Spigelia
(Spigelia anthelmia · Pinkroot)
The remedy of sharp, stabbing nerve pain. In the materia medica, Spigelia is associated with violent, mostly left-sided pains around the eye, face and temple that are worse for touch and motion and often follow the sun through the day.
Source
The pinkroot plant, a flowering herb of tropical America
Kingdom
Plant
Abbreviation
Spig.
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)
Sharp, stabbing, sticking pains, especially along the nerves of the face, eye and temple
Left-sided headache that starts in the morning, peaks around midday and eases toward sunset
Eyes feel too large, with pressing pain on turning them
Very sensitive to touch, which sends a shudder through the body; a fear of pins, needles and sharp objects
Tends to feel better
Lying on the right side with the head raised
Tends to feel worse
Touch
Motion, jarring or a false step
Noise
Cold, damp, rainy weather
How it compares
(remedies that are often confused with Spigelia)
-
Sanguinaria
(Sanguinaria canadensis)
Also a headache that rises and sets with the sun, but Sanguinaria's settles over the right eye and Spigelia's over the left.
Read more -
Arnica
(Arnica montana)
Arnica for bruised soreness after an injury; Boericke calls Spigelia a “chronic Arnica” for its sore, touch-sensitive pains.
Read more
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From the classic texts
“Has marked elective affinity for the eye, heart, and nervous system. Neuralgia of the fifth nerve is very prominent in its effects.”
“Nervous headache; periodical, beginning in morning at base of brain, spreading over the head and locating in eye, orbit and temple of left side (right side, Sang., Sil.); pain, pulsating, violent, throbbing.”
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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