The remedy Ruta Graveolens is derived from a plant named garden rue and bitterwort belonging to the family rutaceae. This entire fresh plant undergoes a potentization process (a process to prepare homeopathic medicines by which the medicinal properties of a crude substance are aroused). Passing of this plant through this process gives us a wonderful homeopathic medicine Ruta Graveolens. It is very effective medicine to manage cases of injury, over straining and inflammation of tendons, ligaments, muscles and joints. It is a top listed medicine for managing cases of sprains and tendonitis.

Drug Action 

It has the most prominent and well defined action on the tendons, ligaments, muscles, joints, bones, cartilages. Next, it acts well on the back, eyes, head, rectum and male and female genitals.

Clinical Indications

Sprains, tendonitis, backache, joint injury, arthritis, eye strain, asthenopia (eyestrain), ganglion, bursitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, constipation, rectum prolapse, exostosis, fracture, sciatica.    

Scope as a Homeopathic Remedy

1. For injury (sprains, strains, injury to joints, bones, tendons) 

Ruta is among the top listed medicines for managing cases of injury. It works best for injury to joints, bones and tendons. It helps to heal the injured tissues and give relief in pain as well. The pain mainly is sore aching type attended with restlessness where it is required. It is one of the best homeopathic medicines for treating cases of sprains and strains. Sprains refers to overstretching or tearing of ligaments that is fibrous tissue which connects two bones together. In sprain cases it works well when accompanied with weakness in joints. For sprains it is very beneficial especially when sprain occurs in the ankle joint. Another prominent indication is lameness that remains after sprains. Strains means overstretching of the muscles. Next it is very useful for managing bone injuries and tearing of muscles, ligaments or nerves. Besides these it gives great results in cases of sore inflamed tendons (tendonitis) for which it is a top ranking medicine. Tendons are fibrous tissue that attach muscle to bone. It is prominently indicated for managing bruised pain in the bones. Pain in long bones as if broken is also a characteristic feature indicating its use.

Key indicating features

Sprains (overstretching or tearing of ligaments) especially of ankle
Sprain with weakness in joints
Lameness remaining after sprain
Sore, inflamed tendon
Bruised pain in bones
Pain in long bones as if broken

2. Limbs (sprain, joint pain, sciatica, ganglion, CTS, frozen shoulder)

Ruta acts magnificently on the limbs to treat numerous health concerns. To begin with it is highly recommended medicine for managing sprain especially ankle sprain with marked swelling and pain. It has a wonderful action on joints. It is very suitable for knee pain management. There is great difficulty in going upstairs and downstairs.  It also acts well on the wrist and hands to manage pain and stiffness. Wrist feels sprained and stiff, worsening in wet cold weather. Next main indication of Ruta is treating cases of bursitis (inflammation of fluid filled sacs called bursa near joints).
If we look further this medicine is very effective in sciatica management. Sciatica refers to pain that travels along the path of the sciatic nerve, where pain starts in the lower back and radiates down the hip, back of thigh, back of leg up to feet. In cases needing it for sciatica the pain goes from back down the hips to thighs. It increases on lying down at night and from sitting. It is also worse in cold weather and from cold applications. It is better from walking.
Another condition where it works wonders is dissolving ganglion (a round lump filled with jelly-like fluid usually developing in the wrist), especially of the wrist. It also acts in an excellent manner on nerves and plays a significant role in treating cases of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). It is a syndrome in which the median nerve is compressed resulting in numbness, tingling and weakness in hands and arms. It gives excellent results in cases of pain in the achilles tendon (tough fibrous band connecting calf muscle in back of leg to the heel bone). An important action of this medicine is noted in treating exostosis (extra bony growth on existing bone) cases.
In case of frozen shoulder as well it brings out great recoveries. Frozen shoulder is a condition causing pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint. It works effectively in treating warts (small bumps on skin caused by human papillomavirus) on palms of hands, when warts are smooth, flat and painful.

Key indicating features

Sprain with marked swelling and pain
Knee pain with great difficulty in going upstairs and downstairs
Sciatica worse on lying down at night, from sitting and in cold weather Sciatica better from walking
Ganglion of wrist
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Achilles tendon pain
Exostosis (extra bony growth on existing bone)
Warts on palms of hands

3. Back (injury, pain)

Next, its action on the back is highly noteworthy. This medicine suits well cases of backache that occurs following an injury or a strain. Persons needing this mainly feel better in pain from lying on the back and from pressure. It acts well to treat lower back pain that is specifically worse in the morning before rising. Lower back feels bruised as well as weak. 

