Lac maternum

A sarcode prepared from the combined breast milk of nine women collected at different stages of lactation—from day 3 (colostrum) to 10 months (mature milk), then potentised according to homoeopathic pharmacopeia. This multi-donor, multi-stage preparation captures a broader perinatal field (colostrum → transitional → mature milk), with signatures of birth transition, bonding, immunity, and rhythm formation [Sherr], [Herrick], [Sankaran], [Vermeulen], [Norland].
➤ Important distinction: Lac humanum (Lac-h.) in the modern literature was prepared from the milk of one woman at a single stage of lactation (single-donor, fixed-stage), whereas Lac maternum (Lac-m.) is a composite of nine donors across stages. Clinically this gives Lac-m. a wider perinatal/gestational scope (conception–pregnancy–birth–lactation thresholds), while Lac-h. focuses more on social belonging/tribe, “good child/carer” dynamics, and the paradox of milk desire vs aggravation in one dyad. See Differentials. [Sherr], [Herrick], [Sankaran], [Vermeulen].

Modern provings (including trituration and formal provings) with extensive clinical confirmations since the late 20th century. Recurrent themes: thresholds/transition (womb ↔ world), cord/placenta imagery, floating/space/sea sensations, birth canal/tunnel dreams, bonding–separation, circadian re-setting, infant–carer co-regulation, and milk paradoxes. [Sherr] [Proving], [Herrick] [Proving/Clinical], [Norland] [Proving], [Sankaran] [Clinical], [Morrison] [Clinical], [Vermeulen].

Thresholds & Landing. Lac-maternum organises the passage from womb → world and the rhythms that make life sustainable: breath, sleep, feeding, touch, trust. Its field is broader than a single dyad because its source spans nine mothers from colostrum to mature milk; hence the recurring images of cord/placenta, ocean/space, tunnel/birth canal, first breath, and homecoming. Patients feel between—not yet landed, or unable to let go; they regulate when held (by consent), ritualised, and aired (fresh air). Physically, this appears as lactation disorders, infant colic/reflux, eczema/rhinitis, glue-ear, globus with unshed tears, and sleep fragmentation—all improving when bonding + boundaries + routine align. Where Lac humanum pleads, “let me belong to the tribe, I’ll be good,” Lac maternum whispers, “help me cross the threshold and land safely; then belonging will unfold.” [Sherr], [Herrick], [Sankaran], [Morrison], [Vermeulen], [Shore].

• Perinatal field / thresholds — conception, pregnancy, labour–birth transition, cord/placenta imagery, initiation into independent breathing/sleep rhythms; difficulties “coming to earth” or letting go. See Mind/Sleep/Generalities. [Sherr], [Sankaran], [Herrick].
• Mother–infant dyad regulation — lactation (let-down, flow, mastitis tendency), attachment, co-regulated sleep–feed cycles; carers’ depletion/resentment loops. See Female/Chest/Sleep. [Herrick], [Morrison].
• Gastro–enteric (milk axis) — infant colic/reflux, stool mucus with dairy, adult milk desire ↔ aggravation; microbiome seeding motifs. See Stomach/Abdomen/Rectum/Food & Drink. [Morrison], [Vermeulen].
• Skin–immune — infant-type eczema, cradle-cap, intertrigo, rhinitis; flares at transition stress (weaning/moves/return to work). See Skin/Nose. [Herrick], [Vermeulen], [Shore].
• Endocrine–neuropeptide tone — oxytocin/prolactin metaphor: trust vs vigilance, touch sought when invited, aversion to coercive demands. See Mind/Generalities. [Sankaran], [Herrick].
• Respiratory thresholds — first-breath imagery, tight chest in stuffed rooms, better fresh air; glue-ear/rhinitis patterns around milk. See Respiration/Ears/Nose. [Herrick], [Morrison].
• Back/shoulder girdle — nursing/holding posture pains; interscapular/neck fatigue. See Back. [Shore], [Herrick].
• Cardio–autonomic — palpitations with separation or duty overload; settles with embrace/ritual. See Heart/Mind. [Bailey], [Herrick].

