ACIDS
General chemical and physical character:
They are electronegative. They combine with Electro- positive substances like sodium and potassium . Most of them redden litmus paper. Most of them are sour.
Origin:
Acids are derived from the mineral and vegetable kingdoms.
Acids derived from the mineral kingdom: (Mineral acids)
1. Arsenious acid
2. Flouric acid ( from distillation of fluorospar- calcium fluoride)
3. Muriatic acid
4. Nitric acid
5. Phosphoric acid
6. Silica or silicic acid
7. Sulphuric acid
Acids derived from vegetable kingdom ( Organic acids)
1. Acetic acid ( principal ingredient of vinegar)
2. Benzoic acid ( obtained by sublimation of gum resin)
3. Butyric acid ( acid obtained from butter)
4. Citric acid ( found in Oranges and lemons)
5. Hydrocyanic acid ( or prussic acid contained in great number of plants )
6. Lactic acid ( source sour milk)
7. Malic acid ( source apples, pears, raspberries )
8. Oxalic acid (source rhubarb )
9. Salicylic acid ( found in Spiraea blossoms&Gaultheria)
General features of acids (physiological and medicinal effects )
1. They decrease the acid secretions in the body and increase the alkaline secretions of the body. For example; if a quantity of citric acid is taken into the stomach it will diminish the secretion of gastric juice. On other hand it will increase the secretion of saliva which is alkaline in nature.
- Antidotal and complimentary action to certain drugs.
Example;
a) Vinegar retards the action of Belladonna, but lemonade aids the action of the remedy.
b) Antimonium crudum will not tolerate acids but you may use tamarind water.
3. Dyspepsia :
Vegetable acids are useful in dyspepsia.
Example; Allow the patient to drink lemonade before meals and we can find that the usual heart burn and sour rising after eating are diminished. Some persons are greatly relieved by drinking sour milk ( Lactic acid). Muriatic acid and Hydrocyanic acid favor digestion. Some persons have been cured of dyspepsia by eating peach kernels which contain these acids.
4. Antidote for intoxication.
Vinegar ( acetic acid) has been used as an antidote for intoxication.
5. Corrosive action:
Discharges are acrid and excoriating .
Example; Lactic acid: It will eat into every tissues of the body . It will dissolve enamel of teeth. Dr. Hering was in the habit of recommending that the teeth be washed occasionally with milk cream that had become sour by keeping 24 hours.
6. Weakness:
Mineral acids produce irritability of fiber with weakness and prostration.
Vegetable acids produce weakness without irritability.
7.They produce and check hemorrhages.
Example: Acetic acid, Phosphoric acid, Sulphuric acid, Arsenious acid.
8.They produce pseudo membranes:
Hence they are indicated in the treatment of diphtheria. Example: Muriatic acid, Phosphoric acid, Sulphuric acid, and Nitric acid. So do not permit a child, convalescing from croup to partake of acid fruits, because any one of these acids may tend to produce this disease again.
9.Debility resulting from defective nutrition especially blood disease, blood poisoning etc.
Example: Sulphuric acid, Phosphoric acid and Arsenious acid,
10. Useful for treatment of drunkards:
Example: Sulphuric acid.
11. Indicated in the treatment of Diabetes Mellitus.
Example: Phosphoric acid and Lactic acid.
12. Many of the acids are useful in the treatment of scurvy resulting from a diet of salty food with deprivation of vegetables.
Common features of Acids in detail:
1. Antidotal action:
a) Acetic acid: antidote anesthetics and sausage - poisoning.
b) Muriatic acid: It is a powerful antidote to mercury and opium.
c) Nitric acid : Antidotes mercury ( after its abuse in syphilis) and kali iodide (in syphilis or non syphilitic cases)
d) Sulphuricum acidum: Antidotes Lead poisoning.
2. Corrosive action:
a) Arsenicum album:
Fluent coryza which is corrosive, reddening the upper lip with burning.
b) Carbolic acid:
Foetid, acrid discharge from erosion of cervix. Irritating leucorrhoea causing itching and burning.
c) Chromic acid:
Corrosive discharge from nose with ulceration scab.
d) Fluoricum acidum:
It acts on long bones causing necrosis and caries and favors the expulsion of the necrosed part.
It produces acrid leucorrhoea.
e) Muriatic acid:
Coryza with thick yellow or serous and corrosive mucus.
f) Nitric acid :
Discharges are offensive, thin, excoriating. Discharge of thick and corrosive mucus from the nose.
