Lac Caninum
Overview:
Lac caninum is not a novelty in medicine. Sammonicus and Sextus (in ancient times) praised it in photophobia and otitis.
Pliny claims that it cures ulceration of the uterine cervical os. It was considered an antidote to deadly poisons.
Dr Hering states, ‘Dioscorides, Rhasis, Pliny and Sextus recommended it for the removal of dead foetus.’
Hering adds that the remedy was revised by Reisig of New York, who used it successfully in the treatment of diphtheria.
L
A
C
C
A
N
I
N
U
M
L
L – Lateral Alternation; Wandering Pains
Description:
Symptoms alternate sides; pains fly from side to side. [1]
The pains constantly fly from one side to the other, now in the ovary, now in the other, now in the temple, now in the other.[2]
References:
Boericke, William; Materia Medica with Repertory.
Kent, James Tyler; Lectures on Homoeopathic Materia Medica.
A
A – Angina; Shiny, Varnished Throat
Description:
Sore throat and cough are apt to begin and end with the menses. Angina and diphtheria; shining, glazed appearance of the diphtheritic deposit, as if varnished.[1]
Reference:
Boericke, William; Materia Medica with Repertory.
C
C – Cross & Confused; Forgetful
Description:
Absent-minded, makes purchases and walks away without them. Very cross and irritable. [3]
References:
Allen, H.C.; Keynotes and Characteristics with Comparisons of Some of the Leading Remedies of the Materia Medica
C
C – Coryza; Alternating Nostrils
Description:
Coryza, with stuffed up sensation in nose and one nostril is stopped up, the other free and discharging; these conditions alternate. [1]
References:
Boericke, William; Materia Medica with Repertory.
A
A – Abject Despair; Feels Worthless
Description:
Despondent; thinks her disease is incurable; has not a friend in the world; nothing is real. [3]
References:
Allen, H.C.; Keynotes and Characteristics with Comparisons of Some of the Leading Remedies of the Materia Medica.
N
N – Nervous Sensitivity; Hates Jarring
Description:
Extremely nervous and sensitive to pain and touch.[1]
Cannot bear to have the parts touched, not because they are so sore, but because she is so nervous.[2]
References:
Boericke, William; Materia Medica with Repertory.
Kent, James Tyler; Lectures on Homoeopathic Materia Medica.
I
I – Imaginary Illusions; Fears Snakes
Description:
Thinks he wears another person’s nose. [1]
Fear of being alone, of insanity, of snakes, of spiders. [2]
References:
Boericke, William; Materia Medica with Repertory.
Kent, James Tyler; Lectures on Homoeopathic Materia Medica.
N
N – Nipples & Breasts; Sore Before Menses
Description:
Breasts swollen, painful, worse by slightest jar and before menses. [1]
Mammae very painful, have to be held firmly on going up or down stairs. [3]
References:
Boericke, William; Materia Medica with Repertory.
Allen, H.C.; Keynotes and Characteristics with Comparisons of Some of the Leading Remedies of the Materia Medica.
U
U – Uterine & Ovarian Pains; Alternating
Description:
Pain in left ovary, flies like lightning to the right ovary. [2]
References:
Kent, James Tyler; Lectures on Homoeopathic Materia Medica.
C
A
N
I
N
E
C
C – Confusion & Crossness
Description:
Absent-minded, makes purchases and walks away without them.
Very cross and irritable. [3]
References:
Allen, H.C.; Keynotes and Characteristics with Comparisons of Some of the Leading Remedies of the Materia Medica.
A
A – Anxiety & Apprehension
Description:
Full of imaginations and fears; fears to be alone, of ghosts, of robbers, of snakes. [2]
References:
Kent, James Tyler; Lectures on Homoeopathic Materia Medica.
N
N – Neurotic Illusions
Description:
Thinks he wears another person’s nose. [1]
Imagines that she is not herself, and that the things that she sees are not real. [2]
References:
Boericke, William; Materia Medica with Repertory.
Kent, James Tyler; Lectures on Homoeopathic Materia Medica.
