CANCHALAGUA

SOURCE INFORMATION

Scientific Classification

• Kingdom: Plantae
• Order: Gentianales
• Family: Gentianaceae
• Genus: Erythraea
• Species: Erythraea venusta

Origin

• Canchalagua is native to regions with hot climates, particularly found in areas around the Pacific Coast. It thrives in warm environments.

Historical Facts

• Canchalagua has a rich history of traditional use in herbal medicine, especially among indigenous communities in regions where the plant grows abundantly.
• Its reputation as a potent fever remedy and bitter tonic has been passed down through generations, making it a valuable resource in folk medicine.

DRUG PATHOGENESIS

Fever Remedy: Canchalagua is highly regarded for its efficacy in treating fevers, especially severe forms of intermittent fever prevalent in hot climates.

It addresses the underlying cause of fever, providing relief from generalized chilliness and soreness experienced during fever episodes.

Bitter Tonic Properties: Similar to Gentiana, Canchalagua acts as a bitter tonic, aiding in digestion and promoting overall gastrointestinal health.

It stimulates the appetite and enhances the secretion of digestive juices, thereby improving digestion and alleviating discomfort associated with digestive disturbances.

Antimalarial Action: Canchalagua possesses antimalarial properties, making it valuable in regions where malaria is endemic.

It helps counteract and prevent malaria by targeting the causative agents responsible for the disease, thereby reducing the severity and frequency of malaria attacks.

Antiseptic Effects: Due to its antiseptic properties, Canchalagua can inhibit the growth of microorganisms and prevent infections.

It may be used topically to cleanse wounds and promote healing, as well as internally to address infections of the gastrointestinal and urinary tracts.

KEYNOTE SYMPTOMS

1. Fever: Particularly effective for severe intermittent fever prevalent in hot climates, accompanied by generalized chilliness and soreness.
2. Head Congestion: Sensation of congestion in the head, often with tightness in the scalp and burning sensations in the eyes.
3. Sensation of Drops: Peculiar perception of drops falling from and upon different spots on the body.
4. Skin Symptoms: Wrinkled appearance of the skin, resembling that of a washer-woman’s hands, along with tightness in the scalp.

PARTICULAR ORGAN SYMPTOMS

HEAD

• Congestion: Feeling of fullness or congestion in the head.
• Scalp tightness: Sensation of tightness or tension in the scalp.
• Feeling bound: Sensation as if the head is bound or constricted.
• Burning in eyes: Sensation of burning or discomfort in the eyes.
• Buzzing in ears: Perception of buzzing or ringing sounds in the ears.

FEVER

• Chill all over: Generalized sensation of coldness throughout the body.
• Worse in bed at night: Exacerbation of symptoms, particularly chilliness, during nighttime rest.
• Sensitive to cold trade-winds: Increased sensitivity to cold winds, especially those prevalent on the Pacific Coast.
• Sore and bruised feeling: Generalized sensation of soreness and bruising in the body.
• Nausea and retching: Sensation of nausea accompanied by attempts to vomit.

SKIN

• Wrinkled appearance: Skin appears wrinkled, resembling the texture of a washer-woman’s hand.
• Scalp tightness: Similar sensation of tightness in the scalp, as if it were being drawn together by India-rubber.

These symptoms collectively suggest a remedy that addresses issues related to congestion, discomfort in the head and eyes, sensitivity to cold, generalized soreness, and skin symptoms such as wrinkled appearance and scalp tightness.

MODALITIES

• Symptoms worsen in bed at night and in response to exposure to cold trade winds.

WHAT ARE MODALITIES IN HOMOEOPATHY?

DOSE

• Administer Canchalagua as a tincture, typically in drop doses.
• It is essential to prepare the tincture from the fresh plant, as its medicinal properties are lost in dried forms.