Actaea spicata is the name of the homoeopathic extract of the plant of the same name, commonly known as Baneberry, Eurasian Baneberry, or Herb Christopher. This plant’s ripe berries are poisonous if consumed by accident. The consumer will not only be subject to liver inflammation, but also to rheumatic joint pain, due to the presence of protoanemonine in the plant. For this reason, according to the principle of “like cures like”, Actaea spicata is used in homoeopathy for medicinal purposes to treat pathologies in rheumatology, such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It is also indicated for the treatment of rheumatic spasms that affect the small joints located around the wrist and hand. The toes’ joints can also benefit from Actaea spicata, especially if they look red and inflamed.
Actaea spicata is recommended in cases of articular rheumatism that causes blisters or deformations of the wrist, ankle and fingers. It should also be taken for rheumatism of the phalanges, toes and tarsus, or in case of rheumatoid arthritis.
Actaea spicata is also recommended if the patient finds that the slightest effort leads to an inflammation of his or her joints. The symptoms can sometimes be seasonal. The remedy is also useful if the patient feels a tingling sensation and if he or she partially loses a part of his or her sensory sensitivity during a palpation of his or her joints.
The remedy is equally effective in rheumatology when the pathology manifests itself around the ENT area. In that case, the subject suffers from an eye infection combined with constant tearing and spots that blur the vision when the patient tries to focus on an object. The symptoms can include conjunctivitis, unbearable headaches, painful ears, a bleeding nose and throat pain while talking.
Actaea spicata can also be effective for the treatment of paralysing pain resulting from rheumatic spasms. In this case, the patient often complains about not being able to move his or her legs and is under the impression that his or her knees are full of stones.
In case of wrist and fingers arthritis, pain and cramps can be relieved by taking 5 granules of Actaea spicata 5 CH three times a day. The same applies for tendinitis, in particular if the edema worsens when touched or when moving the articulation.
Actaea spicata should be combined with Calophyllum thalictroides to treat interphalangeal arthralgia. In this case, the recommended dosage is 5 granules of each remedy in the morning, the afternoon and at bedtime for 3 months.
Good to know: The effects of Actaea spicata have a close resemblance to some manifestations of rheumatic disease, hence its use in homoeopathy. It is also recommended in dermatology to treat eczema and also in obstetrics and gynaecology.
