Comparative study of the medicines in the rubric Fanaticism

Dr Akshara T

ABSTRACT
The rubric “Fanaticism” from mind rubrics of Kent’s Repertory means that these people have an extreme, uncritical and single minded enthusiasm in something (usually in politics or religion) and never accept something that is different from it. A state of mind where a person is intolerant of any views or concepts, which differ from his own – an unreasonable wild and extravagant notion on one subject.

There are 5 remedies under this rubric which are Causticum, Robinia, Selenium, Sulphur and Thuja. Each of these remedies has unique characteristics that differentiate them in the context of fanaticism.

KEY WORDS

Fanaticism, Causticum, Robinia, Selenium, Sulphur, and Thuja

INTRODUCTION

In Homoeopathy, the rubric “Fanaticism” in Kent’s Repertory includes remedies used to address extreme, obsessive behaviours or beliefs. Here’s a differentiation of the five remedies listed under this rubric: Causticum, Robinia, Selenium, Sulphur and Thuja, based on their key characteristics and indications.

1. Causticum

• Keynotes: Idealistic, anxious forebodings, rebellious, and highly sensitive to injustice.
• Mental Symptoms: Strong feeling to take care of the group or family. The two important feelings of Causticum are: anxious for others and fear that something will happen. May display stubbornness and a relentless drive to pursue their beliefs, sometimes to the point of obsession.
• Fanaticism: The fanaticism in Causticum often revolves around thought of protecting and shielding his group or family. Being the strongest member of the family, he considers a threat to any one member of that group as a threat to himself. They can become so consumed by their ideals that it impacts their relationships and daily functioning.

2. Robinia

• Keynotes: acridity, sour stomach, vomitus so sour it sets the teeth on edge. Acid dyspepsia.
• Mental Symptoms: Not as commonly associated with strong mental symptoms or fanaticism in the traditional sense. Most of the focus is on the physical digestive issues.
• Fanaticism: fanaticism in Robinia is more likely related to their health, especially their diet and digestive health. They might become obsessive about food, diet, and avoiding anything that could trigger their symptoms.

3. Selenium

• Keynotes: Physical and mental exhaustion makes him sleepy, easily debilitated, premature senility, Weak memory and concentration.
• Mental Symptoms: A tendency toward indifference, apathy, and irritability due to exhaustion. lascivious but impotent is the key feature. Chronic gleet.
• Fanaticism: Selenium’s fanaticism can manifest as an obsession with maintaining sexual prowess and vitality, often leading to excessive behaviours or rigid routines aimed at preserving their health and energy. But physical and mental exertion makes him easily debilitated and sleepy.

4. Sulphur

• Keynotes: Intellectual, philosophical, and often critical. A strong inclination towards theorizing and philosophizing.
• Mental Symptoms: Can become engrossed in their ideas and theories, often appearing egoistic and neglectful of personal hygiene and appearance. They love to debate and can be very critical of others’ beliefs.
• Fanaticism: Sulphur’s fanaticism is often intellectual or philosophical. He feels that he is expected to be good in his appearance, his relationships and in his business, and these include his knowledge, talent and capabilities. failing which, he thinks he will be scorned and will have to bear embarrassment. The struggle is for ego and honour. They are often quite optimistic.

5. Thuja

• Keynotes: Fixed ideas, illusions, and feelings of fragility or brittleness.
• Mental Symptoms: illusions and fixed ideas are prominent. They may feel that their body or parts of it are fragile, hollow, or made of glass. Secretive and sensitive to what others think of them.
• Fanaticism: Thuja’s fanaticism often involves health and personal beliefs. They may develop obsessive routines or rituals, especially around health and purity. He feels that his system cannot take things such as allergens, emotional stress or even a draught of air. This can include extreme measures to avoid perceived toxins or contaminants. They can also become fanatical about religious or spiritual beliefs, driven by their fixed ideas and delusions.

Each remedy addresses a different aspect of fanaticism, reflecting the diverse ways in which obsessive and extreme behaviours can manifest in individuals. This uniqueness in each individual will aid in the selection of proper similimum.

REFERENCES

1. Kent JT. Repertory of the homeopathic materia medica. New Delhi: B. Jain; 2016.
2. Kent JT. Lectures on homoeopathic materia medica : together with Kent’s “new remedies” incorporated & arranged in one alphabetical order. New Delhi: B. Jain; 2015.
3. Boericke W. Pocket Manual of Homeopathic Materia Medica & Repertory. New Delhi, India: B. Jain; 2007.
4. John Henry Clarke. A dictionary of practical materia medica. B. Jain Publishers; 1997.
5. Rajan Sankaran. The soul of remedies. Bombay, India: Homoeopathic Medical Publishers; 1997.
6. Boger CM. A synoptic key to the materia medica : (a treatise for homoeopathic students). New Delhi: B. Jain Publishers; 1995

Dr Akshara T
PG Scholar, Department of Case taking and Repertorization
Father Muller Homoeopathic Medical College
Mangalore, Karnataka
Email  : thayyilakshara@gmail.com