Philosophy and Discussion 79

Introduction to the Plant Theory

Jan Scholten1

1 The Netherlands Address for correspondence Jan Scholten, MD, Koningsweg 234,
3582 GM Utrecht, The Netherlands (e-mail: mail@janscholten.com).
Homœopathic Links 2017;30(2):79–85.

Abstract This article is a short introduction to the Plant theory. It describes the application of the
theory with the use of the Remedy code. The Remedy code is a short code of seven
digits or numbers that describe the position and classification of each plant. It is a kind
of short Materia Medica. The first digit stands for the kingdom, which is 3 in the case of
Keywords the Plant kingdom. The next three digits stand for series as known from the Element
► Plant theory theory. The next two digits, digits 5 and 6, stand for Phases. Phases are similar to the
► Plant kingdom Stages of the Element theory. The difference is that there are 8 Phases, in contrast to
► Remedy code the 18 Stages. The Phases are linked to the eight columns of the Carbon series and
► Botany Silicon series of the Periodic system. The last digit, digit 7, stands for the Stage as
► APG classification known from the Element theory.

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Introduction
The Plant theory was published 2 years ago and has been
quite fruitful. But many homeopaths do not know the Plant
theory very well and hesitate using it. They think or fear that
the Plant theory is too complicated and difficult. This intro-
duction will show that the application is much less difficult
than imagined. But one needs to step over a border, which
takes energy and courage. One needs to go into a new field,
which brings nervousness and excitement. It is like learning
to bicycle: one needs practice before it is going smoothly.
The Plant theory makes homeopathy easier. This will not
be the case in the beginning, but after a while homeopathy
becomes easier even when using a lot more remedies. This is
similar to the Element theory. The range of remedies avail-
able is increased vastly. But at the same time it becomes
easier to handle.
In the research it turned out that the themes of the
Element theory were just as applicable to the Plant kingdom.
The Series and Stages were very present in the Materia
Medica and in the cases. An extra factor that needed to be
introduced is the Phases. Basically, the Phases are similar to
the Stages. The difference is that there are only 8 Phases in
contrast to the 18 Stages.
Application
To apply the Plant theory, one has to determine the seven
elements as expressed in the Remedy code: the Plant king-
dom, the three Series, the two Phases and the Stage.
First one has to ascertain that the Plant kingdom is
indicated. This differentiation is left for other articles, as it
is quite well described.

Development
The Plant theory gives a description of the effects of plants on
living creatures, both physically and emotionally. The
description is based on a classification of the Plant kingdom.
This classification is based on the botanical Angiosperm
Phylogeny Group III (APG III) classification with some mod-
ifications. The Plant theory is a classification of the Plant
kingdom, similar to the Element theory as a classification of
the mineral kingdom.
Remedy Code
In the development of the Plant theory, a Remedy code was
developed. The Remedy code is a short description of which
Series, Phases and Stage are present in a remedy. It is a kind of
compact Materia Medica. Homeopaths who got used to the
Plant theory ask for the Remedy code when hearing of a
remedy. It gives them a direct idea of what a remedy means,
what it can do.
The Remedy code is a list of numbers. But there is nothing
mathematical about them, and there is no calculation

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ISSN 1019-2050.
80 Introduction to the Plant Theory Scholten

Table 1 Remedy code in Plant theory Table 2 Classification of kingdoms

Number Range Series Group, class Theme, Number Kingdom Theme, field
field
1 Mineral Simple, straightforward, formal,
1 Action 1–5 Kingdom Kingdom Being factual
2 1–7 Phylum Series Potential 2 Bacteria Taken over
3 1–7 Class Series Aspiration 3 Plants Sensitive, adapting, emotional,
sensations
4 1–7 Subclass Series Realization
4 Animals Motion, emotion, attack,
5 1–7 Order Phase Position
emotions, hierarchy
6 1–7 Family Subphase Position
5 Human Humanising, consciousness
(¼ Phase)
7 1–17 Species Stage Action,
handling

needed whatsoever. It is just a code, like the atomic number
of the elements of the periodic table. One can compare it
with the element theory. For instance, there one could
describe magnesium as mineral kingdom, Series 3, Column
2. A code could be 1–3.2, which describes the position of
magnesium in the periodic table.
Series
The series expresses a goal, a purpose, a motive, an aiming. It
is what one desires to achieve or reach. It is a drive, a need. Or
expressed the other way around, a fear to lose something.
The series expresses the area where the problem is. It is the
field in life what gives rise to problems.

