Secale Cornutum is a homeopathic remedy prepared from ergot of rye, a fungus that grows on rye grain. In homeopathic practice it is traditionally associated with the circulation — burning pains that feel better from cold, tingling and numbness in the extremities, and passive, oozing types of bleeding.
This page covers Secale's source, its classic homeopathic indications, the characteristic picture, and the forms and potencies you may find.
The short version: Secale Cornutum is the ergot remedy traditionally linked to burning pains that want cold, and to poor circulation in the extremities.
What is Secale Cornutum and where does it come from?
Secale is prepared from ergot (Claviceps purpurea), a fungus that infects rye and other grains. In its crude form ergot is toxic and powerfully affects the blood vessels, which is why it is used only homeopathically — diluted and succussed until no material dose remains. Its historic effects on circulation shaped the remedy's traditional picture.
What is Secale traditionally used for in homeopathy?
Secale's picture centres on the circulation and the extremities. It is associated with:
- Burning pains that are, unusually, relieved by cold and worse from heat and covering.
- Cold, pale or bluish hands and feet with poor circulation.
- Tingling, crawling and numbness in the limbs.
- Passive, dark, oozing bleeding in classic descriptions.
- Cramping and a sense of contraction.
Who reaches for Secale? The typical picture
The Secale picture is a paradoxical one: the person feels burning heat internally yet is cold to the touch, and craves being uncovered and cool. Complaints are strongly worse from warmth and covering and better in the open air and from cold. There is often a withered, run-down quality with poor peripheral circulation.
What forms and potencies does Secale come in?
Secale Cornutum is available as pillules, tablets and liquid drops, and is commonly used in low potencies such as 6C or 30C. You can browse single remedies and combinations across the full United Remedies range. Follow the pack directions or practitioner advice.
Common questions
What is Secale Cornutum used for in homeopathy?
It is traditionally associated with burning pains that are relieved by cold, poor circulation in the extremities, tingling and numbness, and passive bleeding. It is not a treatment or cure for any disease.
Why does Secale come from ergot?
Ergot is a fungus of rye that strongly affects blood vessels in its crude form. Homeopathy uses it in highly diluted, succussed form, so the finished remedy does not contain a material dose.
What is the keynote of Secale?
Burning pains that feel better from cold and worse from heat and covering, in a person who is cold to the touch yet wants to be uncovered.
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.