Pisces group of Homoeopathic remedies in Pediatrics

Dr Sneha Subedar

Abstract:
The fish, representing eternal life, was the most fascinating and graceful creation to swim across the endless sea. Fish is important source for vitamin A and D which is helpful for brain growth and development in children. Remedies derived from fish species, particularly in homeopathy, are often associated with addressing emotional disturbances, sensitivity, and developmental issues, especially in children. Fish, as a symbol of the unconscious and deep emotions, can reflect the need for balance in sensitive, impressionable individuals. These remedies are sometimes used to help children who may struggle with issues like hyperactivity, emotional overwhelm, or difficulty with growth and learning. The underlying theme is often an imbalance in emotional processing, growth patterns, or sensitivity to environmental stimuli. In homeopathy, remedies from the Fish Group are typically chosen based on the child’s emotional and physical symptoms, in addition to their constitutional type.

Keywords- personality, Fish group, Homoeopathy Introduction: – Fishes belongs to phylum chordate, invertebrate group and species: – Pisces there are varieties of homoeopathic remedies which belongs to fish group remedies which acts in physical, mental and dynamic plane in human body¹. Homoeopaths consider the Fish Group to be highly beneficial in treating conditions that affect growth, development, and overall well-being, particularly in children. The remedies derived from fish species often correspond to themes of sensitivity, emotional disturbances, and developmental issues, which are commonly seen in children with particular health challenges².

There are 3 types of fishes

1. Cartilaginous -It is made of a firm yet flexible substance, with tough, horny skin.
2. Bony- which is made up from skeleton and it is covered by horny scales
3. Lung fish -they have both lungs & gills, usually live in fresh water.

Doctrine of signature 

1. The fish never rest, darting hither and thither, gently fanning its fins, routing its mouth, swimming and diving with ease and grace, creating minimal turbulence. Fish have wonderfully refined sense organs. The person requiring a fish remedy is very active and alert. A fish is a trillion times more sensitive in its sense of taste compared to humans.^1,2
2. Fish live in cold water, so the remedies relieve burning sensation like the tater in which they live

Constitution- most of children of fish group remedies shows weakness either due to age or due to overwork, they are lazy in work, they are thin or flabby and are anaemic. Children with fish group remedies are very irritable with weeping tendencies. They are sensitive to climacteric age, music, exposure to cold, thunderstorm and getting wet.

Characteristics and Themes of Fish Group Remedies: Remedies from the Fish Group in homeopathy are thought to have several common themes that are relevant in the treatment of children.

Fish group remedies mainly act on mind, skin and stomach in some clinical conditions like asthma, constipation, convulsions, climacteric troubles, eczema, jaundice and whooping cough

• Irritability– Children are easily annoyed and respond very quickly to any stimulus.²
• Aversion to work, lazy children^1,2.
• Psychoneurotic condition: -Violent emotional paroxysms with disturbance at sensory level. Children with behavioural problems such as temper tantrums, aggression, or a tendency to withdraw socially may benefit from Fish Group remedies³.
• Indifference-Children are having indifferent and indolent attitude, always anxious and worried they are worried even for trifling matters
• Developmental delays: Homoeopathic remedies from the Fish Group are often used in children who experience delays in physical or mental development.

These may include speech delays, trouble with coordination or motor skills, or intellectual developmental challenges^1,2,3.

• Sensitivity to environmental factors: Many fish remedies are prescribed when children are overly sensitive to stimuli such as noise, light, or emotional stress⁴. They may experience heightened reactions to their surroundings, leading to irritability, mood swings, and even physical ailments such as skin rashes or digestive disturbances.

Children with fish group remedies are having aggravation from washing, cold air and cold application, touch, music, early morning and better by exercise, warmth, and crossing limbs and fresh air⁴

Few examples for fish group remedies related to children in homoeopathy

1. Ambra grisea– it is a Nosode or morbid product found in the belly of sperm-whale, where it is thought to be produced and also excreted and floating in large masses upon the waters of sea. Ambrergris is a fatlike substance found in intestines and among excreta of sperm whale⁵. Ambra Grisea is a prominent homeopathic remedy characterized by feelings of embarrassment, self-disgust, and oversensitivity. It is often associated with an intense sense of dirtiness or uncleanliness about oneself.