3. Dyspepsia:
a) Acetic acid:
Burning in throat, nausea, retching and sour rising. This is found in cancer stomach. There are gnawing ulcerative pains in stomach. Pain and burning in stomach. Profuse exhausting diarrhea with colic pains and tenderness of abdomen. Insatiable burning thirst. Disgust for salted things and cold. Cold drinks lie heavy. Vegetables except potatoes disagree.
b) Ars alb:
Cold food and drinks < stomach irritation. Complaint from drinking ice water and eating ices and fruits. The lips are so dry and parched and cracked that the patient often licks them to moisten them. Least food or drink causes distress or vomiting or stool or both together. Thirst for little and often. Unquenchable thirst. Want of appetite. Colic pains in stomach, nausea, vomiting, and eructation after a meal.
c) Benzoic acid:
Hiccough, pressure in stomach and eructation, weak digestion.
d) Butyric acid:
Poor appetite. Much gas in stomach and bowels. Stomach feels heavy and overloaded. Bowels irregular.
e) Carbolic acid:
Burning in mouth to stomach. Constant belching, nausea, vomiting, dark olive green in color. Painful flatulent distention of stomach and abdomen. Fermentative dyspepsia with bad taste and breath.
f) Flouric acid:
Frequent eructation and discharge of flatus, which gives relief. Nausea with lassitude. Fullness and pressure in epigastrium - pressure as from weight in stomach between meals. Heat in stomach before meal. Bilious vomiting after slight errors in diet with increased alvine discharges. Increased thirst. Craves refreshing drinks. Tongue deeply and widely fissured in all directions.
g) Gallic acid:
Appetite lessened with nausea. Faint, sick, gnawing sensation in bowels; extending to stomach with an astringent taste in mouth . Pyrosis.
h) Hydrocyanic acid:
Anorexia, repugnance to food. Vomiting of a black liquid. Burning pain in stomach. Fluids enter stomach with gurgling noise. Taste sweetish, fetid, acrid and irritating. Tongue coated white , afterwards dark and dingy. Hiccough and great prostration. Sudden cessation of all discharges -cholera sicca.
i) Hippuric acid:
Acid rising. Soreness and pressure over liver.
j) Lactic acid:
Eructations of hot acrid fluid, which burns from stomach to throat which must be constantly hawked up; < smoking tobacco. Constant nausea with waterbrash or vomiting persisting for days < on rising in the morning; after breakfast. Tongue coated thick white or yellow coating with bad taste in the morning. Increased salivation tasting salt.
k) Muriatic acid:
Putrid or bitter rising ; hiccough before and after dinner. Vomiting of bile at night with and eructation . Sensation of emptiness in stomach as if it were retracted. Cannot bear the sight or thought of meat, it is so distasteful.
l) Nitroso-muriaticum-acidum:
Evacuation of flatus and eructation. Food took longer to digest than usual. Sudden increase in secretions of bile. Free, loose, yellowish, pappy stool after breakfast. Constipation, with desire for stool.
m) Nitric acid:
loss of appetite. Milk is not digested. Bitter taste in mouth especially after eating. Complaint< while eating. Dislike meat, and sugar. Vomiting from eating bread. Craving for fat food, earth, chalk, lime, and herring. Waterbrash after drinking quickly. Borborygmus.
n) Oxalic acid:
Pain in stomach < by thinking the complaint, and > by eating. Eructation, nausea, rumbling in abdomen, and urging for stool after eating. Eructation with hiccough. Unquenchable thirst. Morning diarrhea. Pain in back > after stool. Diarrhea after coffee.
p) Phosphoric acid:
Aversion to coffee. Violent thirst for cold milk or for beer. Insatiable thirst excited by a sensation of dryness in whole body. Pressure in stomach after a meal; with confusion of head , uneasiness, fullness and disposition to sleep , or dejection as if about to faint. Nausea at sight of food. Sour vomiting. Painless, fetid, yellowish diarrhea.
q) Picricum acidum:
Eructation ; empty, sour, of gas and ingesta. Waterbrash. Nausea on retiring . Weight in pit of stomach with ineffectual desire to eructate. Jaundice.
r) Salicylicum acidum:
Nausea, gagging, waterbrash, frequent vomiting - erosions and ulcer in stomach and bowels. Burning in epigastric region. Fermentative dyspepsia. Putrid belching. Constipated bowels. Cholera infantum. Caused expulsion of tape worms.
s) Sarcolactic acidum:
Nausea. Uncontrollable vomiting even of water, followed by extreme weakness; especially in case of influenza.
t) Sulphuric acid:
vomiting in morning. Burning in chest and stomach. Sour, acid or foul eructation. Water is not tolerated, unless qualified with alcohol it chills the stomach. Rumbling and borborygmi in abdomen. After eating, pain in stomach and rising of food by mouthful. Lassitude and flatulence after drinking milk.
u) Sulphurosum acidum:
Ulcerative stomatitis. Headache relieved by vomiting. Loss of appetite. Obstinate constipation.
v) Tannic acid:
Loss of appetite. Obstinate vomiting of bilious substance. Violent pain in stomach. Obstinate constipation.
w) Tartaricum acidum:
Pasty taste in morning, ceases in eating. Nausea and eructaions, continuous vomiting. Vomited matter deep green. Pain in umbilical region. Coffee ground colored stool.