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In the Plant theory, there are seven numbers in the
Remedy code (see ►Table 1):
• The first number expresses the Kingdom. For the Plant
kingdom, the number is 3.
• The numbers 2, 3 and 4 express to which Series the plant
belongs, from 1 to 7.
• The 5th number expresses the Phase, from 1 to 7.
• The 6th number expresses the Sub-phase, from 1 to 7.
• The 7th number expresses the Stage, from 1 to 17.
An example clarifies the classification and the use of the
Remedy code. ►Fig. 1 shows the Remedy code for Belladonna,
Atropa belladonna.
Kingdom
The first number expresses the Kingdom (►Table 2).
The kingdom is a way of being. It is something in the
background of the case, of the problem. In itself the kingdom
is not a problem; it is just a way of standing in life. The best
word so far for this is Being.
Series, Phases and Position within the Plant Kingdom
See ►Fig. 1 for a visual impression of how Series, Phases and
Stages build up the Remedy code in the Plant kingdom.
First Series Potential
The first series, the second number, is best characterized by
the concept Potential. In the past, this was so well clear and
defined. The reason for it is that most of the plants are in the
sixth phylum, that of the flowering plants, the Angiosper-
mae. It means they have the Lanthanide or Gold series
potential of reflection on themselves. This potential is basi-
cally available to all human beings. That is why it was
presented as: in principle always give one of the Angiosper-
mae. It was a nice practical advice, as those were the most
available anyhow. But the concept potential makes it clear
why. When we think, for instance, about people with de-
mentia, they do not have the potential of reflection anymore,
and they lack even the thinking ability of the Sliver series, the
working ability of the Iron series and the communication
ability of the Silicon series. What is left is the ability of touch,
eating and being present. These are the abilities of the Carbon
series. Chara intermedia is a new remedy, a green algae,
which has dementia in its picture. Thus, most probably
dementia needs remedies from phylum 2, the green algae
or Viridiplantae. Another example is that of the Bryophyta,
the mosses, which are indicated for people who live like
nomads.
Second Series Aspiration
The second series, the third number, is best characterized by
the concept Aspiration. That is what people would like to
achieve, the highest level of it. If someone wants to become an
artist, it means it is Silver series, series 5. Unless there are also
aspects of the Lanthanides like autonomy and spirituality, as
then the highest level is that of the Lanthanides series 6.

Third Series Realization

The third series, the fourth number, is best characterized by
the concept Realization. That is what people do in reality.
Fig. 1 Remedy code for Atropa belladonna. That is where the problem really is. When someone wants to

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 Introduction to the Plant Theory Scholten 81

be an artist, the aspiration is series 5, but when he works as a
labourer, the realization is Iron series, series 4 (►Table 3).
For a full description of the Series and Stages, I refer to
‘Homeopathy and the Elements’ or www.qjure.com.
Phases
The next aspect is to determine Phase and Sub-phase. Phase
and Sub-phase are in essence the same. The only difference is
the level they are expressed. The Phase sits at the level of
orders. The Sub-phase gives the level of the families.
The Phases are like the Stages. They represent a develop-
ment. The difference is that there are only 8 Phases, whereas
there are 18 Stages. The Phases are like the columns in the
Carbon and Silicon series. ►Table 4 shows the connections.
Position
The Phases show how the patient stands in the problem. The
Phases and Sub-phases represent the position of the patient
in respect to the problem and the persons involved in
the problem. A good concept is that of belonging. Does the
patient belong to the group or not? Is he or she an outsider or
insider? Is he or she central or at the edge of the group? Is he
colleagues, work problems, culture, profession, religion, pro-
jects and so on. The two Phases are presented in digits five and
six of the Remedy code. Digit five is the Phase and digit six is the
Sub-phase. Phase and Sub-phase are very similar and often not
easily to differentiate. ►Table 5 gives clues for the differentia-
tion, together with that of the Stage.
Phase 1
Phase 1 is the start of something, an attempt to belong to a
group. They have the feeling they do not belong to the group
yet. Group can mean a family, a group of friends, a village or
a tribe, or a culture, a city and so on, depending on the
situation.
It feels as if they just have met someone or some group
and want to make a connection. There is not yet the feeling of
really belonging to the group. There is a strong fear of not
becoming accepted by the group or person. This fear is easily
projected into things they see. A small remark or action can
easily be interpreted as a rejection. This can then lead to a
withdrawal and the giving up of trying to become a part of
the group.
•

