Just about every woman dreads the possibility of a hot flash, and nearly three-quarters of those in menopause experience it as a common symptom. But suffering through your own “personal summer” is not necessary when homeopathy offers several options for relief. One medicine in particular, Lachesis mutus, has helped unfan the flames of hot flashes for many women over the years, but you’ll never guess how it was first discovered.
The History of Lachesis
The story of this homeopathic medicine starts with German physician and homeopath Constantine Hering (1800-1880). Always the dedicated clinician, Hering traveled to Suriname in 1828 to conduct zoological and botanical research and collect new remedies for homeopathic provings. One such substance would come from the South American bushmaster snake, known scientifically as Lachesis muta.
This extremely dangerous snake, which can measure over six feet long, is the largest pit viper in the Americas. The locals helping Hering during his expedition in the Amazon jungle brought him one of these snakes in a bamboo box before running away as fast as they could. After knocking the snake out, Hering held its head down with a forked stick and pressed on the venom glands to prepare homeopathic dilutions.
Manipulating the poison gave him a fever with delirium and manic excitement. He woke up the following morning feeling lucky to be alive. With the help of his wife, who witnessed his ordeal, he went to work, recording the symptoms he had manifested during his “experimentation” with Lachesis.
For the rest of his life, Hering could not tolerate tight collars that men used to wear during those times. Intolerance to tight clothes around the neck is one of the important symptoms of the medicine.
Lachesis Mutus in Homeopathy
As a homeopathic medicine, Lachesis mutus eases hot flashes from menopause, especially when hot flashes are relieved by sweating or the occurrence of periods. The condition may occur with congestive headaches and is often aggravated by heat, alcohol, the sun, and tight clothing.* Women seeking relief can take five pellets of Lachesis mutus 30C each morning until hot flashes improve.
For more on the homeopathic uses of Boiron Lachesis mutus, click here to watch this video featuring Dr. Gary Kracoff, NMD, RPh.
*Claims based on traditional homeopathic practice, not accepted medical evidence. Not FDA evaluated.