In homeopathy we have a wide range of remedies- from large “polychrests” that have many symptoms across all parts of the body, to smaller remedies that seem to be quite specific for different organs or parts of the body.
Dr. James Compton Burnett, was a Medical Doctor turned Homeopath in England in the late 19th century. He was an excellent Homeopath and a prolific writer. Burnett often utilised low potencies, in the decimal (x) range, low centesimal (c) range or even mother tinctures (non potentised remedies, or herbal tinctures) specific for the affected organ. He would also often cycle through the different remedies – starting with one organ remedy and then after a period of time moving to another so sustain improvement.
As this month I am focusing on women, I want to look at remedies specific for the uterus, including their common indications and why you would use them. These include a few of Burnett’s favourite remedies, as well as others, but I have only included small remedies. There are many others, so if none of these resonate with you, please consult a homeopath!
Fraxinus Americana is the white ash tree. It is considered a uterine tonic, to tone and strengthen the uterus. Fraxinus is a remedy for fibroids, with painful periods. It is also a specific remedy for uterine prolapse, and whether there are fibroids or prolapse, Fraxinus comes with bearing down pains. There can also be cramping sensations in the feet, and symptoms are worse in the afternoon and evening.
Helonias Dioica is the unicorn root, and is also indicated for prolapse when there is a dragging sensation. Helonias also has an awareness of their womb, or an ability to feel this where you are normally unable to. The vulva can be particularly itchy, and periods can be heavy and too frequent. Helonias can also feel this in their back, with pain and a weight, and a general tired and weak feeling – they may also have anaemia. They may feel sad or irritable, and are much better from being kept busy mentally.
Lilium Tigrum is the tiger lily and has a big hormonal picture. Like Fraxinus, it also has a bearing down sensation – however this comes with an urgent desire for a bowel motion. When upright they feel like they need support to prevent the prolapse, all those sensations stop when resting. Lilium tigrum also has early, light, dark and clotted periods, that only flow when they are moving.
Sabina is the Juniper tree, and is a remedy dating back to Hahnemann’s time. Much has also been added to our knowledge from women who took this as an abortifacient and as such it is known for a remedy with heavy menstrual bleeding, that can be bright red, and partly clotted. It can be worse from the slightest movement. It may also be used in early pregnancy with threatened miscarriage, or if there is a history of miscarriage.
Secale is the ergot fungus which grows on rye, and causes delusions and hallucinations. Regarding the uterus, the periods can be irregular but when they occur heavy with dark blood, and then a continuous discharge of watery blood until the next period. Pains in the uterus can be burning. Like Sabina it can also be indicated for threatened miscarriage – particularly in the third month, and the uterus lacks it’s normal muscle tone, so in labour the uterus is too relaxed and contractions are ineffectual.
Ustilago is corn-smut, or another fungus that grows on maize. Like Secale, it is a remedy for threatened miscarriage, ineffective labour contractions and heavy bleeding. Periods can be light when there is pain in the ovaries – particularly the left ovary – or heavy and early, with dark, clotted blood, that can form long, black strings. There can also be easy bleeding from the cervix.
If you would like to learn more about Burnett and the way he looked used remedies, then he wrote numerous books, but I also highly recommend Dian Tabrett’s book “Burnett Rediscovered”, which he describes as the “greatest hits” compilation of Burnett’s work.