Solanaceae
Remedy code: – Maarten van der Meer, Homoeopathic Links 4 Spring 2013
Introduction
In searching for a description of experiences with the Solanaceae family, I used case histories that were analysed according to themes, causes and the nature of the problems and symptoms. I looked for any similarity of symptoms that were used in the final analysis and prescription of the remedy. The starting point for all of these Solanaceae prescriptions was the publication in Plants 5 (Alonissos) of Plant Systems by Jan Scholten. The “impressions” of this family of plants are recognisable which makes differentiation possible. [Cases used: Atropinum, 5× Belladonna, 2× Capsicum, 2× Solanum mammosum, Datura arborea, Daturametel, Duboisinum, 3× Hyoscyamus, 2× Lycopersicum, 2× Mandragora, 5 × Solanum nigrum, 2× Solanum tuberosum, 3× Solanum tuberosum aegrotans
Impressions
Many factors determine the “theme” found in specific groups of plants. These include things like the “atmosphere” surrounding a person or the impression one gets when in their company, or from their body language. Other observations can be made, such as facial expressions, body posture, energy levels, emotional expression and general condition. Here below are some general impressions
made by patients who reacted well to remedies from the Solanaceae family: Alertness that seems on the outside to be more a sort of irritation. Being on their guard but seeming to be passive at the same time. Seems to be watching and waiting, but with a weariness, which gives the impression that they are not really in the 'here and now'. This “being on guard” is focused inwards. The threat or fear is not based on anything outside them, but within. In this, they differ from the Spider remedies, which see the threat as something coming from the outside world. Spiders scan their surroundings while waiting “passively” in their webs. Characteristic Key Symptoms of Solanaceae
Danger (impending illness, sensation of or circumstances relating to). Overwhelming or extreme complaints, symptoms or experiences To control or be controlled (as a result of an experience of, or as a reaction against, being overwhelmed or facing danger). Intense dreams. Psychoscopy (a form of psychic visuals, not related to delusions or halluciation as determined by Tenhaeff, proffessor in parapsychology). Ghosts or visions of apparitions. Vitality. Physical indications: the Solanaceae focus is on disturbances in sensory and mental functions. Its effects are cellular, including neurotransmitters and metabolism, causing pain and emotional disturbances. This article describes the experiences gained in various Solanaceae cases. Using “themes” offers lots of possibilities but calls for a different method of analysis, namely, the use of atmosphere, focus and key symptoms as points of recognition. Using Jan Scholten’s plant methodology gave the author many successful cases.
Solanaceae Causes and effects
Threat/danger: the experience of having been robbed or assaulted; incest, death, accidents, traumatic birth, extreme fears, extreme emotions, loss of a loved one during a vulnerable period or age, high fever with overstimulation of the arachnoids, an alcoholic partner or parent, being witness to violence, being in an aggressive or threatening atmosphere (for children this can mean the threat of loss of a person or loss of security). Being aware of a fearful or threatening situation that has not resulted in a fight or flight response. The ego has not been able to exit a situation (often a reaction to trauma) resulting in an impression being permanently etched in the mind. These sorts of impressions lead to sensations of panic on a psychological and physiological level. It causes a predisposition to panic that can be aptly expressed in the Greek myths of Pan and the Satyrs (Fauns in Roman mythology). The soul is, at it were, possessed by confusing and unintelligible information, overwhelmed by atmosphere and influences from the outside world. Unable to shut them out. Unable to shut out inner impulses and “archetypal elements”. In neurobiology this form of the subconscious is known as “patterns stored in the basal brain”. All of these symptoms are worse at night. Extreme reactions: including metabolic (such as pyrexia), physiological (infections), and psychological (such as delusions or rage).
