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Berberis vulgaris (Berb.)

Berberis vulgaris (Berb.) appears in the repertory in 215 rubrics. Of these, 32 are single-remedy rubrics in which only this remedy is listed, and 9 are small rubrics with at most two other remedies. The emphasis lies on Delusions with 37 rubrics, Anxiety, Dullness, Fear and Irritability, as well as mental symptoms around the menses. Together they form the picture of a person who experiences being a woman, sexuality and the mother as burdensome, sees apparitions at twilight and is thrown off track by interruptions.

Sexuality as something dirty

The largest block among the single-remedy rubrics concerns the idea that sexuality is something dirty. It is recorded not only in general but with several time modalities: since confinement, since pregnancy, since becoming a mother and during the menses. The idea thus seems to become fixed with the stages of a woman's life.

Being a woman and the menses

Being a woman itself is also rejected. Single-remedy rubrics record aversion to being a woman, disgust at being a woman and mental insecurity as a woman. In addition there is the delusion of being injured as a woman. Around the menses there are single-remedy rubrics for loathing, indifference, slowness, weariness of life and the wish to die. The menses intensify an already depressed basic mood.

The mother

A group of single-remedy rubrics is directed at the mother: the delusion that the mother is a whore, the delusion that the mother is continually abused, and the corresponding rubric under Parents. The relationship to the mother appears wounded and charged with shame.

Twilight and apparitions

Twilight is a focus of its own. Listed are phantoms and ghosts at twilight, terrible visions in children and the delusion that persons appear enlarged. At 4 p.m. the fear begins and lasts until bedtime. In the evening there is also anxiety before sleep. In slumber, numerous fantasies crowd in.

Interruption

Another pattern is intolerance of disturbance. Single-remedy rubrics state that work becomes impossible at the slightest interruption and that mental exertion is worse from the slightest interruption. A small rubric concerns studying when interrupted. One single-remedy rubric records the feeling of inferiority, another increased ambition with regard to social position.

Summary

Berb. appears as the picture of a person whose self-image as a woman, relationship to sexuality and motherhood, and relationship to her own mother are marked by shame and rejection. The single-remedy rubrics emphasize dirt and rejection, the twilight visions the anxiety, and the interruption rubrics a fragile concentration. With 41 specific rubrics, the picture is broadly secured.

A reference work for professionals; it does not replace diagnosis or treatment.