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Sudden, acute, unexpected, unpredictable.
or she fully accepted or partially? One has to find out if one is
• Unstable, extreme, mania.
an outsider or insider, if one is sure or unsure, if one belongs
• Impulsive decisions, mania.
to the group or not. Is the patient central and sure in the
• Impulsive thoughts, erratic thinking.
group, like in Phase 4? Or is he or she half belonging like in
• Impulsive emotions, changeable moods.
Phase 3 or 5? Is the patient an outsider like in Phase 1 or 7? Or
• Childish, naive, silly, foolish.
is he or she accepted on conditions, like in Phase 3 or 5? Or is
• Restless, travelling.
he or she hanging half in and half out, like in Phases 2 and 6?
• Outsider, stranger, newcomer, new.
The Phases are presented in more detail later in this article.
• Single.
One can determine the position of the patient in relation to
many situations and persons. Very prominent is the position in Phase 2
the relationship to their father and mother. But one can find the Phase 2 is the situation where they have been accepted as
Phases in the relationship to husband or wife, children, friends, part of a group but it is quite fragile. They still have the feeling
that they have to earn their position. Their place in the group
is not straightforward. They have the feeling of having a
Table 3 Series and themes in the mineral kingdom minor position in the group, which can make them shy and
subordinate. They follow the rules of the group to get
Number Series Theme accepted. They have a strong fear that they will not get
7 Uranium Freedom accepted anymore and will be rejected by the group. Due to
this they have the tendency to do too much for the group. The
6 Gold Self-control, autonomy
balance between giving and receiving is easily distorted.
6 Lanthanide Self-control, autonomy
• Adapting.
5 Silver Culture, country, elite
• Support, supporting, supported.
4 Iron Community, village
• Unsure, yielding.
3 Silicon Relations, love, family, spouse, • Inadequate.
friends • Half in.
2 Carbon Body, survival, parents • Aggression, irritation, < belittled.
1 Hydrogen Being

Table 4 Connection between Phases and Stages

Phase 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Stages 1 2 3–9 10 11–15 16 17 18
Carbon Lithium Beryllium Boron Carbon Nitrogen Oxygen Fluorine Neon
Silicon Natrium Magnesium Aluminium Silicon Phosphor Sulfur Chlorine Argon

