# Cantharis (HMT)

## Remedy Classification
- **Type:** Remedy
- **Miasm:** Syphilitic Miasm
- **Temperament:** Neutral
- **Aggravation Time:** Neutral/Anytime

## Keynote Indications
Cantharis is a very poisonous fly.  In the old days, seamen used to
give its poison  to prostitutes for it s aphrodisiac action.  In those days,
the sea ports used to be the centre of sexual obscenity.  Nowadays, the
use of Cantharis is prohibited by la w.  The sting of this fly causes
intense burning.

In homoeopathic form, its pois on is utilized to relieve a burning
sensation.  Its blisters are not that bi g.  For the treatment of large
blisters, Rhus Tox is better than Cant haris.  Intense burning is also a
symptom of Rhus Tox.  Rhus Tox 1000 given a few times will
ameliorate the unusual burning pain of the entire body.  In such a
condition, Calendula can also be used.

In Cantharis, the patient expresse s sudden total indifference to his
surroundings, perversion of the mi nd and loss of consciousness.  His
mind is occupied with strange and weird thoughts.  The symptoms
point towards Cannabis Indica as well,  but the main distinctive point
is that in Cannabis Indica, the pa tient enjoys his perverted illusions
and does not suffer.  In Cantharis, the patient is in a state of frenzy due
to the cloudiness of the mind .  He does not know what he is doing.
He also feels as if he is possessed by a demon and is talking under the
influence of the possessing force.  These kinds of symptoms also
happen in Cannabis Sativa.

While under the effect of the poison, the patient loses his self-identity
and feels himself under the influen ce of a foreign power.  If this
particular symptom becomes permanen t, it is due to some mental
problem rather than Cantharis.  Hi gh potency Cantharis might relieve
the sickness.  The Cantharis patient is of aggressive nature and likes
to torment others.  He can become extremely angry.  Cantharis in high
potency can be useful in treating a sadistic type of person showing
aggressive sexual behaviour.

In Cantharis, the patient has a fear of water.  Mere reflections on the
surface of water can throw him into a state of convulsion.  He is
intensely restless leading to extr eme anger.  The burning associated
with Cantharis is very troublesome.  He has fits of anger and ferocity
and has the tendency to kill.  There is an obscene type of talking by

innocent young girls which resembles that of Hyoscyamus.  Cantharis
is also very useful in treating severe stabbing type of pains.

Along the course of the nerves, painful blisters form, more so on the
face (Herpes).  They may leave deep  ugly scars.  When on the eyes,
the patient may become blind or this may result in the loss of one eye.
It is very important to start th e treatment promptly.  Commonly, the
combination of Arsenic, Ledum and L achesis is very beneficial.  In
the absence of restlessness, Arni ca, Lachesis and Ledum should be
administered at once.  If these two formulas do not work satisfactorily,
Cantharis should be administered w ithout any delay.  In the case of
really big blisters, Rhus Tox is foun d to be very useful.  Compared to
Rhus Tox, the restlessness of a Cant haris patient is very intense,
resembling Arsenic.  The colourati on of the blisters of Cantharis
changes fast and the surrounding skin becomes dark with signs of
impending gangrene.  In this situ ation, Cantharis must be given
immediately.  The skin of the Cantharis patient feels severe burning
from simple touch.  Cantharis is  of great use for treating the
hypothermia due to intense cold.  Th us, it may once again perk up the
fading body defences.  In Cantharis, the stomach distends with gas.
There is a burning sensation in  the gullet (oesophagus) and the
stomach, along with severe thirst.
Merc Cor is chronic of Cantharis.  Merc Cor CM rapidly relieves the
intense urinary symptoms.  Cannabi s Sativa in CM also works very
well.  Natrum Mur 200 or other hi gh potency can also be useful.
Cantharis is a very effective remedy  for urinary symptoms associated
with passing albumin in the urine.  In the absence of albumin, the
urine of a Cantharis patient is of a dark red colour.
There are certain special symptoms pertaining to menstruation.  The
periods are frequent a nd excessive in amount.  The colour of the
menstrual blood is darkish.  After the delivery of a child, if the
placenta is retained (in Secal as well as in Cantharis) then the infection
of the uterus may lead to gangrene formation.  In case, the infection
has not far advanced, the uterus  remains chronically inflamed
associated with persistent foul discharge.  The ovaries feel painful and
burning.  The heartbeat is weak and irregular.  There is pain in the
lower part of the back.  The symp toms of Cantharis intensify with
touch, cold water and on urination.
Antidotes:   Aconite, Camphor , Pulsatilla, Cannabis Sativa
Potency: 30 or very high

## Symptoms by System