Vol.IX #4 - All That Grieves Is Not Ignatia

Simillimum - Winter 1996

Julek Meissner, N.D.

Even for experienced homeopaths, a knee-jerk reaction when dealing with a particular case scenario is not unheard of. Thus, Arnica for concussions, Arsenicum for food poisoning, Aconitum for fright, Ignatia for grief. The following case illustrates how open mindedness, even before the start of the homeopathic interview proper, is of far greater benefit in the search for the simillimum.

The patient, Mark, phoned a week prior to the initial consultation. In the midst of a coughing spell, he asked whether or not I could help his schizophrenic friend, Jane. He explained that he had accompanied her to a support-group meeting for schizophrenics, where he had heard about the numerous drugs she had to take. Afterwards he felt depressed, sorry and worried for Jane-at which point he thought of homeopathy as a safe and viable alternative.