Sepia for Hot Flashes: Uses, Side Effects, and Contraindications
Overview
A hot flash is a brief feeling of warmth (lasting about a minute) felt throughout the body that often begins in the neck and head region. Redness of the skin and sweating can also accompany hot flashes. It is one of the common menopause symptoms, although some women who are not yet in the menopause stage may experience hot flashes.
Hot flashes are caused by several factors such as hormonal changes (decline in estrogen levels), as a side effect of some medication, or a result of certain medical conditions that can cause levels of the hormone serotonin to elevate. There are also foods and beverages that can trigger episodes of hot flashes such as caffeinated beverages, spicy foods (pepper, ginger, cayenne), acidic foods (tomato, pickles), and alcoholic drinks.
Sepia for hot flashes is one of the homeopathic remedies that some women resort to as a treatment option. This preparation is made from the dark ink harvested from a cuttlefish. The ink is dried and mixed with milk sugar, and is ingested by the patient. Sepia also comes in over-the-counter preparations, and in several potencies (6x, 12 c, and 30 c). Dosing depends on the severity of the condition, and a doctor should be consulted before taking this medication to prevent serious side effects.
How Sepia Works for Hot Flashes
Sepia is classified as a homeopathic remedy. Homeopathy is a type of alternative medicine in which a patient is given highly diluted substances that usually come in tablet form. When taken by the body, these substances work by triggering the body’s natural healing system. Sepia is used to relieve symptoms of female gynecological complaints. In homeopathy, the chief focuses of sepia are the mind, the mental process and the reproductive organs. Because of the regions that sepia focuses on, this natural substance is effective in treating hormone-related symptoms such as hot flashes, which result from hormonal changes and anger, among some of the other triggering factors.
Sepia is anti-spasmodic and an energy-enhancer as well. That is why women who experience muscle weakness, nausea, and depression while having hot flashes can benefit from sepia.
Administration and Dosage
Sepia is available in tablet form, with several potencies. It is administered orally, and dosing varies depending on the severity of the patient’s condition. Potencies of sepia vary, such as 6x, 12c, and 30 c. Some potencies are taken twice daily for seven days, others are taken every two to four hours for three to five days, while another may be taken once every for hours, which is three times only. Before taking sepia for hot flashes, a homeopathic physician must be consulted first for proper administration and doses.
Side Effects and Contraindications
Most homeopathic remedies are not known to produce side effects, basically because all they do is match with particular symptoms. However, some individuals may encounter aggravations if the medication is not suitable for them. One must also keep in mind that homeopathic remedies are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration, thus there are no scientific studies that can determine whether or not it is safe to use. By talking to someone who have used this medication or by discussing it with a knowledgeable homeopathic physician, one can gain more understanding on the expected side effects, if there are any.
As for interaction with other medication, sepia should not be taken with bryonia or lachesis, as they may have adverse reactions. Some drinks and herbs (coffee and peppermint) may also counteract the effects of some homeopathic remedies.
Resources
Sepia Homeopathic Remedy, https://www.ihealthdirectory.com/sepia-homeopathic-remedy/
Sepia, https://www.healthline.com/galecontent/sepia/2
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons/suzanne88
