Lachesis

The venom of the South American bushmaster, a major homoeopathic remedy traditionally linked with hot flushes, left-sided complaints and dislike of tight clothing.

Lachesis is prepared from the venom of the bushmaster, Lachesis muta, the longest venomous snake of the Americas, found in the rainforests of Central and South America. Constantine Hering, a founder of American homoeopathy, first prepared the remedy in the 1820s. The raw venom is deadly; homoeopathy uses it only in specially prepared form.

Homoeopaths traditionally associate it with complaints that start on the left side or move from left to right, such as sore throats. It is known for hot flushes around the menopause, a strong dislike of tight collars and waistbands, purplish, blotchy skin and a lively, talkative manner. Complaints are often worse after sleep.

• Hot flushes
• Left-sided sore throat
• Dislike of tight clothing
• Purplish, blotchy skin
• Worse after sleep