lot of GI issues, then think Nux vomica.

Some people’s true nature might be masked as a conditioned response

I once had a Natrum muriaticum patient who was a sales person. When I asked him to tell me about himself, he started out by saying that he was a sales person, and was very able to socialize and act welcoming and warm to his clients. But then he said, “This is all an act”. “I am on the quiet side, and carry many hurt feelings inside. I’d rather be alone, away from others.” It was obvious to me he was a Natrum muriaticum type person, but if you just listened to how he performed on the job, you might be confused. Another example is when people have been through counseling, they have learned certain behavior patterns and responses to personal questions that can mask their true underlying nature. For constitutional prescribing, you want to dig deeper to find the more innate tendencies.

“How questions” are more important that “what questions”

A person’s constitution is based on HOW they REACT under certain circumstances, NOT on WHAT has happened TO them in their lives. So, don’t let the patient distract you with what has happened to them. As soon as the patient starts to tell you about what has happened TO them, bring them back to HOW THEY REACTED to what has happened to them, and WHY.

You should ask a lot of questions such as “How did you react to that incident?” Or, “How do you feel about ….?” Other good lines to use in a homeopathic case taking might be “Tell me about…”, or “Tell me more…” Note, however, that if you do kinesthetic/energetic case taking, you will not have to ask too many questions.

Ask your receptionist how she felt about your patient

Ask your receptionist how the patient interacted with them. This is very important because sometimes the patient will hide a particular side of herself from you since you are the doctor.

However, when it comes to getting directions, paying their bill, and other routine tasks, their “real” side comes out.

This information can come handy if you are stuck between a few remedies.

Questions to ask during follow up

During follow up, always ask the patient the SEAM (Sleep, energy, appetite and mood) questions. These questions tell you how the patient is doing. Then, review all their previous complaints, and find out how each of their complaints has or has not been touched by the remedy. A correct remedy may not cure all of a person’s problems, but should lessen the

intensity of many of their problems. So, ask them to rate their progress in regards to each of their issues. Quantify it on a scale of zero to ten.

Pediatric case taking

With infants, you need to ask the parents about the child’s behavior. Try to interact with the child yourself as well to develop a sense of how the child behaves.

For older children, you should dedicate some private time with parents so that you can freely ask private questions about the child without the child in the room. There are things the parents don’t feel comfortable saying in front of the child even if they initially say otherwise, especially if you suspect deviousness in the child. In front of their child, they might say, “Oh, no, I don’t have anything to talk about that my daughter can’t hear. She is OK.”

If you have a Hyoscyamus child who touches his genitals in front of others, the parent will not volunteer to tell you unless you ask. The parent may also be ashamed to admit their child has an anger problem. Another example: I had a ten-year-old girl with the chief complaint of frequent

and severe headaches who was not responding to my first prescription of Pulsatilla. She had the sweetness and softness of Pulsatilla, but it turned out she had a significant anger problem she did not reveal to me until her third visit. At that time, I could tell she was very angry at me for some

reason. Regardless of the reason why she was angry, I noticed that her level of anger was extremely high and uncontrollable. This sort of behavior, from the patient towards their doctor, is almost impossible for Pulsatilla. This is how I knew that she couldn’t have been Pulsatilla,

and that the correct prescription was Staphysagria. To confirm this, I spoke with her mother privately later, and found out that the girl, for unknown reasons, would scream into a pillow on a daily basis. She was also shy and held her emotions inside, so I gave her Staphysagria which helped her greatly with chronic headaches. Incidentally, I believe her headaches were caused by her anger issue.

The top four most common remedies for children in my practice have been Sulphur, Calc carb, Pulsatilla, and Phosphorus. I have not seen Natrum muriaticum babies. Natrum muriaticum can show up by the age of four or five. (Note: If the child does not like to take the pills directly, you can dissolve the pills in water or milk for the child to drink.) Of course, with deeper pathologies, you are going to see many other remedies. For example, I have seen a few autistic children in my practice whose constitution was Bufo.

What each of the top polycrests can expect from their remedy

Their remedy affects each constitutional type differently. In this section, I will describe how most of the top polycrest remedies respond to their remedy. … today …

1) Intense constitutions:

The more intense constitutions, without any doubt, feel more relaxed with their remedies.

Causticum patients, emotionally, are the sanest of all of the intense remedies. They will be more relaxed with their constitutional remedy, just like all of the intense remedies. They tend to need more help physically, so I would expect more physical changes than emotional. Their body

temperature is very cold, and over time they will start to warm up with the remedy. I believe Causticum individuals truly need their remedy in order to be healed of their various ailments.

Ignatia gets very relaxed. They really love that feeling of being less tense because they are always tense. They really appreciate the emotional benefits they get from the remedy. This happens on a physical level as well; if they have any cramps, which often times Ignatia does, those often go away with the remedy. Ignatia tends to be very thankful to their homeopathic practitioner once they experience how much better they feel after taking their remedy. Ignatia is idealistic, very competent and industrious. Their appreciation for good medicine and competent practitioners outshines almost all other constitutional types. If they are in the health care field, they will likely refer many patients to you once they realize how much you can help people.

Kali carb patients will not tell you much about what’s going on with them on an emotional plane unless their chief complaints happens to be emotional in nature. This remedy belongs to the syphilitic miasm, meaning they are simply very serious and dry people emotionally. It’s not very likely for them to come out and say “Oh, the remedy was wonderful.” They just don’t talk so openly. They will report any physical changes in a matter of fact sort of way. They are definitely not going to tell you that the remedy helped them emotionally. Their loved ones might

thank you for the remedy, however, since Kali carbs are difficult to live and/or work with. The remedy does take the edge off a bit, so people around them may not feel that they are living or working with a military officer.

Lachesis will very much appreciate the emotional as well as physical benefits they gain from the remedy. Their aggressive nature is tamed wonderfully with the remedy, and they will be very thankful to you for that. I have had a Lachesis patient who returns to my office every time she starts to feel the urge to stab her husband prior to her menstrual periods. Of course, she would not go through with this urge, but she does admit to having this urge. She has tried numerous other natural therapies to help her with this urge, but none has been remotely as effective as her

constitutional remedy. (Note: This Lachesis patient is deep into her constitution. Not all Lachesis patients have such intense urges. Refer to the section on Lachesis in the Materia Medica of this book.)

Nux Vomica patients relax very nicely as well, similar to Ignatia patients. Whatever physical ailments they have will benefit too, just like any other remedy. This constitution will also be very thankful for the emotional benefits they gain from the remedy. They tend to be loyal towards their practitioner.

2) The “other” constitutions:

With constitutions whose intensity falls in the middle group (“the other” category), they are not as likely to experience emotional changes as the constitutions in the “intense” and the “soft/sweet” categories.

Calcarea carbonica patients can be similar to Sulphur in follow-up visits. The changes are not so much emotional, but they will notice improvements in whatever physical ailments they have.

The exception is if they have depression or other emotional problems, then these can be greatly helped with the remedy. Because they are very stubborn, they might not admit that anything has changed, not due to arrogance like Sulphur, but due to stubbornness. But if something does impress them, they will tell you. They just have to be totally convinced of the effectiveness of their homeopathic remedy before they thank you. As a rule, this conviction is one that takes a long time to come about. This is typically due to a slower mind and stubbornness, not to mention that they are so hard working that they tend to not pause for a long enough period of time to see how they are feeling.

Natrum muriaticum does not always feel profound effects with their remedy. Or, since they are very reserved, may not reveal much of what’s happened since they took the remedy. They can be nonchalant about it, saying, “I’m not sure.” They’re either too shut down to be able to feel the changes or too reserved to be able to express it. Even if they’re not shut down, they are on the reserved side, so don’t expect them to offer much information. Don’t expect them to tell you how the remedy made them feel. Natrum muriaticums do not come back saying that “they feel MUCH better” (like Pulsatilla might). They are not the type that gets excited about things, including their own health recovery.

Sepia patients have much stasis in their body, and so it can be difficult for the remedy to do what it needs to do. Sepia is usually very flat, so when they take the remedy, their energy goes up and they feel more alive and upbeat. Anyone can have tension including Sepia individuals. So, even Sepia can feel calmer and less tense after taking the remedy. At the same time, their core energy goes up with the remedy. The useless, negative tension goes away, and becomes replaced by positive and useful energy. This result is expected with all constitutions taking their remedy.

Silica patients will feel significant changes on a physical level, because they are often so physically ill. As they repeat their remedy, on average once a month or so, they get to a point where all the physical symptoms throughout their body will slowly improve, one by one. For Silica, taking the remedy is absolutely 100% critical. On an emotional level, they can also feel relaxed when taking their remedy. Every constitution feels relaxed when taking the remedy since there is always some tension in almost everybody. Silica individuals will have no trouble

feeling the relaxation that comes over them with the remedy, but since most of them are very stubborn (somewhat like Calc carb), they are not necessarily going to easily give you the pleasure of positive feedback. It typically takes a lot for them to bow down and say that the remedy really helped. However, there are some Silica patients who are more emotionally

balanced. This group will easily admit that the remedy was wonderful for them overall, emotionally and physically. Note that if Calc carb does not admit that the remedy is helpful, it is typically due to their own slow mind and stubbornness; whereas, if Silica does not admit that the

remedy is helping them, it is as if they have an ulterior motive to irk the practitioner.

Staphysagria will be a little less shy, and the anger outbursts won’t be as intense once they take their remedy. The queen-like feeling that they possess might be helped by the remedy but will not go away entirely.

