Author:
Mary Ellen Turner
Book:
Interhomeopathy
Type:
Chapter:
2012.11.05
Another look at the Compositae family
by Mary Ellen Turner
Recently, I’ve been reviewing old cases with fresh eyes. While the prescribed remedies have had some benefit, the overall hoped-for shift had not taken place. In two cases, I found myself taking another look at the Compositae family of remedies.
During this time, I happen to be politically interested in the US presidential election (2012) and find myself watching the RNC Convention here in the USA. One iconic speaker represented the signature persona of Arnica. He often played the strong, silent type in many of his classic movies. One in particular is a 1970 film, Two Mules for Sister Sara with Shirley MacLaine, where our noble hero-for-hire saves a “damsel in distress”. They then continue on, facing subsequent adventures (acute situations), all requiring risk and determination. “Be very careful not to show any pain - or weakness.” (Sister Sara)[1]
We often see the theme in the Compositae of the absent or estranged family: the subject is yearning for a connection (as an ally) where they can maintain their individuality as equals. While self-protective (due to their highly sensitive nature), they are sensitive to the plight of the less fortunate.
Case
KV, 42-year-old woman, very lively, animated, intense, and acutely sensitive to insult.
Hormonal hot flashes alternating with chills
Eczema
Cold sores/herpes, < touch
Bloating (constant, after meals)
Vertigo, since ‘94 (< straightening up from bending forward)
Metal taste in mouth
Hepatitis (drug use) since age 18
Insomnia (wakes every hour) – waking startled from scary dreams
Right shoulder pain (skiing)
She was in lots of trouble with authority as a child, culminating in severe beatings from her step dad.
KV was hired as an executive chef for a wealthy family and soon became the “chief cook and bottle washer” for all its members; forever on call. This was a very chaotic household with no structure or accountability. She often felt unappreciated, of which she bitterly complained (“After all I do for them…”). The same pattern typically played out in her romantic relationships.
Her job environment was constantly chaotic, requiring her to “pick up the pieces” and “make everything ok”. Lachesis and Carcinosin had been prescribed with some success, but her energetic intensity had not been quelled.
Her vacation time is spent traveling to exotic locales, trekking Africa or swimming with sharks in Bali; “It makes me feel alive.”
At one consultation, she mentioned the marriage breakup of her employers. She cried in great distress as to how each member of the family would be impacted, including the dog. She had been working for them for 9 years and felt them to be her family. She hadn’t seen her stepfather since age 17 (pregnant), and was estranged from her son, mother and sister.
I was struck how her grief was focused on this family’s transitional hardships. Considering her propensity to over-give, while feeling unappreciated, and her liveliness, juxtaposing her exhaustion and the isolation of her personal life, I considered a plant remedy of the Cancer miasm. Mirilli’s Thematic mentions the desire for company (of the family). In this case, there is an indifference to her biological family, while having a strong dedication/duty to another.
Two doses of Bellis Perennis 1M within two days brought relief; “I feel so calm.” Her skin cleared, and she stopped smoking. “I finally let myself off the hook,” meaning she was not responsible for juggling the chaos of others. KV found herself “drawing a line in the sand” both with her employers and in her romantic relationship. “I’m finally prioritizing my needs.” Her skin/cold sores have healed, and her vertigo and hot flashes have ceased. Her shoulder is free of pain and her sleep continues to improve (was a 10 on a scale from 1-10, waking hourly – now changed to a 4, with occasional waking). She has decided to leave the employ of this family and focus on her catering business.