The Use of Nosodes in Prescribing
by Richard Pitt
The situation of defining what we are attempting to treat can arise when prescribing a nosode. A nosode is made from diseased material and therefore represents a specific, often superimposed influence on the constitution of a person. Therefore, once the nosode has done it’s work, another remedy that addresses the constitution – the basic nature of the person – should be given, partly as a prophylactic and perhaps to address any remaining constitutional issues. If we understand the constitution to be that which addresses the basic nature and the issues that stem from this, then by definition a nosode cannot be a constitutional remedy. Coming from a diseased source, it doesn’t reflect the basic nature but an imposed miasmatic influence, whether inherited or acquired. However, in some cases, one can see that once the nosode is given, no other remedy seems indicated. It has done it’s work and the person seems healed. However, if one can see a constitutional remedy based on characteristic qualities of the person, one can give the remedy, even if there is nothing particular to treat and not much may change. It’s effect will be mainly that of prevention. However, if one can’t see that remedy, then there is nothing to prescribe on. However, still knowing that the nosode is not constititional can be helpful in understanding what one is addressing.
A nosode derived from one of the five “big” miasms (Psora, Sycosis, Syphilis, Tuberculosis, Cancer) also influences a case in a unique way. The effect of the miasm can influence the intensity of expression of a constitutional state. It doesn’t necessarily have to present specific keynotes of the nosode in order to justify it, although that greatly helps. For example, the case may seem like a Phosphorous case constitutionally, yet the intensity of the expression, physically or emotionally reveals a syphilitic influence, perhaps requiring Syphilinum as well. Identifying the intensity as well as the specific symptom state can help clarify a case and simplify a situation that seems rather complex.
Prescribing a nosode can require a unique analysis of symptoms. Often, a nosode is given on the same basis as any other remedy. However, at times it is given on the basis of only a few characteristics, including a family history of an illness connected to the miasm or behavioral/social dynamics that reflect that miasm. It can also be given based on one or more very important qualities that are indicative of the miasm and the nosode, e.g. warts for sycosis and Medorrhinum, recurrent fevers and morbid introversion for cancer and Carcinosin, recurrent bronchitic coughs and restlessness for Tuberculosis and Tuberculinum etc. Often, in giving a nosode from the major five miasms, one only sees a selective “sliver” of the miasm, which may only manifest occasionally, but which none the less indicates a miasmatic influence and requires a nosode. Other reasons for giving a nosode include the famous saying – “When the well indicated remedy fails to act” or which only acts superficially and/or suddenly ceases after a good beginning; also, when a person has never been well since a particular disease can require a nosode from that disease. While there is no doubt truth in this, it can also mean that the remedy given is just a partial similar and a new more precise remedy is needed, whether a nosode or another remedy. One still needs some other indication that a nosode may be indicated, whether from family history, a keynote or a recognition of a miasmatic theme to the whole case. One key idea regarding the prescribing of a nosode is that they often unravel a specific dynamic in a case which is connected to an inherited tendency and which only the nosode will unravel. No other remedy can do it, which is why nosodes are often considerered when supposedly well indicated remedies fail to act. The assumption, correctly or not, is that the thread of cause in the case is traced to a specific miasmatic influence which only the specific nosode can unlock. This is without a doubt true in many cases, perhaps most clearly seen in prescribing for children, when an apparently “good” constitutional remedy does not prevent recurrent attacks of certain diseases, the susceptibility still very much intact until the appropriate nosode is given. This tends to give nosodes a unique role in pediatric prescribing and confirms again the general correctness of Hahnemann’s hypothesis regarding the underlying causes of chronic disease, even if he did apportion too much to the psoric miasm and not enough to the sycotic and syphilitic miasms, or for that matter, the tubercular and cancer miasms. It should be remembered that although the cancer miasm and Carcinosin conform to most of the qualifications that define a miasm, of the five main miasms, it is the only one that is not passed through a contagious process, a key aspect of Hahnemann’s original definition of a miasm.
One other classification for looking at miasms is in describing whether they are exposed, active, dormant, acquired or inherited. There are also acute and chronic miasms, the latter being traditionally Psora, Sycosis and Syphilis, according to Hahnemann. Acute miasms relate to diseases such as measles, mumps and chickenpox. An exposed miasm is when there are actual symptoms indicating the nosode e.g. the craving for cold milk in Tuberculinum. An active miasm describes when the miasmatic influence is impacting the case, even if there are no exposed symptoms e.g. the general tendency to colds in the winter which Phosphorous doesn’t totally clear, requiring Tuberculinum. A dormant miasm is where the family history of TB or even the sunken tubercular chest indicating the miasmatic tendency but which is not having any perceived impact in the person’s health. An acquired miasm is one which has been “caught” in the midst of life, e.g. having caught TB, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, Measles, Mumps etc and having some symptoms as a consequence. Inherited miasms relate to conditions which have been inherited from previous generations e.g. where the child who is totally wild and restless and dissatisfied needs Tuberculinum as his father had the disease as a young boy.
The following list is a summary of indications for justifications for prescribing a nosode:
Classic symptom picture, usually the main 5 nosodes. (Can be exposed, active, acquired or inerited)
When the indicated remedy doesn’t work. (Active but not exposed, inherited or acquired)
Family history of an illness. (Active, inherited)
Never Been Well Since. (Active, acquired)
As a complementary intercurrent to another remedy which is only working partially. (Active, not exposed, inherited or acquired.)
To help clear up a case which has been taken so far. This can be in both chronic and acute cases. (Active, acquired or inherited.)
To begin a case, perhaps when no clearer remedy is being seen. (Active, acquired or inherited.)
Prophylaxis against a specific disease e.g. whooping cough, measles, influenza etc. (many homeopaths prefer giving a regular remedy or the genus epidemicus.)
To treat a specific disease of a similar nature or the same origin, e.g., Pertussion for whooping cough and also general spasmodic cough, Carcinosin in cancer cases of many kinds, Medorrhinum in pelvic inflammation and sepsis, etc.
This gives some pointers as to when a nosode can be indicated and how to identify the rationale for prescribing nosodes.
Richard Pitt, CCH