Sulphur is typically healthy on an emotional level, compared to other top polycrest remedies. Therefore, when Sulphur patients return for follow-up, you shouldn’t expect to hear that they are doing much better emotionally. You are going to hear about improvements in their physical body. As far as emotionally, you might find that they are just a little bit better. Besides, Sulphur is just too arrogant to admit that there was anything wrong with them (especially on an emotional level) to begin with.

3) Soft/sweet constitutions:

The remedies that belong to the “soft and sweet” category will definitely feel the effect of their remedy profoundly, similarly to the remedies in the “intense” category:

Carcinosin won’t feel as tense emotionally and physically after taking their remedy. They definitely feel the relaxation effect because they are usually pretty tense people. They might lose some of their worries and won’t be quite as much of a worry wart. Carcinosin will not be as relaxed after taking their remedy as Phosphorus (even though they are both in the

“nice/soft/sweet category”) because they are simply more tense than Phosphorus even if entirely “healthy”. If they have any physical ailments, they should all improve. Emotionally and energetically you will notice that they love their remedy. They will be grateful to you for the remedy, and will report any changes without reservation. They like to please (not as much as Pulsatilla) so their progress report is not going to be as 100% accurate and truthful as Phosphorus.

Phosphorus patients will feel the effect of their remedy very quickly because they are so effervescent (their energy is very diffuse and scattered). Often within minutes they will feel more centered and focused. They won’t feel quite as effervescent, their energy gets tighter and more centered, and they are better able to set up a healthier barrier between themselves and others (usually they don’t have any barriers). Mentally they will feel more focused and have a better memory. They often tend to have some mild anxiety, and this will be helped with the emedy as well. Phosphorus individuals also tend to have a number of physical problems that I believe stems from the fact that their energy is very scattered. When they take the remedy, their body starts to function better. Whatever physical symptoms they have should also improve.

Since they are relaxed, often very sweet, and very social (and not arrogant like Sulphur, not stubborn like Calc carb and Silica, not pleasers like Pulsatilla, and not intense like Nux vomica), they will have no trouble truthfully (without any exaggeration or intensity) telling you how wonderful the remedy makes them feel, and they will sincerely thank you. Their appreciation feels the most genuine and accurate in nature.

Pulsatilla might come back saying, “Oh, my GOSH, I felt SO much better after taking the remedy.” They are saying this for various reasons: first, they might want to please you; second, they are much more alive than Natrum muriaticums. Pulsatilla children will become less clingy

and adults will become less needy with their remedy. Pulsatilla patients will be more independent, stronger, and experience a lot of good physical changes as well. Often Pulsatilla has a lot of ups and downs - their energy goes up and down, they have irregular moods and menses, etc. - and their remedy makes the fluctuations much more sane and stable. Their peaks and valleys will be much less frequent, and will not be as pronounced. They feel more emotionally stable. Since they are very sensitive and gentle, when they take the remedy, they are the most likely polycrest to feel an initial emotional aggravation. I can’t remember ever seeing a patient experience an aggravation on an emotional level. I have had people experience a healing aggravation on a physical level, however, which happens when toxins are coming out of the body. Unfortunately, once in a while, I see Pulsatilla patients have an aggravation to 200C or 1M. Aggravations (with any potency) are usually very short lived, maybe lasting a few hours or a day or two.

The balancing effect of homeopathy

As stated before, when the constitutional types at the top of the Intensity Graph (such as Nux vomica) take their remedy, their intensity goes down. When the remedies towards the bottom of the Intensity Graph (such as Sepia) take their remedy, their energy goes up. In this way we can see the balancing effect of homeopathy.

MATERIA MEDICA OF THE MOST COMMON POLYCRESTS

For each remedy in this portion of the book, I have listed the most important keynotes/ideas under the “summary” section for that remedy. As important as physical symptoms are, what matters most in constitutional homeopathy are the patient’s emotional traits and behavioral patterns, which are what I emphasize most in this book. In my experience of teaching numerous naturopathic medical students and practitioners, the myriad of physical keynotes listed for each remedy in various Materia Medicas end up being more confusing than helpful to most beginners

and even to some more advanced practitioners of homeopathy. Hopefully, this section will lead to a better understanding of the most common polycrests. Refer to the Polycrest Algorithm section in this book for more information on comparing and contrasting various remedies.

In this section, all items in bold are the most important traits for the various constitutions. Note: the patient does not have to possess all the physical and emotional traits listed under each remedy. Additionally, I would like to point out that we are not necessarily doomed to the natural tendencies that come with our homeopathic “constitution.” With God’s grace, we can all rise above the weaknesses of our “constitutions.”

A tip on pronunciation:

Note: The first part of the remedy “Calc carb” (Calcarea carbonica) is pronounced ”Calc” as in “Calculus”. On the other hand, Kali carb is pronounced Kah-li (“Kah-lee”) or Kali (here the letter “a” sounds like “a” in the word cake, and the letter “i” sounds like “i” in “lie”).

1) Calcarea carbonica (Calc carb):

Summary:

Very hard working

Very stubborn

Harsh/tough energy, but not intense

Emotionally and intellectually simple people

Always chubby or overweight

(Animal: Ox)

Calcarea carbonica is the most straightforward constitution to figure out. They are always overweight, extremely stubborn, and very hard working. They tend to be emotionally and intellectually simple individuals as opposed to Natrum muriaticum and Sulphur individuals.

(Natrum muriaticum is rather elaborate emotionally and Sulphur is elaborate intellectually.)

They are often slower in their thinking processes. They can be insecure about their intellectual abilities, and are often emotionally insecure as well.

Calcarea carbonica usually has no trouble letting you know what she thinks or believes. They are emotionally strong and very stable. To other gentler constitutions, they might feel like an “emotional bulldozer.” Calcarea carbonica reminds me of the pieces called “pawns” in the game of chess. The pawn’s movements are definitely the simplest of all in this game. Calcarea carbonica is a very simple constitution. Their mind is definitely not very sophisticated, and they have very simple thought patterns. Pawns are not aggressive pieces in the game of chess.

Calcarea carbonica is not necessarily aggressive either, although certainly she can be. Note that pawns are strong, but not aggressive. Calcarea carbonica is the same way, strong, but not aggressive.

Calcarea carbonica plods along slowly, but is steady and strong. It’s nearly impossible to change the mind of a Calcarea carbonica person. This is due to their extreme stubbornness.

There are many constitutional types that are hard working, but each one is hard working for a different reason. Calcarea carbonica is hard working mainly due to fear of poverty; however, even if very rich, most Calcarea carbonica individuals would still not be able to sit down and relax. They simply enjoy working for the sake of working, they are like worker bees. One Calcarea carbonica patient recently told me that “I don’t have a type A personality, and I don’t think I am uptight. Things don’t have to be done perfectly, but it all has to get done.” Nux

vomica, on the other hand, is also hard working. However, Nux vomica doesn’t plod along like Calcarea carbonica. They run towards their goal of fixing and improving things.

Calcarea carbonica individuals are not the gentlest individuals. They are tough emotionally. It’s as if they have a thick energetic skin over their emotional body. This does not mean that they are unable to feel emotions on a deep level; it’s just more difficult to hurt a Calcarea carbonica person’s feelings than a Pulsatilla or a Natrum muriaticum person.

When you see an obese patient whose fat appears to be bursting out from under their skin, definitely think Calcarea carbonica. Other constitutional types can be overweight as well, but their fat does not have this “explosive” nature. Note that all Calcarea carbonica people are overweight, but they do not all have this “explosive” nature to their fat.

The true constitutional Calcarea carbonica individuals have larger bones. Even if they had anorexia (which I doubt if they ever would), they will always have larger bones.

I find that Calcarea carbonica patients are the least likely of most constitutional types to accept and follow through with my recommendations as their health care provider. They are the most outwardly uncooperative patients I see. I attribute this to the following reasons: First, they are extremely stubborn, and are not willing to accept an idea unless they themselves entirely understand it. Second, even if they totally agree with your idea, it is difficult for them to change their ways since they are always very, very slow to change. Third, they are very psoric and have a significant fear of poverty which leads to their lack of desire in wanting to pay for any therapies out of pocket. Therefore, they will accept your ideas at a painstakingly slow pace. For

example, it might take a Calcarea carbonica patient a year or two before he/she agrees to drink more water. It might take them another year before they start walking once a week for the health benefits. With one exception so far in my practice, I have never met a Calcarea carbonica patient who takes the time to take care of herself like most other constitutional types. Work is always a higher priority than their health. If you ever see a patient who is very reluctant to agree to do a therapy that you are suggesting, always think of Calcarea carbonica at the top of the list of possibilities.

Note that there are other constitutions that can be uncooperative, but many of these constitutions won’t put up an argument with their doctor. They will just not do what their doctor asks of them, but, out of respect for their doctor, will at least superficially agree to follow through with the

doctor’s recommendations. Calcarea carbonica will be open about her disagreement with your suggestions, not in a very aggressive or rude way, but in a strong, stable, and stubborn way. Just think how difficult it can sometimes be to get a cow to change the direction of their motion. You can push them all you want to get them to move a different direction, but they will persist until they themselves choose to move their direction. This is how Calcarea carbonica’s stubbornness will feel to you. The cow (Calcarea carbonica) is not going to kill you like a lion (Nux vomica) might if they disagree with you, and will not be agreeable and fast to change like a rabbit (Phosphorus) either.

Stubbornness can be confused with arrogance if you are not clear how these traits are expressed.