Key indicating features

Backache after an injury or strain
Backache better from lying on the back and from pressure
Lower back pain worse in morning before rising

4. Eyes (eyestrain)

Next it is a highly valuable medicine to deal with certain eye related concerns. It is a leading medicine to manage cases of eyestrain (asthenopia). Pain in eyes when reading occurs. The eyes also get red and painful when reading, especially small print. Vision also gets blurred. Next there is burning sensation in eyes as from fire and lachrymation (excessive tearing from eyes). Headache from eye strain is best treated with this remedy.

Key indicating features

Eyestrain (asthenopia) with pain, redness in eyes especially when reading
Headache from eye strain 

5. Rectal complaints (constipation, prolapse, stricture, cancer)

Use of Ruta is considered in treating many of the rectal complaints as well. The main among these includes constipation, rectal prolapse, stricture, and cancer of the rectum. In constipation cases there is difficult stool passed with great straining. Stool is scanty, hard like sheep’s dung. The rectum seems inactive. Tearing or stitching in rectum when sitting can be felt. Constipation may alternate with mucus and frothy stool in some cases. It can be given in cases of rectal prolapse. It is well indicated when prolapse of rectum mainly occurs when stooping, when passing stool and following childbirth. It can be used for stricture of rectum when there is narrowing of rectum from scar tissue. In homeopathic therapeutics its role in managing rectal cancer is also mentioned.

Key indicating features

Constipation with difficult stool passed with great straining and stool is scanty, hard like sheep’s dung
Prolapse of rectum when stooping, when passing stool and following childbirth

6. Male problems (injury, varicocele)

Males may find this medicine very effective to treat some of the problems. Firstly it is well indicated to manage injury to the genitals. Next it is indicated to treat varicocele that follows strain. Varicocele is enlargement of veins within scrotum that arises from defective valves of veins in scrotum.

Key indicating features

Injury to genitals
Varicocele following as strain

7. Female problems (prolapse uterus, irregular menses)

This medicine can be used in managing a few problems in females. It can be used in cases of prolapse of the uterus. Bearing down pains are felt in the uterus.
It is also helpful when there are irregular scanty menses. Menses also last for a short duration, just about two days. Vaginal discharge (leucorrhoea) occurs before and after menses. 

Key indicating features

Prolapse of uterus
Irregular, scanty menses lasting for a short duration for about two days

Modalities

Worsening factors: complaints are worse from lifting, overexertion, injury, lying, stooping, cold air, dampness

Relieving factors: complaints are better from warmth, rubbing, scratching and lying on your back.

Ruta Graveolens – Dosage

Use of this medicine is recommended in low as well as high potencies. In low potency it can be repeated often but in high potency it should not be repeated frequently.

Relationship with Other Remedies

Antidoted by: Camphor

It antidotes: Merc Sol

Followed well by: Acid Phos, Calcarea Carb, Causticum, Lycopodium, Pulsatilla, Sepia and Sulphur

It can be compared with other remedies including Rhus Tox, Arnica, Hypericum, Bellis Perennis, and Calcarea Fluor

The remedy Sambucus Nigra is derived from a plant named elder that belongs to family caprifoliaceae. Fresh leaves and flowers of this plant undergo a potentization process (a process to prepare homeopathic medicines by which the medicinal properties of a crude substance are aroused). After that it is converted into a wonderful homeopathic medicine called Sambucus Nigra. It is one of the best homeopathic medicines to manage nasal blockage, dry cold in babies and respiratory issues in children mainly cough and asthma.

The ‘Sambucus Nigra’ Constitution

This medicine is highly suitable for children having medical problems related to the airways. 

Drug Action 

This medicine is known to have the most marked and vast action on the nose and respiratory system, larynx, lungs. Other than this its action though not very wide is noted on the gastric system and the limbs. 

Clinical Indications

Dry cold, asthma, cough, croup, chest oppression, tuberculosis, colic, hoarseness, weight loss and swelling.