I
I – Insanity (Fear of)
Description:
She will go to be aggravated, so vivid are the imaginations and so full of torment. [2]
References:
Kent, James Tyler; Lectures on Homoeopathic Materia Medica.
N
N – Negativity & Despair
Description:
Very sad and despondent; does not think she will ever be any better. [2]
Thinks her disease is incurable; has not a friend in the world; nothing is real. [3]
References:
Kent, James Tyler; Lectures on Homoeopathic Materia Medica.
Allen, H.C.; Keynotes and Characteristics with Comparisons of Some of the Leading Remedies of the Materia Medica.
E
E – Esteem (Lack of)
Description:
She feels that she is unclean, and that she is loathsome to her associates. [2]
References:
Kent, James Tyler; Lectures on Homoeopathic Materia Medica.
Introduction
Constitution
Clinical
Mental Symptoms
Guiding Symptoms
Characteristic
Therapeutic Value
Modality
Remedy Relationship
Dose
Terminology
Reference
Also Search As
Introduction
Introduction of Lac Caninum:
Common name of Lac Caninum:
Bitch’s milk [4]
Synonyms of Lac Caninum:
Bitch’s milk [4]
Family / Group / Class / Order of Lac Caninum:
Sarcode [4]
Habit and habitat / Description of Lac Caninum:
Lac caninum is a homeopathic remedy prepared from the milk of a female dog. [5]
Name of prover of Lac Caninum:
Reisig, Bayrard, Swan and Berridge [4]
Introduction and history of Lac Caninum:
Lac caninum is not a novelty in medicine.
Sammonicus and Sextus (in ancient times) praised it in photophobia and otitis.
Pliny claims that it cures ulceration of the uterine cervical os.
It was considered an antidote to deadly poisons.
Dr Hering states, ‘Dioscorides, Rhasis, Pliny and Sextus recommended it for the removal of dead foetus. [4]
Doctrine of signature of Lac Caninum:
The Dog’s Nature:
The domestic dog is utterly dependent on its human family for food, shelter, and affection. This fosters great loyalty but also a deep, primal fear of being cast out, neglected, or abandoned.
The Medicine’s Action:
This signature manifests as intense anxiety and a plethora of fears, most notably a crippling fear of being alone. The patient may feel isolated, forsaken, and desperate for connection and reassurance. As the remedy is from milk (the first nourishment), this often connects to early-life issues of inadequate nurturing or a feeling of being unloved. [6]
Parts used of Lac Caninum:
From bitch’s [4]
Active principles of Lac Caninum:
The dynamic power and characteristic energy of the dog, unlocked and made medicinally active through the homeopathic process of potentization. [6]
Preparation of Lac Caninum:
It is prepared from bitch’s milk by trituration and then potentization. [4]
Constitution
Constitution of Lac Caninum
Physical make up of Lac Caninum:
Nervous, restless, highly
sensitive [4]
Temperament of Lac Caninum:
Nervous, Phlegmetic. [7]
Diathesis of Lac Caninum:
Syphilitic diathesis [6]
Relation with heat & cold of Lac Caninum:
Chilly [8]
Miasm of Lac Caninum:
Psora [4]
Clinical
Clinical conditions of Lac Caninum:
Arthritis, Chancre, Diphtheria, Ichthyosis, Leucorrhoea, Rheumatism, Sciatica, Sore throat, Syphilis, Varicose veins, Warts. [7]
Sites of action / Pharmacodynamics of Lac Caninum:
It mainly acts on the throat,
locomotor system, joints, breasts, kidneys and rectum. [4]
Causation of Lac Caninum (Causes / Ailments from) :
Result of fall, diphtheria. [4]
Physiological action of Lac Caninum:
On the Nervous System:
It produces a state of extreme hypersensitivity (hyperæsthesia) and functional disorder, leading to its most defining characteristic: symptoms that alternate sides. As noted by Boericke, "Symptoms alternate sides; pains fly from side to side."
On the Throat:
It causes a specific type of inflammation on the mucous membranes, resulting in a "shining, glazed appearance… as if varnished," a keynote symptom in sore throats mentioned by Boericke.
