Pulsatilla

Though Pulsatilla is well-known to all homeopaths, we often have some difficulty in recognizing a Pulsatilla case, especially if we expect always to see the typical blond, blue-eyed, mild and tearful patient. This is true because greater psychological "sophistication" teaches people to compensate or hide their natural tendencies. Also, the descriptions below may not apply to a case which is ill mainly on the physical level who has not developed the typical personality of the remedy.
Softness. The central essence of Pulsatilla is "changeability with softness". It is primarily a feminine remedy. When a man needs Pulsatilla, he is generally a soft, gentle type of man. The Pulsatilla patient requires strong support from those around her. The patient is easily dominated or influenced. There is often a strong family figure or a strong religious figure or teacher in the patient's life. She needs support and reassurance. The patient is also deeply emotional, sentimental and sympathetic.
Shyness. Although the typical Pulsatilla type makes excellent contact with others, there is often an initial shyness or bashfulness. The patient blushes easily and feels embarrassed from slight causes. Yet there is something flirtatious about this timidity which telegraphs the strong desire for affection and reassurance.
Weeping. One of the main characteristics of the Pulsatilla patient is the ease with which she weeps. She frequently weeps in the office when telling about her problems. She also weeps during any confrontation. The weeping often is soft and tender. The patient is unselfconscious in her desire for and acceptance of comforting and consolation.
Consolation. There is often a strong desire for tenderness and reassurance in the typical Pulsatilla patient. The family may note that the patient often asks, "Do you love me?" or "Tell me that you love me." This dependency will also be projected on to the prescriber.
Changeability. The patient is very emotional yet the moods are very changeable. She is soft and weepy one moment and irritable the next. Many prescribers early in their career are surprised to find how irritable the Pulsatilla patient can become. This occurs generally if the patient needs attention and feels she is deprived. There can also be a stubbornness in Pulsatilla, especially regarding her security.