Scope as a Homeopathic Remedy

1. Nose (dry cold)

This medicine acts wonderfully on the nose and is highly recommended  to manage cases of dry cold. Though it can be given to persons of any age, it is most prominently indicated to manage dry cold especially in children and infants (children under one year of age). The nose is blocked and obstructed. This causes much difficulty in breathing. In babies there occurs difficulty when breastfeeding due to nasal blockage. The child may get startled all of sudden as if suffocated. Next it is very helpful for cases in which there is nasal obstruction from thick, sticky mucus in the nostrils. 

Key indicating features

Dry cold, especially in children
Nasal obstruction from thick, sticky mucus in the nostrils

2. Respiratory System (asthma, cough, croup, tuberculosis, hoarseness of voice)

Sambucus has a magnificent action on the respiratory system. Firstly, it is very effective medicine to manage asthma in children. The children needing it are most troubled at night time. Child feels suffocated, wakes up suddenly and sits in bed gasping for breath and looks blue. With this there is a suffocative cough with crying and difficult breathing. Whistling while breathing is present. This medicine can be given for cough cases when cough is dry and is worse at midnight, lying in bed and from dry cold air.
This medicine is well indicated for croup cases as well. Croup is an infection of the upper airway in which swelling around the larynx, trachea and bronchial tubes leading to barking cough and troubled breathing. In croup cases its use is recommended for rough cough, whistling respiration and wheezing. The affected child cries a lot with these symptoms.
Next it can be used for the management of tuberculosis of the lungs. Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection caused by mycobacterium tuberculosis.
This medicine can be considered as a supportive help in tuberculosis management along with the conventional mode of treatment. Here it is given when there is fever, cough day and night with excessive expectoration having sweet or salty taste. There is excessive weakness, loss of appetite and weight loss. A pressing pain or oppression in the chest is felt. Excessive sweating occurs at night time. Lastly it is valuable for cases of hoarseness of voice due to excessive sticky mucus in the larynx. 

Key indicating features

Asthma in children
Asthma with cough, suffocation at night, with sudden waking and gasping for breath and blue appearance
Croup with rough cough, whistling respiration, wheezing with excessive crying in children
Tuberculosis when there is fever, cough day and night with excessive sweetish/salty expectoration, weakness and pressing pain or oppression in chest
Voice hoarseness from excessive sticky mucus in the larynx

3. Gastric system (pain, loose stool, vomiting)

With its action on the gastric system it helps to manage pain in abdomen, loose stool, and vomiting. It is suitable to manage abdomen pain with gas and nausea. Pain is pinching or pressive in nature. Pressure is felt in the stomach. It can be given for managing loose stool when stool is watery, slimy occurring frequently with passage of much gas. For vomiting it is used when there is mucus-and-food vomiting in the morning followed by bile.

Key indicating features

Abdomen pain with gas and nausea
Loose stool with watery, slimy stool occurring frequently with passage of much gas
Vomiting in morning of mucus and food followed by bile

4. Limbs (pain, swelling, trembling)

If we talk of limbs this medicine can be given for cases of pain in legs and ankles when pain is tearing type.
Next indication for its use is pain in the wrist of lancinating nature. Swelling in feet extending to legs is yet another indication to use it.
Lastly it proves useful for cases of trembling of hands when writing. 

Key indicating features

Tearing pain in legs and ankles
Wrist pain lancinating type
Swollen feet and legs
Hands trembling when writing

5. Perspiration (excessive sweating)

This medicine is well indicated for cases in which there occurs excessive sweating with marked weakness. Sweating is present over the whole body, starting from the face and spreading to the entire body. The sweating is constant when the person is awake. When the person goes to sleep it stops and dry heat starts. 

Key indicating features

Excessive sweating with marked weakness
Sweating over whole body during waking hours and dry heat during sleep

Modalities

Worsening factors: Complaints are worse from dry cold air, motion, during sleep, rest, from drinking cold drinks when overheated.

Relieving factors: Complaints are better from sitting up in bed, wrapping up

Sambucus Nigra – Dosage

Its use is recommended in both low and high potencies. It is a short acting medicine and its action lasts for one day. If used in low potency it can be repeated often as per the complaint while high potencies should not be repeated frequently.