Extreme rage; in other words excessive reactions not only as the causal factor but also as a general theme. This can manifest as an active or passive reaction, or can be easily provoked. It can also manifest as compensatory behaviour. This type of anger as an active primary form or as compensatory behaviour has only been seen in Stage 1. It happens more frequently on a metabolic level in the form of infections, pyrexia, overstimulation and pain. Uninhibited reactions from/out of the lower conscious level which is expressed on a physical level as quick reflexes. Being quick to act and quick to react. This is all as a result of stimulation from within and without. The REM stage of sleep is physiologically related to overstimulation in the arachnoidea (spider family) (see Atropine below). Dreams play an important role when Solanaceae are indicated. Irritation of the meninges is commonly seen with a high fever or infections causing delirium. During delirium images from the subconscious are forced into the conscious mind, which then influence thought and behaviour. Compensation: It has been noticed that irritation, bouts of anger and extreme bursts of energy due to too many impulses, are a form of compensation for metabolic disturbances. Dominant behaviour in a controlled way. Beneath a friendly exterior is a very logical unwavering, belligerent look. The eyes are like stony sensors, taking everything in but giving nothing away and this is a sort of self- preservation. Our sense of smell is the only one that reaches our brain directly via receptors in the nose. Therefore our sense of smell is important for primary reactions from the outside world, such as smelling danger. A “nose for danger” is seen literally in cases and figuratively in a very well-developed sense of smell. Impressions can be very intensively received and can give the impression that the person is telepathic. An extra sense for detecting danger is a practical side effect of oneʼs ability to process impressions from the outside world and shows an uninhibited form of primary perception. In parapsychological terms this ability is known as psychoscopy. The ability to receive these signals is a generally accepted biological fact, but being able to process this information is not universal. This differs in individuals and is difficult to influence on a conscious level. A subject not seen often in Solanaceae cases.
is trauma caused by war. Perhaps this is too obvious or too clear-cut for the conscious mind. What I did come across in cases where there had been an experience with combat weremore a case for remedies from the Fabaceae family or the Lanthanides family. Abstract fears are far more characteristic of Solanaceae. Dynamic is how I would describe a person or phenomena which provokes a reaction. There is an indefinable threat from outside or from inside which affects the emotions, feelings, metabolism or the psyche and this turns the reaction into fears. Apart from the cause, the “fear of” can also be seen as compensation. This is a physiological reaction that focuses on “surviving” but which takes on an unreasonable and monstrous form. Here the use of language and imagination can give a vivid description of what is happening inside. The symptoms and sensations of the Solanaceae family are a rich source of energy for mythological thinking. From this perspective it seems that excessive emotions and a hectic way of life appeal to us and are seen as conscious signs and symptoms. When a general or typical Solanaceae disorder or limitation begins to be accepted, or is given a status by a culture, it means that this condition will be integrated into that society and not eliminated from it. This is a very interesting aspect of this group of plants both culturally and philosophically.
Atropine
An important alkaloid found in the Nightshade family is Atropine. It greatly influences the general nervous system. It inhibits the work of acetylcholine receptors in nerve cells. Acetylcholine works as a neurotransmitter for 10–15% of the neurones in our nervous system. It works not only on the muscles, the diaphragm and the heart, but also in the nerves found in glands that produce hormones. Even more important are its effects on the brain and the brain stem. Here it is one of the most important neurotransmitters that directly affects rational thinking and oneʼs ability to reflect. It is also thought to play an important role in the working of memory. Disturbance in the production of acetylcholine caused by the administration of Atropine, can have farreaching consequences. Due to its effect on the brain stem and general consciousness, Atropine should be classed as a psychotropic drug. The poisonous effects of Atropa belladonna on the human mind and body have been known and described since the time of Hippocrates. Small doses inhibit bowel peristalsis and acid secretion in the stomach and this was the main reason for its use in the past. Large doses inhibit respiration and have a sedative effect on the vagus nerve that in turn affects heart muscle. Large doses also cause memory loss, disorientation and reduced mental ability. Eventually a large dose will prove fatal. Atropine in measured doses has hallucinogenic effects,making it one of the “plants of the Gods”, due to the visual and acoustic disturbances it causes. It is the alkaloids Atropine, Scopolamine and Hyoscyamine
