Natrum muriaticum – Sepia – Phosphorus are cyclical remedies in Materia Medica which follow each other in a certain order. This article focusses on comparison and utilization of the intricate relationship between Natrum muriaticum, Sepia, and Phosphorus in practice. We have divided the article under Sphere of action, Modalities, Causation, Physical Generals and Mind for the ease of understanding. Extensive examples from various cases are purposefully avoided keeping in mind the vast data to understand.
KEYWORDS: Natrum muriaticum, Sepia, Phosphorus, Remedy relationship, Homoeopathic Materia Medica, comparison
INTRODUCTION
While reading Phosphorus from “Homoeopathic drug pictures” by M.L. Tyler, we found a table comparing Natrum muriaticum, Sepia, and Phosphorus. Our curiosity led us to know more about the relationship between these drugs. This article comprises of theoretical study from various source books where these remedies are mentioned under “complementary” or “follows well”. Extensive research of the literature does not reveal a proper explanation and correlation between these remedies. Hence this article aims to fill that gap in knowledge and application.
Natrum muriaticum, Sepia, Phosphorus are three polychrest remedies of which Natrum muriaticum and Phosphorus are derived from the mineral kingdom and Sepia is from the animal kingdom. Our practical experience over the last few years indicates that Natrum muriaticum, known for its affinity to emotional suppression, Sepia associated with hormonal imbalances, and Phosphorus with its susceptibility to external influences offer a clinical relationship with each other.
J.H. Clarke states that Natrum muriaticum is complementary to Sepia and vice versa, and Phosphorus is compatible with Sepia[1][2]. Additionally, Phosphorus is recognized for its ability to intensify the action of Sepia.[3]
ANALYSIS
SPHERE OF ACTION[4] –
| NATRUM MURIATICUM | SEPIA | PHOSPHORUS |
| Blood
Lymphatics Liver Spleen Salivary glands Mucus membranes Digestive organs Skin Female sexual organs |
Venous system
Ovaries Uterus Portal system GIT – liver Kidneys skin |
Stomach, intestines
Liver Spleen Kidneys Heart Arteries Blood Female and male sexual organs Bones Lungs Mucus membrane, serous membrane, spinal cord and nerves. |
The above table helps us analyze all three remedies at one stretch. It shows the gross and deep action of these remedies. Some systems are common but few systems are specific for that drug. While prescribing, if we understand and consider the specific action on system, it becomes easier to differentiate. Even after repertorization where a new homoeopath may have trouble differentiating the remedies, knowledge of sphere of action can aid in prescribing.
For example – Natrum muriaticum has a marked action on the spleen, especially after malaria or abuse of quinine. Sepia is known for stasis in liver and veins and Phosphorus is degenerative for liver and nerves.
MODALITIES – AGGRAVATION [5]
| NATRUM MURIATICUM | SEPIA | PHOSPHORUS |
| < mental exertion < strong emotions, consolation, sympathy
< puberty < seashore < dampness < Sunlight ( C/F ) < quinine < bread, fat, sour foods ( C/F ) < talking, reading < music < touch < pressure < chronic sprains < 9 am to 11 am |
< before menses
< after pregnancy < miscarriage < sex / sexual excess < cold air, dampness ( C/F ) < snowy air ( C/F ) < before thunderstorms < washing clothes < falling to sleep < left side < after sweat < touch < rubbing |
< slight causes < mental fatigue, emotions
< sexual excess < puberty < weather change < windy / cold < thunderstorms < loss of fluids < odours, light < lying on left side / painful side < warm food or drink / salt < touch < shaving < evening |
Abbreviations : C/F, Causative factor
MODALITIES – AMELIORATION [5]
| NATRUM MURIATICUM | SEPIA | PHOSPHORUS |
| Open air
> Cool bathing > Sweating > Deep breathing > Lying on right side > Tight clothing > Talking long > Rubbing > Going without regular meals > Rest |
> Cold drinks, cold bathing, open air > Warmth of bed > Sitting with legs crossed
> Exercise / dancing > Pressure > After sleep |
> Cold food, water
> Open air > Lying on right side > Sitting > Rubbing / massage > Eating > Dark / sleep |
The key to prescribing is modality, when it is found on interrogation or by observation. A case is said to be complete if many characteristic modalities or a single characteristic modality is found. So, with respect to modalities, let us have a practical look.
