Young people are particularly susceptible to media advertising that promises them everything and dictates the image they present and the lifestyle they lead. As they begin to step into the adult world they feel betrayed and let down by promises society is unable to fulfill. It is not surprising that Hyoscyamus is the remedy I use more than any other in the treatment of anorexia, bulimia and self-harm. The realisation that they do not compare favourably with the image to which they aspire undermines their belief in themselves to the point of self-hatred and disgust. It is interesting to note that henbane is to be found growing on rubbish heaps.
Women are the bearers of children and in most parts of the world the main nurturers.
The refusal of anorexic and bulimic girls to nurture themselves, even to the point of death, speaks of a deep confusion around the subject. Another issue around nurturing is that of control. I do not see the past through rosy spectacles but there is no doubt that in former times stricter controls, boundaries and borders gave at least an illusion of security. Now there are no limits and many consider the world to be spiralling out of control. Patients speak of wishing to be in control of their lives.