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Remedy reference

Cantharis

(Cantharis vesicatoria · Spanish fly)

The remedy of raw, burning pain. In the materia medica, Cantharis is associated with intense burning and urgency when passing urine, and with burns, scalds and blistering skin that smart and sting.

Urinary | Skin

Source

The Spanish fly, a bright green blister beetle

Kingdom

Animal

Abbreviation

Canth.

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)

Constant, intolerable urge to urinate, passing only a few scalding drops

Raw, burning, cutting pains before, during and after urinating

Burns, scalds and sunburn with blistering, rawness and smarting

Burning thirst yet put off by drinks, and worse for coffee

Tends to feel better

Rubbing

Cold applications to burns

Tends to feel worse

Touch

Urinating

Drinking cold water or coffee

How it compares

(remedies that are often confused with Cantharis)

  • Apis

    (Apis mellifica)

    Apis has stinging, puffy swelling and little thirst; Cantharis has raw burning and desperate urgency.

    Read moreCompare side by side

  • Staphysagria

    (Delphinium staphisagria)

    Staphysagria's bladder burns when not urinating and often follows emotional upset; Cantharis burns before, during and after.

    Read more

  • Urtica urens

    (Urtica urens)

    Urtica urens for itchy, stinging, hive-like burns; Cantharis for deeper, blistering ones.

    Read more

Side-by-side comparisons

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12 remedies to keep at home

When to think of each one, how to tell them apart, when to call a doctor instead and a printable home remedy guide.

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From the classic texts

“Intolerable tenesmus; cutting before, during, and after urine. Urine scalds him, and is passed drop by drop. Constant desire to urinate.”

William Boericke, Pocket Manual of Homoeopathic Materia Medica (1901)

“The burning pain and intolerable urging to urinate, is the red strand of Cantharis in all inflammatory affections.”

Henry C. Allen, Keynotes and Characteristics (1898)

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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This page is for education only and is not medical advice. Homeopathy is complementary care, not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment by a licensed medical provider. Seek medical care for severe, worsening or emergency symptoms. Please view our Disclaimer.