This issue of SPEKTRUM on homeopathic trauma treatment is at the same time a Materia Medica edition on the Asteraceae. No other remedy family do we associate so closely with the theme of injury. Internal and external wounds can traumatise for a lifetime: SPEKTRUM provides answers to how such experiences can be processed and integrated. Our renowned authors have explored the remedial scope of the Asteraceae and, alongside familiar remedies, introduced several new ones from the large daisy family (Asteraceae).
Willi Neuhold gives all contributions on the Asteraceae a clear structure: with the inner experience of the Asteraceae according to the sensation method, and their miasmatic classification according to Sankaran, he provides an illustrative framework for the precise allocation of individual remedies. Alternatives to the composites, e.g. the Solanaceae, are pointed out, among others, by Annegret Gärtner, Sigrid Lindemann and the paediatrician Andreas Richter. In his article on the remedy picture and stress cycle of Bellis perennis we also learn about modern trauma therapy and the problem of re-traumatisation. How important and healing this is in work with parents is shown by Jürgen Weiland in the case of a deeply traumatised boy from his paediatric practice.
Jan Scholtens's new methodology is also a topic in the October issue. He explains in detail his method of remedy selection using his Periodic System of Plants, in a way that is understandable for those not yet confident in the newly ordered world of the "Wonderful Plants". Resie Moonen and Martin Jakob, who both analyse according to Scholten, also contribute to understanding. Franz Swoboda, in his characteristically witty manner, shows how to crack Scholtens's plant code for rare remedies. An original graphic from Jan Scholtens's new work, offering a taxonomic overview of the plant world, is included.
Renate Paschmanns and Guy Payen present, through their case studies, the deeper soul of the well-known remedy Arnica, which can also heal deep traumatic layers. Declan Hammond has, through his own pain, taken on patients who likewise had to endure the worst thing for parents: the death of a child. His own experience and the loving manner in which he cares for his patients is very moving.
What is remarkable is the good outcome of all these patient stories. Even in Ulrich Welte's overview of the Cichorium species—both fruitful and entertaining—the question of "To be or not to be" constantly presents itself, and with the help of homeopathy often leads to a surprising happy ending, in spite of the pain experienced in each individual case.