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82 Introduction to the Plant Theory Scholten
Table 5 Differentiation between Phases
Phase Belonging
1 Outsider, newcomer, stranger, alone
2 Half belonging, adapting
3 Conditional, pleasing
4 Unconditionally
5 Conditional, pushed
6 Half belonging, used, abused
7 Outsider, alone, rejected
Phase 3
Phase 3 has a position in the group that is more secure and
better worked out than in Phase 2. But that place is not fully
in balance. They feel unsure about their position, often not
knowing what to do and how to handle it. They often do not
know if they have to do what the group wants or what they
want themselves. Being part of the group causes confusion
over where the group starts and where they end. The
boundary between them and the group is not settled yet.
When they follow their own will, they can often feel guilty
and ashamed, especially when they think their motives are in
conflict with those of the group. On the other hand, they
often do what the group expects from them. But then they
can feel that they overrule their own wishes. It can happen
that they are confused about what the group is really
expecting from them. The general theme is that of confusion,
an often unclear state where things get mixed up.
• Pleasing, adapting, soft, pliable.
• Conditional love.
• Invisible, not seen, not heard.
• Guilt.
• Confusion, foggy.
Phase 4
Phase 4 feels settled in the group. Their position is fixed and
stable. They often have a central position in the group and
can also be the leader. This expresses itself as a kind of
calmness, stability, slowness and quietness. They can be very
expressive and loud but more often they are quietly taking
their position. They do not have to prove themselves. Things
are obvious.
• Responsible, loyal.
• Accepted, unconditional love.
• Rigid, static, stiff, stones, cracking.
• Obvious, just, complete, total, perfect.
• Grounded, stable, balanced, harmony.
• Shock.
Phase 5
Phase 5 feels settled in the group. Their place is secure, but
they feel that there must be more than just the system. They
want to expand the possibilities and make the relationships
in the system more rewarding. For them the system should
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not only survive but also bring benefits to its members.
Members of the group should grow, receive respect and
love, so that they can enjoy the group. They often have a
strong driving force that tries to make everyone in the group
feel happy and feel like a member of the group. They want
everyone to grow and develop.
Sometimes they experience the group as limiting. That can
lead to an expansion of their actions to outside of the group.
They have the feeling that the group is okay but is not every-
thing. There is more than just their system. There is more in the
world to enjoy. Actions outside, in the world, are not seen as
contradictory to those of the group but beneficial for the group.
• Pushed.
• Conditional love, half.
• Limited, expansive.
• Saviour, protective.
• Communicative.
• Enthusiastic, passionate, extreme.
• Winner, competitive.
Phase 6
Phase 6 feels they are settled in the group. They have their
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position and have a right to it. But there is also a fear that they
might have to leave. This can be the case when there is an
imbalance between taking and receiving. They can easily
have the feeling that the system asks too much from them,
that they have to give too much. They can have the feeling
that the group costs them more than it gives to them. They
can feel used or even abused. This can make them also very
angry, resulting in fights and quarrels with other members of
the group.
It can also happen that they take too much from the group.
They feel that they have given much in the past and now it is
their turn to receive. They can become quite lazy, doing
nothing, becoming apathetic. This is exaggerated when they
have the feeling that maybe the system will collapse, or that
they have to leave. It seems pointless to them to put a lot of
energy into a system that will fail anyhow.
• Half out, unappreciated.
• Used, abused, eaten.
• Giving taking imbalance.
• Unfair, unjust, corruption, compromise.
• Bitter, embittered.
• Bored, lazy, passive.
Phase 7
Phase 7 has the feeling that their position in the group is not
obvious any more. There is even the question if they have a
real position anyhow. They can have the feeling that they can
be rejected at any moment, or that they are already rejected
and have become an outcast from the group.
It can be the situation that they have to get as much out of
the system as they can before it is really over. They feel they
have put so much into the system, into the group and that
they have rights to those things, at least partly. They can have
real fights about what belongs to them and what belongs to
the group. It is like the end stage of a marriage where the
partners are fighting about the possessions.
 Introduction to the Plant Theory Scholten 83

They feel their situation, their life as limiting, like a prison.
They want to break out, to be free. They desire to leave, to
flee. Drugs are another way to flee.
• Outsider, outcast; rejected, unwanted, fired.
• Individualistic, asocial, hard, cold.
• Cheat, lie, betrayal, illegal.
• Destruction, war, bomb, kill.
• Extreme, aggression.
►Fig. 2 shows all seven phases on a line and in how close
each phase is to the group goal idea.
Phases and Stages
Phase, Sub-phase and Stage are sometimes difficult to differ-
entiate. This is because all three reflects stages in develop-
ment. They all have the aspect of confidence or the lack
thereof. And in the case, they form a complex, which is
special for each combination.
The first to differentiate is the Stage. And that can be done
by asking what the patient is doing. How is he or she acting?
The differentiation of the Phase and Sub-phase is less
straightforward. The Phase is a deeper level in the psyche,
feel more themselves how they are. The Sub-phase is more
how things feel and how others are acting on them.
Stages and Action
The Stage is the same as that in the Element theory. It is how
one handles the problem. It is reflected in how the patient
feels his position toward the area and how he acts on it. The
action is decisive.
The Stages represent the cycle of everything in life:
things start, come to full development and end. Every
beginning will have an end. Every goal can be attained,
but later has to vanish. One can apply the cycle of life to
everything that happens: life in general, a project, a com-
pany, a dinner, writing a book, a consultation, a discussion,
cooking a dinner, reading a book, going to the theatre and so
on. Everything has a beginning, a fruition and an ending.
How far the patient is in this development leads to the Stage
(►Table 6).
For a description of the Series and Stages, I refer to