Dr. S. R. Phatak has described Ambra Grisea as a remedy for individuals who are bashful and feel embarrassed in company. It is also linked to a state of premature aging and senility. It is sycotic remedy, the child feels something wrong with them and that need to be covered up, the expression of child is like “I feel like shit” aptly describes the main feeling of Ambra, the urine will not start when anyone is around. That is the sort general features of this remedy⁵. As soon as child goes into company there will be nervous excitement and thoughts will vanish, child always jumps from one state to other state, according to Hahnemann he spokes unusually much, was very much exhausted thereby. Infants has fear of people approaching to them, infant cannot bear anyone go near him. School going children has complaints of impaired memory, inferiority complex, weak in mathematics and calculation^5,6.

Indications- Constipation, Convulsion, Cough, Dyspepsia, Hysteria, Neurosis.

2. Sepia officinalis: – Sepia is a marine creature belonging to the cephalopod family^5,6. Cuttlefish are solitary animals, typically swimming alone, when threatened, they use their ability to release ink as a defence mechanism. The ink creates a cloud that can obscure the predator’s vision, allowing the cuttlefish to escape and evade danger. Sepia is belonging to sycosyphilitic miasmas. The child of sepia is forced to undertake the things to what the child doesn’t want to do.⁷ Child who cannot express their love and affection easily hence in initial visit child may appear close and indifferent. The history of domination in child can produce sadness and depression and obstinate, because of neglected feeling child develops insecurity and the indifference is expressed in the form of anger, irritability, leading to their rudeness and child feel too tired to go out and play, in his rejection of affection child feels even the love of parents also become burden for them⁷.

Indications– children manifests constipation, eczemas and other eruptions like ringworm, inability to tolerate milk, chronic loss of appetite, enuresis usually indicated in developmental delay^7,8.

3. Asterias rubens– Medicine is prepared from starfish, which belong to the natural order of Radiata, and thus show a pathogenetic relationship to Sepia and Murex, which are derived from cuttlefish and purple fish, the main difference between Sepia & Asteria is Sepia shuts down and escapes from prays but asteria cannot tolerate contradiction respectfully^5-8. Asteria child get more emotional then Sepia, there is the feeling of away from home and child feels they are under possession of strangers, children are very sensitive to bad news, constantly wants to fight constantly, and very much impatient. Belonging to sycotic miasmas⁷¹¹. Adapted to child with red face with lymphatic constitution

Indications– apoplexy, constipation, chorea, epilepsy in which gait unsteady muscles refuse to obey will epilepsy is preceded by twitching all over body, slurred speech^7,8,11

4. Murex purpurea: – Murex purpurea is obtained from a sea snail found in coast of mediterranean sea it’s also called purple fish, and like sepia, this purple fish secretes a peculiar substance (that has a fine red hue) Tyrian purple dye, which is secreted from purple gland. The active part of murex is Murexine this secretion contains 5-hydroxytryptamine which is strongly acts on CNS & smooth muscles hence this is used for nervous affection¹¹. Indicated to child who has weak memory, cannot find a correct word to express himself, great depression of spirit, very weak children, hungry must eat, frequent urination at night time10,11,12 Indications-UTI, and all urinary troubles.
5. Astacus fluviatilis– The well-known effects of shellfish, as well as other fish, in producing nettle-rash are exemplified in Astacus more than in any other variety. The lacquer workers of the East have discovered that the river crab is the best antidote to the effects of Rhus, which they use in their craft^10,12. Indications– It acts on skin especially in erysipelas condition, nettle rash over whole body with enlarged lymphatic glands. Inward chilliness during fever very sensitive to cold air, urticaria, jaundice in children^11,12

Other remedies – erythrinus(red mullet fish), limilus(king crab), medusa(jelly fish), trachinus draco(sting fish), oleum jecoris aselli(cod liver oil).