Sulphur people are arrogant, but they are not necessarily stubborn (although they certainly can be). Calcarea carbonica stubbornness doesn’t come from arrogance. Sulphur can argue her point, but you know you are not dealing with Calcarea carbonica when engaged in an argument

with Sulphur. The reasons you can quickly tell the two constitutions apart are as follows: first, Sulphur’s thought patterns are complicated and very intelligent, unlike Calcarea carbonica; and second, Sulphur will not be arguing due to stubbornness, they argue because they enjoy mental gymnastics and the feeling of superiority in winning a debate.

Most children are constantly busy playing, so how do you detect the trait of being hard working in children? Calcarea carbonica children busy themselves with things (be it a game or any task) more than other children. “Busy bee” is a good term for them. They also might not be interested in very intellectually challenging games; they would probably rather play a simple game over and over again. Calcarea carbonica appears grounded; they are not flighty (like Pulsatilla or Phosphorus) at all. Calcarea carbonica is one of the most solid/stable remedies on the emotional plane. .. today ..

2) Carcinosin

Summary:

Very kind and sweet (probably the kindest remedy, even more than Phosphorus)

Often has romantic eyes

Has many fears and worries

“Tight” energy (a bit tense, but not forceful)

Why tense? Because of too much fear/worry

Black or dark brown hair (I’ve never seen a blond Carcinosin)

Clean and organized (fastidious)

Has significant digestive problems

Passionate people who have a sense of longing/romance in eyes

Loves to dance (in most cases), in order to release her tension.

Sometimes uncomfortable socially (trying too hard to be nice)

Blue hue to their sclera

(Animal: lovebirds)

It might be helpful to refer to the section on “Angry, aggressive, intense, and tense” under the “Get Your Vocabulary Right.” chapter in this book prior to reading the following section on Carcinosin.

Similarly to Calcarea carbonica, Carcinosin is another easy remedy to pick by visual detection.

Their eyes appear very kind and loving, their hair is darker brown or black, and their energy is definitely not relaxed; they have a tighter energy about them. Additionally, they often have a bluish hue to their sclera. These traits are somewhat easy to detect visually.

Most Carcinosins are very kind individuals. Of course, even Carcinosins can get mad and hurt other people’s feelings, but this would definitely be a rare occurrence.

Recall that in our Polycrest Algorithm categorization, we consider Carcinosin as a “soft and sweet” constitution. Note, however, that there is a more intense variety of Carcinosin that may not fit the “soft and sweet” picture. I have seen two main varieties of Carcinosin constitutional types. The majority are very kind and sweet, almost all the time. The remaining minority are so uptight and intense that you might be inclined to place them in the “intense” category in our

Polycrest Algorithm categorization. This intense subcategory has similar physical traits (black hair, blue hue to their sclera, tight energy, kind eyes) as the other Carcinosins, but they are simply not as “soft and sweet” and kind. All Carcinosins have a significant amount of worry and fears, which leads to their tension. However, the minority subcategory is not just “tense,” they are very “intense.”

All Carcinosins can be intense at times. However, no matter how intense and angry Carcinosins become, they will always have a tenderness about them that the true “intense” category remedies

(such as Nux vomica, Ignatia, etc.) simply do not possess. Most carcinosins, including the “intense” subcategory, never force their opinions onto others in a way that an “intense” constitution might.

Even though Carcinosin can have some obsessive-compulsive traits regarding cleanliness and orderliness, it cannot be confused for Kali carbonicum. Kali carbonicum is very intense, emotionally dry, and rigid with his views and in his mannerism, unlike Carcinosin which is sweet and kind, and far less rigid.

Carcinosin often has a look in their eyes that portrays a sense of “romantic longing.” In my experience, Carcinosin is the most romantic of all constitutional types, especially the majority subcategory. This might be the main reason why you see Carcinosin models in many advertisements on TV. (Note: another constitution you will often see in advertisements is Phosphorus, which has a relaxed and expansive energy, a trait that is inherently attractive.)

Carcinosin’s external energy is tight and collected, as opposed to the expansive energy of Phosphorus. This reflects a certain amount of internal tension, which other “soft and sweet” polycrests, such as phosphorus and pulsatilla, do not possess.

I believe the tension in Carcinosin stems from a history of emotional suppression and a significant amount of worry and fear. The tension in Carcinosin is probably what leads to the keynote “desires dancing.” Keep in mind, however, that the more shy Carcinosin is not going to like to dance, at least not in front of others.

Can Carcinosin become angry and blow up? Yes, not everyone who blows up with anger is Nux vomica. The tension in Carcinosin can accumulate over time and lead to anger outbursts.

However, even when angry, they are going to have a kind side to them, which is often missing in Nux vomica and other intense remedies. Remember that anger is not a keynote of Carcinosin,

but is a major keynote of Nux vomica and other true “intense” remedies.

Most Carcinosins that I have seen in my practice have digestive complaints. In fact, it’s extremely rare to see a Carcinosin without any digestive concerns. Chronic, debilitating constipation is one of the most common GI symptoms among Carcinosin individuals. The

remedy is critical in helping improve their digestive function, but I believe they require other natural therapies as well, including probiotics and supplements that improve liver health.

Psychotherapy is advisable to all Carcinosins in order to help uproot some of the fear and tension that is so deeply engrained in their mind and body.

Carcinosin tends to have darker hair color such as black or dark brown. I have never seen a blond Carcinosin in my practice. As discussed in the Polycrest Algorithm section, if you see a kind, soft and sweet patient with darker hair, you could have any of the three “soft and sweet” remedies (Carcinosin, Pulsatilla or Phosphorus). However, if the patient is blond, you would be very safe to rule out Carcinosin. Roger Morrison, MD, says that Carcinosin has a “dark, earthy or dusky complexion.” Caucasian Carcinosin individuals can have very fair skin, but they still have darker hair and eyebrows. Since many female patients enjoy coloring their hair, you must of course always ask the patient about their natural hair color.

I hear an almost crackling sound in some of my Carcinosin patients’ voice, as if they are on the verge of crying. This, I believe, is due to their history of suppression and all the worries and fears they have.

In Dr. Paul Herscu’s Map of Hierarchy, Carcinosin is a Phase 2 remedy; the people who need Carcinosin are not, overall, as healthy as Phase 1 constitutional types. I believe that Carcinosins are poor detoxifiers. It is one of the main constitutions that is most likely to develop aggravations to their remedy. Therefore, I often detoxify them first for a few weeks using castor oil packs and other means prior to administering Carcinosin. A regular, daily bowel movement

is an absolute minimum requirement to reduce the likelihood of developing aggravations upon taking their constitutional remedy.

3) Causticum

Summary:

All about social welfare/justice for all; often involved in volunteer activities to help a social cause

Great anger over injustice

Very sincere

Always strong personalities

Sometimes irritable. If irritable, their irritability might feel a bit like Ignatia.

OCD (checking and rechecking tasks compulsively)

Body temperature is cold

Almost always some neurological symptom even if minor

Causticum is sincere, very intense, idealistic, and has a strong sense of right versus wrong. Injustice can make Causticum very angry. Obsessive-compulsive behavior may not be grossly present in every Causticum, but is definitely worth inquiring about. The desire to work for social issues frequently comes up, and in most cases, the person does various activities to help with a broad range of social causes, including supporting minority affairs, volunteer work at various organizations, environmentalism, etc.

Even though Causticum is intense, he does not come across as very aggressive like Nux vomica. Instead, since they have high ideals and are very sincere. A beginning practitioner can initially mistake them for a remedy in the “soft and sweet” category such as Carcinosin. You know, however, that you are not dealing with a remedy in the “soft and sweet” category when you see the sheer charisma, power and intensity in their eyes, hear it in their voice, and observe it in their

overall personality. Causticum can be aggressive, but aggression does not define Causticum like it defines Nux vomica. It is the intensity and the drive to do well for others, often on a larger scale, in a “gutsy”

way, that defines Causticum. Carcinosin also cares very much for others; however, Carcinosin cares in a much softer and warmer way than Causticum. Causticum is more cold and matter-off act about the way in which he cares for others. Causticum is the least selfish of the remedies in the “intense” category. Other intense remedies

such as Nux vomica, Ignatia, Lachesis or Kali carbonicum get intense and angry due to more selfish reasons; however, Causticum becomes intense when working for the good and welfare of others, or what they think is good for others. They may hurt someone needlessly in the process of doing “good” for another. This is where Causticum’s behavior becomes questionable.

Causticum and Ignatia can both have an exposed/raw nerve feeling about them; however, the “exposed/raw nerve feeling” is rare in Causticum, but defines Ignatia. Both Causticum and Ignatia are idealistic. Ignatia has the idealism in every area of their life. Causticum’s mission centers mostly on doing good for others or for working towards assuring the presence of justice in the society. For example, Ignatia is likely to try to attain an optimal state of wellness on all levels; however, Causticum may ignore her health at the cost of doing what they consider good for others.

Causticum is typically too impatient like Ignatia to deliver his kind message in a soft and nurturing way. Instead, he offers you help and likes to move on quickly. Causticum tends to have difficulty connecting with others; he is a bit removed. He can be friendly, but not intimate with others like Ignatia. Causticum often has poor libido; which is a reflection of his inability to connect with others. Ignatia, on the other hand, tends to have high libido. On the physical level, Causticum tends to have more neurological symptoms (i.e. numbness). However, Ignatia is more likely to have problems with their muscles (i.e. twitches/spasms). In fact, Causticum always has some (even if minor) neurological symptom(s).

Causticum is one of the main remedies for stammering. I have only seen this in a few of my Causticum patients, however.

I had a Causticum female patient who was married to a Sulphur husband. She told me that she had to “make herself smaller to be more compatible with her husband.” Sulphur is laid back and

relaxed most of the time unlike Causticum who is intense at all times. My Causticum patient’s presence was large, and I could see why she felt the need to shrink herself energetically to better match her Sulphur husband.

