Homeopathy Cantharis Spanish Fly
Cantharis
The homeopathic medicine cantharis is obtained from a vividly green colour beetle called Lytta vesicatoria, which is commonly known as the Spanish fly or the blister beetle. This beetle inhabits
honeysuckle and
olive trees in certain regions in western Asia as well as southern Europe and is approximately 1.3 cm in length. This insect has been known to man for several hundred years owing to its toxic and irritant properties. The Spanish fly produces a potent poison called cantharidin that is so acerbic that when this substance is exposed to the skin,
blisters appear on the skin's surface. As aforementioned, the insect Spanish fly exudes a highly poisonous substance known as cantharidin, which is so potent that it mostly affects the urinary tract resulting in a burning and painful sensation accompanied by
vomiting. The poison produced by the Spanish fly is also caustic or acidic that it results in the formation of blisters when it comes in contact with the skin. As the medical stream of homeopathy is founded on the 'Law of Similars' - a principle that states that a medicine competent of producing sinister symptoms in a healthy person can be cured with similar symptoms occurring as a symptom of
disease, the homeopathic remedy cantharis is prescribed for treating ailments whose symptoms include burning
pain. Since cantharis belongs to the animal kingdom, its actions stimulate the excitements of animals. By itself, this homeopathic remedy is basically indicated for treating anger, which is extremely severe and accompanied by fits of rage. Similarly, cantharis is also prescribed for treating extreme physical conditions, for instance, pains that are stabbing, burning and piercing in nature. When administered in correct measures, cantharidin may perhaps also function as an aphrodisiac (an agent that arouses sexual desires) and serve as an effective medicine for those suffering from poor libido. However, when it is given in excessive doses, its actions are likely to be reverse and work as a poison that affects the urinary system. Precisely speaking, cantharidin forms the base of a very crucial homeopathic medicine. It is known as cantharis in the homeopathic circles and is prepare very cautiously. This medicine is said to offer immense benefits to people who use it. However, using cantharis in excessive dosages may result in the indications of cantharidin toxicity, such as vomiting, burning pain and the urge to urinate frequently. Like in the instance of any other homeopathic medicine, the process involved in preparing cantharis is important for a poisonous substance is transformed into a remedy that is effective in healing several health conditions. Besides, care is taken to ensure that the end product or the medicine does not retain any of the traits of the original substance - the Spanish fly. To prepare this homeopathic medicine, the beetles are gathered at the crack of dawn, when they are still in a lethargic condition owing to the cool atmosphere during the night. Subsequently, these live insects are heated in the vapour of steaming
vinegar till they are dead. Next, the dead beetles are crushed and mixed with large amounts of
milk sugar in a pharmaceutical process known as trituration (reducing any substance to powder form by chafing, pulverizing and staining). The powder produced through this process is extremely watered down. As mentioned before, the homeopathic medicine, which is in a solution form, virtually does not contains any trace, whatsoever, of the Spanish fly. People who have been using this homeopathic medicine for specific ailments have claimed that have benefitted immensely from its use. In fact, cantharis has been used in homeopathy for a long time now and it has been prescribed to treat various health conditions. When used in excessive dosages or high intensity, this homeopathic medicine has the potential to result in toxic reactions, provoke
cramps in the abdominal region, burning pains in the stomach and throat, kidney damage,
diarrhea,
blood vomiting, coma, convulsions and even death. It may be noted here that homeopaths generally prescribe cantharis for patients suffering from illnesses which are accompanied by symptoms similar to those caused by cantharis poisoning. The homeopathic medicine cantharis is available commercially in liquid as well as tablet forms. Owing to the poisonous nature of cantharis, it is essential to obtain a prescription from a qualified and competent physician before one uses the tincture prepared from cantharis. The cantharis tincture is prepared by steeping the beetles in
alcohol and the extract is used as a medicine. People using cantharis may also use other homeopathic medicines, such as
belladona,
mercurius,
phosphorus,
sulphur and
sepia, to balance the actions of the remedy prepared from Spanish fly. It may be noted that homeopathic medicines, such as
aconite,
apis, camphora,
kali nit. and
pulsatilla work as antidotes. However, the homeopathic medicines
