Formica rufa is a homeopathic remedy made from the red fire ant. A patient with muscle pain, soreness, or restlessness may be prescribed formica rufa by a trained homeopathic physician. It may also be given to relieve the symptoms associated with gout, rheumatoid arthritis, vertigo, nausea and headache. Cold tends to aggravate the illnesses for which formica rufa is prescribed. This homeopathic remedy has no known side effects. Some people claim that this remedy significantly helps their symptoms, but this anecdotal evidence must be supported by additional independent, clinical, double-blind studies.
To make formica rufa, the fire ant's body is ground up and diluted with lactose powder, alcohol, or distilled water. The process of dilution continues until there is no cellular evidence of the ant in the final product. The different diluted products are made into pellets, a tincture, or a water-based liquid.
The individualized treatment prescribed by a homeopathic physician takes into account the physical and mental symptoms that the patient is experiencing. The patient may complain of physical symptoms including right-sided joint pain, muscle tightness, and the feeling that the muscles are being torn from the bone. Hips may be sore and legs may seem weaker than usual. The patient may be experiencing vertigo and a headache near the left ear as well as nausea. Restlessness and agitation are the primary mental symptoms that indicate to a homeopath that this may be the correct remedy.
Another indication that formica rufa is the correct homeopathic remedy is if the patient's complaints become worse when exposed to cold or damp conditions. Movement may make the symptoms worse. Massage and dry heat may relieve some of the pain in muscles.
For best results, any homeopathic remedy should be taken under the tongue at least 30 minutes before or after eating or drinking. The most often prescribed tincture dosage is one to five drops of 6x remedy. According to the packaging, the pellet dosage is generally five tablets taken three times per day.
Formica rufa has no known side effects. Even so, women who are pregnant or nursing may want to consult with their doctor before self-medicating with formica rufa. Those with chronic illnesses should do likewise.
Most of the evidence supporting formica rufa as a legitimate treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and other diseases comes from patients' personal accounts. Although anecdotal evidence is important, it cannot stand alone. To validate and support the anecdotal evidence, double-blind clinical studies are necessary.