Cyclamen: Not Just A Woman's Remedy

- Dr Mukesh Batra

A plant that belongs to the Primulaceae family, Cyclamen Europaeum is the basis for the homeopathic remedy, Cyclamen. The species are also known by other names, such as ivy-leafed cyclamen, ground bread, sow bread and swine bread. All the same, the plant is native to temperate climatic conditions of North Africa, North America and central regions of Europe.

While the woods and the dappled gardens are ideal for the plant to grow as well as sustain, or flourish, it is used, no less, as a decorative element in certain homes, primarily for its polychromatic colours and patterned leaves, as well as the vibrant pastel flowers whose petals fold retrograde. While the tuberous bulbs of the plant are used to formulate the homeopathic remedy, for treating a host of health conditions, viz., tummy disorders, eye problems, anxiety, nervousness and menstrual complaints, aside from uterine disorders, the wise Romans, Greeks, and Arabian physicians, in times long gone by, used this flowering plant, in its herbal form, to treat liver problems, viz., hepatitis and jaundice, besides engorged spleen, mucous plugs, as well as bring on menstruation [periods] in young girls.

The herbal Cyclamen can cause anaemia and other genitourinary and gastrointestinal disorders too, aside from somnolence, fatigue and irritability, or gloominess, or trigger bouts of cough during the night, while the individual is sleeping without being aroused. This is prominent in children and adolescents. What’s more, when the herb Cyclamen is used, in large doses, it holds the prospect of triggering certain eye problems, abdominal disorders, as well as menstrual complaints, not to speak of apprehension and anxiety.

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