On the Female Endocrine System:
It deeply influences the hormonal cycle, leading to painful and swollen breasts before menses and alternating ovarian pains. Kent in his "Lectures on Homoeopathic Materia Medica" highlights its action on the ovaries where pain "flies like lightning" from one to the other.
On the Mind:
It disturbs higher mental functions, creating confusion, anxiety, and delusions, such as a disturbed sense of self-identity. This demonstrates its action on the brain and sensorium. [1]
Mental Symptoms
Characteristic Mental Symptoms of Lac Caninum (psychology)
Very forgetful; in writing, makes mistakes.
DESPONDENT; thinks her disease incurable.
Attacks of rage.
VISIONS OF SNAKES.
Thinks himself of little consequence. [1]
Very restless, cannot concentrate her thoughts or mind to read, wants to leave everything as soon as it is begun.
Absent-minded.
Very forgetful, makes mistakes in writing, speaking.
Makes purchases and walks away without them. [9]
Guiding Symptoms
Guiding Symptoms of Lac Caninum
Generalities of Lac Caninum:
This remedy is of undoubted value in certain forms of sore throat and diphtheria, and rheumatism.
Corresponds to a low- vitiated, non-feverish type of sickness.
The keynote symptom is ERRATIC PAINS, ALTERNATING SIDES.
Feels as if walking on air, or of not touching the bed when lying down.
Great lassitude. Ozaena.
Decided effect in drying up milk in women who cannot nurse the baby.
GREAT WEAKNESS AND PROSTRATION.
Sinking spells every morning. [1]
Head of Lac Caninum:
Sinking spells every morning.
Pain first on one side, then the other.
Blurred vision, nausea and vomiting at height of attack of headache.
Occipital pain, with shooting extending to forehead.
Sensation as if brain were alternately contracted and relaxed.
Noises in ears. Reverberation of voice. [1]
Eye of Lac Caninum:
Sharp pain in socket back of right eye, followed by tenderness in right temple; both transient.
Darting intense pain round left eye.
Heaviness of upper eyelid, with pain above left eye; burning in left eye; agglutination of left lids [rheumatism.].
Eyes slightly swollen; profuse lachrymation; with catarrh.
Looking at different objects causes eyes to ache.
Pricking sensation in eyeballs; eyes sensitive to cold air.
Small floating disc before eyes occasionally, and showing primary colors at edge of disc.
Swelling and inflammation of upper and lower lids of both eyes the left the worst.
Must have light, yet is intolerant of sunlight.
When looking in a mirror by gaslight, after exerting eyes, sees a green spot or a green band before her left eye, the band slanting downward from left eye to right cheek. [8]
Ears of Lac Caninum:
Pain in right ear, sometimes intense.
No pain during day, but is awakened several times during night by sore aching pains in middle and external ear of side on which she is lying; soon passes off when the pressure is removed.
Green, odorless discharge.
Reverberation of voice as if speaking in a large, empty room; with pain in frontal region, first over one eye and then over the other.
Sounds seem very far off.
At night a buzzing in right ear.
Noises in ears; sensation as though ears were full; pains in both ears.
More than any other remedy, relieved deafness from hereditary syphilis. [8]
Nose of Lac Caninum:
Sore on right side of septum of nose; next day nose sore, constant inclination to pick at it and get the scab off; nose still sore on sixth day, and on seventh day was very painful to touch, but on eighth day scab came off nose, leaving it as well as ever.
Left nostril first dry, afterwards discharging a thin, ichorous fluid, excoriating nostrils.
Fluent catarrh from both nostrils, with sensation of fullness in upper part of nose.
Profuse nocturnal nasal discharge, like gonorrhea, staining pillow greenish yellow.
Cannot bear smell of flowers, they seem to send a chill over her.
All drinks return by the nose, nothing being swallowed.
Nose became so bad that there was fear of destruction of bones; bloody pus discharged several times daily; nasal bones sore on pressure.
Coryza, with discharge of thick white mucus. [8]
Face of Lac Caninum:
Right cheek burns like fire, and is red after coming in from the cold.
Pain as from a knife-thrust from under left zygoma up to vertex.
Burning flushing of face.