Relationship with Other Remedies

Antidoted by: Arsenic Album and Camphor

Followed well by Arsenic Album, Belladonna, Conium, Drosera, Nux Vomica, Phosphorus, Rhus Tox and Sepia

It can be compared with some other homeopathic medicines including Ipecac, Mephitis, Opium and Sulphur

The homeopathic medicine Sabina Officinalis is prepared from a plant named juniperus sabina also known as savine. It belongs to the family coniferae. The young, fresh tops of the branches of this plant are used to prepare homeopathic medicine Sabina Officinalis via potentization process. This process extracts and intensifies its medicinal properties and converts it into a highly valuable homeopathic medicine Sabina Officinalis. It is a very effective medicine to treat various female problems the major being heavy periods, painful periods and to prevent tendency of recurrent miscarriage.

The ‘Sabina Officinalis’ Constitution

This medicine is mainly suited to females to treat various chronic issues, mainly to control excessive uterine bleeding and treat tendency to miscarriage. Females who suffer from joint inflammation and heel inflammation may also find this medicine quite effective.

Drug Action 

The primary and most prominent action of this medicine is seen on the female genitals. Next, it acts well on the joints, limbs, skin, male genitals, rectum and back.

Clinical Indications

Heavy periods, painful periods, fibroids, miscarriage, intermenstrual bleeding, nymphomania (excessive sexual desire in a female), leucorrhoea (vaginal discharge), ovary disorders, joint inflammation, warts, gonorrhoea, piles, back pain 

Scope as a Homeopathic Remedy

1. Female Problems (heavy periods, vaginal discharge, recurrent miscarriage, fibroids) 

First and foremost action of this medicine is seen on the female genitals. It is among the best homeopathic medicines to manage cases of heavy periods. Females who need it have very profuse, gushing, bright red menstrual bleeding. The blood is watery mixed with clots. The periods may also come early. It is attended with uterine pain, pain from back to pubis and increased urging for urination. Pain from the sacrum (a triangular bone at the base of spine) to the pubis (area in front of pelvis) is a characteristic symptom for the use of this remedy.  It is also suitable to manage intermenstrual bleeding (metrorrhagia).
This medicine has shown clinical improvements in cases of painful menses. Its use is considered when there is pain in the uterus extending to thighs. There is relief from lying flat on the back with extended limbs. It is successfully used in treatment of vaginal discharge too. There is thick yellow discharge from vagina in cases requiring it. The discharge is foul smelling.
Its use is also highly preferred to treat cases in which there is tendency to recurrent abortion. It works well in treating cases where miscarriage occurs specifically at third month.
Another important complaint where it gives magnificent results is inflammation of the uterus and ovaries after childbirth. It can also be given to control excessive sexual desire in females. Lastly is well indicated to manage bleeding from uterine fibroids (non-cancerous growths in the uterus made of muscle and connective tissue).

Key indicating features

Heavy periods with profuse, gushing, bright red, watery bleeding watery mixed with clots
Pain from sacrum to pubis
Recurrent miscarriage at three months
Bleeding from uterine fibroids
Pain during periods better lying flat on back with extended limbs
Inflammation of uterus and ovaries after childbirth

2. Limbs (joint pain, heel pain)

Another action of this medicine is well marked on the limbs. The prominent action is on the joints. It works wonders to help cases of joint inflammation (arthritis). The affected joints are red, shiny, swollen and painful where it is required. It can also be used in cases of gout (joint inflammation from increased uric acid levels). It is well-suited when there is redness, swelling and stitching pain in the big toe.  It also works well for swollen, stiff wrist joints attended with tearing or stinging type of pain.  Next it is used in cases of heel pain when it is shooting. 

Key indicating features

Red, shiny, swollen and painful joints
Redness, swelling and stitching pain in big toe
Swelling, tearing/ stinging pain and stiffness of wrist joint
Shooting heel pain 

3. Skin (warts, black pores and ulcers)

With its action on skin it effectively treats warts (small bumps on skin caused by human papillomavirus). The guiding feature for its use is intense itching and burning in warts. This medicine is also indicated to treat black pores on skin mainly on the face. Lastly, it is beneficial to manage skin ulcers. Here it is given for deep ulcers with prickling sensation. The complaint is worse from the warmth of bed and touch. It is better from the cold and in the open air.

Key indicating features

Warts with intense itching and burning
black pores on skin mainly on the face
Deep ulcers on skin with prickling sensation 

4. Male Problems (gonorrhoea, warts)

This medicine is helpful to treat certain male problems as well. The main indication to use it is gonorrhoea with pus discharge. Gonorrhoea is a sexually transmitted infection caused by bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae. With this there is dark redness of glans penis with pain, soreness and burning. This medicine is next used to treat warts with intolerable itching and burning sensation. Lastly it is used to control excessive sexual desire with continued violent erections. 