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How does he or she handle or not handle the situation. The ‘Homeopathy and the Elements’ and ‘Introduction to the
Phase and Sub-phase are more a positioning than an action. Element theory’.

Group Goal Idea

Phase 1 Phase 2 Phase 3G roPhase

Group
ro Goa4l IIdea
up Goal dePhase
dea 5 Phase 6 Phase 7

Fig. 2 Remedy code in Plant kingdom.

Table 6 Differentiation between Series, Phase, Sub-phase and Stage

Clade Depth
Series Group, goal, idea Core Where the problem is
Phase How it is Obvious, deep What oneself does
Sub-phase How it feels Half deep What is done to them
Stage Action Superficial What one does, handles

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84 Introduction to the Plant Theory Scholten

Application of the Plant Theory
Problem Oriented
In the application of the Plant theory, it is important to find
out what the problem is. It can often be found by looking at
the cause of the trouble. Sometimes, one needs to take the
whole character of the person as the disease. Sometimes the
problem is just a part of life. Many times, the problem is the
whole of the patient and can be seen in his life story. The life
story with history of the youth and the purpose in life is
essential for a deep prescription.
Case Taking
The case taking is essential in applying the Plant theory. Case
taking and analysis are not two separated things anymore,
but intertwined. The case taking becomes the problem

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Fig. 3 Overview of Plant kingdom and codes.

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analysis. A good case taking often shows all the relevant
groups. Then the prescription is straightforward, unless the
remedy for the found Remedy code is not known yet.
Flexible Use
One can use the Plant theory also partly. It is not needed to
use the full range of possibilities.
For instance one can use the families and their themes to
come to a prescription. Thus, one can do a search in the
repertory or the Materia Medica and limit the search to only
one or two families.
One step more is to use the stages to differentiate the
Remedies in the family.
Another possibility is to differentiate the level of the
problem and thus differentiate between families, subclasses
and classes of plants.
For example, an artist is having a problem in his art. Then
the third digit should be 5, leading to Malvidae 3–655.__.__ or
Laminae 3–665.__.__.
Or a spiritual person has a problem in his spiritual
development. Then the third digit should be 6, leading to
Campanulidae 3–666.__.__.
Introduction to the Plant Theory Scholten 85
Another example is of a spiritual person who has a
problem in his relationships. Then the third digit should be
3, leading to Caryophyllidae 3–663.__.__.
The second aspect is to determine how far one is in
realizing the goal, or how far one is in losing the goal. This
is like the cycle of everything in life: things start, come to full
development and end. Every beginning will have an end.
Every goal can be attained, but later has to vanish.
See ►Fig. 3 for a complete overview of the Plant theory.
Bibliography
1 Angiosperm Phylogeny Group. An update of the Angiosperm
Phylogeny Group classification for the orders and families of
flowering plants: APG III. Bot J Linn Soc 2009;161(02):105–121
2 Scholten J. Homeopathy and the Elements. Utrecht, The Netherlands:
Stichting Alonissos; 1996
3 Scholten J. Secret Lanthanides. Utrecht, The Netherlands: Sticht-
ing Alonissos; 2005
4 Scholten J. Wonderful Plants. Utrecht, The Netherlands: Stichting
Alonissos; 2013
5 Scholten J. Plant Theory. Available at: www.qjure.com; Accessed
February 9, 2017
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