Marked pallor of face.
Lips dry and peeling off. Jaw cracks while eating (dyspepsia). [5]
Mouth of Lac Caninum:
Tongue coated brown.
Tongue dirty, deeply coated near back and center, except on edges, which are bright red, at 9 p.m. tongue looks patched.
Taste: putrid, of lead, afternoon.
Swelling of left sublingual gland, ranula.
Mouth and throat covered with aphthous yellowish-white ulcerations, easily bleeding.
Roof of mouth very sore, with blisters that break and leave loose skin, any seasoned food causes great pain.
Inside of lower lip feels tender and sore, and looks very red.
Mouth constantly full of mucus, but a constant inclination to swallow, which causes pain. [5]
Throat of Lac Caninum:
Sensitive to touch.
Painful swallowing; pain extends to ears.
Sore throat and cough with menstruation.
SHINING GLAZED appearance of deposit, PEARLY-WHITE or like pure white porcelain.
STIFFNESS OF NECK and tongue.
Throat feels burned raw.
Tickling sensation causes constant cough.
Sore throat beginning and ending with menses. [1]
Stomach of Lac Caninum:
Vomiting first of undigested food intensely acid, then of bitter water.
Can’t eat enough to satisfy; as hungry after meals as before.
Aversion to milk.
Abdomen of Lac Caninum:
Pain in right side of pelvis; while it lasted there was no pain in left side.
Pain and burning in left side of abdomen and pelvis, with weight and dragging on that side, clothes feel very heavy.
Feeling of tension in left groin; does not want to walk or stand as it agg. the sensation; amel. by flexing leg on abdomen.
Very acute pain in left groin, extending up left side to crest of ilium; amel. by stool; sometimes the pain is in track of colon.
Felt as though abdomen and chest were firmly compressed all over, as if the skin were contracted.
Pain in pelvis, principally over right ovarian region.
Pain in abdomen, agg. leaning forward; amel. leaning back.
Smarting in right groin; pains seem to be in pelvic bones, uterus and limbs.
Very acute pain in left groin, extending up left side to crest of ilium, amel. by stool; sometimes pain in track of colon. [8]
Rectum & Stool of Lac Caninum:
Frequent desire for stool all through provings.
When having a soft passage great tenesmus; rectum does not act as if it had lost power, but as if it could not expel faeces because they are soft, and adhere to the parts like clay.
Constipation; occasionally natural passage; urgent desire for stool, but passes nothing but wind, or possibly one or two small pieces like sheep-dung; considerable wind in abdomen with rumbling, but never any pain.
Profuse diarrhoea, with colic-pain, diarrhoea watery, profuse, coming out with great force.
Great constipation before and after menses, bowels very loose (not diarrhoea) during menses.
Mucous, liquid, yellow stools.
Obstinate constipation; frequent desire with darting pain in rectum, no power to expel; stool large, whitish, rough, scaly, hard.
Frequent urging, passing only flatus or small black balls. [8]
Urinary Organ of Lac Caninum:
Urination causes intense pain in urethra soon passing off.
Sensation after urinating, as if bladder were still full; continued desire to urinate.
Frequent desire to urinate, which if not immediately attended to causes pain in bladder, a numb, dull sensation, if not amel. by urination it spreads over abdomen and left side to ends of fingers, never in head; would frequently wake at night dreaming of the pain, and would have to urinate to amel. it.
Desire to urinate, passing large quantities frequently; at night she dreams of urinating, and wakes to find an immediate necessity; a less strong and healthy persons would probably have wet the bed.
Constant desire to urinate, with intense pain.
Inclination to urinate which was restrained, as urination caused intense pain when coming in contact with vulva.
Urine frequent; especially at night; scanty, high colored; red sediment.
Urinating only once in twenty-four hours, and then copiously, but with some difficulty and slight irritation.
Urine partially suppressed.
Constant desire to urinate, urine scanty. [8]
Sexual Organ of Lac Caninum:
Female Sexual Organ:
Menses too early, profuse, FLOW IN GUSHES.
BREASTS SWOLLEN; PAINFUL BEFORE [CALC. C.; CON.; PULS.] and better on appearance of menses.
