My visit to the farm is complete. The farmer himself was polite, albeit somewhat awkward in my presence, which did not shock me. His wife was another matter, giving me icy glances all the while. I am rather used to such treatment, and it did not deter me from my purpose in being there.
I have seen the woman. I would say she must be a creature of some loveliness when in the glow of good health. She did permit me to examine her thoroughly, and while I was reluctant to do so, continually citing that I am not a trained physician, all in attendance were keen to know the source of the woman's ailment. The constitution of her bones and overall structure is good. Her musculature is somewhat wasted and she is malnourished, though the man and his wife assured me she was eating well and putting on weight. It did not take long for me to understand the farmer's earlier comment regarding his hesitation to bring in a "proper" physician from town. The woman's physical health is sound. It is her mind that is diseased.
I will grant that I have more knowledge than some in this arena. But there was something about this particular situation that has unsettled me. I have not yet determined why.
They informed me that while she has remained mute, and is largely docile and easily guided about, she is prone to fits of violent outbursts and given to sleepwalking. I had not brought with me the herbs that I am recommending to be given to the woman, since I was not aware of her condition beforehand. I will have to make a second trip today. My recommendations are as follows:
- Valerian root tea for sleep
- Black hellebore root for any episodes of mania or hysteria
- Goatweed oil daily to help with overall mood and function
There was a man present besides the farmer and his wife. I would not feel the need to remark upon his presence except that he so clearly was not a member of the family, and he seemed quite attentive to the ailing young woman. More curious still was that she seemed to respond to him more reliably than to anyone else in the home. I thought to inquire as to who he was and how he was acquainted with the woman, but it did not seem an appropriate thing to ask.
