Sepia Officinalis

1 . Tall, slim (not conspicuously thin) women with narrow pelvices dark hair, yellow complexion and characteristic "saddle" ; "washerwoman's remedy".

2 . Marked indifference even to family ; no enjoyment in life ; sits and say, nothing ; occasional fits of temper, then spiteful, obstinate and touchy. Melancholy , inspired by proud, stoical self-pity ; < consolation and company ; dreads meeting friends especially men ; lachrymose , weeps when detailing symptoms ; anxiety and fear about real and imaginary evils so dreads being quite alone : disinclination to mental and physical labour.

3 . Hypersensitiveness to external stimuli especially noise and music ; often causes the irritability.

4 . Atony of digestive organs ; sinking feeling at about 11 a.m. not > eating ; nausea at the smell of food ; hates fats, likes acids and pungent things ; < milk ; constipation from inactivity of rectum ; with protruding piles.

5 . Atony of female pelvic organs ; irregular menses of nearly every form ; great pressure and bearing down, must cross legs to prevent protrusion ; char. headache, extreme exhaustion and faintness in a.m.. during menstrual period. Disorders during pregnancy and after.

6 . Irregularities of circulation especially at climaxis ; e.g. flushes run upward and end in sweating and faintness ; hands and feet hot alternately.

7 . Micturition ; frequent urging even at night ; urine turbid, offensive, leaving adhesive red sediment ; enuresis of children during first sleep . Old gonorrhoeas.

8 . Chronic skin conditions ; yellow patches on face and body especially chest and abdomen ; chloasma ; ringworm in isolated spots especially on upper part of body ; itching, especially of genitalia, not > scratching. Easy sweating especially between folds of skin ; great falling of hair ; warty growths.

9 . Sensation as of a ball in various organs (spasmodic contractions).

10 . Lack of vital heat ; very chilly yet < stuffy rooms ; < before thunder ; sultry, moist weather ; < laundry work ; many symptoms > violent exertion ; < excitement.

Notes : Inimical to Lachesis and Pulsatilla .

A chronic of Nux Vomica .

A single dose often acts curatively for many weeks.

Keynote : Atony.