Mastitis; WORSE, LEAST JAR.
HELPS TO DRY UP MILK.
Sinking at epigastrium.
Sexual organs easily excited. Backache; spine very sensitive to touch or pressure. [1]
Male Sexual Organs:
Sexual desire quite marked.
Chancre on prepuce, left side of frenum; penis greatly swollen; chancre like a cauliflower excrescence, red, smooth, and glistening, granulating rapidly from center to circumference.
Gonorrheal pains, intermittent, in front, middle, or posterior part of urethra; when the gonorrhea is amel., catarrh set in.
Large chancre on dorsum of penis, with a fungoid bacteric mass covering whole of corona glandis, which was at first of a glossy, shining white appearance, and later covered with a fungus, looking like fully developed aphthae, edges of swollen prepuce covered with nodosities and itching.
Penis enormously swollen, and a chancre on glans like a cauliflower excrescence, over half an inch in diameter; it was red, smooth and glistening; no pain in a week there appeared two small chancres, deep, sharp edges, clean and with same shining appearance. [8]
Respiratory System of Lac Caninum:
Very labored breathing, couldn’t lie down flat.
Lungs feel as though fastened to chest.
Profuse, sticky, tough, white mucus in masses, with coryza. [9]
Heart & Pulse of Lac Caninum:
Coldness in precordial region, in blood.
Heart beats rapidly from slight causes.
Pulse rapid, quick.
Full right pulse, small on the left.
Palpitations of heart, irregular, causing shortness of breath.
Violent palpitations when lying on left side, better turning on right.
Pains when going up and down stairs.[9]
Neck & Back of Lac Caninum:
Neck stiff.
Sharp neuralgic pain under right scapula.
Lameness and cutting pain under left scapula, agg. turning in bed.
Sharp, cutting pain under left scapula, shooting forwards through lung.
Backache nearly all day between scapulae, agg. after becoming warm, somewhat amel. by leaning back.
Spine aches from base of brain to coccyx (pharyngitis) Pain in back of neck.
Stiffness and soreness of the muscles of the neck.
Paralysis of muscles of the neck, causing head to fall forwards so that it rests on upper part of sternum.
Heat, pain and beating in small of back. [8]
Extremities of Lac Caninum:
Dropsy from kidney or heart diseases. [1]
Skin of Lac Caninum:
Sensation as if cold air were blowing on her even while covered up; as if the sheets were damp.
The Lac-c. patient is imaginative and sensitive to pain and her surroundings, hyperaesthesia and touchiness. [1]
Sleep of Lac Caninum:
Extreme and protracted suffering from loss of sleep (Cocculus).
Dreams often that she is urinating; wakes to find herself on the point of doing so.
Fever of Lac Caninum:
Chilly feeling lasting all day.
Internal chilliness with external warmth
Fever and chills for a few days, and up and down every few hours.
Intense fever on waking in morning, with perspiration.
Dry hot skin (Diphtheria).
Exhausting sweats, after sleep.
Perspired considerably through night, sweat having a rank smell (acute rheumatism). [5]
Characteristic
Important characteristic features of Lac Caninum
Keynotes / Redline:
Changeability of sides (R) to (L) back again or reverse.
Hypersensitivity, cannot bear slightest touch especially of sexual organs. Cannot bear one part of body to touch another.
Very forgetful and absentminded makes purchases and walks away without taking them.
Hopeless, despondent. [7]
Guiding:
Symptoms alternate sides, from right to left, and then back again or reverse especially diphtheria, tonsillitis, and in pains.
It dries up milk in woman who cannot breast feed the baby (Asaf).
Sore throats and cough are apt to begin and end with menstruation.
Faintness in stomach – sinking at epigastrium. Very hungry, as hungry after eating as before.
Discharge of flatus from vagina. [7]
PQRS:
Changeability of sides; right to left, back again or reverse
Hypersensitivity, cannot bear slightest touch, especially of sexual organs
Cannot bear one part of body to touch another
Very forgetful and absentminded; makes purchases and walks away
without taking them
Hopeless, despondent [4]
Confirmatory:
Symptoms constantly flying from one part to another.
