Another look at the Compositae familyby 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.Case
LR, (F) age 57.
Self-described Radical Feminist Separatist.
High blood pressure (on medications)
Earache (stabbing) right, itchy, occasional stuffed-up sensation in both ears
Arthritis pain, left hip; < lying in bed, > stretching leg
Vertigo with nausea; > closing eyes, < lying in bed, turning in bed, rising from lying, occasionally while walking
Menses flow at night
Tendinitis; right shoulder
Anxiety = epistaxis right nostril, < touch
Irresolution, second guessing – “hunger, but don’t know what I want; what I like or don’t like.”
Easily discouraged and wants to give up, quit, and leave the situation (various jobs).
Estranged from family
Sensation: unloved, not seen, don’t belong
Perspiration at night, followed by chills (head/shoulders)
Daily cannabis use
Purpose in life: “To do what I want.” (Suggesting that she may not yet know what she wants).
Dreams: “I’m in a group that is looking for something. When I make a suggestion, they don’t acknowledge me. Don’t want to dream; to hear what they have to say – which is: ‘You’re doing it wrong.’”
Fears: heights, danger
Food: Doritos chips, sour cream, cheese, bacon, burgers
She describes herself as self-sufficient, “just tough it out”, and that it does not occur to her to ask for help. “Dad was a subtle terrorist and told me that I was a trouble maker, because I would always question authority. ‘If I don’t show any emotion, dad won’t bother me.’”
She experienced lots of quarrels with friends; “I want close friends, yet I get annoyed when it’s offered.”
Having prescribed
Magnesium carbonicum, with quasi-relief, I switched to (capricious, irresolute) Chamomilla 1M (acute of
Magnesium carbonicum). She called four days later: “I started dreaming again. I’m in a group where we have a common project. It’s harmonious and happy.” Her hip pain had subsided and her ears are stuffy.
Three weeks later she has had several epistaxis episodes. She has returned to her familiar “funk” and wants to quit her job. Her hip pain has returned. She took 10M in the office and I sent her home with a 200C/dropper bottle to take as needed.
Two weeks later: She had planned a trip to Taos, NM, to visit a friend and before leaving discovered that she needed a new starter for her car (Oh! The metaphor!). She started to go into familiar discouragement but decided to “keep her eye on the prize,” get the starter and go on her trip. “The best thing I’ve done for myself in a long time.”
The decision to go on the trip was a breakthrough and subsequently she has drawn to herself numerous synchronicities, offers of help and a deeper intimate friendship. “I became aware of how I get in my own way. I’m able to let it go. There’s a level of contentment. I find that I’m less defensive and am able to keep the negative mind chatter from taking over. I’ve gone back to playing piano and now I sing and whistle at work. I’m less isolated.”
Two dreams: “I am a member of a group with a common goal. War planes are flying above. We decide to do nothing. The planes fly by. I am in a partnership with someone making plans.”
"The hip pain has lessened to the point where I’m weaning off
Ibuprofen for pain. There is no ear pain, just occasional crackling – something there is breaking up. I’m finally getting my needs met!”
She still describes herself as a Radical Feminist, though she has dropped the “separatist” from her title.
Mary Ellen Turner lives and practices in Denver, Colorado.