Key indicating features

Gonorrhoea with pus discharge
Dark redness of glans penis with pain, soreness and burning
Warts with intolerable itching and burning
Excessive sexual desire with continued violent erections

5. Rectum (piles and constipation)

By acting on rectum it proves beneficial to treat piles (swollen, enlarged, engorged veins in or around anus or in the lower rectum). The top most feature for its use is excessive bright red bleeding from piles. In some cases blood is mixed with mucus. Biting sore pain, burning and itching is felt at the anus. With this there occurs constant urge for stool. Its use is also considered for constipation. In such cases it is given for hard difficult stool along with pain.  

Key indicating features

Piles with excessive bright red bleeding
Constipation with hard, difficult, painful stool

6. Back (backache)

Lastly, its action is noted on the back where it proves successful to manage pain in the lower back. The main symptom indication is pain in the lower back extending to pubic region. Persons needing it may feel constant pain in the lower back. There may occur relief from bending backward. There may also be a weakness in the lower back. 

Key indicating features

Pain in lower back extending to pubic region

Modalities

Worsening factors: Complaints are worse from heat, heat of bed, slight motion, exertion, by touch, from music

Relieving factors: Complaints are better in cool open air and from cold

Sabina Officinalis – Dosage

This medicine works well in both low and high potency. If taken in low potency it can be repeated frequently. But in high potency frequent repetition should be avoided. 

Relationship with Other Remedies

Antidoted by: Pulsatilla

Followed well by: Arsenic Album, Belladonna, Pulsatilla, Rhus Tox, Spongia and Sulphur

Drosera Rotundifolia is a natural homeopathic medicine derived from plant round leaved sundew. It belongs to the family droseraceae. Drosera is prepared from this active fresh plant through a process of potentization (it is a process of preparing homeopathic medicines that arouses medicinal properties of a crude substance). It is a top grade medicine in homeopathy to manage cases of cough particularly dry, irritative cough.

The ‘Drosera Rotundifolia’ Constitution

This medicine prominently suits persons having a tendency to cough, mainly dry cough and those affected with tuberculosis. It is also suitable for children who mainly suffer from nocturnal cough (cough at night). 

Drug Action 

The utmost and most wide action of this medicine is seen on the respiratory tract and larynx. Other than this it also acts on other body parts though not as extensively as above mentioned areas. Such body parts where it has limited action includes throat, joints, limbs, skin, nose, face, neck and back.

Clinical Indications

Cough, asthma, bronchitis, laryngitis, hoarseness of voice, haemorrhages (bleeding), measles, joint pain, bone pains, writer’s cramp, cold, nose bleeding, facial pain, back pain, neck pain.

Scope as a Homeopathic Remedy

1. Respiratory problems (cough, asthma, bronchitis)

Pre-eminently this medicine has the most prominent action on the respiratory system to deal with various problems related to it. Drosera is very effective for managing cases of cough. Majorly it helps out cases of dry, irritative cough. It is a deep, barking sort of cough. The cough occurs in fits at rapid intervals. The main characteristic is worsening of cough from talking, singing and laughing. It stands out as a dominant medicine for spasmodic cough in which cough ends up in vomiting. It is a top listed medicine to manage cough in children. The peculiar feature to use it here is coughing in children worsening at night as soon as the child lies down. Another specific indication is cough form constant tickling in the larynx, feels as if there is a feather in the larynx which is causing cough. 
It is also effective for cases of asthma where asthma worsens from talking. There is a contracted sensation in my throat from talking. There is difficult breathing and vomiting of tough mucus. Bronchitis (inflammation of bronchial tubes that carry air to and from lungs) cases also respond well to this medicine. It is particularly an important medicine for managing bronchitis in elderly people. In such cases there is a cough worsening on lying down and at night with expectoration of yellow mucus. Another complaint where this medicine seems to be of help is chest pain when coughing or sneezing.  This medicine can be given for managing complaints of cough with blood spitting. Last indication to use it is cough with blood spitting or cough with vomiting in tuberculosis cases.

