The Buttercup plant family contains some of the most well-known homeopathic medicines, including Aconitum, Helleborus, Pulsatilla, Staphysagria and Cimicifuga. But what is the theme that underlies the whole family? As the first and most primitive of flowering herbs, the different species all represent phases in the struggle to emerge into a new state. Through analysis and case studies the template of the Renunculaceae will be shown, allowing a deeper understanding of the family and the use of the other 30 smaller, lesser known members.