Flip of the Switch
Using Anacardium Orientale in PANS/PANDAS Treatment
When working with children affected by PANS (Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome) or PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Streptococcal Infections), parents often describe their experiences in strikingly similar terms:
"My child was normal—kind, sweet—and then, like a flip of a switch, their personality changed."
During consultations, children themselves sometimes express this internal shift, saying things like: "I feel like the anger is taking over my heart."
These cases frequently involve children who are described as gentle and kind but who suddenly begin exhibiting rages, violence, or intense anxiety. These “flares” may be triggered by an illness and can last anywhere from weeks to months.
One remedy I often consider in such cases is Anacardium orientale.
Understanding Anacardium in Homeopathy
The classical homeopathic picture of Anacardium includes symptoms such as:
Extreme violence.
Hallucinations.
Paranoia.
It is often used in cases of severe mental health conditions, such as schizophrenia, and even sociopathic behavior. For instance, a seasoned homeopath once shared that in his 30-year career, he prescribed Anacardium only once—to a sociopathic child who set fire to his school.
While this represents an extreme example of Anacardium, it’s important to understand that remedies can present with different “faces” or degrees of severity. Two individuals needing the same remedy may display vastly different levels of pathology. This variation depends on the person’s unique expression of the homeopathic state.
In cases of PANS/PANDAS, for example, a child who is typically kind, sweet, and generous may transform during a flare into someone who is aggressive, easily angered, and quick to curse. This type of presentation can indicate a need for Anacardium, especially when there is an underlying sense of low self-esteem, which often persists even outside of flare-ups.
After being given the correct remedy, these children often experience:
Reduced flare frequency and intensity.
Improved overall behavior and emotional regulation.
Increased self-confidence.
Below are examples of PANS/PANDAS cases I’ve treated where Anacardium played a pivotal role in the child’s healing.
Case Studies
Case #1:
A child presented with aggression, cursing, and violence during flares. He was described as being easily triggered, going “0 to 100” over minimal routine changes. His mother shared that outside of flares, he was “a little angel and very empathetic.”
Treatment:
Anacardium 30c and 200c, combined with mold-clearing support.
Outcome:
The child’s behavior improved dramatically. The “0 to 100” reactivity resolved completely.
Case #2:
This child presented with PANDAS and a variety of symptoms, including:
Abdominal pain.
Anxiety and phobias.
Hallucinations and headaches.
Aggression and violence.
Her mother recounted that the child would say: “Mommy, I know I shouldn’t do this bad thing, but why do I want to?”The child felt distressed by intrusive thoughts and impulses, such as hitting her sibling or breaking objects.
This internal conflict is a key symptom of Anacardium, often described as having “an angel on one shoulder and a devil on the other.”
Treatment:
Anacardium.
Outcome:
The child experienced a drastic recovery. Hallucinations, headaches, abdominal pain, and behavioral issues all resolved.
Case #3:
A sweet, shy, and meek child presented with:
Tics.
OCD.
Tantrums.
While her tantrums were less intense and violent than in the previous cases, they were uncharacteristically aggressive for a child of her typically mild disposition.
Treatment:
Anacardium.
Outcome:
Her tantrums resolved completely. She later transitioned to other remedies to address her tics.
Conclusion
Anacardium orientale is a powerful remedy for children experiencing sudden personality shifts, aggression, or internal conflict, particularly in the context of PANS/PANDAS. Its ability to address both the emotional and physical symptoms of these conditions can facilitate remarkable healing when appropriately selected.
By addressing the root causes of dysregulation, homeopathy empowers children to return to their natural, balanced states—kind, sweet, and full of potential.
If your child is experiencing symptoms of PANS/PANDAS, consider exploring homeopathy as part of their healing journey.
Disclaimer: These Blog Posts are meant to be educational only
