Lycopodium is one of the most fundamental remedies and is classed with Sulphur and Calcarea as part of the triad (Lyc – Sulph – Calc). The word used to describe the essence of Lycopodium is “Cowardice”. The patient often has marked feelings of inferiority which he constantly tries to overcome.
Another aspect of Lycopodium is lack of discipline. For example, Lycopodium is the remedy that most craves sweets and eats them to the extent that it is detrimental to his well-being. The same is true in the sexual sphere. The Lycopodium patient will often be promiscuous, making passes at anyone potentially available. It is not that the patient has a stronger sex drive than the average person but rather that he has a superficial interest which he constantly seeks to satisfy.
The Lycopodium patient fears forming long term relationships. He fears the responsibility of commitment. One aspect of this lack of commitment is a fear of impotence. The patient functions normally with a new partner but later notices he lacks the original excitement and finally develops impotence. Meanwhile he can easily be aroused by other women.
Lycopodium children are angry, bossy, and rude to parents who are too “permissive”. The parents are often perplexed to find that at school the child gets good conduct scores because this bullying attitude is not tolerated. They are lean and timid. Fear those in authority. Tyrant at home, an angel at school; hard on subordinates and agreeable to superiors or people they fear.
On the physical level, the most affected organ system is the gastrointestinal tract and the liver. Lycopodium covers a wide variety of chronic conditions and is also an important remedy for acute illness. Though often considered an anti-psoric remedy, Lycopodium covers all miasms.
The patient tends to have a sallow complexion. The brow tends to be wrinkled with a marked vertical frown/crease above the root of the nose. Early greying of the hair may occur, and a peculiar physical sign that may be present is marked coldness of one foot while the opposite member is warm or hot.
Lycopodium is also known as Wolf’s Claws, Club moss, Lamb’s tail, and Fox tail – Names suggested by its appearance.
Lycopodium types are dictatorial, but timid. Lycopodium represents the constant struggle of a person between cowardice, and egotism. Between lack of self confidence and haughtiness, between timidity and a dictatorial attitude. There is a fear of failure, so they look for someone who is less confident.
Who does this remedy remind you most of?