4. Pseudomembranes:
a) Acetic acid:
White false membranes in throat. Children thirsty, but swallow with difficulty even a teaspoonful of water. Lining membrane of larynx and trachea covered with a fibrinous exudation as in true croup.
b) Arsenic album:
Burning in throat> by eating or drinking hot things. Inflammation and gangrene of the throat. Spasmodic constriction of throat and of the esophagus, with inability to swallow.
c) Carbolic acid:
Diphtheria with fetid breath, regurgitation on swallowing liquids; but little pain. Fauces are red, covered with exudation.
e) Chromic acid: Diphtheria; sore throat. Tough mucus with inclination to swallow it.
c) Muriatic acid:Mucus lining of throat and fauces deep dark red, swollen and burning, covered with grayish-white diphtheretic membrane like deposits. Attempting to swallow produces violent spasms and choking.
d) Sulphuric acid:
Thick yellow membrane on fauces, sticks like glue. Stringy, lemon - yellow mucus hangs from posterior nares in diphtheria.
5.Debility:
a) Acetic acid:Excessive wasting and debility. Anaemia with waxy pallor of face.
b) Ars. Alb:
Prostration with desire to move or be moved constantly. The patient is exhausted from slightest exertion. Anemia, chlorosis, pyaemia. Rapid failure of strength wishes to lie down. Emaciation and atrophy of the whole body with colliquative sweats < during night. Earthy face eyes sunken with dark ring surrounding them.
c) Benzoic acid: Great weakness, weariness and lassitude with increased perspiration.
d) Boracicum acidum: Collapse.
e) Flouric acid: Lassitude - Loss of strength, limbs go to sleep.
f) Gallic acid: Weakness with irritability. Profuse night sweats.
g) Hydrocyanicum acid:
Speedy failing and weakness of limbs; especially thighs. Extreme weakness and weariness. Nervous weakness. Diminution of vital heat. Continued inclination to sleep coma vigil.
h) Lacticum acidum:
Weakness as if from exercise with rheumatic pains in the bones. Debility with weariness of limbs.
i) Muriaticum acidum:
Muscular poisoning from blood - poisoning; going on to paralysis; finally of brain or heart. Excessive depression on sitting down, the eyelids close, the lower jaw hangs down, he slides down in bed. Tottering gait, from weakness of thighs and knees. Paralysis of tongue and sphincter ani.
j) Nitroso- muriaticum acidum: Weak, physically and mentally depressed.
k) Nitric acid:
Great weakness and general lassitude, with trembling, heaviness of legs and desire to remain lying down, especially in evening or morning. Inclination to sleep during day from weakness with vertigo.
l) Phosphoric acid:
Mental weakness. Marked action on emotional and sensorial faculties, a drowsy, depressed, apathetic state is produced. Stupor, from which he is easily aroused and is then fully conscious. Indifference prostrated and stupefied with grief, effects of disappointed love. Confused mind. The legs tremble in walking and limbs are as difficult to control as the thoughts. Though the weakness is very great the patient is rested by a short sleep. It is suited to persons of originally strong constitution, weakened by loss of fluids, excesses, violent acute diseases; chagrin; or a long succession of moral emotions. Weakness of sexual organs with onanism and little sexual desire. Exhaustion after coition. Scanty milk with debility and great apathy. Great weakness after walking.
m) Picric acid: Anemia, brain fag. Cancerous cachexia. Spinal exhaustion. Mental prostration after reading a little, after writing a little. Weakness from a short walk.
n) Salicylicum acidum: Weakness and faintness. Prostration after influenza.
o) Sarcolactic acidum:
Violent retching and great prostration in epidemic influenza after Arsenic alb had failed. Muscular prostration with tired feeling , worse any exertion. Tired feeling in morning on getting up. Paralytic weakness. Wrist tires easily from writing . extreme weakness from climbing stairs. Arms feel as if no strength in them.
p) Sulphuricum acidum:
Sulphuric acid is suited to cases where the weakness is out of proportion to the disease. Weakness seems to come from deep seated dyscrasia. Useful for inebriates. Nervous fatigue. Weakness with trembling of the body.
q) Tannic acid: Weakness with Palpitation.
r) Tartaricum acidum:
Paralysis of thighs and legs. Extreme weakness in evening. Feels very tired can scarcely drag himself along. Paralytic debility. Frequent yawning.
