Mythology, Zoology & Homeopathic Symptoms

We often see traces of mythology, botany and/or zoology reflected in the symptomatology of several homeopathic remedies. When the homeopath recognises such associations, it leads to a greater understanding of the essence of the remedy. It also makes it easy to identify its need in a given case. An excellent illustration of such a context is seen in Lac Caninum [Dog’s Milk], where its strong association to mythological and zoological elements shows up distinctly in its symptomatology.

- Dr Barbara Etcovitch

One of the main themes in Lac Caninum, the homeopathic remedy, is the alternation of sides. The symptom leaves one site, goes to another and returns back to the original. This keynote symptom is a strong indicator for the remedy.

Lac Caninum has a strong affinity for the throat and mammae; it is one of the main remedies for sore throats that navigate from left to right to left. The Lac Caninum throat may be shiny and glazed with white patches on the tonsils that resemble milk.

There are breast-feeding problems in Lac Caninum with the breast milk being absent or disappearing. The remedy is used to dry up breast milk as well.

We see such main themes reflected again and again in the mythology and zoology associated with Lac Caninum. We can also identify numerous other parallels between the remedy and the dog. The links to the remedy’s symptomology are indicated in the parentheses. Let’s first look at the family to which the dog belongs.

THE MOVEMENT EFFECT

Canines, also called Candids are members of the Canidae family [Order Carnivora] of terrestrial mammals which includes approximately 14 living and 70 extinct genera of dogs and dog-like animals.

Canines are adapted for running [movement, alternation of symptoms, sides and location] — they tend to be slender, long legged animals with bushy tails and erect, pointed ears. They have four- or five-toed forefeet; four-toed hind feet, blunt, nonretractile claws, and well-developed canine and cheek teeth. One toe is separated from the rest [They cannot bear one finger to touch one another].

Canines depend mainly on their smell and hearing. They run on their toes and can endure a long chase. In play they are seen to bounce back and forth from one side to another [alternation of location and side of symptoms].