Colocynthis
(Citrullus colocynthis · Bitter cucumber)
The remedy that doubles you over. In the materia medica, Colocynthis is associated with intense cramping and cutting pains, especially in the belly, that are eased by bending double and pressing hard, often after anger or indignation.
Source
The dried fruit pulp of the bitter cucumber, or bitter apple
Kingdom
Plant
Abbreviation
Coloc.
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)
Agonizing cramping or cutting belly pain that makes you bend double and press hard on the abdomen
Restless with the pain, twisting and turning to find relief
Pains often follow anger, indignation or feeling insulted; very irritable and offended at being questioned
Cramping nerve pains in the face or down the hip and thigh, as if clamped in a vise
Tends to feel better
Bending double
Hard pressure
Warmth
Lying with head bent forward
Tends to feel worse
Anger and indignation
Eating or drinking
Gentle touch
How it compares
(remedies that are often confused with Colocynthis)
-
Magnesia phosphorica
(Magnesia phosphorica)
Both bend double with cramps; Magnesia phosphorica is especially soothed by warmth, Colocynthis by hard pressure and has more anger behind it.
Read moreCompare side by side -
Chamomilla
(Matricaria chamomilla)
Both are pain with temper; Chamomilla is beside itself and wants to be carried, Colocynthis curls up and presses in.
Read more -
Staphysagria
(Delphinium staphisagria)
Both follow indignation; Staphysagria holds the hurt in quietly, Colocynthis feels it as gripping colic.
Read more
Side-by-side comparisons
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From the classic texts
“Agonizing pain in abdomen, causing patient to bend double, is most characteristic. Sensations; cutting, twisting, grinding, contracting and bruised; as if clamped with iron bands.”
“Irritable; throws things out of his hands. Affections from anger, with indignation - colic, vomiting, diarrhoea and suppression of menses (Cham., Staph.).”
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