6.Haemorrhage:
a) Acetic acid:
Hemorrhage from bowel. Metrorrhagia after parturition with great thirst. Haemoptysis.
b) Ars. Alb:
Metrorrhagia, Haemoptysis, resulting in anemia or chlorosis. Violent bleeding of nose. Swelling and bleeding of gums. Catamenia too early too copious, attended by much suffering.
- c) Benzoic acid: Epistaxis
d) Carbolic acid: Bloody stool like scrapings of intestine.
d) Chromic acid: Haemorrhoids- bleeding . Bloody foul smelling lochia.
e) Gallicum acidum: Pulmonary hemorrhage in phthisis. Excessive menstruation. Nose bleed. Hemophilia.
f) Hippuric acid:Menstrual flow for three days with complete relief of muscular and joint pains.
g) Hydrocyanicum acidum:Haemoptysis with sharp pains in chest.
h) Lactic acid: Nose bleed - every morning.
i) Muriatic acid:
Continuous discharge from nose. Scorbutic gums, swollen, easily bleeding ulcerating. Discharge of blood during stools- bleeding hemorrhoids. Scurvy.
j) Nitric acid:
Ulcers are easily bleeding. The dressing causes bleeding and every touch causes splinter like pains. Frequent hemorrhages, bright red, profuse. Hemorrhage from bowels with pain after stool. In pthisical cases there is frequent hemorrhages, bright red, profuse with sharp stitches through right chest to scapula. Haematuria, bright red, profuse with strangury and strong odor like horse's urine. Hemorrhages occurring in cachetic women after confinement or abortion. Epistaxis < morning, excited by weeping . Blood is black. Gums bleed, are white and swollen.
Hemorrhoids- bleeding after every evacuation.
k) Oxalicum acid:
Gums bleed and are painful in spots. Blood coagulate very slowly. Petechiae appearing on face, head, chest and nates.
l) Phosphoric acidum:
Scurvy- gums bleeding easily, swollen, stand off from teeth. Hemorrhage is passive, profuse and dark. Nose bleed at the beginning of typhus. Uterine ulcer with copious, putrid, bloody discharge. Too copious menses.
m) Picric acid: Haemoglobinuria
n) Salicylicum acidum: Retinal hemorrhage. Haematuria.
o) Sulphuric acid: Scurvy. Epistaxis in evening. Swelling and easy bleeding of gums. Discharge of blood during evacuation. Long continued Haemoptysis.
p) Tannic acid: Haemorrhagic pharyngitis. Painless bloody discharge from bowels.
Diabetes: - a) Acetic acid:
Urine increased in quantity , pale, phosphatic. Diabetes with burning, unending and unquenchable thirst and great debility.
b) Ars alb: Frequent inclination to urinate with excessive exhaustion from least exertion.
c) Benzoicum acidum: Nocturnal enuresis with strong smelling dark urine, urinous odor is highly intensifid.
d) Boric acid: Frequent and urgent desire to urinate. Quantity of urine double. Albumen in urine.
e) Carbolic acid: Diabetes with almost black urine. Irritable bladder with frequent urination at night.
f) Flouric acid: Indicated after phosphoric acid. Free discharge of light colored urine. Whitish purple colored sediment in urine.
g) Gallic acid: Excessive dryness of mouth and throat with increased urine.
h) Hydrocyanic acid:Frequent emission of aqueous urine or pale or pale yellow urine, depositing a turbid cloud.
i) Lacticum acidum:Frequent desire to urinate large quantities. Urinate frequently day and night, the attempt to retain it causes pain.
j) Muriatic acid:
Frequent desire to urinate with abundant emission-immoderate emission of aqueous urine- both day and night.
Patient cannot urinate without having the bowels moved at the same time.
k) Nitric acid:Frequent want to urinate which is fetid; offensive.
l) Oxalic acid:
Thinking of urinating produce desire for urination. Frequent and copious urination; which is clear, straw-colored. Oxaluria and albuminuria.
m) Phosphoric acid:
The child passes a great quantity of urine. Polyuria with dry mouth and throat; with history of sexual excess or severe mental or emotional overstrain. White, milky urine. The urine may be passed clear but, turns milky at once and is very offensive. Frequent and profuse emission of aqueous urine which immediately deposits a thick white cloud.
n) Picric acid:
Frequent micturition in morning . Urine dark yellow with strong odor . specific gravity increased. Urine contained much indican , numerous granular and fatty degenerated epithelium.
o) Salicylicum acidum:
Diabetes Mellitus- albuminuria. Urine - clear, brown; three hours after passage has a green tinge and a feathery deposit of crystals of Salicylic acid.
p) Sulfuric acid: Diabetes with lassitude, despondency. Emission of urine at night. Urine watery and as if it contained casts.