Natrum muriaticum is constitutionally hot and Sepia and Phosphorus are constitutionally chilly. Sometimes in the core constitution there is Natrum muriaticum but locally a few modalities belong to Sepia. In such a situation, Natrum muriaticum should be complemented with Sepia.
In some cases when Sepia is given, the patient shows some modalities of Phosphorus like craving for icy cold drinks which were previously not present. So after Sepia, Phosphorus can be thought of. Further study of modalities are required for understanding the relationship between these close polychrests.
CAUSATIONS [6] –
| NATRUM MURIATICUM | SEPIA | PHOSPHORUS |
| Anger and grief,
Guilt, Betrayal, Disappointment, Fright, Loss of fluids, Eating salt, Masturbation, Injury to head. |
Anger & vexation,
Puberty, Hormone treatment, Birth control pills, Hysterectomy, Pregnancy, Childbirth, Menopause, Sexual abuse, Blows, falls, injury, Overlifting, Boiled milk, Fat, pork, Alcohol, tobacco. |
Anger & Grief,
Fear, Worry, Exposure to drenching rains & washing clothes, Excessive use of salt or sugar, Hair cuts, Electrocution, Tobacco. |
Finding the cause in each case finalizes the prescription. A case can have a single cause or multiple causes which can be confusing. For example, the above three remedies predominantly are considered for grief but the expression is variable which decides the selection.
Natrum muriaticum broods on the subject and desires for support but Sepia tries to find a way out on her own, Phosphorus becomes sympathetic. Excess salt is liked by both Natrum muriaticum and Phosphorus which leads to various disorders but Sepia likes sour, which also affects her.
PHYSICAL GENERALS [5] –
| NATRUM MURIATICUM | SEPIA | PHOSPHORUS |
| 1. Dry mucus membrane
2. Tendency to catch colds 3. Emaciation in neck 4. Great weakness & weariness 5. Coldness – cold sensation along the spine4 6. Mapped tongue 7. Sweats while eating 8. Constrictive sensation throughout the body [6] 9. Heart’s pulsations shake body 10. Palms hot & sweaty 11. Children are late in talking and walking [6] |
1. Tendency to abortion
2. Hot flushes – menopause 3. Easy fainting 4. Chills easily 5. Upward tendency of symptoms 6. Weariness 7. Feeling of goneness in stomach, not relieved by eating 8. Longs for Acids & pickles 9. Ball sensation in inner parts 10. Children take cold easily when the weather changes 11. Dragging or bearing down sensation, as if everything would escape from vulva; must cross limbs or hold parts to prevent protrusion. |
1. Susceptible to external impressions
2. Suddenness of symptoms 3. Human barometer ( sensitive to electrical changes ) 4. Left sided affection 5. Craves cold drinks 6. Hemorrhages, recurrent, vicarious 7. Painless exhausting diarrhoea 8. Fatty degenerations [6] 9. Palpitations with anxiety while lying on left side. |
Identifying physical generals while taking a case and analyzing it for differentiation of remedies increases confidence in the prescription. As all three polychrests are lean, thin and emaciated, on a routine basis we can find difficulty in spotting the remedy.
Philip Bailey in hisr book “Homoeopathic Psychology” says “A Sepia woman may enter into a Natrum state after a bereavement, or a Natrum woman may enter into a Sepia state during pregnancy ( though she is more likely to develop Natrum symptoms during pregnancy ). In these cases, the generals and physicals will help in the selection of the correct remedy.” [7]
DECODING MIND
Homoeopathy is an art and science but when it comes to mind ( Mental Generals and Mental State ), it is more of an art than science. Skill, knowledge and perception play a crucial role in case taking. The core nature of Natrum muriaticum is Sentimental; Sepia is Indifferent and Phosphorus is Jovial.
