Materia medica is absolutely essential to what we do as homeopaths. It is where we go to study symptoms in depth in order to match the best remedy to our clients. There are a large number of materia medicas to choose from, including reliable standbys such as the Materia Medica Pura published by Hahnemann, Materia Medica by John Henry Clarke, and newer publications such as Comparative Materia Medica by Pitt and Studies of Homeopathic Remedies by Gibson. Most homeopaths will (and should!) study remedies from multiple different materia medicas when selecting the best fit for their client.
As studying the remedies is SO important, I'd like to spend some weeks putting forth brief descriptions of what some of the more common remedy pictures look like. Phosphorus is one of my favorites.
A phosphorus person loves people. They may want to spend time alone, but probably with someone in the other room. They are sensitive, sympathetic, creative, and often spontaneous. The tendency of phosphorus is to be social and engaging. Other people seek them out, as they are pleasant to be around. Phosphorus people, though, just like the element itself, may burn bright for a time and then burn out. If a person needing this remedy has reached this stage, through overwork or another stressor, they may be depressed and feel consumed by fear.
Pulsatilla is very commonly used at all stages of life, and especially in childhood. Pulsatilla people generally appear sweet and gentle. They are fairly adaptable and they love to be outside, although they may wither if it's too hot. This type of person wants and needs support from those around them. A sick pulsatilla will do better if they are consoled. There is much changeability and in the disease state they may be weepy and jealous.
There is a very large amount of information about both of these remedies across hundreds of materia medicas. I encourage you to study them on your own!
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