AURUM GROUP
INTRODUCTION
Aurum i.e. gold is obtained from the mineral kingdom. Gold is a metal having various uses in medicine, cosmetics etc. Dr.Hahnemann introduced gold in 1818. In 1811, gold was_.used for the treatment of syphilis. Gold increases the production of urine and sweat. Organic gold preparation shows a special connection to the skin. The wounds are treated without harm.Gold is used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, also in colon cancers^
PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
- A brown yellow metal, brownish in powder form.
- Not attacked by air, hydrogen sulphide, ordinary acids do not
- Soluble in aquaregia.
GENERAL USES
- Gold has always been used in coins, crowns, jewels and medals.
- Objects of value.
- It is also used in electric points.
IMPORTANT REMEDIES
- Aurum arsenicum Aurum muriaticum
- Aurum bromatum Aurum muriaticum kalinatum
- Aurum fluoratum Aurum muriaticum natronatum
- Aurum fulminars Aurum nitricum
- Aurum iodatum Aurum phosphoricum fe.
- Aurum metallicum Aurum silicum i
13.Aurum sulphuricum
CHARACTERISTICFEATURES OF AURUM:
Ailments from
i Abuse of mercury, grief, fright, anger, disappointment, contradiction and responsibility.
Constitution
Sanguine people with black hair and eyes, lively, restless, anxious about future, full blooded with red face. Old people with weak vision. Broken-down constitutions by bad effect of mercury and syphilis. Pining boys; low spirited, lifeless, weak memories, lacking in 'boyish go'; with undeveloped testes.
Temperament
Melancholic and irritable.
Thermal Relationship
CHILLY patients in general (except Aur-i. andAur-s. which are HOT). They are sensitive to heat but can tolerate hgjjt i.e. they are not affected by heat.
Diathesis
Scrofulous.
Miasmatic background
Sycotic, tubercular and syphilitic.
sphere of Action
Mind, CNS, blood circulation, glands, liver, kidneys, testis,"art, bones and skin.
Patho-physiological Action
The stress of the drug falls upon cartilaginous and glandularl tissue and on fibrous membrane and stroma.
Blood examination shows leucocytosis with increased atypicaj Iymphocytosis. Blood shows anemia with leucocytosis and high ESR.
In the blood vessels it,produces atherosclerotic changes which lead to hypertension. It also brings about fatty degeneration of the heart.
- There is a tendency to bring about glandular enlargement,
mainly affecting salivary, inguinal glands and testis.
Characteristic Mental symptoms
- Mood and thought disorders.
- Convulsions, hypomania and other genetic predisposition to
melancholia, depression, hopelessness.
Self-condemnation, a feeling of self-condemnation, as if he has committed many unpardonable crimes and sin.
Forsaken: He has a forsaken feeling. He constantly dwells on suicidal thoughts or has an impulse to commit suicide.
Negative thinking and mental anguish leads to cardiac distress.
- Disposition to weep.
- Duty consciousness, emotional and have strong sense of duty
coupled with gopd moral values. - Obedient and punctual.
Forgetful: He is absent minded, forgetful and has a weak memory.
Hysteric, hypochondriac and an imbecile. Person haS changeable mood, cheerful and laughing alternates wit"1
weeping, loquacious alternates with timidity, indolence
alternates with industriousness.
Desires to be alone. Music acts as a sedative. Lack of courage.
Desire for death.
Suicidal, impulse to jump from high places.
Delusions, person has various delusions of fancies and ghosts.
Sadness and depression in the evening. He is suspicious and
malicious. He is restless and anxious about future.
Anxiety: Especially at night. He has great desire for mental
and physical activity, still cannot do things fast enough.
Hurried, worried and peevish. Constant rapid questioning
from him without waiting for reply. Oversensitive to noise,
Anthropophobia. Despair of recovery. He is very precise and
fastidious in his work. Religious mania.
Characteristic Physical Symptoms Tendency for congestion and hyperemia. Congestive headaches are common.
Glandular enlargements, painful swellings, tumors and ulceration of glands.
Discharges: All the discharges of Aurum have fetid and offensive smell. Mouth smells like rotten cheese. Offensiveness: Sweat, stool, urine, otorrhea, vomit, bloody discharges have an offensive smell.
