Pulsatilla in homeopathy is a remedy generally made from the blooms of the pasque flower, also known as the windflower. It has been traditionally used since ancient times to balance extreme changes in mood. It has also been employed to treat gynecological complaints, respiratory and eye infections, and digestive problems. Pulsatilla in homeopathy is said to best suited to patients who are easily swayed, emotionally reactive, and most comfortable in the presence of others. It may be most often administered to women and children.
Pasque flowers are considered indigenous to Europe. Pasque flowers are believed to have a long history of use, dating back to Greek and Roman times, as a treatment for extreme emotionality. One of the plant's common names, windflower, is said to reflect the swiftly changing moods of those to whom the remedy is suited. The homeopath Samuel Hahnemann began using pulsatilla in homeopathy in 1805. He believed the flowers could be used to fashion a remedy good for gynecological and digestive conditions, as well as coughs, colds, and sinusitis.
Homeopathy typically uses diluted versions of herbal remedies. Like many other homeopathic remedies, pulsatilla is not believed to contain any parts of the actual pasque flowers. These remedies are believed to support health by supporting physical function and boosting the body's own regenerative powers.
The use of pulsatilla in homeopathy is often recommended for the treatment of women's ailments, including problems with menstruation. It can help relieve the physical and emotional symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. It can also help soothe the fatigue, indigestion, and morning sickness symptoms that can accompany pregnancy. It has been used to assist with problems during labor, and many homeopaths have found this remedy useful for turning a breech baby in the womb.
Coughs, colds, and eye infections can also benefit from the use of pulsatilla in homeopathy. Practitioners of homeopathy may prescribe this remedy for the treatment of styes, conjunctivitis, or eye infections that cause the accumulation of green pus. It can be used to treat coughs or colds that produce yellow or green phlegm, and it may also sometimes be administered for the treatment of influenza. It has been recommended for the treatment of painful sinusitis, especially when headaches, eye discharge, and yellow phlegm occur.
Nausea, vomiting, indigestion, and diarrhea are all said to benefit from treatment with pulsatilla in homeopathy. Patients best suited for the use of pulsatilla to soothe digestion may experience dry mouth without thirst, accompanied by either an aversion to or an unusual desire for rich foods.