Hypersensitiveness of parts -cannot bear one part of her body to touch another, must keep her fingers apart.
If Diphtheria be in the neighbourhood, as a prophylactic give Lac Can, one dose for three nights in succession. [7]
Nucleus symptoms:
Suited to nervous, very restless and highly sensitive persons.
Erratic sensation as to sides, symptoms change from side to side every few hours or days (Kali-bi, Puls, Cub).
Silvery shiny deposits.
Dreams, delusions, imaginations.
Foetidness.
Exudative tendency. [7]
Therapeutic Value
Therapeutic Value:
Arthritis, Chancre, Diphtheria, Ichthyosis, Leucorrhoea, Rheumatism, Sciatica, Sore throat, Syphilis, Varicose veins, Warts. [4]
Modality
Modality
Aggravation:
Morning of one day and evening of the next, from cold, mercury, jar, coughing, sneezing, night, cold air. [4]
Amelioration:
From cold, cold drinks, from nosebleed, mental symptoms. [4]
Remedy Relationship
Complimentary:
Lachesis, Sepia, Acidum Nitricum [1]
Follows Well:
Belladonna, Calcarea Carbonica [1]
Antidoted By:
Lachesis
Coffea Cruda
Nux Vomica [1]
Comparison:
Illusion of a mouse running from under her chair: Aeth, Cimic, Lac-c.
Deficient secretion or suppression of milk in nursing women: Asaf, Lac-c, Lac-d, Agn.
Imagines he is hovering in the air like a spirit: Asar, Lac-c, Valer.
Diphtheria from the onset tends to malignancy: Diph, Lac-c, Merc-cy.
Great prostration in epidemic influenza: Eup-per, Lac-c.
Breasts swollen, nipples painful and tender: Con, Helon, Lac-c. [4]
Dose
Doses
Dose:
30 and highest potencies. [4]
Potency:
It generally acts best in a single dose of high potency. [4]
Duration of Action:
40 days [4]
Terminology
Terminologies:
A
Active Principles: In homeopathy, this refers not to chemical compounds but to the dynamic, medicinal energy of the source substance that is unlocked through the process of potentization.
Aggravation: The worsening of symptoms. Modalities list what makes a patient’s condition worse (e.g., "Aggravation: from cold, jar, night").
Amelioration: The improvement of symptoms. Modalities list what makes a patient feel better (e.g., "Amelioration: from cold drinks").
Antidoted By: Refers to a remedy that can neutralize or counteract the effects of Lac Caninum, either due to an adverse reaction or to clear the way for a new remedy.
C
Causation (Ailments from): The specific trigger, event, or underlying cause that brought on the illness (e.g., "Ailments from: result of fall, diphtheria").
Chancre: A specific type of painless ulcer, often associated with primary syphilis, listed as a clinical condition Lac Caninum can treat.
Characteristic Symptoms: The combination of symptoms (Keynotes, PQRS, Guiding) that are unique to a remedy and strongly indicate its use.
Clinical Conditions: The named diseases and medical conditions for which Lac Caninum has been found effective (e.g., "Diphtheria, Rheumatism, Sciatica").
Complimentary: A remedy that works well after Lac Caninum to continue or complete the healing process.
Confirmatory Symptoms: Key symptoms that, when present, strongly confirm the choice of Lac Caninum.
Constitution: The overall physical build, mental state, and inherent health tendencies of a person. Lac Caninum is suited to a "nervous, restless, highly sensitive" constitution.
Coryza: The medical term for inflammation of the nasal passages, resulting in a runny nose and related symptoms.
D
Diathesis: An inherited or constitutional predisposition to a specific type of disease. A "Syphilitic diathesis" suggests a tendency towards destructive, ulcerative conditions.
Doctrine of Signature: An ancient theory that a substance’s physical appearance or nature (e.g., the dependent nature of a dog) provides clues to its medicinal use.
Dose / Potency: "Dose" is the administration of the remedy. "Potency" (e.g., 30C) refers to the level of dilution and succussion (shaking), indicating its strength.
