Last updated on October 21st, 2025 at 01:04 pm
Just about every woman dreads the possibility of a hot flash, and nearly three-quarters of those in menopause experience it as a common symptom. But suffering through your own “personal summer” is not necessary when homeopathy offers several options for relief. One medicine in particular, Lachesis mutus (Lak-e-sis mew-tuss), has helped unfan the flames of hot flashes for many women over the years, but you’ll never guess how it was first discovered.
The History of Lachesis
The story of this homeopathic medicine starts with German physician and homeopath Constantine Hering (1800-1880). Always the dedicated clinician, Hering traveled to Suriname in 1828 to conduct zoological and botanical research and collect new remedies for homeopathic provings. One such substance would come from the South American bushmaster snake, known scientifically as Lachesis muta.
This extremely dangerous snake, which can measure over six feet long, is the largest pit viper in the Americas. The locals helping Hering during his expedition in the Amazon jungle brought him one of these snakes in a bamboo box before running away as fast as they could. After knocking the snake out, Hering held its head down with a forked stick and pressed on the venom glands to prepare homeopathic dilutions.
Manipulating the poison gave him a fever with delirium and manic excitement. He woke up the following morning feeling lucky to be alive. With the help of his wife, who witnessed his ordeal, he went to work, recording the symptoms he had manifested during his “experimentation” with Lachesis.
For the rest of his life, Hering could not tolerate tight collars that men used to wear during those times. Intolerance to tight clothes around the neck is one of the important symptoms of the medicine.
Lachesis Mutus in Homeopathy
As a homeopathic medicine, Lachesis mutus eases hot flashes from menopause, especially when hot flashes are relieved by sweating or the occurrence of periods. The condition may occur with congestive headaches and is often aggravated by heat, alcohol, the sun, and tight clothing.* Women seeking relief can take five pellets of Lachesis mutus 30C each morning until hot flashes improve.
For more on the homeopathic uses of Boiron Lachesis mutus, click here to watch this video featuring Dr. Gary Kracoff, NMD, RPh.
*Claims based on traditional homeopathic practice, not accepted medical evidence. Not FDA evaluated.
10 thoughts on “Unfanning the Flames of Hot Flashes with Lachesis”
Can I buy this from you?
Does this help with night sweats
and can you take it while on an estrogen patch and progesterone?
Can Lachesis Mutus 30C also be used for Men that have hot flashes or night sweats.
Hi Yvonne, yes both men and women can use Lachesis mutus 30C. However, if the cause of the hot flash is unknown in a man, it’s recommended he talk to his health provider as it may be a sign of another medical condition. You can also call us anytime at 1-800-BOIRON-1 for questions about specific medicines.
Hello, and thanks to Sonya for taking my call.
I have reason to believe I have experienced, and continue to experience adverse side effects for taking too much lachesis mutus. Beginning on 9/5/22, I developed fever, body aches and chills; headache, sore throat and inflammation on left side, moved to right side of anterior cervical lymph node. I took too much. Last dose taken was ~9/2 or 9/3/22. I took up to as many as five pellets sub-lingually four times a day for at least a week straight.
Hi Andrea, thank you for this additional information. It has been relayed to our Information Center team for follow-up to your report.
I am taking tamoxifen due to being a breast cancer survivor. Is this safe to take for the hot flashes?
Hi Mary, homeopathic medicines have no known drug interactions, meaning they can be used alongside prescription or OTC medications without the worry of interference. Call us at 1-800-BOIRON-1 if you or your doctor have any questions.
I don’t know which is the best for hot flashes related to breast cancer medication- the 6C or the 30C.I would appreciate your advice
Hi Victoria,
Lachesis mutus is indicated for hot flashes associated with menopause. We do not have a medicine indicated for hot flashes related to breast cancer medication. As a manufacturer, we offer over-the-counter medicines with clear indications for acute conditions that can be safely relieved with self-medication. Each medicine is labeled with the most common acute condition it relieves. However, health care professionals may instruct their patients to use the medicine for other conditions not listed on the label.
There may be a homeopathic treatment that addresses your condition, but we recommend consulting a practitioner knowledgeable in homeopathy. If you do not have a practitioner, please contact the National Center for Homeopathy at info@homeopathycenter.org or visit http://www.homeopathycenter.org.
Thanks!