originally published in The Canadian Journal of Herbalism WINTER 2006
Constituents
Pulsatilla should not be used fresh. Volatile oil sesquiterpene lactone
ranunculoside – ranunculin, is converted upon drying to protoanemonin and in
turn to anemonin in the dried plant. Flavonoids. Saponins. Tannin.
Primary pharmacological action:
An antispasmodic nervine having special influence to the 5 special sense
organs, genitourinary tract, uterus, and prostate.
Therapeutic classes
Ophthalmic. Allays inflammation. Stimulant. Vasotonic alterative.
Antiseptic. Bactericidal. Antiviral – paramyxovirus, varicella. Expectorant.
Diuretic. Diaphoretic. Antirheumatic. Aphrodisiac. Anaphrodisiac.
Emmenagogue. Galactagogue.
Analgesic. Sedative. Drug habit.
Medicinal indications
Hordeolum, Profuse lacrymation, Conjunctivitis, Eye tics, Cataracts,
Glaucoma, Ophthalmia neonatorum, Scleritis.
Otitis media, Earache, Hearing loss.
Cardiac hypertrophy – right heart dilation. Venous congestion.
Hypotensive.
Mumps, Toothache, Gum abscess, Hiccups, Stomach disorders with white
coated tongue, inability to digest fat.
Asthma induced by pregnancy, or amenorrhoea. Acute and chronic catarrh with
infection. Pulmonary inflammation. Pertussus. Tobacco habit.
Skin eruptions with bacterial infection, Chickenpox, Measles, Furunculosis.
Amenorrhoea from emotional aetiology, Dysmenorrhoea, Vaginal
discharge/leucorrhoea, Ovaritis, Ovaralgia, Pelvic organ nerve irritation
[pain], PMS, Weak labour pain, Mastitis, Flushes.
Epididymitis. Orchitis. Spermatorrhoea. Prostate nerve irritability.
Varicocoele.
Anxiety, Depression, Insomnia, Headache, Hyperactivity, Neuralgia,
Sensitivity, Panic, Schizophrenia, Dementia, Adrenal exhaustion.
Tissue conditions
The herb has a stimulating and relaxing influence to the mucous membranes of
the respiratory and digestive organs. It is indicated for catarrh of the
eyes, nose, ears, and stomach. Excessive mucus discharges. Pulsatilla clears
otitis media, catarrhal ophthalmia, headache with gastric disturbances.
Pulsatilla helps to remove mental fear and apprehension. Used in stomach
catarrh with coated tongue, nervous eye tics of children [frequent
blinking].
Spasmodic cough of asthma, bronchitis, and pertussus, acute inflammatory
conditions of the upper respiratory tract, muco- or muco-purulent nasal
mucus, measles – coughs and mucous membrane irritability.
Inflamed conditions of the genito-urinary tract.
Nervous irritation in varicocoele, orchitis. Full doses depress heart
activity and lower blood pressure.
Painful conditions of the male or female reproductive tract.
Enlarged prostate gland, sensitive urethra, spermatorrhoea with fear. Sexual
dysfunction from anxiety or fear. Nervous irritability with varicocoele.
Over excitable sexual desire – masturbation in males and females.
Balances the ANS which it leaves toned and strengthened. As an antispasmodic
and sedative to the nervous system it quietens hyperactivity, tension- provoking headaches, neuralgia, spinal nerve irritation, tachycardia,
insomnia, and panic attacks. Neuralgia in anaemic patients.
It is a valued remedy for nerve exhaustion or nervousness in women with
feeble pulse, deficient capillary circulation, amenorrhoea of the anaemic
type, cold extremities, and a general relaxed physical condition.
Dysmenorrhoea from emotional aetiology. Ovaritis with pain. It relieves
undue sensitivity of the vagina. Mastitis with fear or depression [see
dose]. Recommended for fair, blue eyed people, weepy and nervous types with
unsettled minds, rheumatic joint aches of the hands and feet. Supports
benzodiazepine withdrawal.
Cautions
The fresh plant should not be used. Gastritis.
Preparations
Facilitates tonics and trophorestoratives e.g. Scutellaria.
Hearing loss with Crataegus.
Headache with excitability with Passiflora. Hyperactivity with Passiflora and
Piscidia.
Insomnia/Orchitis with Piscidia.
Dysmenorrhoea with Chamaelirium.
Skin diseases/septicaemia with Baptisia or Echinacea.
External use
Conjunctivitis – use a dilute preparation. Neuralgia, rheumatism – fol
poultice.
Dosage and mode of application
Infusium dried herba Sig 0.3g
Tincturae Pulsatilla herba Sig 3ml
Liquidum extractum Sig 1ml
References
43. 126 p583. 176 p149. 188 p360. 189 p227. 192 p445. 233 p179. 246 =
p117.
394 p394. 465 p157.