coffea and cantharis do not go along well and should not be used concurrently for it may cause adverse after effects. People who are likely to be benefitted most by using the homeopathic medicine cantharis are usually inclined to possess extremely high sexual urge or libido, which may occasionally be difficult to restrain. Generally, such people are also restive and have trouble in dealing with it when they are ill. The tetchiness of such people may at times exaggerate to a fit of rage. These people also suffer from several common psychological problems which occur owing to such
mood swings. They may be suffering some kind of mania or immense uncertainty. It may be mentioned that homeopathic medicines are usually selected on the basis of certain set of symptoms and characteristics shown by individual patients. Generally, the homeopathic remedy cantharis is prescribed to treat health conditions distinguished by burning pain and an intense thirst. However, such patients may not have any urge to drink! In fact, the conditions for which homeopaths recommend the use of cantharis are usually those which deteriorate very fast. The homeopathic medicine cantharis, which is prepared from Spanish fly, is basically prescribed by homeopaths to treat cystitis - an
inflammation of the urinary bladder caused by any
contagion or irritation. In addition, this medicine is also effective in treating
burn injuries as well as blisters. Not long before, homeopaths recommended the use of cantharis to eliminate
warts, cure
baldness, and enhance loss of fluids (which makes the homeopathic medicine work as a diuretic) as well as treating rheumatic conditions, such as
inflammation or tenderness and degeneration of the
joints. In homeopathy, physicians not only heal any specific condition or symptoms related to it, but the entire being of an individual - his/ her physical as well as mental problems are also taken care of. People who may require the homeopathic medicine cantharis may often be perplexed and have strange ideas. In addition, such individuals also have a tendency to turn maniacs and display raging anger or extreme sexual passion and may suddenly become unconscious. People who need cantharis are also likely to be restive and highly emotional or passionate. Such patients may feel very thirsty, but actually do not have any urge to drink and also have problems in swallowing anything. Moreover, cantharis patients may also suffer from
lack of appetite and have a strong dislike for food. This homeopathic medicine is also used to treat several mental or emotional disorders, such as severe
anxiety or nervousness, extreme desire for sex (being nymphomaniac), screaming, insolence (being arrogant or haughty) and querulousness (always complaining about something or the other). The main symptoms endured by cantharis patients include a powerful urge to pass
urine and burning pain while urinating. In fact, this homeopathic medicine is indicated for patients who endure fast and strong tenderness and swelling of the urinary system. They also experience acute pain in the lower abdomen and the lower back. The acute burning pain that is related to the urinary tract often makes these patients afraid to pass urine. Although they feel like passing urine immediately as well as recurrently, when they try to urinate, only few drops of urine flows out from the bladder. What is worse is that many cantharis patients may also find blood in their urine. In addition, cantharis patients are likely to suffer from hydrophobia or the fear of water. Their condition is often so acute that although they may feel very thirsty, they are unable to drink
water or even endure the sight of or hear anything regarding water. Such patients may also experience acute and stabbing
headache and they would prefer to avoid bright light or any shinning object. Homeopaths also use cantharis to cure burns or
skin disorders that have some resemblance to burns. This medicine is also effective for blisters,
sunburn, skin eruptions as well as
insect bites. Cantharis is also indicated for people suffering from symptoms, such as formation of blisters and searing pain. In such conditions, the patients get relief when a cold compression is applied on the affected area. Cantharis has the aptitude to provide relief from pains related to even second or third degree burns cases. In addition, this homeopathic medicine is also beneficial for treating blisters that are burning and
itching. Patients suffering from such symptoms feel better when a cold compress is applied on the affected area. Moreover, cantharis patients feel much better during the night and in the morning. In addition, some warmth, a tender
massage and lying straight on their back make them feel better. Apart from these, burping as well as passing
gas formed in the intestines also provides them relief. On the contrary, they feel terrible during the afternoon, while they are making any movement and when they drink cold water or
coffee.