Axis of transition + bonding + boundaries. Feels between worlds—not fully landed (“still in the water/space”), or clings to womb-like safety; fears letting go of cord/old routine; yearns to be welcomed and held in a predictable rhythm [Sherr], [Sankaran], [Herrick]. Belonging theme present, but in Lac-m. it is cosmic/perinatal (life-passages, initiation) rather than the social tribe/performance emphasis of Lac-h. [Differential]. Over-attuned carers become hyper-responsible, yet resentful and ashamed to need help; relief after being invited to rest and ask [Bailey], [Shore]. Children show regression around transitions (moves, school start, sibling arrival): clingy, night-waking, stool/body rhythm disturbed; settle with ritual and gentle containment [Herrick], [Sherr]. Imagery of tunnels, cords, placenta, ocean/space, floating, first breath, finding the way out/in. Wants consented touch, not pressure; better when a safe boundary contains the wide field. [Proving]/[Clinical].

Fragmented sleep in carers/children: multiple wakings, cat-naps, startles to small noises; best with consistent rituals, cool/dark/ventilated room, shared caregiving. Infants wake to check connection as much as for calories. Adults doze then wake wired 2–4 a.m.; improve when allowed to hand off. [Sherr], [Herrick], [Shore]. [Clinical].

Birth/cord/placenta, tunnels, ocean/space, floating, missing the way, lost child then found/held; on improvement—arrival, homecoming, family singing. [Sherr], [Herrick], [Norland], [Bailey]. [Proving/Clinical].

Threshold remedy—organises the passage from womb to world and the rhythms that sustain it: breath, sleep, feed, touch, trust. Better: invited touch/holding, gentle routine/ritual, warmth to chest/back, fresh air, naming needs, short restorative naps. Worse: separation/abrupt transitions, crowds/strangers, broken sleep, stuffy heat, dairy (often), unwanted touch/pressure. Compared to Lac-h., Lac-m. holds a broader perinatal scope (colostrum→mature, nine donors), emphasising initiation, arrival, landing, and cord/placenta symbolism; Lac-h. centres social belonging, “good child/carer” performance, and tribe/outsider dynamics. [Sherr], [Herrick], [Sankaran], [Morrison], [Vermeulen].

Low-grade evening warmth in teething infants; settles with fluids/embrace. Adults—viral-like fatigue after runs of night waking. [Clinical].

Chilly when emotionally empty; warms with holding. Infants sweat on head while feeding; prickly heat in stuffy rooms (worse heat). Carers sweat with separation anxiety; fresh air helps. [Sherr], [Herrick].

Band or vertex pressure after night vigils; better nap, warm shower across shoulders, and fresh air [Herrick], [Shore]. Heaviness with weeping suppressed (“head full of unshed milk/tears”); eases after crying/embrace [Bailey]. Motion sickness-like dizziness in over-lit, stuffy rooms; recovers outside air [Sherr]. Headache in carers who skip meals; better warm drink and food with company [Morrison]. [Proving]/[Clinical].

Grittiness, tearfulness when overtired; photophobia to harsh artificial light (nursery/wards), preferring soft warm light [Sherr]. Infant eye-watering with rhinitis/eczema terrain (milk-linked); improves with rhythm/diet. [Clinical].

Glue-ear tendencies in dairy-sensitive children; night waking improves as schedule/diet corrected [Morrison]. Sensitivity to baby cries; autonomic surge settles with reassurance/rhythm. [Clinical].

Clear/whitish mucus in heated rooms; milk may increase nasal congestion in children; better cool air and routine [Morrison], [Vermeulen]. Snuffles during feeds; upright positioning helps. [Clinical].

Soft, biddable expression; flushes easily under criticism; infant eczema on cheeks worse heat; better emollients, cool air, and calmer routine [Herrick], [Vermeulen]. [Clinical].

Aphthae and mouth dryness in overworked carers; desire for warm drinks; aversion to iced fluids [Morrison]. Babies bite/clamp when dysregulated; settle with paced feeds. [Clinical].

Bruxism after night vigils; eases with sleep consolidation and emotional permission to rest. [Clinical].

Globus—“cord in throat,” “cry stuck”—improves after naming need/tears; warm sips soothe [Bailey], [Herrick]. Hoarseness in those singing/soothing at night; better rest/humidified air. [Clinical].

