Pulsatilla
ulsatilla is a potent low-dose nervine used for acute anxiety, panic, insomnia, menstrual distress, and vascular tension states. It benefits highly sensitive, easily overwhelmed individuals with nervous exhaustion, circulatory weakness, spasmodic cough, or hormonally influenced mood symptoms. Its actions are strong and must be used with great care.
Anemos (Greek) means “wind,” referencing the plant’s early spring bloom in windy habitats. Pulsatilla derives from pulsare, “to beat,” referring to the wind whipping the feathery seeds.
Pulsatilla supports extremely nervous, sensitive individuals prone to anxiety, panic attacks, insomnia, PTSD, hypervigilance, OCD, and fear-associated sleep disturbance. It eases anxiety driven by adrenaline surges, hyperthyroidism, or stimulant drug use. Pulsatilla benefits weak circulation marked by pallor, cold clammy hands, trembling, and a feeble, thready pulse. It is helpful for severe PMS, irritability, ovarian pain, menstrual cramping, or stress-related amenorrhea.It supports sexual function in cases of nervous impotence or premature ejaculation related to autonomic overactivity. As a vasodilator it aids one-sided throbbing migraines, especially when taken early, and reduces tension headaches with restlessness or racing thoughts. Pulsatilla helps spasmodic coughs, asthma, whooping cough, and dry bronchitis, though safer herbs are typically preferred for long-term respiratory care.
Romans used Pulsatilla as a charm against fever. In earlier medical traditions it was prescribed for hysteria, melancholia, and later recognized as beneficial for premenstrual mood imbalance. Eclectic physician Finley Ellingwood used it to enhance cerebral function, tone the sympathetic nervous system, and support nervous exhaustion. Historically it was poulticed to neutralize venom, and smoke from the plant was inhaled to address colds and lung complaints.
A perennial herb with silky, silver-haired stems and leaves forming soft basal tufts. Plants grow 15–40 cm tall from a short rhizome. Basal leaves emerge after flowering and are deeply divided, narrow, and softly pubescent. Nodding buds open to large violet or purple flowers with 5–7 silky tepals and many yellow stamens. After flowering, the plant forms a distinctive feathery seed head: numerous achenes tipped with long, plumose styles.
Pulsatilla is a low-dose herb (no more than 15 drops per dose). Avoid in individuals with bradycardia or low blood pressure, and avoid combining with parasympathomimetic medications. Contraindicated in pregnancy and lactation. Fresh plant is an irritant and can blister skin.
Tincture: Fresh leaves or aerial parts 1:2–1:3, 70–90% alcohol.Take 3–15 drops up to four times daily.
Christina Sinadinos, David Hoffman, Bryan Bowen, all relevant CHSHS lectures.