Syphilitic affections: Genital organs of Aurums have syphilitic affections. Uterine affections aggravated during menstrual period.
Bone and Cartilage affections: Aurum remedies affect bones causing destruction, caries and pain. Bones also have syphilitic affections.
- Desire for coffee, milk, bread.
- Aversion to meat.
GENERAL MODALITIES
Aggravation
Night (from sunset to sunrise), motion, in cold air, when getting cold, while lying down, 3.00 a.m., mental exertion, many complaints occur only during winters.
Amelioration
In open air, in warm air, when going into warm room, in morning and during summer, when occupied.
CLINICAL CONDITIONS
Neurosyphilis, mood and thought disorders, arteriosclerosis, testicular atrophy, uterine prolapse, tumors, cancer, climacteric, caries of bones, exfoliative dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, warts, congestive headaches, otorrhea, keratitis, iritis, palpitations and hypertension.
REMEDY RELATIONS
Similar to Natriums.
IMPORTANT REMEDIES:
Aurum sulfuratum natronatum
When the Aurum person intensely seeks appreciation in relationships, the remedy is Aurum sulfuratum natronatum.
Aurum sulfuratum kalinatum
When the person intensely seeks appreciation from his own people, the people he is closed related to, then the remedy is Aurum sulfuratum kalinatum.
Aurum sulfuratum calcareatum
When an Aurum person, together with the need for appreciation feels an intense need for protection, safety, security then the remedy is Aurum sulfuratum calcareatum.
Aurum sulfuratum magnesiatum
It is about people who are trying to overcome the feeling of being an orphan via appreciation and creation.
Aurum iodatum
This salt present in addition to the characteristics of Aurum, also present those of Iodum. The main characteristic is that the person lives with the intense feeling that he will be abandoned. Consequently, what we have here is a person who, all along with the dynamism and the visions of Aurum also harbours a delusion that he will be abandoned by those who support him. As he fears abandonement, he forms too strong an attachment to other people and spares no efforts to keep them by his side.
In Aurum iodatum we have a preponderance of the tubercular miasm. We have a person with a need for change as he easily becomes bored. For example, he likes travelling a lot. This is quite an amorous person; however, he feels that the partner may abandon the relationship. When we are dealing with a person which is very emotional, a person for whom the most important thing in life is the relationship with a love partner and in addition to that there is a feeling of insecurity, a feeling that the love partner will abandon the relationship, then the remedy needed is Natrum iodatum. When the person bonds himself with the group, that is with family or friends and harbours a feeling of insecurity stemming from a fear that they will abandon him, then the remedy is Kali iodatum.
Each and everyone of us has some life principles, some ideas about his and other people's identity, about his relationship with others. Each one of us prioritizes various aspects of life in a different order. This prioritization has to do with our imaginary experience of reality. Consequently, in order to conceive a remedy in depth we have to understand the principles this remedy expresses, we have to conceive the concepts it is connected with. This is the true essence of the remedy and it is very important to truly conceive this essence. If we have a deep understanding of the remedy then we can prescribe it with ease. On the contrary, if we know a remedy only superficially and this happens when we base our knowledge on behaviors then, we easily confuse certain remedies.
Let us go back to Aurum iodatum. The feeling of insecurity coming from fear of abandonment makes this person giving to others; however he does this in a bothersome way. As the behavior of others is often interpreted as abandonment, the individual becomes irritable. The results of the above may be hypochondriasis or depression.
Aurum iodatum natronatum
If we are dealing with a person whom we perceive as Aurum iodatum and we see that abandonment is focused on the relationship with the life partner then the remedy should be Aurum iodatum natronatum. He tries his best not to be abandoned by his/her partner.
Aurum iodatum kalinatum
Similarly, if we have a person who fits well Aurum iodatum and we see that he fears he will be abandoned by friends or family, then the remedy is Aurum iodatum kalinatum. He tries his best not to be abandoned by friends.
Aurum iodatum calcareatum
When an Aurum iodatum person needs safety and protection the remedy is Aurum iodatum calcareatum. Therefore, Aurum iodatum calcareatum children are afraid of being abandoned if they are not creative or the best.
Aurum iodatum magnesiatum
The main concept of Aurum iodatum magnesiatum is the occurrence of visions in excess to avoid abandonment due to their orphanhood.
Aurum iodatum sulfuratum
When an Aurum iodatum person needs intensely appreciation too, the remedy is Aurum iodatum sulfuratum.