How Homoeopaths Prescribe Fish Group Remedies: a homeopath will carefully observe and analyse the child’s overall symptoms, personality, and health history. Since homeopathy is highly individualized, two children with the same condition might receive different remedies based on their specific emotional and physical states. A detailed consultation is needed, to determine the most appropriate remedy taking into account¹³

Physical symptoms: Any physical ailments, such as digestive issues, skin problems, or growth delays¹³

Emotional state: Whether the child is fearful, anxious, angry, or emotionally suppressed¹³

Constitutional type: The overall temperament of child as well as, sensitivity and response to environmental factors.

Homeopathic remedies are given in highly diluted forms. Remedies are often administered as pellets or liquids. The selected remedy is tailored to the child’s specific needs. The child’s response to the remedy is closely monitored. Adjustments to the remedy are made as necessary over time. Regular follow-up appointments ensure optimal treatment outcomes¹³.

Benefits and Effectiveness of Fish Group Remedies: Homoeopathic remedies restore balance to a child’s emotional state. Remedies encourage natural healing processes in children. Homoeopathic remedies are highly diluted and non-toxic. The remedies are safe for children with minimal risk of side effects. Homoeopathy emphasizes individualized treatment for each child. Remedies are selected based on the child’s unique condition and constitution. Correctly prescribed remedies improve behaviour, emotional stability, and physical health. Many parents report positive outcomes from homeopathic remedies. Homoeopathic remedies promote overall wellbeing in children^13-14.

Conclusion
Fish Group remedies offer a valuable approach to treating childhood conditions. These remedies address both physical and emotional aspects of a child’s health. Fish Group remedies promote balance, well-being, and healthy development in children. More research is needed to understand the mechanisms behind homoeopathic treatments. Many parents and practitioners have found Fish Group remedies beneficial for children.

These remedies improve children’s emotional and physical health. Consulting a qualified homoeopath is essential for determining the best remedy. Each child requires an individualized approach to homoeopathic treatment. A qualified homoeopath can provide personalized guidance and support.

References:

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4. Vithoulkas G. Essence of materia medica. B. Jain; 1990.pg no- 175,176, 177, 178.
5. Phatak SR. Materia medica of homoeopathic medicines.
6. Jain Publishers; 1999.pg no.39
7. Kent JT. Lectures on homoeopathic materia medica. New Delhi, India: Jain Publishing Company; 1980.pg no.91,916
8. Bailey PM. Homeopathic Psychology: Personality Profiles of the Major Constitutional Remedies. North Atlantic Books; 1995 Nov 30. pg.no.293-309.
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10. Boericke W. New manual of homoeopathic materia medica and repertory. B. Jain Publishers; 2002.pg no- 86,398
11. Hahnemann S. Materia medica pura. Jain Publishers; 1996.
12. Pisces- fish remedies in homoeopathyhttps://www.homeobook.com/pisces–fishremedies–in–homeopathy/
13. Benkendorff K, McIver CM, Abbott CA. Bioactivity of the Murex homeopathic remedy and of extracts from an Australian muricid mollusc against human cancer cells. Evidence‐Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2011;2011(1):879585.https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/artic les/PMC3137770/
14. Coulter CR. Portraits of homoeopathic medicines. Quality Medical Publishing; 1998 Jan.pg.no- 79-95.
15. Master FJ, Dhingreja J, Bilimoria PA. Clinical observations of children’s remedies. Lutra; 2003.pg.no.78-79,610

Dr Sneha Subedar.
PG Scholar, Dept Of Paediatrics,
under the guidance of Dr Reshel Noronha, PG Guide & associate professor,
Fr Muller Homoeopathic Medical College, Manglore.
Email:  snehasubedar044@gmail.com