Pulsatilla is a homeopathic remedy made from the wind flower, a small purple pasque flower. In homeopathic practice it is traditionally associated with changeable, shifting symptoms, a gentle and weepy temperament that craves comfort and company, thick bland discharges, and a marked feeling of being better in fresh open air.
This page looks at the plant Pulsatilla comes from, its classic homeopathic indications, the well-known characteristic picture, and the forms and potencies it is found in.
The short version: A wind-flower remedy traditionally linked with changeable symptoms and a gentle, tearful nature that feels better in fresh air and company.
What is Pulsatilla and where does it come from?
The remedy is prepared from Pulsatilla pratensis (also known as Pulsatilla nigricans), the wind flower or pasque flower, a low-growing plant with nodding purple blooms found across Europe. The whole fresh flowering plant is used to make the mother tincture, which is then potentised through dilution and succussion into the finished remedy.
What is Pulsatilla traditionally used for in homeopathy?
Pulsatilla is one of the best-known polychrest remedies, and its keynote is changeability. Traditional associations include:
- Changeable, shifting symptoms that move from place to place and vary hour to hour.
- A gentle, weepy, affectionate temperament that is easily consoled and craves comfort.
- Thick, bland, yellow-green discharges that are not especially irritating.
- A strong desire for fresh open air, feeling worse in warm stuffy rooms.
- Little thirst despite dryness, in the classic picture.
Who typically reaches for Pulsatilla?
The classic Pulsatilla picture is mild, yielding and tender-hearted, someone who tears up easily, wants reassurance and feels comforted by company and sympathy. Symptoms wander and change, warmth and stuffy rooms make things worse, and gentle movement in cool fresh air brings relief. Thirst is usually low. The overall impression is soft, changeable and affectionate, wanting closeness when unwell.
Your natural toolkit — and which to reach for
You'll find Pulsatilla in remedies such as the pick below.
Pulsatilla Compositum - Ampoules — reach for this if you want a combination presentation that features Pulsatilla.
Featured products
Explore the full United Remedies range — blending homeopathy from Heel, Guna and Sanum with Weleda’s plant-based topicals and Zooki’s liposomal supplements.
What forms and potencies does it come in?
Pulsatilla is widely available as tablets, pillules, liquid drops and in combination remedies. For general self-care it is commonly used in low potencies such as 6C or 30C, while higher potencies are usually chosen with a practitioner's guidance.
Common questions
What is Pulsatilla used for in homeopathy?
It is traditionally associated with changeable, shifting symptoms, a gentle and weepy temperament that craves company, thick bland discharges and feeling better in fresh air.
What plant is Pulsatilla made from?
It is prepared from the wind flower or pasque flower, Pulsatilla pratensis, also known as Pulsatilla nigricans.
What potency of Pulsatilla is commonly used?
Low potencies such as 6C or 30C are common for self-care; higher potencies are usually chosen with professional guidance.
Note: This page is for general education and is not medical advice. Homeopathic remedies are used within a tradition of self-care and are not a substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment. If symptoms are severe, persistent or worsening, please speak to a qualified health professional.