Secale Cornutum Homeopathy: Uses and Benefits

Educational information on traditional homeopathic use only. Not medical advice.

Secale cornutum is a homeopathic remedy made from ergot, a fungus that grows on rye. In homeopathic tradition it is associated with the circulation of the hands and feet: burning pains that feel better for cold, tingling and numbness in the limbs, and cold extremities. It is used only in highly diluted form and as part of self-care, and circulation problems should always be checked by a doctor.

Buy Aesculus Compositum DropsBuy Circulo-Injeel AmpoulesBuy Discus Compositum N

Secale cornutum at a glance

• Common name: ergot of rye.
• Source: Claviceps purpurea, a fungus of rye and other grains. It is toxic in crude form, which is why it is used only homeopathically.
• Potencies you will see: 6C and 30C pillules are the usual low potencies; D-potencies appear in drops and ampoules.
• Who uses it: home users and practitioners who follow its burning, cold-extremity picture.

What is Secale cornutum traditionally used for?

Secale has a paradoxical picture in classical homeopathy. Traditional associations include:

• burning pains that, unusually, feel better for cold and worse for heat and covering;
• cold, pale or bluish hands and feet;
• tingling, crawling and numbness in the limbs;
• cramping and a sense of contraction;
• passive, dark, oozing types of bleeding in old descriptions.

The person described is cold to the touch yet feels inwardly hot, wants to be uncovered, and is better in the open air. These are descriptions from the traditional literature, not a claim that any product will treat a circulatory condition.

30C vs 200C: which potency?

In the homeopathic tradition 6C and 30C are the usual choices for self-care. 200C is a higher potency, and because Secale is a remedy with a strong historic picture, it is usually chosen with the guidance of an experienced homeopath. The products we stock use the decimal scale: Circulo-Injeel lists Secale cornutum at D6, D10, D30 and D200 in one ampoule, while Aesculus Compositum lists it at D3 and Discus Compositum ampoules at D6.

Traditional dosage as printed on our product pages

• Aesculus Compositum Drops: in general 10 drops 3 times daily; in acute disorders initially 10 drops every 15 minutes, over a period lasting up to two hours.
• Circulo-Injeel Ampoules: supplied as 1.1 ml ampoules, taken by mouth directly or in water. A general guideline is the contents of one ampoule 1 to 3 times weekly, or more frequently in acute situations, or as directed. Other methods of use, including injection (i.m., s.c., i.d., i.v.), are for trained individuals, e.g. practitioners.
• Discus Compositum N: drops, 10 drops 3 times daily (in acute disorders 10 drops every 15 minutes for up to two hours); ampoules, 1 ampoule 1 to 3 times weekly, or as directed. Secale appears in the ampoule formula.

Products we stock that contain Secale cornutum

• Aesculus Compositum Drops (Heel): Aesculus D1 with Secale cornutum D3, Viscum, Tabacum, Arnica and many others. Contains 35% alcohol.
• Circulo-Injeel Ampoules (Heel): Secale cornutum D6 to D200 with Tabacum, Curare, Argentum metallicum, Arsenicum album and others. The page lists peripheral circulation and tingling or numbness of the extremities as its traditional area.
• Discus Compositum N (Heel): the ampoule formula includes Secale cornutum D6 among many ingredients.

We do not currently stock a single-remedy Secale pillule.

Who should avoid it?

Read each label. Circulo-Injeel contains an iodine-containing ingredient (Barium iodatum), and the page says that in thyroid disorder with reduced iodine tolerance it should be used only on a physician's advice. The drops contain alcohol, and the Aesculus Compositum page notes reactions seen with Echinacea-containing medicines, so check for allergy to plants of the daisy family. Because ergot has a strong historic effect on blood vessels and the womb, ask a qualified practitioner before any use in pregnancy or breast-feeding, and for children. Cold, blue or painful fingers and toes, sudden numbness, leg pain on walking, or any chest pain need a doctor.

How is Secale different from similar remedies?

Homeopaths compare Secale with Arsenicum album, since both have burning pains. In classical texts Arsenicum burning is relieved by warmth, while Secale burning is relieved by cold. Tabacum, which sits beside Secale in circulation formulas, is linked with nausea, pallor and cold sweat, and Aesculus with a congested, heavy feeling in the veins. These are teaching comparisons used by homeopaths, not diagnostic tests.

Frequently asked questions

What is Secale cornutum used for in homeopathy?

Secale cornutum is traditionally associated with burning pains that feel better for cold, cold and tingling hands and feet, and numbness in the limbs. It is used within self-care and is not a treatment for any diagnosed condition.

What are the uses of Secale cornutum homeopathy?

Traditional homeopathic uses centre on the circulation of the extremities, burning pains that want cold, tingling and cramping. See a doctor for serious or lasting symptoms.

What is Secale cornutum made from?

It is made from ergot, the fungus Claviceps purpurea that grows on rye. The crude fungus is toxic, so homeopathy uses it only in highly diluted preparations.

Which potency of Secale is typical, 30C or 200C?

Low potencies such as 6C and 30C are the usual choice for home use, and 200C is generally chosen with the guidance of a homeopath.

Which products we stock contain Secale cornutum?

Aesculus Compositum Drops, Circulo-Injeel Ampoules and Discus Compositum N (ampoules) list Secale cornutum. We do not stock a single-remedy Secale.

Is Secale safe in pregnancy?

Ask your practitioner first. Ergot has a strong historic effect on blood vessels and the womb, and homeopathic remedies are not a substitute for medical care.

Keep reading

• High Blood Pressure: Homeopathic Remedies
• Pain: Top 7 Homeopathic Remedies
• Neuralgia and Nerve Pain: Homeopathic Remedies
• Arthritis (Degenerative or Osteoarthritis): Homeopathic Remedies
• Top 10 Remedies to Keep at Home

Browse more

• Heel Injeel range
• Heel Compositums
• Heel products

Homeopathic medicines are not a substitute for medical care.