PHYTOLACCA

Homeopathy

PHYTOLACCA

Phytolacca americana
Virginia pokeroot, reading plant, garget, pocon.

Key Uses:

Breast problems

Inflamed neck glands and tonsils

Mononucleosis

Mumps

Psoriasis

Dental pain

Origin : Native to North America, and naturalized in the Mediterranean region.

Background : Used by native Americans for a range of complaints from rheumatoid arthritis to hemorrhoids, this plant is highly potent and toxic in excess.

Preparation : The fresh root is unearthed during the fall, finely chopped, and macerated in alcohol.

Remedy Profile : This remedy has a strong affinity with the glands. It may be given for mastitis with hardness, burning, and pain in the breasts that radiates through the whole body on breast-feeding. Breast ulcers, hard lumps, and even breast cancer may also be helped, as may psoriasis.
Phytolacca may be used for hard, inflamed neck glands, with pain in the throat on swallowing. The tonsils may be inflamed, painful, and discolored dark red, and the tip of the tongue may be red. Inflamed parotid glands—for example during mumps—may be helped by the remedy, as may mononucleosis. Breathing feels difficult, restricted, and oppressed, with a sense of suffocation and emptiness in the chest.

Symptoms Better : For warmth; for open air; for dry weather; for rest; for lying on the painful side.

Symptoms Worse : For cold, damp weather; for prolonged movement; on starting to move; for hot drinks.