Pulsatilla

• Overview
• Uses
• Side Effects
• Precautions
• Dosing

Pulsatilla is a plant. The parts of the plant that grow above the ground are dried and used as medicine.

Pulsatilla is used for painful conditions of the male reproductive system, such as swelling of the testicles (orchitis) or swelling of a structure in the back of the testicles (epididymitis); as well as for painful conditions of the female reproductive system, such as menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea) and painful ovaries (ovaralgia). Pulsatilla is also used for tension headache, hyperactivity, trouble sleeping (insomnia), boils, asthma and other lung diseases, earache, migraines, nerve pain (neuralgia), general restlessness, disorders of the gastrointestinal (GI), and disorders of the urinary tract.

Pulsatilla is applied directly to the skin for boils, bacterial skin infections, and inflammatory diseases of the skin.

How does it work?

Pulsatilla might be able to fight pain, fever, spasms, and bacteria. It also might also have calming effects like a sedative.

Insufficient Evidence to Rate Effectiveness for...

• Conditions of the male or female reproductive system.
• Tension headaches.
• Migraine headaches.
• Hyperactive states.
• Trouble sleeping (insomnia).
• Boils.
• Skin diseases.
• Asthma and other lung diseases.
• Earache.
• Nerve problems.
• General restlessness.
• Digestive tract problems.
• Urinary tract problems.
• Other conditions.

More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of pulsatilla for these uses.

Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate (detailed description of each of the ratings).

Fresh pulsatilla plant is UNSAFE when taken by mouth or applied to the skin. It is a severe irritant anywhere it comes in contact with the body, such as the mouth, throat, digestive tract, urinary tract, and skin. It can also cause allergic reactions. Contact with the skin can cause rash, inflammation, and itching. Inhaling the volatile oil can irritate the nose and eyes.

There isn't enough information about the dried plant to know if it is safe or what the side effects might be.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Pulsatilla is UNSAFE when taken by mouth during pregnancy. Both the fresh plant and the dried plant might cause a miscarriage or birth defects. Applying fresh pulsatilla directly to the skin is also considered UNSAFE. Don't do it. Not enough is known about the safety of applying dried pulsatilla directly to the skin during pregnancy. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

It's UNSAFE to take fresh pulsatilla by mouth or apply it to the skin during breast-feeding. Not enough is known about the safety of the dried plant when taken by mouth or applied to the skin. Don't use it.

The appropriate dose of pulsatilla depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for pulsatilla. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.