Phytolacca
(Phytolacca decandra · Poke root)
The remedy of aching, sore glands. In the materia medica, Phytolacca is associated with swollen, tender glands, a dark red sore throat with pain shooting to the ears, and bruised aching all over.
Source
The root of the pokeweed plant
Kingdom
Plant
Abbreviation
Phyt.
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)
Sore throat that looks dark red, with pain shooting into the ears on swallowing; cannot drink hot drinks
Swollen, hard, tender glands, including painful, lumpy breasts while nursing
Sore, bruised aching all over with an urge to move, though moving hurts
Shooting, shifting pains like electric shocks
Tends to feel better
Warmth
Dry weather
Rest
Tends to feel worse
Damp, cold, rainy weather
Motion
Night
Right side
How it compares
(remedies that are often confused with Phytolacca)
-
Bryonia
(Bryonia alba)
Bryonia's aching is strictly worse for motion and wants stillness; Phytolacca is restless despite the pain.
Read more -
Rhus toxicodendron
(Rhus toxicodendron)
Rhus tox loosens up and feels better with continued motion; Phytolacca does not.
Read more -
Lachesis
(Lachesis mutus)
Both throats are dark and cannot tolerate hot drinks; Lachesis is worse on the left and from the slightest pressure on the neck.
Read more
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From the classic texts
“Aching, soreness, restlessness, prostration, are general symptoms guiding to Phytolacca. Pre-eminently a glandular remedy. Glandular swellings with heat and inflammation.”
“Intense headache and backache; lame, sore bruised feeling all over; constant desire to move but motion < pains (Lac c., Mer. - motion > Rhus).”
Articles that mention Phytolacca
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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