Genus: Cantharis
Common name: Spanish fly. Cantharis vesicatoria. Lytta vesicatoria.
Family: Cantharidae
The iridescent emerald green Spanish fly is a blister beetle that is native to Southern and Central Europe. “Lytta” means rage or madness, and this 3/4″ beetle secretes a smelly milky fluid that contains the toxic component Cantharidin, which is a powerful irritant that causes maddening burning and blistering of the skin upon contact. If ingested, this poison can cause nausea, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, frequent urination, destruction of the kidneys, convulsions, and death. The properties of this substance have been known since ancient times, and dried powder made from ground Cantharis beetles was the primary ingredient in so-called aphrodisiacs because of its irritating effect on the genito-urinary organs. Another fun fact about this beetle – in ancient China, it was mixed with arsenic, wolfsbane, and human excrement to make a stink bomb!
The homeopathic preparation of Cantharis is the primary remedy for 2nd degree burns with blistering. It is also used for urinary tract infections with burning pains before, during, and after urination. The onset of symptoms is rapid, the pains are burning, and there is great restlessness.
Keynotes:
- Violent burning pains
- Restlessness with irritability
- Violence, anger, rage, delirium
- 2nd degree burns, scalds, blistering sunburn, better cold applications
- Eye pain and irritation after chemical exposure or a burn
- Itching, burning vesicular skin eruptions
- Burning gastritis, bloody, burning diarrhea, tenesmus
- Cystitis with constant urging and burning before, during, and after urination
- Scalding drops of urine, bloody urine
- Urethritis with painful and difficult urination
- Burning and itching of the labia after urination
- Endometriosis, inflammation of the ovaries
- Balanitis
- Priapism, nocturnal erections
- Excessive sexual desire, nymphomania
- Better rubbing
Information contained on this site is for educational purposes only and should not be used to prescribe, diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or illness. Any information provided is not intended to replace medical advice offered by a physician. If you desire or need such advice, you should consult a professional healthcare provider.