Homeopaths have used cuttlefish ink for over 100 years to treat depression, menstrual problems, and menopause. Some believe the substance also effectively treats skin conditions. Research indicates that the ink exhibits cell-protective properties when test subjects receive chemotherapy or radiation treatments. Cuttlefish commonly eject the ink when threatened by predatory species.
Physicians might prescribe the substance, usually combined with other ingredients, for depression associated with premenstrual symptoms and postpartum melancholy. Women experiencing difficulty bonding with a newborn may also receive recommendations for cuttlefish ink. Some believe the chemical not only improves overall mood but also eliminates irritability. Practitioners may use the tincture for infertility associated with libido loss, exhaustion, and other seemingly emotional symptoms.
Cuttlefish ink reportedly alleviates the abdominal discomfort, backaches, and headaches that frequently accompany menstruation. The ink also supposedly regulates menstrual flow, whether scantier or heavier than normal. Some believe that the substance alleviates the hot flashes commonly associated with menopause. Constipation and indigestion are other maladies treated with the ink. Homeopathic physicians have also used this natural remedy for treating bedwetting and stress incontinence.
Patients experiencing skin redness, itching, and hives have used preparations containing cuttlefish ink. Homeopaths might prescribe the concoction for eczema or for both external and internal fungal and yeast infections.
Cancer patients often require chemotherapy or radiation as treatment. One of the adverse effects of this type of therapy is anemia that occurs as red and white blood cells undergo destruction or become unable to reproduce. Hemoglobin levels also drop because of a lack of red blood cells.
Researchers discovered that mice given oral doses of cuttlefish ink experienced less damage to bone marrow and spleen tissue when receiving chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Blood cell and hemoglobin levels remained closer to normal levels. The substance had no effect on healthy mice.
Cuttlefish belong to the mollusk family and have a special gland that manufactures and retains the brownish or sepia-colored ink until needed. The ink generally contains melanin and mucus. It also contains varying amounts of glycosaminoglycans, lipids, and proteins which some believe form into amino acids and the neurotransmitters dopamine and levadopa.
Laboratories generally remove the cuttlefish ink from the internal gland, eliminating the mucus. Technicians dilute it with sugar water, forming a tincture. Frequently this tincture combined with other plant ingredients form a homeopathic remedy. The amount of dilution and the additional ingredients used depends on the particular malady requiring treatment. Cuttlefish ink or sepia is generally available, in combination with other ingredients, in pill or tablet form.