Duration of Action: The estimated length of time a single dose of the remedy will continue to have an effect on the body.
F
Follows Well: Refers to a remedy that can be prescribed effectively after Lac Caninum has completed its primary action.
G
Guiding Symptoms: The most reliable and characteristic symptoms that point clearly to the selection of Lac Caninum.
H
Habit and Habitat: Describes the source of the remedy (the dog) and its natural environment or behavior.
Hyperæsthesia: An extreme or excessive sensitivity of the skin or sense organs to stimuli like touch or jarring.
K
Keynotes / Redline: The most prominent, unique, and characteristic symptoms that are hallmarks of the remedy, such as "Alternating Sides."
M
Materia Medica: The body of literature that details the symptoms and therapeutic applications of homeopathic remedies. The article you provided is a materia medica entry.
Miasm: A fundamental concept in homeopathy referring to a deep-seated, inherited, or acquired predisposition to chronic disease. The article mentions "Psora" and "Syphilitic diathesis."
Modality: The specific conditions, times, or circumstances that make a person’s symptoms better (amelioration) or worse (aggravation).
N
Nucleus Symptoms: The core, essential symptoms that represent the very essence of the remedy’s character.
P
Pathogenesis / Physiological Action: The description of how a remedy affects the body, based on the symptoms it produced during provings on healthy individuals.
Pharmacodynamics: The study of how a medicine affects the body.7 In this context, it refers to Lac Caninum’s main "sites of action."
Phlegmatic: A calm, slow, and stolid temperament.
PQRS Symptoms: An acronym for Peculiar, Queer, Rare, and Strange symptoms. These are unique, individualizing symptoms highly valued in homeopathic prescribing.
Potentization: The homeopathic process of serial dilution and succussion (vigorous shaking) used to prepare a remedy.
Prover: A healthy volunteer who takes a substance during a homeopathic trial (a "proving") to document the symptoms it produces.
S
Sarcode: A class of homeopathic remedies made from healthy animal tissues or secretions.9 Lac Caninum, made from milk, is a sarcode.
Syphilitic Diathesis: See "Diathesis."
T
Temperament: The natural emotional and behavioral disposition of a person.
Therapeutic Value: The range of clinical conditions and diseases that a remedy is known to treat effectively.
Trituration: The process of grinding an insoluble substance with a neutral powder like lactose (milk sugar) as the first step in creating a homeopathic remedy.
Reference
References:
- Boericke, William; Materia Medica with Repertory.
- Kent, James Tyler; Lectures on Homoeopathic Materia Medica.
- Allen, H.C.; Keynotes and Characteristics with Comparisons of Some of the Leading Remedies of the Materia Medica
- Textbook of homoeopathic materia medica by Dr. J. D. Patil
- A Dictionary of Practical Materia Medica by J.H. Clarke
- Lectures on Homoeopathic Materia Medica by James Tyler Kent
- Zomeo
- Keynotes With Nosodes By Allen H.C.
- Nature’s Materia Medica By Robin Murphy, Md
Also Search As
Also Search As:
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For a broad understanding of the remedy, one would search for its complete profile using terms like:
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Homeopathic remedy Lac Caninum
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A practitioner or student looking to match symptoms would use very specific keywords drawn from the remedy’s unique characteristics:
For the keynote: homeopathic remedy for alternating sides or erratic wandering pains homeopathy
For throat issues: remedy for shiny glazed throat
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For female health: painful swollen breasts before menses homeopathy
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What is Lac Caninum made from
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For Clinical Application and Case Management
Practitioners searching for how to use the remedy in a case would use terms related to its relationships and modalities:
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To Compare with Other Remedies
When differentiating between similar medicines, searches would be comparative:
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Many people search by asking direct questions as if speaking to an expert:
What is Lac Caninum used for in homeopathy?
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For a General Profile
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For Specific Symptoms
When trying to match a patient’s symptoms, practitioners and students use very specific and unique keywords associated with the remedy:
For its main characteristic: homeopathic remedy for alternating sides or wandering pains homeopathy.
For throat issues: remedy for shiny glazed throat.
