Learning-Living [learning-living.com]: HOMEOPATHIC MEDICINE: CANTHARIS

2016-50: Homeopathic Medicine: Cantharis

"Cantharis is a homeopathic remedy obtained from the insect Lytta vesicatoria whose

Spanish Fly or Bliater Beetle

common name is Spanish fly or Blister Beetle. This beetle lives on honeysuckle and olive trees in western Asia and southern Europe.

The Spanish fly produces a toxic substance called cantharidin. Cantharidin is a strong poison that primarily affects the urinary tract and causes burning pain and vomiting. Cantharidian is caustic and causes skin blistering.

The homeopathic remedy Cantharis is primarily used to treat cystitis, which is inflammation of the urinary bladder because of infection or irritation. It is also used to treat burns and blisters. Spanish fly was traditionally used as an aphrodisiac (increases sexual desire). It was also used to remove warts, treat baldness, increase loss of fluids (acting as a diuretic), and for rheumatic problems (inflammation and degeneration of the joints).

Mental symptoms treated with cantharis

Homeopathy treats a person's whole being, mental and physical. The patient who needs cantharis can be confused and have odd ideas, may be maniacal and demonstrate raging fury or sexual frenzy, or may loose consciousness. The cantharis patient may be restless and excitable. He or she may be extremely thirsty but have difficulty swallowing. Also, the patient may have no appetite and a strong avoidance of food. Other mental problems that can be treated with cantharis include: excessive desire for sex (nymphomania), severe anxiety , screaming, querulousness (constant complaining), and insolence (being overbearing).

Physical symptoms treated with cantharis

The intense urge to urinate and burning pain are key symptoms for cantharis. Cantharis is indicated for the patient who experiences rapid and intense inflammation of the urinary system. There is lower abdominal and lower back pain. The severe burning pain associated with the urinary tract makes the patient afraid to urinate. There is a frequent and urgent need to urinate, however, only small amounts (drops) of urine are passed. The urine may contain blood. The patient may experience hydrophobia (fear of water) and, although extremely thirsty, cannot drink water or even tolerate seeing or hearing water. A severe, stabbing headache may be present and the patient may avoid bright light.

Cantharis is also used to treat burns or skin conditions that resemble burns. It is used for sunburn, blisters, skin eruptions, and insect bites. Symptoms associated with burns for which cantharis is indicated include blister formation, searing pain, and relief upon application of a cold compress. This remedy can relieve the pain associated with second or third degree burns. Cantharis is indicated for blisters that are burning and itching and feel better upon application of a cold compress."

[http://www.encyclopedia.com/medicine/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/cantharis]

Dr James Tyler Kent: Lectures of Homeopathic Materia Medica: Cantharis
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