4) Ignatia

Summary:

Raw nerve feeling about them (irritable)

Touchy and cranky

Type A

Often high strung and idealistic, works hard to reach her deals

Predominantly a female remedy

Sighs often to release the tension inside

Can be very critical of others

Connects well with others

Body temperature is not an issue (unlike the other intense remedies)

Sometimes there is a feature in her face that is not normal

The shape of the lips is often a giveaway- they reflect anger

(Animal: A cat whose tail is being stepped on)

The Ignatia constitutional type will take care of things on their own, are very independent, strong willed and cranky. Ignatias are some of the most warm-blooded patients I have had in my practice. They can be very alive, laugh hard, and be lots of fun when they feel balanced. At the same time, they can feel very irritated and cranky at other times. One Ignatia patient described herself as, “I am warm and cozy in an intense way.”

The three I’s of Ignatia are irritable, idealistic and industrious:

As Dr. Paul Herscu puts it, they can have an “exposed/raw nerve” feel to them. Some Causticum people have the same feeling, but all the Ignatia patients I have seen in my practice are short tempered and cranky. This irritability is either right out there in the open or immediately “beneath their skin.” They don’t necessarily verbalize their feelings, but you can feel it or see it in their eyes. Ignatia irritation cannot be contained. It oozes out of them, and you can feel it

kinesthetically, even if they are smiling. She is definitely not afraid to say “no,” and will not feel bad about it either.

Ignatia is a practical idealist, meaning she will try very hard to achieve her ideals and she often does. Some constitutions that are idealistic, such as Sulphur, are more talk than action. Ignatia

is definitely more action than talk. She has a desire for herself, and others, to reach high ideals.

What is noteworthy is that her ideals don’t necessarily have to match those of the society – she has her own ideals, and is great at thinking outside the box. Additionally, she will have no trouble tooting her own horn.

Ignatia is hard working because of her idealism. Many constitutions can be hard working, but each one will do so for a different reason. Calcarea carbonica might work hard because she simply enjoys working as opposed to resting (she is similar to a bulldozer plodding along). Nux vomica, however, might work hard due to the constant sense of dissatisfaction he might have about things, constantly trying to “fix” and improve things. Again, Ignatia works hard because she is highly idealistic.

They sometimes have a sensation of a lump in their throat as if they might be on the verge of wanting to cry. If not this sensation, they often have some “abnormal” sign or symptom in their throat such as excess phlegm, a sensation of “something” stuck in their throat, an uncomfortable feeling in the throat, hoarseness of voice, or acid reflux.

She often has muscle spasms, most likely due to all the tension she holds in. Sighing is a keynote of Ignatia. However, many other constitutions also sigh. For example, Natrum muriaticum can sigh when you ask her about “hurt” feelings or what might grieve her.

(Natrum muriaticum has hurt feelings and grief, but does not have irritability as a defining feature.) Why do Ignatia people sigh? They sigh to release tension. Remember, they are unusually tense people.

By far the majority of Ignatia cases you will see will be female. In fact, I recall seeing only one Ignatia male in my entire practice so far.

Many, but not all, Ignatia patients have an element of grief. Their grief, even if expressed, may not be as obvious to the prescriber as their irritability. I find it unfortunate that many alternative medical practitioners prescribe Ignatia for anyone with history of grief. How will the remedy Ignatia be beneficial to someone who is a constitutional Pulsatilla but happens to have history of grief? You should prescribe on the person’s constitution if you are going to make a big difference for your patients.

Ignatia people have an “on top of” sort of feeling about them. They are the ones who might sit in the front row of a class. They know what they are doing with and in their life. They are idealistic, and they strive towards great goals. They are not going to sit around and wait for success; they will create it.

Ignatia people often have a particular irritable and high-strung gaze that gives them away during the first few moments after I meet them. Not all Ignatia individuals have this gaze, but most of them do. Their eye movements are sudden and abrupt. When they are talking to you, they subconsciously either look away so they don’t have to look at you for too long, or just move their eyeballs back and forth. They do this with their eyes in order to hide their internal irritation.

Their irritation is sometimes too deep for them to admit. They may not even feel it themselves. Ignatia patients tend to have a rather high level of compliance. They will do most everything they need to do in order to feel well. I believe this stems from the fact that they are idealistic, and constantly strive to achieve a more ideal (i.e. healthier) state of being.

5) Kali carbonicum (Kali carb):

Summary:

Very rigid, inflexible and dry (very law abiding)

Extremely organized

Overly serious (often intimidating to others)

Cannot read the emotion behind their eyes- they have a cold feeling

Similar to military officials

Kali carbonicum is a very syphilitic remedy. Therefore, there is no such thing as a healthy Kali carbonicum. I assume there are many Kali carbonicum individuals in the military. Why? Being a syphilitic remedy, Kali carbonicum has a destructive tendency; and the military’s preoccupation is, at least in part, associated with war and destruction. Additionally, the military’s rigid structure is not going to attract more flexible types of people. Therefore, Kali carbonicums

would probably feel right at home in the military.

For all practical purposes, the eyes of a Kali carbonicum person are impossible to read. They won’t let you in. The expression in their eyes will likely look the same whether they hate or love you.

Male Kali carboniums are very masculine, there is nothing feminine about them. Their behavior, their voice, and their facial expressions are cold and the opposite of nurturing.

It’s ironic that Kali carbonicum patients have a rigidity of personality, but can sometimes have edema, which can be interpreted as fluidity in the body. It’s as if the body is compensating for the rigidity in their personality.

You can’t joke around with a Kali carbonicum person very easily. Even if they try to smile at your joke or your attempt at being funny, their serious facial expression returns before their face has a chance to form a full smile. Attempting humor with a Kali carbonicum can make most practitioners feel very uncomfortable.

6) Lachesis

Summary:

Passionate and intense

Aggressive

Very verbal and enjoys engaging with you emotionally during the interview

She feels hot/warm physically.

Often has left sided symptoms

(Animal: Snake)

Lachesis is intense and passionate. “They know others’ weaknesses and do not hesitate to strike at these vulnerable points.” (Desktop Guide to Keynotes and Confirmatory Symptoms by Dr. Roger Morrison, MD)

Most Lachesis individuals are very verbal and enjoy engaging with you emotionally during the interview. Additionally, they often speak very fast.

All my Lachesis patients so far have been female although I have seen a few male Lachesis actors in movies.

Lachesis can be very loving, but at the same time, can be very intense and aggressive. She is not typically, and does not necessarily have to be, mean and vicious on the surface. Therefore, during the interview process, she is not necessarily going to be intimidating to you. In fact, my Lachesis patients have all been very nice to me in the office.

There is a subcategory of Lachesis that is much more difficult to spot. They tend to be more introverted and not quite as visibly loquacious as the typical type. They are very pleasant and are not aggressive like most other Lachesis individuals. You can tell, however, that they are strong and have intense emotions. If extremely frustrated, they can be aggressive, but not nearly as much as the typical type of Lachesis individual. You can feel the strong suppression and their holding back.

7) Lycopodium

Summary:

Bossy towards those with less authority

Subservient and respectful (due to fear) towards those with more authority

(The above makes Lycopodium. more difficult to perceive than other

constitutions.)

Very intellectual, serious, and emotionally dry

Poor self-esteem and feelings of inferiority

Some are introverted and some are extroverted

Often has abdominal bloating and liver problems

Great remedy for liver problems

(Lycopodium is found in UNDA #243 and #1, both are for liver.)

Often right-sided problems

Often has deep brow furrows

(Animal analogy: Owl. Owls are quiet thinkers.)

According to George Vithoulkas, the main theme in Lycopodium is cowardice. In my experience, being very bossy and controlling are also integral aspects of Lycopodium.

They feel weak and inadequate inside. However, on the outside, they put on an image of capability and strength, mentally and/or physically. In order to compensate for their internal sense of weakness, they often bloat their ego.

Lycopodium patients are often very serious and dry. I don’t remember seeing a Lycopodium laugh genuinely. Unfortunately, it’s as if life has been sapped out of them. In this way, they are the opposite of Medorrhinum. Medorrhinum is so full of life and excited, and yet Lycopodium is not excited or easily excitable. They are not sappy and emotional at all, and tend to be serious and matter of fact.

Lycopodium can be difficult to detect because she will probably be respectful toward you as her doctor and you might not overtly see her bossy, controlling, or cowardice nature. If you inquire whether she can be bossy or not, she will admit to this trait, however. Another reason that it might be a bit difficult to detect Lycopodiums is that some of them can be extroverted while others are introverted. In my experience, the introverted type is very intellectual and enjoys

gaining knowledge. Note that the two top most intellectual constitutions are Sulphur and Lycopodium. (Refer to the Algorithm section for information on the difference between Sulphur

and Lycopodium.)

In homeopathy, we sometimes pay attention to whether a person’s symptoms are mainly on the left or right side of their body. Lycopodium is known for its right-sided complaints. Lachesis,

on the other hand, is known for its left-sided complaints. I have met Lycopodiums who have left-sided complaints, and I have met Lachesis individuals who have right-sided complaints.

Even though the above statements are often true, they don’t have to be true in every single case. On the physical level, I have found that abdominal bloating is a hallmark for Lycopodium. They almost always report this symptom. In the same way that they bloat their ego to compensate for their internal sense of weakness, their intestines bloat due to weakness in their digestive system.

