Cantharis is a very poisonous fly. In the old days, seamen
used to give its poison to prostitutes for its aphrodisiac action. In those
days, the sea ports used to be the centre of sexual obscenity. Nowadays, the use
of Cantharis is prohibited by law. The sting of this fly causes intense
burning.
In homoeopathic form, its poison is utilized to relieve a burning sensation. Its
blisters are not that big. For the treatment of large blisters, Rhus Tox is
better than Cantharis. Intense burning is also a symptom of Rhus Tox. Rhus Tox
1000 given a few times will ameliorate the unusual burning pain of the entire
body. In such a condition, Calendula can also be used.
In Cantharis, the patient expresses sudden total
indifference to his surroundings, perversion of the mind and loss of
consciousness. His mind is occupied with strange and weird thoughts. The
symptoms point towards Cannabis Indica as well, but the main distinctive point is
that in Cannabis Indica, the patient enjoys his perverted illusions and does
not suffer. In Cantharis, the patient is in a state of frenzy due to the cloudiness of the mind. He
does not know what he is doing. He also
feels as if he is possessed by a demon and is talking under the influence of
the possessing force. These kinds of symptoms also happen in Cannabis Sativa.
While under the effect of the poison, the patient loses
his self-identity and feels himself under the influence of a foreign power. If
this particular symptom becomes permanent, it is due to some mental problem
rather than Cantharis. High potency Cantharis might relieve the sickness. The
Cantharis patient is of aggressive
nature and likes to torment others. He can become extremely angry.
Cantharis in high potency can be useful in treating a sadistic type of person
showing aggressive sexual behaviour.In Cantharis, the patient has a fear of water. Mere reflections on the surface of water can throw him into a state of convulsion.
He is intensely restless leading to extreme anger. The burning
associated with Cantharis is very troublesome. He has fits of anger and
ferocity and has the tendency to kill. There is an obscene type of
talking by innocent young girls which resembles that of Hyoscyamus.
Cantharis is also very useful in treating severe stabbing type of
pains. Along the course of the nerves,
painful blisters form, more so on the face (Herpes). They may leave deep ugly
scars. When on the eyes, the patient may become blind or this may result in the
loss of one eye. It is very important
to start the treatment promptly. Commonly, the combination of Arsenic, Ledum
and Lachesis is very beneficial. In the absence of restlessness, Arnica,
Lachesis and Ledum should be administered at once. If these two formulas do not
work satisfactorily, Cantharis should be administered without any delay. In the
case of really big blisters, Rhus Tox is found to be very useful. Compared to Rhus
Tox, the restlessness of a Cantharis patient is very intense, resembling
Arsenic. The colouration of the blisters of Cantharis changes fast and the
surrounding skin becomes dark with signs of impending gangrene. In this
situation, Cantharis must be given immediately. The skin of the Cantharis
patient feels severe burning from simple touch. Cantharis is of great use for
treating the hypothermia due to intense cold. Thus, it may once again perk up
the fading body defences. In Cantharis, the stomach distends with gas. There is a burning sensation in the gullet
(oesophagus) and the stomach, along with severe thirst.
Merc Cor is chronic of Cantharis. Merc Cor CM rapidly
relieves the intense urinary symptoms. Cannabis Sativa in CM also works very well.
Natrum Mur 200 or other high potency can also be useful. Cantharis is a very effective remedy for
urinary symptoms associated with passing albumin in the urine. In the absence
of albumin, the urine of a Cantharis patient is of a dark red colour. There are certain special symptoms
pertaining to menstruation. The periods are frequent and excessive in amount.
The colour of the menstrual blood is darkish. After the delivery of a child, if
the placenta is retained (in Secal as well as in Cantharis) then the infection of
the uterus may lead to gangrene formation. In case, the infection has not far
advanced, the uterus remains chronically inflamed associated with persistent
foul discharge. The ovaries feel painful and burning. The heartbeat is weak and
irregular. There is pain in the lower part of the back. The symptoms of
Cantharis intensify with touch, cold water and on urination.