Tightness on suppressing tears; sighing; opens with embrace or gentle humming; feels “first-breath” relief outdoors [Bailey], [Herrick]. Let-down reflex triggered by another infant’s cry—over-attunement. [Clinical].

Palpitations with duty overload or separation; steadies with support, naming needs, and paced breathing; oxytocin-tone metaphor. [Sankaran], [Herrick]. [Clinical].

Shallow during rush/people-pleasing; deepens with rocking/humming; infants align suck–swallow–breathe when held upright. Stuffy rooms aggravate; fresh air relieves. [Sherr], [Herrick]. [Clinical].

Milk paradox: desires milk/soft foods yet bloats or feels queasy; some are averse (polarity) [Morrison], [Vermeulen]. Nausea from odours (antiseptics/soiled nappies); fresh air helps [Sherr]. Infants—reflux, arching, better upright after feeds and with slowed pacing. [Clinical].

Infantile colic: knees drawn up, red face, wind, then sleep when held against warm chest; carers calmer → infant settles [Herrick], [Sherr]. Adults—bloating with separation stress; better warm teas, gentle pressure, and being with trusted company. [Clinical].

Infants—loose yellow stools; mucus with dairy aggravation; perianal soreness in heat. Children—urge before school/separation, stool normal after settling. Carers—constipation from postponing urges, then loose stool under stress. [Morrison], [Herrick]. [Clinical].

Frequent small urinations with separation anxiety; enuresis spikes during transitions; stabilises with ritual and reassurance. Dehydrated carers feel urinary irritation; better fluids/rest. [Clinical].

Desires: warm milk/soft foods/porridge/broths (comfort). Aversions/Aggravations: dairy may aggravate (bloating, mucus, eczema) despite desire; iced drinks aggravate throat; solitary eating worsens digestion. Better shared meals, warm simple foods, steady snacks for carers. [Morrison], [Vermeulen], [Herrick].

Tender fathers: night-waking, palpitations, indigestion, shame to seek help; better shared duty and calm boundaries. [Bailey]. Libido dips with exhaustion, returns as rhythm steadies. [Clinical].

Lactation: let-down blocked by pressure/resentment; over-/under-supply swings; mastitis risk in chill/overwork; better warmth, rest, permission to say no to visitors [Herrick]. Postpartum blues with cosmic/threshold imagery (“not landed”); responds when bonding + boundaries + routine align. PMS—weepy, needing holding; better consented touch. [Morrison], [Shore].

Cervico-thoracic/interscapular ache from holding/feeding; better heat, posture support, and shared load. Low-back fatigues with carrying toddlers; evening warmth and pacing help. [Shore], [Herrick].

Trembly forearms/hands after long holding; paraesthesias from wrist posture; better rest and warmth. Children cling during transitions; relax with reassurance. [Clinical].

Eczema (cheeks/flexures) with heat and dairy aggravations; cradle-cap; intertrigo in warm rooms; flares at separation/transition points; settles with rhythm/emollients/air. [Vermeulen], [Herrick]. Urticaria after shaming/criticism (psychoderm). [Clinical].

Distinctions within the Lac group

• Lac maternum vs Lac humanum — Source: Lac-m. = nine donors, multi-stage (day 3–10 months); Lac-h. = single donor, single stage. Field: Lac-m. = perinatal thresholds (gestation–birth–landing), cord/placenta/ocean/space imagery; Lac-h. = social belonging/tribe, “good child/carer,” shame–performance, milk desire ↔ aggravation within one dyad. Use Lac-m. for cases fixed at transition points (NICU, traumatic birth, abrupt weaning, inability to “land”); use Lac-h. when the organising conflict is belonging/approval and day-to-day tribe dynamics. [Sherr], [Herrick], [Sankaran], [Vermeulen].
• Lac caninum — Alternating sides, praise-seeking, submissive–appeasing; fewer perinatal images. Lac-m. is steadier, threshold-focused, with cord/space/ocean themes. [Morrison], [Bailey].
• Lac felinum — Feline territory/itch heat-of-bed, hair-in-throat, stretch relief; more animal-state boundaries than perinatal thresholds. [Herrick], [Sankaran].
• Lac maternum vs Placenta humanum / Umbilicus — Placental/umbilical sarcodes focus narrowly on attachment/circulation or severance; Lac-m. integrates these within a lactation-wide field including breath/sleep/feed rhythms. [Sherr], [Norland].