8) Medorrhinum

Summary:

Extremist in all ways: physically, mentally, and emotionally

Most are excessively and often inappropriately social (more social than Sulphur and Phosphorus); some are excessively reserved and timid

Gazes right into your eyes

Full of desires, yet many fears

Better with discharges; develops severe illness with suppression of d/c

(Animal: A puppy)

Going to extremes is the central theme in Medorrhinum. This can be on all levels, physically, mentally and emotionally. Most Medorrhinums I have seen have been excessively social, and yet some are very reserved and timid. This is one way you will see the extremeness in this remedy. Another way you will see the extremeness in Medorrhinum is in the following: they are full of desires, and yet they can have so many fears. One would think that a person who is very adventurous and full of life is rather fearless, and yet he can have many fears as well. Another way you see the extremeness in this remedy is how one Medorrhinum patient can hate animals, and yet another one can love them to a point of obsession.

Medorrhinums are the MOST social type of people. Many of them are EXCESSIVELY social to a point of being socially inappropriate, as if they have no boundaries. However, note that the way they socialize is not in a sleazy way like Hyoscyamus. Medorrhinum is definitely more social than Phosphorus and Sulphur. That’s how you can tell them apart. Medorrhinum individuals (children and adults alike) tend to gaze straight into your eyes without looking away much. Phosphorus and Sulphur, on the other hand, do not gaze into your eyes like Medorrhinum. As Medorrhinums become healthier over a period of months to years, I have seen their constitution change to Sulphur or Phosphorus. Being preoccupied by sex (in thought or

action) is common among Medorrhinums which is not surprising considering how extremely social they can be.

Medorrhinum individuals are full of desires, an inexhaustible amount of desires for experiencing life and all that life has to offer. They can be extremely adventurous. This tendency to go for extremes is what leads many of them to become drug addicts.

They can be strong minded, obstinate, and dogmatic. How strange that a person who can stay up all night partying or being creative in some way can shut down and become rigid and dogmatic!

This is another example of the extremeness we find in Medorrhinum.

In Dr. Paul Herscu’s Map of Hierarchy, Medorrhinum is a Phase 2 remedy; the people who need this remedy are not, overall, as healthy as Phase 1 constitutional types. I believe that Medorrhinums, as well as other Phase 2 remedies such as Carcinosins, are poor detoxifiers, and as such, they greatly benefit from naturopathic cleansing/detoxification protocols. You can implement such a protocol either before or at the same time as they take their remedy. Of course, if you detoxify any constitutional type beforehand (especially Phase 2 constitutional types), they will be much less likely to develop any aggravations with their remedy.

On the physical level, the most noteworthy point is that they are definitely better with discharges throughout the body, including from the nose, sinuses, vagina, etc. If discharges are suppressed with allopathic drugs or otherwise, that can lead to major health problems for them including rheumatism and heart disease.

9) Natrum muriaticum (Nat mur):

Summary:

Reserved and “closed” (averse to consolation, at least when initially upset)

Quiet and not very talkative

Very proper

Vulnerable and gentle (overly sensitive)

Can get teary-eyed easily

They can be the nicest people, even nicer than the “soft and sweet” category, but are not necessarily “sweet”; they are just nice and proper

Often artistic Perfectionist

Body is on the dry side (look for constipation and/or dry skin)

(Animal: Turtle with head tucked in)

Natrum muriaticum is a very common remedy for depression. However, unless your constitution is Natrum muriaticum, this remedy is not going to be very helpful. Many Natrum muriaticum patients end up on anti-depressants at some point in their lives unless they are properly treated with their constitutional homeopathic remedy.

On the emotional plane, Natrum muriaticum appears suppressed, reserved, and often wounded. Natrum muriaticum is “closed,” and finds it very difficult to open up and talk about her emotions. You can detect that she possesses deep emotions, but she holds her emotions and feelings inside. Why? She is very vulnerable emotionally and doesn’t want her fragile emotions to get hurt. Natrum muriaticum tends to close up emotionally in a very similar way as turtles pull their head in for protection. Since she is closed emotionally, she often comes across as emotionally unavailable. They are kind individuals, but find it difficult to extend much kindness and warmth to others. They are not very talkative. Natrum muriaticum individuals, once upset, typically need time to collect themselves emotionally before they talk to anyone or let anyone in. If they have to confront someone, a healthier Natrum muriaticum person will evaluate the situation first, and then, in time, a very long time, try to politely confront the person. A more shut down Natrum muriaticum individual

might never confront the person that has upset them, but instead keeps her feelings locked inside forever. It is rare for a Natrum muriaticum person to just fly off the handle and lose self-control.

Note that even though Pulsatilla is also very fragile and sensitive emotionally, unlike Natrum muriaticum, Pulsatilla often does get emotionally worked up and lose self-control.

Natrum muriaticum individuals are often nice individuals who have great loyalty towards the people they know (be it friends, co-workers, etc.). I have found that Natrum muriaticum often suffers from feelings of shame and insecurity. Sadly, her “energetic body” feels broken; that is, she doesn’t stand tall and confident. Another remedy, which also has much hurt feelings inside, is Ignatia. Unlike Natrum muriaticum, Ignatia is often irritable, touchy, emotionally strong, and not nearly as “nice” (i.e. kind, polite, and agreeable) as Natrum muriaticum. Coincidentally and unfortunately, many naturopathic doctors prescribe these two remedies (Natrum muriaticum and Ignatia) for grief instead of prescribing a remedy based on the patient’s actual “constitution.”

Natrum muriaticum can be very weepy like Pulsatilla. She tends to not cry in front of others, but if she is sad enough, she will. I have found that female Natrum muriaticums often get teary eyed when they talk about their emotions. The two gentlest remedies amongst the polycrests are Natrum muriaticum and Pulsatilla. (Refer to the algorithm section in this book for more detailed information on this topic.)

Materia Medicas state that Natrum muriaticum is “worse with consolation.” This does not mean she absolutely hates to be consoled; she may sometimes crave it, but she doesn’t allow it. She is afraid the consolation process itself might hurt her extremely sensitive heart. This is the key. The other members of the Natrum family can present similarly to Natrum muriaticum. Natrum muriaticum, however, is the most reserved and shut down, as well as the most common one of

all. If sitting on a chair, most males place their knees far apart enough to create sufficient space for their testicles. If you see a male sitting with their thighs, legs and feet parallel to each other, you should at least consider the remedy Natrum muriaticum. Why would a Natrum muriaticum male exhibit this behavior? This is due to his extreme sense of politeness.

The Natrum muriaticum constitutional type is often easy to detect by simple visual assessment. Her eyes are withdrawn, and her energy points inward. It is obvious that she is emotionally reserved and closed. Her body language is very polite and proper. It’s been my experience that many Japanese and English natives are constitutional Natrum muriaticum.

On a physical level, Natrum muriaticum tends toward dryness manifested as constipation and/or dry skin. If you are considering the remedy Natrum muriaticum for a patient based on her mental/emotional picture, you should ask the following confirming physical question: “Do you tend towards constipation or dry skin?” The rare ones who don’t have constipation and/or dry skin are almost always very careful with their water and fiber intake, and keep up with a regular exercise routine.

How is the depression in Natrum muriaticum different from that in Aurum metallicum?

Compared to Aurum depression, which is extremely dark and deep, Natrum muriaticum depression is on the mild side. Aurum people are very intense, serious, and can be intimidating.

Natrum muriaticum people, on the other hand, are serious, but not intense and intimidating.

You won’t feel comfortable joking around with an Aurum patient because you will be able to tell that there is nothing light and funny about how she is feeling. However, you can joke around with a Natrum muriaticum patient even if she comes in complaining of depression. There is a completely different feeling to the depression in these two different constitutions. Most of you will likely enjoy socializing with Natrum muriaticum individuals because they are

sincere, considerate, sensitive, and thoughtful. On the other hand, you would probably dread socializing with Aurum individuals because you would likely not know what to say or do to help them feel better.

10) Nux vomica

Summary:

Serious and angry

Type A and discontent

Extremely hardworking

Very masculine (males and females)

Very organized

Body feels cold

Usually, she has definition to her facial bones (unless very overweight)

(Animal: Lion)

It’s rather easy to detect the level of aggressiveness in a Nux vomica patient during their initial visit, even if they treat you with respect. When you ask him about anger, he will definitely let you know that he has a problem with it. Note that anyone can become angry; Nux vomica, however, is simply very aggressive and charismatic in his nature. Nux vomica is very competent, and does not have any mercy for incompetent people. He is always discontented, and works extremely hard to improve things he views as imperfect. What bothers a Nux vomica patient about his condition/ailment is most likely the fact that the condition affects his work. He is less concerned about his quality of health and life, and more concerned about working for the sake of working and “fixing” things. It’s next to impossible to stop a Nux vomica from working. Nux vomica men have a very deep, extremely masculine voice. He often has a sharp and pointy nose. Nux vomica women tend to be the most masculine women in the society. It’s their behavior and body language, which is very masculine, not their actual physical body.

I have never met a Nux vomica patient who has had good liver function. They often suffer from various significant digestive complaints due to poor liver function. In various traditional systems

of medicine (such as Chinese medicine), it is said that anger negatively affects liver function. Since Nux vomica individuals do have a problem with anger, it only makes sense that their liver function would be compromised.

11) Phosphorus

Summary:

Warm and very social (can socialize with anyone)

Relaxed like Sulphur (but not arrogant like Sulphur)

Expansive (especially the large body type) and dispersed energy (as opposed to Carcinosin whose energy is tight). Can be forgetful or confused.

Bubbly personality and very talkative

Comfortable with themselves (versus Carcinosin who is uncomfortable)

Emotionally independent and stronger (as opposed to Pulsatilla who is needy and dependent on others)

Tendency towards respiratory problems (chronic cough, asthma, recurrent bronchitis or pneumonia in cold months, etc.)

