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 Lytta vesicatoria
SPANISH FLY, BLISTER BEETLE
Although lethally poisonous,
these beetles can be used safely in homeopathic doses for local irritations
and urinary infections. Chinese and Unani physicians mainly use them
externally to improve circulation.
The deadly potential of the Spanish fly led
to a murder conviction for the Marquis de Sade, who had given Lytta to women because of its reputation as an aphrodisiac.
It is actually a soft-bodied beetle with a shiny green or bluish tint; the lethal dose
for humans is only 0.03 g. Mylabris phalerata is the Chinese equivalent of
blister beetle and is used for similar purposes as Lytta. It has hard yellow and
black wing cases.
PARTS USED
Wing covers of adults, whole beetle.
ACTIVE INGREDIENTS
Cantharidin, a fatty acid.
ACTIONS
Counter-irritant; stimulates blood flow to the skin; causes blistering of the skin.
MEDICINAL USE
Because they contain a powerful irritant,
Spanish flies are mainly used externally or in homeopathic form (Cantharis).
Unani and Chinese physicians apply them to the skin to improve circulation,
for instance for local irritations and to counter infections.
Unani medicine also uses them for kidney stones, absent periods, or an enlarged spleen.
Homeopathic uses are similar, but include urinary tract infections.
PREPARATIONS
Powder, plaster, homeopathic remedies.
CAUTION
Handle with care, can cause blistering.
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