Mother–child / perinatal

• Mag-m. — abandonment/soft liver–gut; less lactation/cord/breath imagery; Lac-m. broader perinatal field. [Morrison].
• Carc. — duty/perfection, suppression; use when performance conditioning dominates after Lac-m. has restored rhythms. [Shore], [Bailey].
• Sep. — aversion from depletion; chilly, better exercise; Lac-m. wants connection when consented, focuses rhythm/landing. [Bailey], [Morrison].

Milk intolerance/paediatrics

• Aethusa — violent milk intolerance with vomiting/colic; stupor; more acute. Lac-m. is gentler, rhythm/attachment-focused. [Morrison].
• Calc-c. — security, sweat head, milkiness; less threshold/space imagery; Lac-m. integrates broader perinatal motifs. [Bailey].

• Complementary: Lac humanum (social belonging layer after thresholds resolved); Carc. (if duty/perfection overlays persist); Sep. (when boundaries/autonomy need consolidation); Nat-m. (grief once connection safer). [Bailey], [Shore].
• Follows well: Aethusa, Calc-c. in infant milk intolerance once the case continues to circle transition/bonding motifs. [Morrison].
• Precedes well: constitutional polychrests (Sep., Nat-m., Puls., Calc-c., Phos., Sulph., Carc.) after landing and rhythm are restored. [Shore], [Herrick].
• Antidotal tendencies (clinical): shared caregiving, protected sleep, ventilated rooms, consented touch; medicinal antidotes not specific. [Clinical].
• Inimical: none recorded; avoid rote alternation among lac remedies—prescribe by field and response. [Morrison].

• Snapshot: Perinatal threshold problems (pregnancy/birth/landing), bonding–boundary ambivalence, milk paradox, eczema/rhinitis, sleep fragmentation, better ritual + consented touch + fresh air → think Lac-m. [Sherr], [Herrick].
• Potency/usage: State layers—30C daily ×3–5 days, then observe; clear portraits often respond to 200C single dose. Infants/very sensitive—6C or LM micro-doses. Repeat only on clear relapse. [Sherr], [Vithoulkas], [Herrick].
• Infant care: Upright paced feeds, protect sleep rhythm, cool/dark/ventilated rooms; consider dairy reduction if eczema/rhinitis present. [Morrison], [Vermeulen].
• Carer care: Share nights; schedule permission to rest; warm showers for back/neck; name the need; soften performance pressure. [Shore], [Bailey].
• Sequencing: If “belonging/approval” continues as the primary knot after landing, follow with Lac-h.; if duty/perfection remains, consider Carc.; if detachment persists, Sep. [Bailey], [Shore].

Case pearls

• NICU-separated infant: reflux/colic, night-waking to check connection; mother depleted. Lac-m. 200C → feeds paced, sleep stitched, reflux eased; later Calc-c. held constitution. [Clinical, Herrick/Sherr].
• Postpartum carer: globus “cord in throat,” mastitis risk, resentment yet shame; Lac-m. 30C tid ×2 days + boundary/ritual work → let-down normalised, sleep improved. [Clinical, Morrison/Herrick].
• Child after sudden move/weaning: eczema + rhinitis, dreams of tunnels/being lost; Lac-m. 200C single dose → calmer landing; Lac-h. later consolidated social belonging. [Clinical, Sherr/Sankaran].

Mind

• Mind—BETWEEN two worlds—sensation of; transition—ailments from — threshold/landing theme. [Sherr], [Sankaran].
• Mind—ANXIETY—separation—children/caregivers—in — carer–infant dyad stress. [Herrick], [Bailey].
• Mind—WEEPS—relieved by—being held; singing/lullaby — oxytocin tone. [Herrick], [Sherr].
• Mind—NEEDS—cannot ask for; shame to ask — duty/over-adaptation. [Bailey], [Shore].
• Mind—AVERSION—touch—unless invited; CONSOLATION—desires—when consented — boundary paradox. [Herrick].
• Mind—DELUSIONS/IMAGES—cord in throat; placenta; ocean/space; floating — perinatal imagery. [Sherr], [Norland].

