The correct botanical and homeopathic name is Phytolacca — commonly known as Poke Root or Pokeberry.
- Scientific Name: Phytolacca americana
- Family: Phytolaccaceae
- Common Names: Poke root, Pokeweed, Pigeonberry, Inkberry
- Used Part in Homeopathy: Root (not the berry — although berries are visually distinctive)
🚫 The berries and raw root are toxic — ingestion can cause severe vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions, and even death. In homeopathy, it is used in potentized (highly diluted) form and is safe when used appropriately.
🧪 What Does “0” Mean?
In homeopathy, “0” is not a valid potency.
Homeopathic potencies follow specific dilution scales:
- Decimal (X or D): 1X, 2X, 3X, etc. (1:10 dilution)
- Centesimal (C): 6C, 30C, 200C, etc. (1:100 dilution)
- LM (Q): LM1, LM2, etc. (1:50,000 dilution)
- Mother Tincture: Labeled as “Ø” (Theta) — a symbol, not the number zero.
✅ So if you saw “Phytolacca Ø”, that would mean Phytolacca Mother Tincture — the undiluted extract used to make homeopathic remedies.
❌ But “Phytolacca berry 0” is likely a misunderstanding or mislabeling.
💊 Homeopathic Use of Phytolacca
✅ Key Indications:
1. Sore Throat & Tonsillitis
- Dark red, swollen tonsils, feels “raw.”
- Pain radiates to ears on swallowing.
- Worse from warmth, better from cold drinks (unusual — most sore throats feel better with warmth).
- Glands swollen and tender.
2. Mastitis & Breast Complaints
- Breasts swollen, hard, painful — especially during nursing.
- Pain extends to shoulders or whole body.
- Milk may be suppressed or cause child to vomit.
3. Rheumatic or Glandular Swellings
- Swollen lymph nodes, especially cervical or axillary.
- Rheumatic pains that shift from place to place.
4. Ulcers or Infections with Dark Red/Purplish Hue
- Tissues look dark, angry, inflamed.
🧍♀️ Modalities
- Worse: Warmth, at night, from motion.
- Better: Cold applications, cold drinks, rest.
🧠 Mental/Emotional Profile (Less prominent than physical symptoms)
- Irritable, restless.
- Feels worse from slightest movement.
- May feel “toxic” or poisoned.
💉 Common Potencies
- Phytolacca 6C or 30C: For acute sore throats or mastitis — every 2–4 hours.
- Phytolacca Ø (Mother Tincture): Sometimes used externally (diluted) for topical applications (e.g., gargle for sore throat — only under guidance, due to toxicity risk).
⚠️ Never ingest mother tincture unless under supervision of a qualified practitioner.
🆚 Differentiation
| Condition | Vs Others |
|---|---|
| Sore Throat | Belladonna: Sudden, bright red, high fever.Mercurius: Ulcerated, foul breath, drooling.Phytolacca: Dark red, ear pain, worse warm. |
| Mastitis | Belladonna: Early stage, red, hot, throbbing.Phytolacca: Hard, purple, pain to shoulders.Bryonia: Worse slightest motion, stitching pain. |
📌 Mnemonic
“Phytolacca = Poke Root for Purple Pain — throat, breast, glands — worse warm, better cold.”
✅ Summary
There is no such thing as “Phylolacca berry 0” — it’s likely meant to be:
Phytolacca Ø (Mother Tincture) — derived from the root, not the berry — and used cautiously for sore throat, mastitis, or glandular swellings.
🛑 Safety Reminder:
- Never use raw poke root or berries — highly toxic.
- Homeopathic preparations (6C, 30C, etc.) are safe.
- Mother tincture (Ø) should only be used under professional guidance.