#2 – Staphisagria
We have a lot to thank Staphisagria for in animal homeopathy. It is a sad fact that many animals we encounter have been subjected to some form of abuse at some time in their lives. Some situations we don’t even think of as being abuse – consider for example the horse that is acquired for a particular purpose, has its physical needs met but is then passed on (often repeatedly) when it is no longer wanted or needed. What we might not recognise is the deep underlying resentment building in these animals, and sooner or later it is going to show up as a physical disorder or perhaps a behavioural issue.
Enter Staphisagria (Delphinium staphisagria). Commonly known as Stavesacre, in homeopathy we think of it as the remedy of the victim. This animal will have “put up and shut up” – the sweetest of creatures and eager to please – but just beneath the surface, all that hurt, grief and suppressed anger is ready to erupt. She (it’s often a she) is usually gentle and sensitive, but it has to come out somewhere. If she can’t express it in a mental/emotional capacity as rage or aggression, she is likely to have issues with her skin or her urinary tract – after all, she’s p***d off!
The keyword “victim” goes hand in hand with “violation”. As a remedy for sexual excesses, it is often indicated for animals that are or have been part of a breeding program (both male and female). An animal that is subjected to breeding procedures (including mating and “intimate” examinations) can certainly find itself in a Staphisagria state. Physical complaints often involve the reproductive organs of either sex, and catheterisation is yet another example of violation.
Along with a multitude of skin disorders and the genitourinary system, other main affinities for Staphisagria include the eyes and the mouth, especially the teeth and gums. It is also a remedy par excellence for surgical wounds, or any clean cut. Naturally this makes it one of our first choices for issues following surgery to the reproductive organs – desexing being the most obvious example.
Most of my Staphisagria patients have suffered from a skin disorder of some kind (including mange and mud fever) or an issue with the reproductive system or the water works, including inappropriate urination. Many have come from a rescue situation, and almost all have had good reason to feel resentment over their past or present circumstances.
Thank you for loving your animals well, and for exploring all the wonderful ways you can support their mental, emotional and physical wellbeing.
Levonne Kelly DipHom (Animal Health), RCHom, Cert Equine Practice
Animal Homeopathy Tutor