Depending upon the circumstances and reaction of the individual patient, the expression changes. Someone may perceive Natrum muriaticum as cheerful but inside she is depressed. A Phosphorus who is broken from inside will express it in outbursts of emotion. In between is Sepia, sometimes Natrum muriaticum and sometimes Phosphorus.
Previously we had mentioned the common “ailments from”, Grief, Anger, Betrayal, Disappointment, Fear, Worry and Vexation. For better understanding of mind, we are going to portray a picture merging these three polychrests.
Imagine a lady of 30, married to a person who was not of her choice. Her basic nature is sensitive, affectionate and kind. She does not like to be contradicted but is not quarrelsome. Meanwhile she gets offended easily, but manages to overcome it.
She keeps brooding on that, seeks support through music. She thinks of working but is so overwhelmed with her relationship that she does not have time to work. She feels sad but is unable to express it to the outside world, so laments about it. This is the Natrum muriaticum phase.
Now if this lady suffers with an incidence of grief/shock/anger/vexation transiently or continuously, then somewhere there will be a change in the personality. She will fight for injustice, will be discontented, will have anger at trifles and will start thinking of libertinism.
She will start thinking of doing some business and now she wants to remain occupied. She finds fault in everyone, becomes less sensitive and more indifferent. She is intolerant of contradiction and is expressive about it. She becomes quarrelsome. She is in her menopausal period during which she expresses sadness. She prefers to remain alone and desires dignity. So this is a revolted Natrum muriaticum going into Sepia.
Now we go back to childhood of the same lady. A school girl, very jovial, charming, cheerful, care-free, a little bit shy, intelligent, liked by everyone, has many friends and is passionate about doing something in life.
So this girl is in demand and she develops a habit of remaining in demand. She
falls in love with a close friend but he rejects her affection. This rejection leads to conversion of a Phosphorus phase into a Natrum muriaticum phase. She gets sad, depressed and secretive.
One more way of being secretive is that she takes many years to express her love in spite of remaining close to her friend. Because of this rejection, she might think of suicide or may become homesick. She cannot trust anybody in her whole life. She becomes selfish to the point that she can use any means to gain “her Love” back.
If she does not get it, she will remain alone, start liking music, be especially sad, will weep alone and will lament about the situation. Physically both Natrum muriaticum and Phosphorus look alike, having thin neck, transparent skin and attractive features. But a Phosphorus state may go into a Natrum muriaticum state after she faces disappointment or grief. During case taking, you need to get into the aura of Natrum muriaticum to know her well, otherwise you will end up prescribing Phosphorus.
Knowledge of Repertory helps us by giving rubrics and remedy gradations but Materia Medica should take up the final call for a prescription.
REFERENCES
- Clarke, J. H. A dictionary of practical materia medica, Iberis – Pediculus; Volume 2. Jain Publishers (P) LTD. ( 549-562 )
- Clarke, J. H. A dictionary of practical materia medica, Penthorum –Vaccinium; Volume 3. B. Jain Publishers (P) LTD. ( 772 – 793, 11581174 )
- Boericke, W. Pocket Manual of Homoeopathic Materia Medica & Repertory comprising of the characteristic and guiding symptoms of all remedies ( clinical and pathogenetic ) including Indian drugs. B. Jain (588)
- Burt, W. H. (2019). Physiological materia medica: Containing all that is known of the physiological action of our remedies; Together with their characteristic indications and pharmacology. Third Edition. B. Jain Publishers (P) LTD.( 630 – 639, 689-716, 841-851 )
- Phatak, S. R. (1999). Materia medica of homoeopathic medicines:Second Edition – Revised & Enlarged. B Jain. ( 498-503, 550-556, 639645 )
- Murphy, R. (Third Edition). Lotus Materia Medica. B Jain ( 1356 – 1364, 1765 -1774, 1502 – 1512 )
- Philip M. Bailey. Homoeopathic Psychology, Personality Profiles of the Major Constitutional Remedies. B. Jain Publishers (P) Ltd. ( 307)