Key indicating features

Dry, irritative, deep barking type of cough
Cough in fits occurring at short intervals
Cough from talking, singing and laughing
Spasmodic cough when cough ends up in vomiting
Cough in children that worsens at night as soon as child lie down
Cough excited from tickling in the larynx
Asthma worsening from talking with contracted sensation in throat from talking
Bronchitis in elderly people
Cough with blood spitting

2. Throat (sore throat, laryngitis)

This medicine also acts well on the throat. Cases of sore throat when there is redness, dryness, and roughness in the throat can be wonderfully managed with it. There is difficulty in swallowing solid food, person feels stinging pain when swallowing. There may occur yellow, greenish phlegm. It can successfully handle cases of Clergyman’s sore throat (Sore throat in those who overuse voices like public speakers). It is well indicated for laryngitis (inflammation of larynx or voice box) cases when there is a deep, hoarse voice. Sometimes the voice is cracking, husky, having no tone and the person has to put efforts to speak. A feather sensation in the larynx is prominent. Crawling and tickling can be felt in the larynx that excites coughing.

Key indicating features

Clergyman’s sore throat means sore throat in persons who overuse voice like as in public speakers
Laryngitis with deep, hoarse, cracking, husky or toneless voice
Feather sensation in larynx
Crawling and tickling in larynx that excites cough

3. Limbs (joint pain, bone pains, muscle pain, writer’s cramp)

With its action on limbs it can be of great help to manage joint pains, bone pains, muscle pain and writer’s cramp. Its use is recommended for hip joint pain on the right side. It is a laming sort of pain that makes the sufferer limp when walking. Its use is  considered for ankle pain on the right side along with stiffness. The pain occurs when walking. There is stiffness in the joints of feet. 
It is beneficial for bone pain in the long bones, mainly for stitching type of pain. It worsens from motion and is somewhat relieved with rest. For muscles generally it is useful when there is stitching pain in muscles of upper and lower limb felt in every position.
Specifically, it is indicated for pain in muscles in the back of thigh, it is worse when stooping and also from pressure. Another indication is pain in the calf muscles of the right side when it is cutting stitching type, and occurs when sitting. Lastly it is valuable medicine for cases of writer’s cramp (a condition affecting fingers, hands, forearms in which there occurs involuntary contraction of muscles when doing activities with hands like writing, typing, instrument playing with hand and similar activities). There is contraction and rigidity of fingers when a person grasps anything when this medicine is required.

Key indicating features

Hip joint pain on right side causing limping when walking
Pain and stiffness in right sided ankle when walking
Pain in long bones
Stitching pain in muscles of upper and lower limb that is felt in every position
Writer’s cramp

4. Skin (itching, measles and ulcers)

When it comes to skin, it helps manage complaints including itching, measles and ulcers. In cases needing it the itching occurs particularly while undressing. If scratched the skin peels off. Itching is accompanied with prickling, stinging and burning sensation. The itching is better from rubbing skin. There may occur sore painful eruptions as well. For ulcers it is selected when skin ulcers have burning, cutting pain, and pus or bleeding is present. This complaint is worse from the warmth of the bed and better from cold. This medicine is also considered for measles cases management. Lastly, it is an important medicine for treating black pores on the chin and nose.

Key indicating features

Itching while undressing, better from rubbing
Itching with prickling, stinging and burning sensation
Skin ulcers with burning, cutting pain, and pus or bleeding
Black pores on chin and nose

5. Nose (cold, nasal bleeding)

By acting on the nose, Drosera offers benefits to manage cases of nasal bleeding. It is used when bleeding from the nose arises from blowing nose or from coughing. In some cases nose bleeding specifically occurs in evening time.  It is useful for a cold with a runny nose in the morning, accompanied with sneezing.

Key indicating features

Nose bleeding in evening
Nose bleeding from blowing nose and on coughing

6. Face (pain, eruptions)

If we talk of face this medicine is well indicated to manage facial pain. To use this medicine the main feature is pain in the face that increases from touch and pressure. Prickling sensation and burning in cheeks may be felt. The face is red and hot. It also gives good results in case of pus filled (pustular) eruptions on the face, when stitching sensation is present in these. Touch worsens this complaint.

Key indicating features

Facial pain that worsens from touch and pressure
Pus filled (pustular) eruptions on face with stitching sensation 

7. Neck and Back (pain)

Drosera is indicated to settle a few complaints related to neck and back. The first indication here to use it is pain and stiffness of neck which is worse from motion. Neck is painful to touch as well. Another indication is pain in the back specifically felt in the early morning. 

