Cantharis Vesicatoria / Cantharis / Canth

Formal Name: Lytta Vesicatoria / Cantharis Vesicatoria

Also Known As: Cantharis, Spanish Fly, Blister Beetle

Beetles are quite common within our environment and we have likely seen one at some point in our lives. What you may not know is that the body of a beetle contains an irritant called cantharidine.

This substance has some mixed uses and contained some mixed sentiments surrounding it throughout the years.

If given in the appropriate doses, cantharadine may work as an aphrodisiac or can serve medicinal purposes. If given inappropriately, it may work alternatively as a poison that attacks the urinary system. It happens to form the basis of an important homeopathic remedy. Cantharis as it is known within homeopathy is very carefully prepared and of great value to those who use it.

Cantharis is prepared by utilizing the entire beetle. They are dried and macerated in alcohol and left to stand for five days at a time. After this time period, they are filtered, diluted, and succussed.

The solution that remains contains virtually no traces of the actual animal, but is a homeopathic remedy that is very relied upon for those who have certain ailments.

Homeopathic Remedies using Cantharis:

Benefits/Uses of Cantharis:

Severe Cystitis:

Cantharis works well for those who have a constant urge or desire to urinate with almost violent spasms in the lower abdomen. The urine is often hot and may even be bloody, passing drop by drop. It causes great pain and burning as it is expelled. Though it may feel as if the bladder has been emptied, there is a constant sensation that it has not.

Burns and Scalds:

This homeopathic remedy works well if there are burns, scalding, or even sunburns present. If the skin tends to blister, then cantharis may help with this. It will help the body in naturally healing the actual burn itself.

Insect Bites and Stings:

Cantharis works well as a homeopathic remedy if there are unusually sharp pains at the site of a bite or sting. There may be emotions that come about as a result of the sting such as anger and excitability.

Excessive Libido:

This may be an uncontrollable and almost inappropriate level of sexual arousal. The genital area is often inflamed and may stimulate sexual activity. Sexual fantasies experienced by an individual in this state may even interrupt sleep.

Gastritis, Diarrhea, and Dysentery:

Many people look to cantharis when there is a burning pain, a distended abdomen, and diarrhea that are all accompanied by a scalding sensation. There is often a loss of appetite and irritability associated with any of these conditions.

Homeopathic Remedy Profile for Cantharis:

People that may benefit the most from cantharis as a homeopathic remedy tend to have a very high sex drive that may become almost uncontrollable at times. They are often restless and have a difficult time in coping when they are sick. Their irritability can sometimes have a tendency to escalate into a fit of rage. There is commonly psychological problems that come about as a result of these mood swings such as great confusion or even mania.