Tarentula

Wolf spider / Spanish spider

Lycosa tarentula / Tarentula hispanica

The wolf spider gets the species name Tarentula from Tarentum, a town in Italy where the spider is widely found. Unlike the South American tarentula, which if it bites can cause mania, twitching, and a sensation of choking, the wolf spider is not dangerous to humans. However, it was once believed that if anyone was bitten by the spider "tarantism" would result, a disease that could cause either melancholy or mania.

Parts Used

Whole, live spider.

Uses

Disorders of the nervous system, for example, mental and physical restlessness, and mania with extreme impatience and restlessness, are the ailments most commonly treated with Tarentula. It is also used to treat heart disorders, such as angina and heart disease.

In women, this remedy is given for ovarian disease where the sufferer feels worse on the left side, and for sensitive genitalia with itching of the vulva and vagina, which become dry, hot, and raw and are worse from scratching and heavy menstruation. Tarentula is also used for headaches with a sensation of needles pricking the brain, and respiratory problems, such as coughing.

All complaints treated with Tarentula are characterized by physical symptoms that include: edginess and an inability to keep still, with restless legs that are worse from walking; jerking and twitching; and a tendency to roll from side to side in an attempt to ease symptoms.

People who need this remedy may have sudden mood changes when they are ill, for example, one minute they can be laughing and the next become spiteful and destructive.

Source

Found in Europe.