Key indicating features

Pain and stiffness of neck, worse from motion
Pain in back specifically in the early morning.

Modalities

Worsening factors: Complaints are worse from lying down, talking, singing, laughing, after midnight

Relieving factors: Complaints are better in open air, sitting up in bed, from pressure and being quiet

Drosera Rotundifolia Dosage

This medicine works equally well in both low and high potency. In low potency it can be repeated frequently but in high potency its frequent repetition should be avoided.

Relationship with Other Remedies

Antidoted by: Camphora

Followed well by: Calcarea Carb, Conium, Cina, Pulsatilla, Sulphur and Veratrum Album

The remedy Cantharis Vesicatoria is derived from Spanish fly. Through the process of potentization (process of preparing homeopathic medicines which arouses medicinal properties of a crude substance), it is converted into a very important medicine Cantharis Vesicatoria. It is pre-eminently a remedy for managing various urinary concerns and burns, scalds on skin.

The ‘Cantharis Vesicatoria’ Constitution

This medicine is particularly suitable for people suffering from certain urinary problems and kidney affections. It also works well for people with complaints of burns on skin.

Drug Action 

The most prominent action of this medicine is seen on urinary organs. Its action on skin and sexual organs is also well marked. When used, it helps to control inflammatory processes in all these body parts. Its action is further noted on the throat and gastric system.

Clinical Indications

Cystitis, urinary tract infection (UTI), bladder infections, dysuria, nephritis, haematuria (blood in urine), urethral stricture, kidney stones, kidney pain, burns, scalds, sunburn, eczema, skin ulcers, painful erections, blood in semen, increased sexual desire in men (satyriasis), increased sexual desire in women (nymphomania), vaginal discharge, vaginal itching, ovaritis, sterility, sore throat, dysentery.

Scope as a Homeopathic Remedy

1. Urinary System (cystitis, UTI, kidney pain, nephritis, urethral stricture, kidney stone)

It is a renowned homeopathic medicine for managing complaints related to the urinary system. Among these it is highly recommended for cases of cystitis (bladder inflammation). It is extensively used to manage urinary tract infections (UTI) cases. The main indication for using it is pain and burning before, during and after urination. Pain can be a cutting type. This person feels a constant, ineffectual urge to pass urine. Even a little amount of urine in the bladder causes the urge to urinate. The urge to urinate rises even more from standing and walking, and is better from sitting. Urgency to pass urine is there. Urine is scanty. While in some cases urine passes drop by drop. Tenesmus is well marked. Tenesmus refers to a sensation of incomplete emptying of the bladder after urination even when there is no urine left behind after urinating. Bladder pain and heaviness occurs. Bladder feels sore from a little motion. In urine pus and blood can appear. It is one of the best medicines in homeopathy for dysuria (discomfort, painful or difficult urination) cases. It is well indicated for nephritis cases. Nephritis is inflammation of the kidneys. Here it works well if blood is passed in the urine.
This medicine is also suitable for managing kidney pain. In such cases the guiding feature is cutting, burning, tearing or stinging type of kidney pain. Additionally, people have sensitivity to touch the kidney region. In some cases needing it there occurs pressive sort of pain in the kidneys. Another prominent indication is urethral stricture, in these cases urine passes in thin, weak streams or divided, scattered streams. This medicine is also beneficial for kidney stone cases when there is dull, heavy pain in kidneys along with nausea and vomiting.

Key indicating features

Cystitis, UTI, dysuria with marked pain and burning before, during and after urination
Nephritis with blood in urine
Kidney pain of cutting, burning, tearing or stinging type
Urethral stricture when urine passes in thin, weak stream or divided, scattered stream
Kidney stone with dull, heavy pain in kidneys along with nausea and vomiting 

2. Skin (burns, scalds, sunburn, eczema, ulcers)

Cantharis also has prominent action on skin. Here it is primarily indicated for cases of burns and scalds. These are extremely painful. There is marked rawness and smarting in these. There is relief from cold applications. In some cases blisters (fluid filled bumps) can be present in burns cases. Its use is also done for cases of sunburn. In such cases burning in eruptions is felt when these are touched. Next it can be used in cases of eczema or dermatitis (skin inflammation) when fluid filled eruptions occur. These are itchy. Burning and smarting is there when these eruptions are touched. The eruptions can turn black. For skin ulcers this medicine proves highly beneficial. These ulcers have itching, burning and smarting. Pain is present too which is tearing or lacerating type. The ulcers ooze profuse, yellow coloured pus that can be tinged with blood. 