that cause these disturbances. These same alkaloids are also found in large doses in Hyoscyamus niger, Atropa belladonna and Mandragora officinarum; three plants which were commonly used during the Middle Ages by witches, enabling them to “perform miraculous deeds through their hallucinogenic contacts with the supernatural and to be able to translocate to far away places in order to perform witchcraft”. The author Charles da Coster gives an account of just such an experience in his book “Thijl Uilenspiegel”, published in 1867. The main character gives a graphic description of a “wonderful trip” after having used the drug externally. In the last chapter we read of the near fatal administration of a second dose and its effects on his brain and respiration. Reason enough for Linnaeus to give this plant one of the names of the Fates. Atropos – the decider of life or death. Judging by symptoms produced by provings and other descriptions of “magical plants” this seems to be a trustworthy description of a Solanaceae experience. It is the alkaloid Scopolamine
that is responsible for the hallucinogenic effects and causes a diminished sense of reality. When under the influence of psychotropic substances, symbols, magical interpretations and archetypal images play an important role during the experience. The substance influences muscles on a conscious and unconscious level. It also affects hormone glands and oneʼs ability to think. The ability to process what is being observed and to think rationally, can be influenced enough to cause psychosis. Therefore Atropine can be classed as a “psychedelic drug.” When the meninges are stimulated due to fever, hallucinations and dreams, it is memories, feelings and thoughts that produce visual images in the brainʼs cortex. This stimulation in the brain is a normal everyday occurrence, happening mostly during sleep and in a well-balanced individual goes almost unnoticed. Stress or tension can cause disturbances in “transmission”, as it were and unconscious images become conscious ones, which stay in our minds. Therefore the images of dreams are important in homeopathy because they reflect and emphasise the subconscious. It has been shown that plants containing Atropine have a very great effect on mental ability, reasoning ability and the senses in general. Even though the symptoms and effects of homeopathic remedies and those of medicines used in pharmacology can differ somewhat, definite overlaps have been noted. In many of the case studies a large amount of symptoms can be compared to the side effects and toxic symptoms caused by Solanaceae
and acetylcholine poisoning. Symptoms such as hallucinations, nightmares and “ghost stories” are known in parapsychological terms as “psychoscopy”. In many cases this sort of phenomenonwas a key symptom instigating the search for a remedy within the group of Solanaceae. What is interesting to note is that plants from the same group, containing less alkaloids also have these symptoms in their general remedy picture. It is not only the compounds in a remedy that work homeopathically, but it is also the botanical origin that seems to be the common thread and which produces and therefore cures comparable symptoms.
Art and culture
It is possible to use art and culture as a means to help understand the “atmosphere” surrounding a Solanaceae case. Music is one way of doing so. It has a direct effect on our feelings and emotions and senses, without using taught interpretations or associations. When looking at the Solanaceae cases mentioned above, the “Faust Cantata” by Alfred Schnittke is very appropriate. This is a piece of turbulent music, with elusive sound patterns and abstract expressions. Examples of paintings that also emphasize this Solanaceae picture are those painted by the Spanish artist Joan Miró. He surpasses the surreal in such an expressive manner that his art illustrates the frightening absurdity of life. Dream reality.
References
1 Carlson NR. Physiology of Behavior. Boston: Allyn and Bacon; 1977
2 de Coster C. De Legende van Uilenspiegel en Lamme Goedzak. Amsterdam: Arbeiderspers; 1941 3 Klein L. Clinical Focus Part One. Bowen Island (Canada): Luminos; 2003
4 Tenhaeff WHC. Spiritisme. Den Haag: Leopold b.v.; 1936, 1951
5 Scholten J. Seminar Plants 5. Utrecht: Alonnissos; 2003
6 Schultes RE, Hofman A. Over de Planten der Goden. Utrecht: Het Spectrum; 1979
7 Snyder SH. Drugs and the Brain. New York: Freeman and Co.; 1986