Tendency towards heavy bleeding (nasal, menstrual, etc.)

Least controlling of all the polycrests

(Animal: Bunny)

Having an energetic barrier between you and others and between you and the environment creates a balanced separateness. This energetic barrier is very weak in people with the Phosphorus constitution causing her to have an expansive presence. Her dispersed energy field

helps her to be able to socialize with just about anyone. This is a blessing and a curse. Her weak energetic barrier is a blessing because she is likely the most loved personality profile and is highly capable, socially speaking. At the same time, the reduced energetic barrier is a curse since it causes lack of mental focus and concentration. As a result, most Phosphoruses are very “flaky” in many areas of their life. Additionally, they often suffer from numerous health problems, which I attribute to the absence of focus in the energy flow in their body. In some cases, Phosphorus is so energetically and mentally scattered that she can’t even answer a simple question. She goes off on numerous tangents while trying to answer your questions. For example, if you ask her how long she has had a headache, she might say three months at first, and then immediately switch to one month. She tends to be very wishy-washy in her thought patterns. This is most pronounced in older Phosphorus individuals who can seem mentally challenged. Phosphorus may or may not know this weakness about herself. In many cases, she might be too scattered or too carefree to recognize this aspect of her being.

All Phosphorus individuals are very talkative and social, and some are extremely loquacious.

The Materia Medica talks about how Lachesis is a very loquacious remedy, but I have found that Phosphorus is much more loquacious than Lachesis. Phosphorus is loquacious because she is

very social and very open. Lachesis, on the other hand, is loquacious because she feels better with discharges, and talking is a way of discharging energy. Phosphorus does not come in the “reserved” variety. Pulsatilla, however, can come in both varieties, social and reserved. Once in a while, you might see a Phosphorus who is “just right” socially- not too talkative and not too reserved like Natrum muriaticum. It’s noteworthy that even though Phosphorus is a very well-liked constitution, this does not necessarily mean that they are all angels. At times a Phosphorus patient will give my receptionist and me a difficult time with the numerous and varied demands she puts on us. She is not harsh like the constitutions in the “intense” category however. Since she is so relaxed with herself, she doesn’t have any difficulty speaking up and placing demands on others. Some

Phosphorus individuals are much more aggressive than the average Phosphorus. This type of Phosphorus tends to be very difficult to deal with. Phosphorus, as well as all other constitutions, can also be “intense” and angry like the constitutions in the “intense” category. When angry, however, a Phosphorus person can be diffused rather easily. A Nux vomica or Lachesis, on the other hand, is much more difficult to diffuse when angry. If you could draw a picture of the energy of anger coming out of a person, the way it would appear around a Nux vomica or Lachesis person would be as follows: it would be pointed towards the person they are angry with (similar to a laser beam); the energy of anger coming out of a Phosphorus person, on the other hand, would be expansive and unfocused (similar to a cloud) like their core energetic and personality profile.

The tendency towards hemorrhaging and heavy bleeding is only a “tendency,” and does not have to be present in every Phosphorus case. Not every female Phosphorus patient is going to complain of heavy menstrual bleeding. This is just one physical symptom that is noteworthy because it does show up more often in Phosphorus than many other constitutions. Phosphorus comes in any height and weight; thin and obese, short and tall, and any combination thereof. Behaviorally speaking, the more large and overweight the Phosphorus individual, the more relaxed and warm she tends to be. The thinner she is, the tighter and less expansive her energy is. The thinner Phosphorus has clearer boundaries. I believe Phosphorus has more of the kapha dosha than the other doshas. According to Ayurvedic medicine, kapha individuals are relaxed, patient, compassionate, and steady. And, I find that Phosphorus individuals are definitely all the above. Note that Phosphorus is so inherently relaxed that she appears calm even when she feels very anxious or stressed out.

One Phosphorus person meeting another Phosphorus person for the first time made the following comment to me: “I immediately saw that warm, friendly energy, and felt very connected to her. I felt that I could sit down and share my entire life history with her, and that she would treasure that.”

12) Pulsatilla

Summary:

Emotionally, very young for their age

Very mild and soft, and often sweet

Emotionally needy/clingy- loves to hug. People pleasers. “Mama’s baby”

Very weepy. Sometimes can’t control crying

Very social

Can be annoying and/or hyper

SRP (Strange-rare-and-peculiar): Thirstless, but often with a dry mouth

Easily changeable mood. Emotional swings (Bipolar type)

Often are blond in the U.S.

Pulsatilla men are often effeminate.

Ear infections even in adults (Kids get a lot of ear infections too)

(Animal: Baby animals of all sorts such as baby duck or baby chick, or a cat when it’s curled up on the couch.)

Pulsatilla has very fragile, soft and tender emotions. She cries very easily, and often cannot control her urge for crying. Majority of Pulsatillas are physically affectionate and love hugs.

She is often needy, and seeks emotional support from others since they are usually not strong enough to stand up on their own and combat the emotional challenges life brings them.

Pulsatilla children are extremely clingy, and often suffer from temper tantrums. The neediness of Pulsatilla can be annoying to some constitutional types. Most Pulsatilla individuals have some kind of emotional complaint or disorder. I have only met a couple of Pulsatilla individuals who have not had any complaints on an emotional level. Mood swings are a classic symptom of Pulsatilla. Many times, the mood swings become more severe and cause the official diagnosis of bipolar depression in Pulsatilla. Even though the Pulsatilla constitution is known for its softness and tenderness, it’s noteworthy

that Pulsatilla can be harsh at times. Note that Pulsatilla is not just tender, she is tender in a youthful fashion. She can be unfriendly and rude when her needs are not met. Being unfriendly and rude when one’s needs are not met is not just a Pulsatilla trait. What gives a Pulsatilla person away, however, is that this behavior is typically exhibited in ways that might remind you of a younger person.

The anger of Pulsatilla does not kinesthetically feel like the type of anger you might see in an “intense” constitution such as Nux vomica or Ignatia. The Pulsatilla patient may describe her anger as “extremely” intense. I believe this is her way of compensating for the genuine emotional softness and lack of charisma. Additionally, they often exaggerate to receive attention. This is where you, as an objective practitioner, need to be able to intuitively assess how the intensity of your patient’s anger would compare to that of a constitution from the “intense” category such as Nux vomica or Ignatia.

If you tell a Pulsatilla person about the traits of her constitution, and how her constitution is a softer/gentler one, she will take exception and try to prove to you how STRONG and mean she is. If you happen to tell a stronger constitution such as Nux vomica that you find them to be on the soft and gentle side, she will likely appreciate your comment and not have to prove her strength to you. However, Pulsatilla is sometimes less apt to appreciate being called soft and

gentle.

When a Pulsatilla individual comes into your office, she might pull up her chair to sit closer to you. Phosphorus will not exhibit this behavior because she has emotional independence, and has a much stronger sense of self than Pulsatilla. Pulsatilla often needs to be told by her parents, partners, siblings, children, and co-workers that she is loved. She likes attention, and often goes out of her way to please others; mostly to get the attention she crave. Of course, she can be very genuinely sweet and caring at other times. Pulsatilla goes a long way to receive love, attention, and support because she thrives on it. For example, one of my patients told me that she would drive a long distance to see one of her physicians mainly because this physician would give her “really good hugs.” Attention feeds Pulsatilla. If you are not nice to her, she will very quickly move on. Some display very quirky behavior which is potentially a way to stand out and receive attention. Many Pulsatillas are adrenaline junkies- they get involved in physically risky and dangerous activities, likely to satisfy their attention seeking behavior. Many of my adventure seeker patients are Pulsatillas. Although it’s noteworthy that most Medorrhinums are also adventure seekers. Since Pulsatilla is such a gentle and fragile constitution, Pulsatilla men often exhibit traditionally feminine traits. The majority of Pulsatillas are social and enjoy talking about their emotions. In some rare cases, however, you might see a reserved Pulsatilla. Although even the reserved type of Pulsatilla would be considered a social butterfly compared to a Natrum muriaticum person. Some Pulsatilla individuals come across much more aggressive than the average Pulsatilla. This kind of Pulsatilla tends to be very moody and blows up often; they have temper tantrums when they do not get their way and can appear very intense. It might be difficult for a beginner homeopath to identify this type of Pulsatilla person. Like some other remedies, Pulsatilla comes in different physical subtypes: one type comes with fragile baby-like features, and yet another type appears rougher. The fragile type tends to be much more energetically light, and is rather tense and anxious; the rougher type tends to be more laid back and cool almost like Sulphur. Regardless of the different physical types, they are all emotionally sensitive, tend to cry easily (unless that was suppressed in them early on), and most all of them love attention and hugs. Sometimes Pulsatilla has emotional side effects (i.e. crying, being upset, etc.) after taking her remedy. Such side effects usually wear off within minutes up to a few hours. The emotional reaction that Pulsatilla may experience with her remedy is not surprising when you consider how Pulsatilla often suffers from mood swings, so it won’t take much for her to go out of balance emotionally.