Aurum muriaticum
Here we have diffuse disappointment. It is the disappointment of a person whose visions have not been fulfilled either because of life adversities or because others did not do their duty. The disappointment of an Aurum person may have to do with the people he has helped and supported. It may be that no actual events have taken place but this "visionary" may report that he gets easily disappointed. He may tell you that he is afraid he will be disappointed by those he supports, by those he constantly offers himself to and works for.
He is an introvert and does not express his complaints to others. He cannot stand being answered back and wishes that others should obey. Whenever this does not happen he gets angry at them. Hypochondriasis is the result of not expressing his anger. The person thinks he has some serious disease and goes from one doctor to another. This remedy may also be indicated in depressive and suicidal states.
Wider experience with Aurum muriaticum is expected in the future. For the time being we can recognize the following symptoms.
BARYTA GROUP
INTRODUCTION:
In nature, barium occurs predominantly as sulphate, BASO4, more rarely as the carbonate, BACO3.barium is not found in human body. Barium is only found combined with other elements, primarily in barite or heavy spar (sulphate) and with rite (carbonate).
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES:
- Barium is a soft metallic element.
- In its pure form it is silvery white.
CHEMICAL PROPERTIES:
- Metal oxidizes rapidly and should be stored under petroleum or other oxygen free
Liquids.
- All barium compounds that are soluble in water or acid are poisonous.
GENERAL USES:
- Its compounds are used in pigments, paints, glassmaking, as weighing
Compounds, for manufacturing rubber, in rat poison and in pyrotechnics.
2.Barium is used in flame work to create green color.
IMPORTANT REMEDIES:
- Baryta acetica.
- Baryta carbonica.
- Baryta iodata.
- Baryta sulphurica.
- Baryta arsenicosa.
- Baryta phosphorica.
CHARECTERISTIC FEATURES:
CONSTITUTION:
All Barytas are dwarfish and backward mentally as well as physically. They show retarded mental and physical growth. They are aggravated by cold and are thermally chilly. They also show swollen glands. Retorted children who develop poorly, mentally and physically, remain dwar, learn to speak and walk late, dull, will not play, learn poorly, and are fearful and depressed. Have swollen tonsils after exposure to cold. In general there is no tendency to frequent angina, also with suppuration, an important indication for baryta,which should prevent the recurrence of inflammation.
THERMAL RELATIONSHIP: chilly
DIATHESIS: Scrofulous.
MIASM: Sycotic and syphilitic.
SPHERE OF ACTION
Sphere of action of barite remedies are mind, blood vessels, glands, cardiovascular system and lymphatic system.
PATHOPHYSIOLOGICAL ACTION:
Peripheral action on heart muscles and smooth musculature of vessels of and intestines. There seems to be still a direct action on the central nervous system, which expresses it self in spasms and finally paralysis of extremities. Barium usually producing retching ,vomiting, gastric pains diarrhoea,chilliness,vertigo, coldness and constriction of extremities, tension of facial muscles, slowing of pulse, palpitation increased blood pressure numbness other actions similar to digitalis, feeling of anxiety, visual disturbences,rarely paralysis. Fever steatites salivation swelling of salivary glands conjunctivitis and skin eruptions. Here one encounters the relation of barium to inflammation of glands, particularly mouth as well as skin and mucus membranes. The nephritis occasionally mentioned represents a remote point of attacks.
The gastrointestinal manifestations, which are observed, are fullness, pressure and heaviness in stomach after eating. single symptoms are sited which can only refer to esophageal ulcers or stricture; sensation of a sore spot in esophagus after swallowing or feeling as if food stuck or passed over a sore area.
Some clinical indications are given for baryta in direction of glandular organs and new formations. In, hard persistent goiter of torpid persons,baryta iodatum is prefferd.the prostatic hypertrophy as a similer degenerative glandular prosses with a slowly increasing hardness,adapts itself to the old age manifestations of baryta.
CHARECTERISTIC MENTAL SYMPTOMS:
- SHYNESS: Baryta carbonica shows his insecurity by his great shyness.
- HIDING: For fear of being laughed at, they are inclined to hide themselves away. If other people cannot see them, they also will not notice how stupid they are. They start to avoid company the company of especially of strangers. Their own family may be all right ,but even the company of grandparents might be too threatening for them. When they are still child they will hide behind the furniture. When they are a bit older, they will quickly go to their own room. They do not like to talk because it draws too much attention. They are fried of strangers and large group of people.
- SMALL,FUTILE,BACKWARD:They think that they will be laughed at ‘because they cannot do anything properly. They feel small and useless ,which is typified in the rubric. “Delusion that he walks on his knees”.tey often use the words: I cannot do it.