Head/Throat

• Head—PAIN—sleep loss—from; nursing/holding—after — carer headaches. [Herrick].
• Throat—GLOBUS—“cry/cord stuck”—tears—ameliorate; warm drinks—ameliorate — voice frees after naming need. [Bailey], [Herrick].

Sleep/Dreams

• Sleep—WAKING—frequent—caregivers/children in — night vigilance. [Sherr].
• Sleep—CAT-NAPS—fragmented rhythm — co-regulation theme. [Sherr].
• Dreams—BIRTH—of; TUNNELS—of; WATER/SEA—of; SPACE—of; LOST child—finding — landing/homecoming arc. [Sherr], [Norland], [Herrick].

Gastro–enteric / Food

• Stomach—MILK—desires; milk—aggravates/aversions — paradox. [Morrison], [Vermeulen].
• Abdomen—COLIC—infants—carried—ameliorates; warmth—ameliorates — upright, paced feeds help. [Herrick].
• Rectum—STOOL—mucus—with—dairy—after — infant/child terrain. [Morrison].

Female/Chest/Heart

• Female—LACTATION—let-down—inhibited by resentment/pressure—emotion from — blocked by coercion. [Herrick].
• Female—MASTITIS—chill/overwork; boundary stress—from — warmth/rest help. [Herrick].
• Chest—TIGHTNESS—suppressed weeping—with—embrace—ameliorates — co-regulation. [Bailey].
• Heart—PALPITATIONS—duty overload/separation—during — settles with support/ritual. [Shore], [Bailey].

Skin/Respiration

• Skin—ECZEMA—infants—dairy—aggravates; heat—aggravates — cheeks/flexures. [Vermeulen], [Herrick].
• Nose—CORYZA—milk—after; warm rooms—in—aggravates — rhinitis. [Morrison], [Vermeulen].
• Ear—CATARRH—serous—children—dairy—aggravates — glue-ear terrain. [Morrison].

Generalities

• Generalities—SEPARATION—aggravates—transitions—from — NICU, weaning, moves. [Bailey], [Sherr].
• Generalities—FRESH AIR—ameliorates; ROOMS—stuffy—aggravate — ventilation. [Herrick].
• Generalities—RHYTHM—lack of—aggravates; ritual—ameliorates — schedule medicine. [Sherr].
• Generalities—EMBRACING—ameliorates—when desired — consented touch. [Herrick].

Sherr, Jeremy — Dynamic Provings (1990s–): primary proving material for Lac-maternum; threshold/cord/ocean/space imagery; sleep–feed rhythm insights.
Herrick, Nancy — Animal Minds, Human Voices (1998) & clinical lectures: lac remedies; bonding/boundary motifs; carer–infant dynamics; dairy/eczema/rhinitis links.
Sankaran, Rajan — The Sensation in Homoeopathy (2005); The Soul of Remedies (2005): kingdom/miasmatic analysis; perinatal threshold field vs tribe-belonging contrasts.
Vermeulen, Frans — Prisma / Synoptic (2000s): human milk composition (colostrum → mature) used as metaphor; rubrics for dairy/mucosa/skin.
Norland, Misha — School of Homeopathy trituration provings: transition/landing, wrapping/swaddling, ocean/space themes.
Morrison, Roger — Desktop Guide to Keynotes & Confirmatory Symptoms (1993): practical paediatric GI/ENT/skin pointers; dairy paradox; carer exhaustion.
Bailey, Philip M. — Homeopathic Psychology (1990): shame–duty dynamics; permission to need; contrasts with Sep./Nat-m./Carc.
Shore, Jonathan — Clinical teachings on cancerinic states, family systems, sequencing (Lac-m. → Sep./Carc./Nat-m.).
Vithoulkas, George — Materia Medica Viva (1993–): dosing sensitivity; layer sequencing in complex family systems.
Clarke, J. H. — Dictionary of Practical Materia Medica (1900): sarcode preparation context (methodological background).