One keynote of Pulsatilla is thirstlessness (do not want water or other liquids), while another keynote is having a dry mouth. You would think that a person would be thirsty if she had a dry mouth. And, that is exactly why this is considered a SRP (strange, rare and peculiar) symptom for Pulsatilla. (Note, for the beginner in homeopathy, SRP symptoms are very helpful in case taking.) I have met some Pulsatilla individuals who claim to be very thirsty, drink plenty of water on a daily basis and do not have a dry mouth. However, the majority of Pulsatillas have a dry mouth, and yet are thirstless. They may drink a maximum of 1-2 glasses of water a day. For the latter kind of Pulsatilla individual, using the remedy often appears to balance this SRP symptom, they become thirsty within minutes after taking the remedy. I have recorded this observation on camera in numerous patient visits in my office. It’s noteworthy that many Pulsatillas may reluctantly drink other fluids such as fruit juice or teas much more readily than water. Pulsatilla enjoys cozy places and situations. For example, she often likes to be curled up and cozy on a couch or wrap a blanket around herself while sitting next to her significant other. She may also come into your office with a scarf or a hat if it’s cold out. I have seen Pulsatillas wear snow boots in warm weather not because they were feeling cold, but to perhaps feel the soft sensation of sheep wool next to their skin in order to feel cozy and perhaps supported. Adult Pulsatillas, as sweet and likable as they often are, remind other constitutional types of babies or children. They are youthful in many ways, emotionally and physically. They cry very easily, love to hug and be hugged, and get ear infections (which is more of a childhood condition) even as adults. They often absolutely crave attention, and are soft and sweet just like children. Their eyebrows and eyelashes often appear like babies and kids: long and soft. The tone of their voice sounds very young for their age. (For example, the voice of a forty-year old woman might sound like an eighteen-year old.) Last, but not least, you will likely love your Pulsatilla patients in a way that brings the same refreshing feeling to your heart as when you love a child.

13) Sepia

Summary:

STASIS IS THE CENTRAL THEME

Often (not always) flat affect and flat voice- She appears bored

Can be nasty and rude when upset (or even when not upset)

Disconnected and indifferent to family and others; has a “don’t care” attitude

“Sepia” (sallow yellowish brown) colored skin

Often has gynecological problems

Stasis can be manifested in many ways, including mental sluggishness, emotional indifference, constipation, uterine prolapse, and urinary incontinence. Sepia is just as easy to detect upon initial visual/energetic inspection as Calcarea carbonica and Carcinosin. She has a sepia or yellowish skin tone. Even Caucasian Sepias have this unique feature. Many Asian Indians are constitutional Sepia which is interesting since Indians have a uniquely yellowish and often, specifically, a sepia colored skin tone. African Americans can often have this constitution as well. I have never met a constitutional Sepia who does not have this skin tone. Therefore, if you see someone whose skin tone is entirely fair, I’d think it would be perfectly safe to rule out Sepia as her constitutional remedy. The Materia Medica says that she is “disconnected and indifferent to family.” I would not take this statement literally. She loves her family like any other constitution. However, she gives off the “energy” that she is indifferent towards people in general, not just specifically her family.

She doesn’t get too excited or too sad about anything. She has a “whatever” feeling towards everything. As a result, the kinesthetic energy you might feel in a Sepia person is somewhat flat.

However, when angered, she can be quite aggressive and intense. However, even when intensely angry, one can detect the stasis in Sepia. You probably can’t just ask a Sepia patient, “Are you bored or disinterested in life?” Any human being has some interests in life- that is why they are alive and breathing. You need to compare your patient’s temperament to the majority of people in the society, and then decide whether your patient is interested in and excited about life less or more than the average person in the society. Sepia is less interested in and less excited about life. She needs stimulation from the outside to gain a level of excitement that is satisfying to her. Otherwise, she may feel down and sad. You might find this to be true of many constitutions, but it’s definitely noteworthy in Sepia. Sepia often feels better with exercise. Why? Since the central theme in Sepia is stasis and stagnation, it would make sense that movement would help combat this natural tendency. Sepia patients tend to be more sarcastic than other constitutions. However, unless directed at you, their sarcasm and attitude may be more difficult to detect. For example, I once had a Sepia patient who was always polite towards me, but had a subtle underlying sense of sarcasm and rudeness about her. One day when she brought her son to the office with her, I could readily detect her rude and inappropriate behavior towards her son. Of course, they themselves may not fully realize that their behavior is sometimes visibly sarcastic and rude. For example, one of my Sepia patients initially described herself as “defensive.” Upon further probing, I found out that by “defensive,” she actually meant “aggressive.” In my experience, Sepia is mainly a female remedy, and Sepia women are very feminine. According to Roger Morrison’s Desktop Guide to Keynotes and Confirmatory Symptoms, there are two types of Sepia women: first, the tall and flat-breasted type (this group is likely the athletic type); second, the round, plump, and overweight type. Of course, you could see Sepias who are perfectly fit, neither tall and flat-breasted nor round and plump. However, there does appear to be two distinct subtypes of Sepia as stated in Morrison’s Desktop Guide. I have noticed that every female Sepia patient I have had so far in my practice appears to be a good homemaker. They care much about the appearance of the inside and outside of their place of residence.

14) Silica

Summary:

Very poor physical health (numerous physical ailments)

Extremely organized

Extremely detail oriented

Extremely stubborn (but can also give in easily, as opposed to Calc carb who is stubborn and does not give in.)

As a rule, not the warmest personality

Can physically carry themselves like royalty

Often very thin, and never fat (as opposed to Calc carbs who are always chubby or overweight, and are never thin)

Almost always have constipation and/or other GI issues

(Animal: Mouse)

You will find “need for internal grit” as a keynote in the Materia Medica of Silica. How does the statement “need for internal grit” translate in reality when the patient is sitting in front of you in the office? Silica is very stubborn and does not hide it. In fact, her body language often very visibly shows she is proud of being stubborn. Most people tend to hide their pride to some extent; however, Silica is often very proud of her pride. She’ll say to you, “I’m not going to do a B12 injection and take a homeopathic remedy at the same time. I’m not going to do it.” She says this even after you have let her know she needs both, since she has B12 deficiency anemia and is extremely fatigued. She easily expresses her opinions. The Materia Medica states she is yielding. This does not mean that she is shy and gives in easily. She does have a tendency to “give in,” however. I would recommend that you try harder to see her stubbornness than her

yielding disposition. There is an emotional weakness in her personality and she uses stubbornness to compensate for it. How does the emotional weakness manifest itself? I have a male Silica patient who comes to see me one to two times a year because his wife asks him to. He would never come in for visits on his own since he strongly believes no one can help him. This feeling is not just one of despair and hopelessness; he also wants to stubbornly prove that his wife and his doctor are wrong. He wants to prove no one can help him. Ironically, he has come to enjoy the periodic dosing of Silica 10M since it is, in his words, the only natural medicine that has ever helped him in any way. Due to severe scoliosis, he has been in severe pain for many years, and one can’t help but feel compassionate towards him. The remedy helps improve his energy and mood, which is a nice change from his ordinary state of affairs for both him and his wife. Constitutional Silicas are like “firecrackers.” Firecrackers are not big; they are noisy and full of little sparks. They are not inherently dangerous like a big bomb that could cause a catastrophic explosion. Nux vomica and other intense remedies are analogous to a bomb compared to Silica, which is like a small firecracker. Silica can be very annoying at times to most constitutions due to the little annoying and snide remarks she makes. She can be like an annoying mosquito buzzing in your face. Silica can also be a little rude and inappropriate at times. Silica is similar to a blow up punching toy; when you knock it down, it comes right back up again.

Silica is extremely detailed oriented. She cares about every minute detail in whatever project she takes on. She also cares very much about the details of her appearance. This does not come from a place of lust as it might in some other constitutions. For Silica, things have to be just so. Silica has a very weak physical body. She often has numerous defects, diseases, or nonpathological, but yet significant, conditions in their bones, hair, nails and teeth. For example, she often comes in presenting with numerous misalignments and genetic abnormalities in her spine such as scoliosis, fused disks at birth, misaligned jaws, misaligned sinuses, etc. Although Silica almost always has defects in her musculoskeletal system, she frequently suffers from problems in many other systems as well. Digestion and assimilation of nutrients is problematic in almost every Silica patient. I believe the root of all her problems is her poor assimilation of nutrients, in general, and minerals in particular; thus, developing a very poor musculoskeletal system and weakness in the rest of their body. When you do a Review of Systems for a Silica person, you will often find that she has (or has had) problems in every part of her body, especially in the musculoskeletal and digestive systems. It’s almost as if her body is simply not “put together right” from birth. This overall weakened state throughout the body is found in the majority, but not all, constitutional Silica patients. Although, it’s noteworthy that I have never met a constitutional Silica person who did not have any complaints or abnormalities in some part of her body. The “healthy” Silicas have to take great care to stay healthy. For example, she has to eat a healthy diet, exercise, and take a number of supplements to be free of maladies. The average Sulphur or Calcarea carbonica person are inherently much healthier than Silica. They are typically healthy even if they don’t exercise, eat healthy, or take any supplements.

The beginner in homeopathy might be wondering if homeopathy by itself could correct all the defects in the musculoskeletal system or in other systems, for that matter. The answer is absolutely not. The remedy by itself will not correct scoliosis, jaw misalignment, or other

serious physical pathologies. However, the remedy can help with organ/tissue dysfunction that is caused by the underlying physical defect. For example, a patient with scoliosis will likely suffer from digestive dysfunction due to the pressure the misaligned spine might be placing on her organs. If such a person takes her constitutional remedy (i.e. Silica in this case), her scoliosis will not be corrected; however, her digestive dysfunction will be at least partially, if not completely, alleviated.

