Homeopathy I - Pulsatilla

Question 1

Pulsatilla Names

Answer 1

Names: Pulsatilla pratensis, pasque flower, wind flower.
Daddy’s girl

Question 2

Background:

Answer 2

In the 18thcentury, pulsatilla was used to treat cataracts, ulcers, tooth decay and depression.
* Also used to treat leprosy, eye inflammation cramping pains, menstrual problems and emotional distress.
* In France, it was used for treating coughs and for sleep issues.
* Pulsatilla is used by herbalists in its non-potentised form for painful conditions of the reproductive tracts and for insomnia and stress.

Question 3

Mental picture:

Answer 3

• Women or children who tend to cry easily, want to be the centre of attention, mood swings / changeable emotions.
• Want to be hugged and kissed (seek consolation).
• Children tend to be clingy and whiney.
• Tend to be loving, mild and caring people.
• Sympathetic to others despite their own need for attention.

Question 4

General picture:

Answer 4

• Physical symptoms (like the emotions) tend to be changeable e.g., joint and muscular pains will move around.
• Like fresh air (e.g., a heated room with the window open).
• Discharges are bland (non-offensive), thick and yellow-green. Lack thirst.
• Getting wet can be a trigger for health complaints e.g., a cold after getting caught in the rain.
• > open air, crying, bathing, movement, pressure.
• < wet, windy weather, twilight, warm, stuffy rooms.

Question 5

Indications

Answer 5

(if they fit the symptom picture):
* A key female remedy
* A very common childhood constitutional remedy.
* Childhood illnesses: Measles, rubella, chicken pox. Otitis media (middle ear infection) –thick, bland discharge, ear pain worse at night, loss of hearing.
* Catarrh / common cold —catarrh (thick mucus), large green crusts in the nose, abundant mucus in the morning.
* Conjunctivitis —viral / bacterial. Lids are inflamed and stuck together.
* Hormonal disruption / complaints: puberty, pregnancy, menopause.

Question 6

Nasal catarrh:

Answer 6

Examples of administration, acute prescribing:
Puls. 30C 3 x daily until catarrh changes.

Question 7

Conjunctivitis:

Answer 7

Examples of administration, acute prescribing:
Puls. 30C 3 x daily until thick yellow-green discharge and inflammation subsides.

Question 8

Measles / mumps / chicken pox:

Answer 8

Examples of administration, acute prescribing:
When accompanied by bland discharges from the nose, weepy, sensitive —puls. 30C 3 x daily.

Question 9

Nausea:

Answer 9

Examples of administration, acute prescribing:
< fatty / rich food, puls. 30C as a single dose.

Question 10

Varicose veins

Answer 10

Examples of administration, acute prescribing:
Legs feel heavy and weary, restless and chilly. Crush 5 tablets of puls. 15C into cream base. Apply 3 x daily.

Question 11

Menopausal hot flushes

Answer 11

Examples of administration, acute prescribing:
puls. 30C 3 x daily for a week, then 1 dose as and when flushes return (also consider sulphur/ sepia).