Xanthoxylum fraxineum

Xanthoxylum fraxineum is a small deciduous tree native to North America. Its bark, berries, and roots are used in herbal medicine, particularly for stimulating circulation and the nervous system. In homeopathy, the bark of the fresh root is tinctured to create the remedy, which is especially suited for uterine and nervous system complaints, particularly dysmenorrhoea, spasmodic pains, and nervous exhaustion.

Traditionally used in herbalism as a circulatory stimulant, digestive aid, and nerve tonic. Applied topically for toothaches and internally for rheumatism, neuralgia, and sluggish digestion

Proved by Dr. E.M. Hale and later confirmed by others in the American homeopathic tradition. Not extensively proved in Europe, but widely used in gynaecological and circulatory cases based on clinical observation.

• Uterus and female reproductive organs – intense action on uterine muscles, nerves, and blood vessels
• Nervous system – especially spinal cord and peripheral nerves
• Blood vessels – vasomotor system; remedy increases blood flow and affects vascular tone
• Mucous membranes – irritation and dryness
• Pelvis and lower back – pain, tension, and neuralgia in lumbosacral and pelvic regions

• Pressure on painful parts
• Rest in horizontal position
• Lying on abdomen
• Menstrual flow commencing
• Heat, warm applications
• Continued gentle movement

• Cold air or exposure
• Beginning of menstruation
• Before flow starts
• Standing or walking
• Sexual excitement
• Nervous strain or overexertion

• Cimicifuga – Neuralgic dysmenorrhoea with mental symptoms; more uterine sinking and gloominess
• Magnesia phosphorica – Spasmodic pains better by heat and pressure; lacks vascular symptoms
• Pulsatilla – Irregular menses with emotional gentleness; Xanth. is more vascular and burning
• Belladonna – Sudden violent pains with throbbing heat and congestion; Xanth. more cramping and less acute
• Caulophyllum – Useful in uterine atony and labour pains; Xanth. better suited for nerve irritation with vascular overactivity

• Complementary: Magnesia phos., Caulophyllum
• Follows well: Belladonna, Aconite
• Antidotes: Camphora
• Inimical: Sepia (in highly sensitive patients)

Xanthoxylum fraxineum is the remedy of vascular-nervous equilibrium disrupted. Its essence lies in the neuralgic woman—highly sensitive, painfully reactive, and intensely congested, particularly in the uterus and spine. It is the remedy of pre-menstrual and neuralgic suffering, where cramps, flushes, and tremors reflect an overwhelmed neurovascular system. The pains are as much nervous as they are muscular. A classic choice in dysmenorrhoea of highly strung women, especially when the flow has not yet begun and all symptoms are worse.

• Key remedy in neuralgic dysmenorrhoea, especially with spinal sensitivity
• Valuable in spinal irritation in women with uterine complaints
• Use in menstrual headaches, when pains are vascular and shooting
• Particularly suited for young, nervous, irritable girls during puberty
• Use in low to medium potencies (6C to 30C) for acute pain; 200C reserved for constitutional cases

Female

• Menses, painful before flow
• Dysmenorrhoea, neuralgic
• Uterus, pain, burning
• Leucorrhoea, acrid, yellow

Back

• Pain, lumbosacral
• Spinal irritation, sensitive
• Pain, extending to thighs

Generalities

• Neuralgia, burning, shooting
• Worse cold air
• Better pressure

Extremities

• Numbness, lower limbs
• Cramps, calves
• Tingling, feet

Mind

• Irritability, before menses
• Restlessness, nervous
• Anxiety, during pain

• E.M. Hale – New Remedies: Original proving and primary clinical documentation on uterine neuralgia
• William Boericke – Pocket Manual of Homoeopathic Materia Medica: Condensed overview of gynaecological and neuralgic uses
• John Henry Clarke – Dictionary of Practical Materia Medica: Confirmed symptoms related to spinal irritation and vascular action
• T.F. Allen – Encyclopedia of Pure Materia Medica: Contributed proving symptoms on uterine and nervous system involvement
• C. Hering – Guiding Symptoms of Our Materia Medica: Validated modalities and mental state