For the mental state: homeopathy fear of snakes, remedy for feeling worthless, or forgetful makes purchases and leaves them.
For female health: painful swollen breasts before menses homeopathy.
For Clinical Application
To understand how to use it in practice, searches focus on its relationships with other remedies and its specific conditions of improvement or worsening:
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Students often look for learning aids with terms like:
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For Background and Source Information
To learn about its origin, users search:
What is Lac Caninum made from
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What is the main keynote of Lac Caninum?
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the homeopathic remedy Lac Caninum made from?
Potentized Dog’s Milk
Lac Caninum is a homeopathic remedy prepared from the potentized milk of a female dog (Canis familiaris). The process of potentization involves serial dilution and vigorous shaking (succussion), which homeopaths believe makes the substance safe and activates its medicinal properties.
What is Lac Caninum primarily used for in homeopathy?
Primary Uses: Alternating Conditions and Throat Ailments
Lac Caninum is most famously used for conditions where symptoms alternate sides of the body. It is frequently indicated for severe sore throats (tonsillitis, pharyngitis), headaches, and shifting rheumatic pains. It also addresses deep emotional states, including anxiety and low self-esteem.
What is the most characteristic symptom of Lac Caninum?
Keynote Symptom: Wandering and Alternating Sides
The most well-known keynote symptom of Lac Caninum is the wandering or alternating nature of its symptoms. For example, a sore throat will begin on the left side and then move to the right, or a headache will shift from one side to the other. This erratic, side-to-side pattern is a strong indicator for the remedy.
How does the source of Lac Caninum (dog's milk) relate to its use?
Doctrine of Signatures: Reflecting the Dog’s Nature
According to the "Doctrine of Signatures," the remedy’s uses reflect the nature of its source. Themes associated with dogs—such as pack hierarchy, a desire to please, feelings of being dominated, and a fear of being alone or abandoned—are central to the mental and emotional symptom picture of a person who needs Lac Caninum.
What mental and emotional symptoms does Lac Caninum address?
Mental Picture: Low Self-Worth and Anxiety
Lac Caninum is a key remedy for deep feelings of worthlessness, self-loathing, and low self-esteem. The person may feel they are despised or "less than human." It also addresses significant anxiety, a lack of confidence, and many fears, particularly the fear of being alone, of snakes, or of disease.
Are there other key physical symptoms for Lac Caninum?
Other Physical Symptoms: Breast Tenderness and Cravings
Yes, beyond alternating pains, Lac Caninum is a prominent remedy for painful, swollen breasts, especially before menstruation. Patients may also have a strong craving for salt or spicy food and an aversion to milk. The throat is often described as shiny, glazed, and red.
How does Lac Caninum differ from Lachesis?
Remedy Comparison: Lac Caninum vs. Lachesis
Both remedies have left-sided symptoms and throat affinity. However, Lac Caninum’s symptoms famously alternate sides, while Lachesis symptoms typically stay on the left or move from left to right. Lachesis patients feel worse after sleep and cannot bear constriction around the neck, which is less characteristic of Lac Caninum.
Can Lac Caninum be used for children?
Use in Children: Behavioral and Acute Conditions
Yes, Lac Caninum can be very useful for children. It may be indicated for children who have low self-esteem, are subject to bullying, or exhibit sudden rage or temper tantrums. It is also frequently used for children’s acute sore throats, especially when the pain and swelling alternate sides.
What potencies is Lac Caninum commonly used in?
Common Potencies: A Wide Range
Lac Caninum is used across a wide range of potencies. Lower potencies like 6C or 30C may be used for more localized physical ailments like sore throats. Higher potencies like 200C, 1M, or higher are often reserved for treating deep-seated chronic conditions and strong mental/emotional symptoms. The choice depends on the individual case and practitioner’s assessment.
Is Lac Caninum considered safe?
Safety Profile: High Dilution and Professional Guidance
Yes, Lac Caninum is considered safe. Due to the high dilution process used in homeopathy, there is no chemical toxicity from the original substance. However, for the best results and to ensure the remedy is appropriate for your specific symptoms, it is always recommended to consult with a qualified homeopathic practitioner.