Cactus
(Cactus grandiflorus · Night-blooming cereus)
The remedy of the iron band. In the materia medica, Cactus is associated with a striking feeling of tight constriction, as if parts of the body were caged or bound, along with heaviness, congestion and a quiet, anxious sadness.
Source
The flowers and young stems of the night-blooming cereus cactus
Kingdom
Plant
Abbreviation
Cact.
Home acute kit
Usually prescribed by a homeopath
The classic picture
(a remedy is chosen when the whole picture fits the person, not from a single symptom)
A feeling of being gripped or bound, as if by an iron band, in the chest, throat or elsewhere
Heavy, pressing headache on the top of the head, often right-sided and throbbing
Sad, quiet and withdrawn, with fears about health
Symptoms that return at the same hour, notably around 11 in the morning and evening
Tends to feel better
Open air
Tends to feel worse
Lying on the left side
Walking and climbing stairs
Around 11 am and 11 pm
How it compares
(remedies that are often confused with Cactus)
-
Lachesis
(Lachesis mutus)
Lachesis also feels constriction and is worse lying on the left side, but is talkative and intense where Cactus is quiet and sad.
Read more -
Spigelia
(Spigelia anthelmia)
Spigelia's pains are sharp, stabbing and nerve-like; Cactus's are gripping and constrictive.
Read more -
Aconite
(Aconitum napellus)
Aconite brings sudden fear and restlessness; Cactus a steadier, gripping constriction with quiet sadness.
Read more
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From the classic texts
“Haemorrhage, constrictions, periodicity, and spasmodic pains. Whole body feels as if caged, each wire being twisted tighter.”
“Pains everywhere; darting, springing like chain lightening, and ending with a sharp, vise-like grip, only to be again renewed.”
Looking for more than a quick remedy?
Acute remedies can be a starting point for short-term complaints. Ongoing or recurring issues call for a full case: a detailed conversation about your physical, mental and emotional symptoms, so the remedy fits you as a whole person.
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