Key indicating features

Burns and scalds with intense pain, burning and smarting
Sunburn
Eczema with fluid filled eruptions that have itching, burning and smarting
Skin ulcers with itching, burning, smarting, pain and profuse, yellow coloured pus that can be tinged with blood

2. Male problems (painful erections, blood in semen)

This medicine can give solutions to some of the male problems. Firstly it is well indicated for painful erections.
It is also a prominent medicine to control increased sexual desire in men. This disturbs sleep at night. Secondly it is useful for cases in which there is blood in semen. Another indication is urethral burning after sex. 

Key indicating features

Painful erections
Increased sexual desire
Blood in semen
Burning in urethra after sex

3. Female problems (nymphomania, vaginal discharge, vaginal itching, ovaritis, sterility)

If we talk of female problems than this medicine can be helpful for managing increased sexual desire (nymphomania), vaginal discharge, vaginal itching, ovaritis (inflammation of ovaries) and sterility. This medicine is well indicated to control excessive sexual desire in females. It can also be given for cases of vaginal discharges. It is accompanied with intense itching and sexual excitement. Further it can be used for managing vaginal itching with increased sexual desire during menopause. Besides these it is an important medicine for ovaritis cases when there is burning, stitching, pinching or cutting pain in ovaries and sensitivity. This medicine can be considered for cases of sterility in females. In cases needing it for sterility the menses can be early profuse or scanty and black coloured. Its use is also suggested to expel retained bits of placenta, moles and membranes from the uterus.

Key indicating features

Increased sexual desire
Vaginal discharges with intense itching and sexual excitement
Vaginal itching with increased sexual desire during menopause
Ovaritis with burning, stitching, pinching or cutting pain in ovaries and sensitivity
Sterility in females when the menses are early profuse or scanty and black coloured
To expel retained bits of placenta, moles and membranes from uterus

4. Throat (burning, inflammation, ulcers, mucus, difficult swallowing)

When it comes to throat complaints, it can be given for burning in throat, difficult swallowing, throat ulcers, throat inflammation and mucus in throat. It offers help when there is difficulty in swallowing liquids.
Another important indication is ulcers and blisters in the throat. Additionally it benefits cases of thick, sticky mucus in the throat. This is also given for throat inflammation if there is an intense burning sensation. There can also be a scraping sensation along with spitting of blood. Apart from above, one may find it useful when there are burns in the throat from eating hot food. 

Key indicating features

Difficulty in swallowing liquids
Burning sensation, ulcers and blisters in throat
Throat inflammation with intense burning like fire in throat
Burns in throat from taking hot food

5. Gastric issues (burning sensation, dysentery)

By acting on the gastric system it settles some of its related concerns. It can give immense relief in the burning of food pipe and stomach. Cantharis is also suited for dysentery cases. Dysentery is intestinal infection in which there occurs loose stool with blood and mucus. The characteristic to use in such cases is loose stool with mucus like intestine scraping and blood, with sensation of incomplete defecation even when there is nothing left in rectum (tenesmus). During stool cutting, colicky pain occurs. After passing stool, chilliness is felt.

Key indicating features

Burning in food pipe and stomach
dysentery with loose stool with mucus like intestine scraping and blood, with sensation of incomplete defecation (tenesmus)

Modalities

Worsening factors: complaints are worse during and after urination, from touch, drinking cold water or coffee

Relieving factors: complaints are better from warmth, rest and rubbing

Cantharis Vesicatoria – Dosage

Depending from case to case it can be used from low to high potency. It can be repeated often in low potency but in high potency frequent repetition is usually not recommended. In case of burns on skin this medicine can be applied externally on skin by diluting its 1X or 2X potency in water.

Relationship with Other Remedies

Antidoted by: Aconite, Apis Mellifica, Camphor, Kali Nitricum, Pulsatilla and Rheum

It antidotes: Camphor

Followed well by: Belladonna, Kali Iod, Merc Sol, Phosphorus, Pulsatilla, Sepia and Sulphur