The beginning

In 1991, I decided to pursue homeopathy. How to begin? I opened materia Medica and randomly read about the remedy Bryonia , which is used widely in practice. This is the description of Bryonia in the material medica by CM Boger

‘’Slowly advancing forcible processes, localizing in unyielding tissues. Very painful effects; on coughing holds sides, chest or head in joints etc. Bursting, stitching or heavy sore pain, going backward. Averse to least motion, even in distant parts. Dryness everywhere. Dryness of the mucous membrane. Scanty adherent secretions. Congestion. Inflammation, exudation. Streaks of red.  Gastro-bilious- rheumatic type. Determined, taciturn, irritable and ugly. Wants to be let alone or go home. Dull, dizzy or faint on rising up. Bursting, stitching or heavy , crushing headache, worse by moving eyes, coughing, straining at stool. Dry mouth, tongue dry, rough…………………….’’

I did not know how to use this information and how to identify a patient who will need this remedy. Now, Dr Phatak was not there to guide me and I had to find a way to go ahead.

I looked up another remedy, Rhus- tox, which is commonly used in practice.

It is described as follows:

“An infectious irritant, exciting typhoid, rheumatic or paretic effects. Nightly shooting, stitching, tearing pains; cannot rest in any position. Grippe,  variola. Sore, bruised or stiff. Flesh feels beaten or torn loose. Dislocative sensation. twitching muscles. Crawling. Numbness and trembling. Burning ,swelling and lividity. Cellulitis. Acrid, rusty red, meat water or musty secretions …………..”

I was confused. How to select a Bryonia or rhus tox patient based on these descriptions. How to proceed further?  An experienced homeopath would be able to find a correct remedy but I had not reached that stage. I was just a beginner.

I desperately needed some authority figure to show me the way. Luckily I came across a book titled ‘The Soul of remedies” by Dr. Rajan Sankaran. I did not know this person. I opened the book and read the description of Bryonia which is as follows:

“A plant remedy. The main feeling is of a loss, which has to be made up very fast by doing business, take risks and increase your wealth. He talks and dreams of business. Very industrious, busy and determined and works at a feverish pace. He is insensitive to the feelings and emotions of others. He talks little and does not like to be disturbed. He reads things concerned with his business, talks with business people and his attitude in the clinic is rather business-like”

Here is the description of Rhus- tox by Dr.  Rajan Sankaran;

“A constant anxiety “as if something is going to happen” This constant anxiety makes him restless and does not allow him to rest in any position. Patient has many fears. He is extremely superstitious. Feeling of helplessness. This anxiety is more inside house. He faces some danger from members of his own family and always on his guard"

This could be a situation of a woman with her child alone in the house, with her violent, drunkard husband who could harm her.

The patient is very timid, mild and very nervous. He is very superstitious. He cannot sit in one place, always moving around. It is a constant physical restlessness”

I was delighted by this information.  It shows that every remedy has a unique personality and there will not be confusion in selecting a remedy. Just by reading materia medica it may be difficult to differentiate Bryonia from Rhus tox but the personality of these two drugs is very distinct.

This information on each remedy is obtained from provings of each remedy on normal healthy individuals. This information can be grouped under mentals, physical generals and some unique or peculiar symptoms reported by the provers.

The basis of these provings is the principle ‘like cures like’

It means that a medicine capable of producing certain effects on healthy 
person is capable of curing any illness that resembles similar effects.