Ignatia Amara

Ignatia amara (St. Ignatius bean)

Ignatia Amara uses in homeopathy: the leading remedy for the effects of acute grief, shock and emotional upset, with sighing and changeable moods, its symptom picture, common potencies, FAQs — informational.

Quick answer

What is Ignatia Amara used for in homeopathy?

Ignatia Amara is homeopathy’s great remedy for acute grief and emotional shock — for the sighing, sobbing, changeable, oversensitive state that follows loss, disappointment or suppressed emotion.

Reviewed & updated: June 2026

This is general information about a homeopathic remedy, not a prescription or dosing advice. In homeopathy the correct remedy and potency are chosen for the whole individual symptom picture by a qualified homeopath — the same remedy is not right for everyone. Do not self-medicate, and consult a qualified homeopathic doctor (and your physician for serious or persistent conditions) before taking any remedy.

What Ignatia Amara is used for

  • Acute grief, loss and emotional shock
  • Mood swings with sighing and sobbing
  • A "lump in the throat" (globus) feeling
  • Emotional headaches (like a nail)
  • Effects of suppressed or held-back emotion

Characteristic symptom picture

Homeopaths look for these guiding features when considering Ignatia Amara.

  • Ailments from grief, disappointment or shock
  • Frequent sighing and sobbing
  • Contradictory, changeable symptoms and moods
  • Sensitive; tries to hide emotion
  • A sensation of a lump in the throat

Potency

Ignatia is commonly used in 30C and 200C; potency is a clinical decision for your homeopath.

The characteristic picture & modalities

Ignatia Amara is homeopathy's classic picture of acute grief and emotional shock, the sighing, sobbing, oversensitive state that follows loss, disappointment or suppressed emotion. Moods are changeable and contradictory, the person is sensitive yet tries to hide their feelings, and a sensation of a lump in the throat is characteristic. Emotional headaches that feel like a nail, and frequent involuntary sighing, complete the picture. This is a recognisable pattern that suits only some people in the aftermath of upset, describing a tendency rather than a diagnosis of any condition.

Before you take Ignatia

Ignatia's medicine and potency are matched to the whole individual by a qualified homeopath, not selected from a description of grief or moods. This page is background on the symptom picture, not a prescription, and it does not suggest you self-choose a potency. Prolonged or severe emotional distress and any significant depression need proper professional support alongside, and persistent symptoms deserve assessment. Please consult a registered practitioner before taking anything, and continue any care your own doctor or counsellor has already put in place.

Frequently asked questions

What is Ignatia used for?

It is the most-associated remedy for the acute effects of grief, shock and disappointment — sighing, changeable moods, and a lump-in-the-throat feeling. The right remedy still depends on your individual picture.

Is Ignatia good for grief?

It is classically considered for recent grief and emotional upset; for prolonged or severe depression, professional care is also important.

Does it help anxiety?

It suits emotional, changeable, grief-linked states; a homeopath confirms it fits your case.

Can I take Ignatia on my own?

Consult a qualified homeopath; significant or lasting emotional distress also needs professional support.

Don’t self-prescribe — consult a homeopathy doctor

The right remedy and potency are chosen for your individual case. Book an online or in-clinic consultation with a qualified homeopath.

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