Sanguisuga
Hirudo medicinalis (medicinal leech) · Animal
Sanguisuga is indicated in persistent, intractable haemorrhages, particularly from the rectum, where the blood is watery rather than forming clots. It suits cases that have failed to respond to the usual haemorrhagic remedies. Burnett and Clarke confirmed its value in such cases using the 5th attenuation.
Key symptoms
- Persistent bleeding from the rectum with watery blood
- Haemorrhages where blood is rendered watery
Hirudo or Sanguisuga officinalis. The Leech. N. O. Hirudineæ. Tincture of the living animal.
Clinical
Anus, bleeding from. Hæmorrhages.
Characteristics
Burnett was the first to use Sanguisuga as a homœopathic medicine. Dangerous hæmorrhages have not unfrequently followed the application of leeches, and it has been ascertained that the leech does not merely bite, it poisons the bitten part in such a way as to render the blood in it watery. Having a case of persistent bleeding from the rectum, the blood being watery, and all the usual hæmorrhagic remedies having failed to arrest it, Burnett thought that Sanguisuga might prove the simillimum. He had a tincture made and attenuated, gave the 5th attenuation, and made a brilliant cure. I have had frequent opportunity of confirming the value of Sngs. in cases of the kind.
Classical texts are in the public domain. Educational reference only — not medical advice.
