The cuttlefish is a soft-bodied mollusk with eight arms that is closely related to the squid and octopus; it propels itself by squirting jets of water from special organs in its body. When threatened, it releases spurts of dark ink called sepia that cloud the water and camouflage its retreat. Sepia has been used for artistic purposes, although its ingestion, such as when a painter licks the brush, can bring about unpleasant side effects. Homeopathic physicians prescribe Sepia to patients with conditions whose symptoms include apathy, moodiness, and weakness. The cuttlefish ink is collected for the homeopathic preparation and diluted with large quantities of milk sugar for final use. Sepia acts on the uterus, ovaries, and vagina and is mainly used for gynecological complaints, for example, PMS, painful or heavy menstruation, hot flashes during menopause, emotional and physical symptoms during and after pregnancy, candidiasis, and a sagging or prolapsed uterus. It is an excellent remedy for women who are averse to, or suffer pain during sexual intercourse and feel exhausted afterward. Women who dislike being touched either premenstrually, during menopause, or as a result of emotional problems are also helped by this remedy. Sepia is effective for complaints accompanied by exhaustion, such as an aching back and sides due to muscle weakness. It is also good for the following: indigestion from milk and fatty foods, with gas and tenderness in the abdomen; headaches with nausea; dizziness; hair loss; salty-tasting mucus due to a cold or allergy; brownish yellow, itchy, discolored patches of skin; profuse sweating; and sweaty feet. This remedy is also good for circulatory problems, for example, hot and cold flashes, and varicose veins.