Ignatia Amara

Natural Health, April, 1999 by Kirsten Whatley

THIS HOMEOPATHIC REMEDY TREATS SYMPTOMS OF GRIEF AND DEPRESSION.

WHAT IT IS Ignatia amara is a homeopathic remedy derived from the seeds of the St. Ignatius bean (Strychnos ignatii), a tree found in the Philippines and other parts of Southeast Asia.

HEALING CLAIMS Ignatia, sometimes referred to as "homeopathic Prozac," treats acute stages of grief, most often resulting from a sudden loss, abuse, romantic disappointment, or emotional trauma, and the physical ailments that result. These commonly include digestive disorders, mood swings, anxiety, headaches, insomnia, muscle spasms, a lump in the throat, and hemorrhoids.

THE EVIDENCE Ignatia has not yet been subjected to modern scientific trials or research, although it was added to Materia Medica (the equivalent of the Physician's Desk Reference for homeopathic medicine) after a successful "proving" in the early 1800s. (A proving involves giving a particular substance to a number of patients to find out if it has the desired effect.) Both Bernardo Merizalde, M.D., a psychiatrist in Bala Cywnyd, Pa., who has practiced homeopathy for 19 years, and Todd Rowe, M.D., a psychiatrist and homeopath in Phoenix, Ariz., have found Ignatia to be effective in about 80 percent of the patients for whom it's indicated.

HOW IT WORKS The seeds of the St. Ignatius bean tree contain strychnine, which at full strength is highly poisonous. In homeopathic form, however, the active compounds are so dilute that they are safe enough even for children and the elderly. Homeopathic medicine is based on the principle of "like treats like." Homeopaths believe that any substance that causes certain symptoms in a healthy person can, in highly diluted doses, cure those same symptoms in the sick. These very dilute remedies work like vaccinations and allergy shots, prompting the body's immune system to respond. But unlike vaccinations, a homeopathic treatment is not the same for each patient. Homeopathic practitioners study each patient's lifestyle, personal habits, and temperament, in addition to their physical symptoms. They then prescribe remedies that have been individually tailored.

IS IT RIGHT FOR YOU? Ignatia is best for patients who have contradictory symptoms--physical and emotional. You may be full of energy, but always yawning. You may suffer from mood swings. Or your aches and pains may feel better from unexpected things--a sore throat that feels better from eating solid food, for example.

Ignatia best suits nervous, worrisome individuals with issues of insecurity and difficulty coping. And according to Rowe, it treats women better than men.

If your symptoms do not match those above, look into Natrum mur or Staphysagria, two other homeopathic remedies often prescribed for symptoms of grief.

CAVEATS Do not take Ignatia if your grief has continued for more than one week, or if it is very severe and leading you to suicidal thoughts. Ignatia can successfully treat acute conditions (within a week of the experience), but for long-term grief, professional care is recommended. Ignatia, like any antidepressant medication, is not a cure-all. It can relieve the symptoms, but will not fix your problems. And it will not replace the need to grieve, says Rowe. Rather, it will help you accept grieving as normal instead of being devastated by it.

Ignatia's effectiveness may be reduced or even negated in some cases by the homeopathic remedies Coffea, Nux vomica, and Tabacum. However, Ignatia can be safely combined with conventional over-the-counter and prescription medications.

HOW TO TAKE IT Ignatia is commonly available in strengths of 12C or 30C (30C is more potent). Merizalde suggests taking 1 to 2 of the 12C pills, or 1 drop of the 12C liquid, every 2 hours. This can be continued for up to a week. Very sensitive people, such as those with multiple allergies, should dilute 1 pill in 6 ounces of water and take 1 teaspoonful every 2 hours for up to 1 week. If this is an appropriate remedy, you should begin noticing improvement within 12 to 48 hours, and may stop taking it as soon as you feel relief. If symptoms last beyond a week, seek professional care.

Kirsten Whatley is a freelance writer in Soquel, Calif.