Minutus

Dear Shirl, you asked me to do a write up on the remedy PHOSPHOROUS. I am
not really sure what I can add to what others have already written but below
is how I see this remedy. You say you find it hard to get a really good feel
for this remedy - this is interesting in some way because Phosphorous has,
at the centre of its sphere DIFFUSION - hard to pin down, hard to grasp etc.

Many write ups of this remedy talk about how friendly, sympathetic and
lovely Phosphorous people are. These are, of course, healthy aspects and we
wouldn't be prescribing on these, we should be looking at the diseased state
of this remedy. But it is true, no matter how ill a Phos. person is they are
still so friendly and warm towards the world and this is nearly always
evident during the case taking.

I see 4 main areas of PHOSPHOROUS:-

DIFFUSION - HAEMORRHAGE - FEARS - CANCER

1) Diffusion:-

Bearing in mind what Phosphorous is (to bring light) - there is luminosity,
light, effervescence (used in the manufacture of matches!! - strike a light
- here one second and gone the next) and because of this there is a great
feeling of transience. They are all over the place, never finish anything,
can't hold onto information (learn poorly).

There is magnetism, they capture your imagination, the eyes sparkle, easily
excited, very sympathetic and sensitive to others. Very expansive in their
responses to others, they virtually never complain or criticise. They are
openly affectionate - they need to give this out so they are desperate for
company to do this - cannot be alone for long.

They are often clairvoyent, see auras, anticipate events - so sensitive to
everything that it can become a burden to be like this. Sensitive to sound,
smells, changes in temperatures, pain, light and dark, etc.

So their own self is of prime importance, always directing attention to
themselves, there can be a love of self, egocentric and others cannot
compete - they might have many partners during life (can't hold on to
people). Also exhibitionist, will act out and mimic. Children can tell
dreadful fibs with great convincing, innocence and charm of course. A strong
sexual appetite comes under this force.

2) Haemorrhage:-

The theme of diffusion continues with the haemorrhage - they can bleed
easily, profuse and from anywhere. The blood is overflowing like the
personality. Bloody diarrhoea, haemorrhoids, heavy menses (menorrhagia),
nose bleeds, haemoptysis (lungs), haematuria (urine), extravasation of blood
under the skin, gums bleed easily etc. They flush up easily. Red blood and
even red haired and if not red haired the hair will have some tint of red
somewhere.

3) Fears:-

So many fears many stemming from their intense sensitivity.

Fear of being rejected or criticised, cannot be happy if others around them
are not so (delusion of being noble - self importance).

Fear of anything even slightly unpleasant - effects them immensely, even
pleasurable activities can make them fearful of the emotions spent.

They fear their own sensitivity.

Fear of ghosts, spirits, the dark - think they see things, twilight
(hovering between light and dark)

Fear of noises, thunderstorms and not surprisingly fireworks

Fear of illness, being poisoned, the future, death, that something will
happen, of robbers.

Fear of being alone, of failure.

4) Cancer:-

Phosphorous is a big cancer remedy. It is an exceedingly poisonous substance
but an essential element in the body structure. The vapour is absorbed by
the lungs and there is an affinity to lungs, bones and nerve tissue. But
almost any organ can be susceptible and especially - liver, skin, lungs,
bowels, stomach, blood. Kent lists the following type of cancers -
encephaloma, epithelioma, fungus haemotodes, scirrhus.

I would recommend reading "An introduction to the principles and practice of
homeopathy" by Charles E. Wheeler who gives a good write up of this remedy
from a pathology point of view.

Other pathology = strong tubercular influence so the whole respiratory
system can be involved - bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma, coughs of all sorts.

Phosphorous clients will often present with stomach and/or digestive
complaints.

The energy aspect of this remedy is vital - always tired, need cat naps.

The bones are also nearly always effected - people working with Phosphorous
used to get "phossy jaw" - necrosis of bones.

Nearly always cold but crave cold drinks and many pains are of a burning
nature. All other modalities are easily read up on in the MM's.

Once you've had someone who you prescribe Phosphorous to you will never
forget the remedy picture, whether it is a child or an adult.

I hope this is ok for you, as I said I am not sure how to bring more to this
remedy. Let me know if you need further information.

Best wishes, Joy Lucas