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| Hpathy Ezine - April 2004 | ||||
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Spotlight on Hyoscyamus -- David Johnson |
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Hyoscyamus (Hyos.) is a very interesting and intriguing remedy, which has many subtle presentations beyond the caricatures often described in books. It's a remedy with some common mental and emotional themes running through all its various expressions. Along with the clearly provocative characteristics of Hyoscyamus, we want to perceive its indications in less obvious situations, where the person has learned to compensate the expression of their state. One description which fits Hyoscyamus is 'any attention is better than no attention'. Attention-seeking behavior through verbal or sexual provocation is a well-known feature of this remedy, and behaviors can be quite dramatic (lewdness, shameless, wanting to be naked, singing obsene songs, etc.). But these tendencies are extreme examples of the Hyoscyamus state, and such clear indications are not often seen in practice. From a deeper perspective, what would predispose someone to behave in this manner, and how might the expression of that state be less apparent? One common etiology of the Hyoscyamus state is emotional neglect in childhood (delusion, deserted, forsaken). This stress leads to adaptation in the will to have one's emotional needs met. The Hyoscyamus person can gain attention by shocking, annoying or provocative speech and behavior (inciting others, mocking, mania to ridicule, disposition to contradict, desire to fight). Hyoscyamus individuals may tell risque jokes or act like 'clowns' (jesting), and although not listed in the books, some Hyoscyamus individuals describe an attraction to, dislike or fear of clowns. The desire for attention leads some to behave like chameleons when in company, but these multiple personas undermine a truer sense of self-identity, as the desire for attention distracts them (and those in their company!). The sense of self-esteem or self-worth is often very low, and Hyoscyamus individuals may feel a strong sense of guilt (anxiety of conscience, delusion that he is a criminal, self-reproach). Along with the Hyoscyamus stresses of emotional abandonment or neglect, the desertion may have been complicated by sexual abuse. This abuse leads to many conflicts later in life--an abuser may offer some 'attention', but not the emotional support they truly need. Fundamentally, their trust has been betrayed, and sensitivity to betrayal is a key theme underlying many behaviors in Hyoscyamus. In those situations where that trust was not learned, Hyoscyamus can also experience problems in gaining trust from others (reveals secrets, gossiping, meddlesome, indiscretion). Hyoscyamus individuals can be understandably suspicious of other's motives, but can also be jealous if they feel the little attention they receive is being threatened. A sense of this threat can be seen in the rubric 'jealousy between children, when a new sibling takes the family attention away.' Hyoscyamus can 'act out' if they feel such a threat, and be manipulative in their desire to gain others' attention. Some adults describe themselves as 'drama queens', consciously or unconsciously creating drama in their lives so others will not 'neglect' them. Unfortunately for the Hyoscyamus individual, such behaviors can be self-defeating, as people tire of reacting to such needs. Many Hyoscyamus individuals describe anxieties related to situations of being deserted or abandoned by lovers, friends, etc. (ailments from disappointed love). |
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