Silica is rigid and stiff on both physical and emotional levels. To an imaginative person, this stiffness and rigidity on the physical level can make her limbs appear as if they are wooden, like the cartoon character Pinocchio. The rigidity on the emotional level, of course, manifests as stubbornness. Silica is always thin as opposed to Calcarea carbnonica, who is never thin. There are two distinct subtypes of female Silicas: the thinner and ‘flat-chested’ type, and the ‘shapely’ type. The flat-chested type is often extraordinarily thin and has very small breasts. The shapely type is very feminine, has very curvy hips (more so than many other polycrests), and is rather attractive. However, even the shapely type of Silica has very small breasts. Both types have very thin skulls. The flat-chested type has far more physical problems than the shapely type. It seems as if their teeth, spine, gut, and many other body parts are ill or, at least, simply out of balance. The shapely type tends to be much healthier than the flat-chested type, but often do still have many health challenges of their own. A keynote of Silica is that they enjoy paying attention to appearances. The shapely type of Silica tends to pay much more attention to her appearance then the flat-chested type. I ask about level of libido in my office intake forms, and

it’s been my observation that the shapely type of Silica has a significantly higher level of libido than the flat-chested type which makes sense. As far as their ability to withstand stress, Silicas are like cockroaches. I remember reading somewhere that cockroaches are the only creatures that are known to survive the atomic bomb. In my experience, Silicas’ obstinacy is reminiscent of the cockroach’s ability to withstand any kind of physical stress.

15) Staphysagria

Summary:

Shy

Suppressed anger/frustration (ready to explode) - You can feel the anger under the surface, in an overall nice person. (This is in contrast to Nux vomica, whom you will definitely know is angry- it won’t be under the surface.)

Comes across as sweet/polite (but not as sweet as the people in the soft and sweet category)

They internally feel as if they are royalty- feel superior to others. However, they do not act prideful or carry themselves as if royalty like Silica might.

High libido

The Materia Medica says Staphysagria is sweet, but I have not placed Staphysagria in the “soft and sweet” category because she is often not as sweet as the “soft and sweet” remedies such as Carcinosin or Pulsatilla. She can be sweet, but doesn’t come across very sweet all the time. The reason she gets upset is that she feels she is noble. She often thinks, “How dare you talk to me like that?” Staphysagria might come across like Pulsatilla, and that’s why you can mistake the two. I once prescribed Pulsatilla to an eleven-year-old girl whose chief complaint was frequent headaches. Pulsatilla did not help her at all. Upon further questioning her mother, I found out the girl would habitually scream into her pillow at night. This girl was also severely offended by my treating her as a child during one of her visits. I had shown her a cookbook, which had drawings of different meals in it, to encourage her to eat healthier. She had found this extremely offensive. When I questioned her as to why she was so mad at me, she told me, “I don’t like it when people treat me like I am a kid.” She was choking up and appeared very uncomfortable when expressing these words. This experience along with the fact she would scream into her pillow on a nightly basis let me to believe that she was likely a constitutional Staphysagria, not Pulsatilla. The remedy over a period of a few months significantly helped her with her headaches.

16) Sulphur

Summary:

Social

Intellectual, always trying to figure things out, and has an opinion about everything

Often arrogant

Some tend to be lazy and messy

Relaxed energy, not tight. Their relaxedness is similar to Phosphorus

She feels warm/hot

Often has problems with skin and/or acid reflux

The highlights of Sulphur are intelligence and arrogance. Sulphurs are some of the smartest people on the planet. Sulphurs think effortlessly, as opposed to many other constitutions that might be thinkers, but it is an effort for them. Compared to individuals from almost all other

constitutions, Sulphur individuals typically excel at just about anything they become interested in. Sulphurs exude confidence and competence. They never say, “I can’t do that.” They will figure out a way to do just about anything. Their knowledge of their own capabilities leads to arrogance. I believe some of the most famous figures in the world, especially in the world of science and mathematics, are constitutional Sulphurs. It is mainly the analytical side of their brain (i.e. left brain) that is extraordinary. Their right brain is probably not particularly different from other constitutions.

The “arrogant” remedies (such as Sulphur or Platina) are so arrogant that this defines and shapes a large part of their personality. Some Sulphurs are more visibly arrogant then others; however, all Sulphurs are arrogant. Some Sulphurs admit to their arrogance, but others are too arrogant to admit that they have any problems. The Materia Medica says that Sulphur is insecure. It states arrogance is always a sign of insecurity. However, I would not pay too much attention to this keynote in the Materia Medica because it can confuse you. Sulphurs seem very secure, confident, and competent. Note that Lycopodium is also very arrogant and haughty, but their insecurity is highly visible. In fact, if you see someone who is very intellectual, Sulphur and Lycopodium should come to mind as possibilities. The main difference is that Sulphur is very confident and strong, even if there may be an underlying insecurity, and Lycopodium is extraordinarily and visibly insecure. I have met numerous Sulphur individuals who love to read books. Often, when you have a Sulphur child in the office, you will find that they keep looking at your books. On a number of occasions, I have had Sulphur children in my office who pick up some of the books in my office and ask me questions about the medical matters discussed in them. They don’t do this to show off. They are simply very curious and intellectual. Adult Sulphur patients like to tell me what to do. They come in and tell me that they need a blood test, or they need detox, etc. Sulphurs are typically extraordinarily healthy on all levels. Mentally, they are incredibly capable. Even though I have seen a few Sulphur patients with various physical ailments, most Sulphurs almost always have a very healthy body. They are healthy on an emotional level as well. They are not too aggressive like Nux vomica and are not too fragile like Natrum muriaticum or Carcinosin. They are not too emotionally rough like Calcarea carbonica and not too soft like Pulsatilla. They are right in the healthy middle on the spectrum of emotions. Sulphur, similarly to Phosphorus, is very relaxed. Their body language and posture appears and kinesthetically feels very relaxed; probably one of the most relaxed type of people in the world.

The Sulphur’s relaxedness stands opposite to Carcinosin’s uptightness. Sulphur is too arrogant to try to be anything he/she is not. In other words, Sulphur accepts how he/she is. However, Carcinosin tries very hard to be something she/he is not. Carcinosin is already very kind and nice, but they try hard to come across even nicer than they already are. I believe, having a lot of fears, along with this “unnecessary” need to come across as extremely nice, is what leads to the tightness in Carcinosin’s body. Sulphur is very socially capable like Phosphorus. They are, however, not as open and social as Phosphorus. Sulphurs are self-assured, and as such, they do what they want to, and will not do what they don’t want to do. Phosphorus might socialize even if they don’t want to socialize; however, Sulphur will more easily refrain from socializing if they don’t want to. Sulphur has a very warm body temperature. I don’t remember ever seeing a Sulphur person whose body temperature is cold despite of the various medical conditions they might have had.

This is a very important physical keynote for Sulphur. Sulphur’s body type can come in different varieties (i.e. heavy or thin), unlike Calcarea carbonica who is always heavy. When you see an overweight patient, there are a few main remedies that should come to mind. If the person is relaxed and chubby, Phosphorus and Sulphur should come up (Note that both Phosphorus and Sulphur individuals could also be thin). If the person is very stubborn and not quite as relaxed, think of Calcarea carbonica as a possibility.

Sulphur people can sometimes smell offensive. If a patient’s body and clothes smell very offensive to you, you should at least consider Sulphur as a possibility. You will likely help their social life by giving them their remedy, which should help with the body odor. I am not certain if the remedy helps their body odor directly on a physiological level, or indirectly by changing their views on life and hygiene. It’s strange that, on one hand, some Sulphur people can feel disgusted by germs and uncleanness while other Sulphur people might smell. You will never see a Sulphur who is obsessed by organization and cleanliness even if they are the “clean” type of Sulphur. Remember, Sulphurs are too relaxed and comfortable with themselves to get bent out of shape about orderliness; even if they happen to be the clean type of Sulphur as opposed to the smelly type.

Main traits of common polycrests

(Note: Many remedies can have the traits listed in each box; the ones listed are the most likely to have that trait.)

1) Mild

Pulsatilla

Phosphorus

Natrum muriaticum

Silica

Sepia (can be)

2) Soft

Pulsatilla

Natrum muriaticum

Phosphorus

Carcinosin (maybe)

3) Very Sensitive and

gentle

Natrum muriaticum

Pulsatilla

4) Physically Delicate

Silica

5) Cry very easily

Natrum muriaticum

Pulsatilla

6) Warm/sweet

Phosphorus

Pulsatilla

Carcinosin

(Not Nat mur)

7) Shy

Natrum muriaticum

Staphysagria

Carcinosin (can be)

8) Irritable

Ignatia

Nux vomica

Causticum (can be similar

to Ignatia irritability)

9) Intense

or Intimidating

(Not suppressed –

unlike “tense” people)

All “intense” remedies

10) Tense

(Suppressed feelings

 tension)

Ignatia (irritable)

Carcinosin

Staphysagria

10.1) Relaxed:

Phosphorus

Sulphur

Sepia

11) Angry (ASK)

All “intense” remedies,

and

Staphysagria (totally

suppressed anger)

Lycopodium

12) Aggressive (ASK)

Nux vomica

Lachesis

Ignatia

Sepia (not often)

13) Stubborn/

Obstinate/

Calcarea carbonicum

Silica

14) Hard working or

industrious (ASK)

Calcarea carbonicum

Nux vomica

Ignatia

15) Organized or

Fastidious (ASK)

Silica (if not too

exhausted)

Nux vomica

Kali carb

Carcinosin

16) Serious

Kali carb

Nux vomica

Causticum

Lycopodium

17) Very social

Phosphorus

Pulsatilla

Sulphur

Medorrhinum

(inappropriate)

& most “Intense”

remedies

18) Arrogant

Sulphur

Lycopodium

19) Socially cold and

reserved

Natrum muriaticum

Kali carb (very)

20) Flat affect

Sepia

Kali carb

Natrum muriaticum

(maybe)

CASES