- FEELING OF INCAPACITY: They feel that they are only capable of very little, even ,when they try their hardest. They try to avoid having to do any task, because they feel that they cannot do it in any way.
- LAUGHED AT: The barytas think that all they are worth is to be laughed at and this is what usually happens. They feel ridicules and this is a word they often use when they talk about themselves. They also dream about being ridiculed. In the repertory we find the rubric:’ delusion that every one is looking at her’.
- VERY SENSITIVE TO CRETISISM:The Barytas are very sensitive to criticism but not as much as calciums.it is obvious to the barytas that they are worth nothing, while calcium’s keep hoping that others will still approve of them.
- MEMORY AND PERCEPTION: Memory weak and perception is defective.
CHARECTERISTIC PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS:
- Temperature:<cold,<damp
- Desire: sweet
- Pains: pressing pains
- Weakness, emaciation
- Memory weak, dementia .idiocy.
- Dwarfish growth: the mental feeling of being small corresponds with small sized body or part of the body.
- Swollen glands ,cancer of glands. swollen and inflamed tonsils.
- Tonsils inflamed ,quinsy,suppurative tonsils.baryta are weak, malnourished people, who sweat too much, and are emaciated.
- Baryta tends produce constriction of the heart and vessels. they have atherosclerosis, arteriosclerosis and various aneurisms. due to contraction of blood vessels, there is an increase in blood pressure. vessels and lumens of body are acted upon and excited. increased tension in arteries.barytas are indicated for angina, atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis,hypertension,tonsillitis,aneurisms, idiocy and swollen glands.
- All barytas are best indicated in organic lesions in infancy.(more affections of lymphatic system.)in addition, old age (more affection of blood vessels).
- Most of these remedies are cardiovascular poisons acting on the muscular coat of heart and vessels. they show increased irritability of ventricles leading to tachycardia and impairment of conduction of sinus to auricles and ventricles.
- These remedies mainly act on blood vessels producing constriction ,leading to reduction in lumen and increased blood pressure.
- Barytas are generally slow acting and deep acting remedies and usually require a long time for their action.
- Aversion: for food in general, fruits.
GENERAL MODALITIES
AGGRAVATION
While thinking of complaints,cold,cold air, cold water, mental exertion, thinking of complaints, in company, after eating and lying on painful side.
AMELIORATION
Open air, walking in open air and when alone.
CLINICAL CONDITIONS
Weakness, emaciation,dementia,idiocy,retarded development, dwarf growth, cancer ofglands,swollenandinflamedtonsils,angina,apoplexies.arterisclerosis,aneurisms,quincy,
suppurative tonsils, organic lesions in infancy and ventricular tachycardia.
REMEDY RELATIONS
Similer to calcareas.
INDIVIDUAL DRUGS
Baryta acetica
(acetate of barium)
Bar-a. produces paralysis beginning at the limbs and spreading upward. Pruritus of aged.
Baryta carbonica- Barium Carbonate.
BaCo3
- Especially adapted to complaints of first and second childhood; the psoric or tubercular.
- Scrofulous, dwarfish children who do not grow (children who grow too rapidly, Cal.); scrofulous ophthalmia, cornea opaque; abdomen swollen; frequent attacks of colic; face bloated; general emaciation.
- Dwarfish, hysterical women and old maids with scanty menses; deficient heat, always cold and chilly.
- Old, cachectic people; scrofulous, especially when fat; or those who suffer from gouty complaints (Fluor. ac.).
- Apoplectic tendency in old people; complaints of old drunkards; headache of aged people, who are childish.
- Persons subject to quinsy, take cold easily, or with every, even the least, cold have an attack of tonsillitis, prone to suppuration (Hep., Psor.).
- Inability to swallow anything but liquids (Bap., Sil.).
- Haemorrhoids protrude every time he urinates (Mur. ac.).
- Chronic cough in psoric children; enlarged tonsils or elongated uvula; < after slight cold (Alum.).
- Offensive foot sweat; toes and soles get sore; of the heels; throat affections after checked foot sweat (compare, Graph., Psor., Sanic., Sil.).
- Great sensitiveness to cold (Cal., Kali c., Psor.).
- Relation. Frequently useful before or after Psor., Sulph and Tub.
- After Bar. c., Psor. will often eradicate the constitutional tendency to quinsy.
- Similar : to, Alum., Cal. iod., Dul., Fluor. ac., Iod., Sil.
- Incompatible : after Calc. in scrofulous affections.
- Aggravation. When thinking of his disease (Oxal. ac.); lying on painful side; after meals; washing affected parts.
Baryta muriatica
(barium chloride)
* The different salts of Baryta are called for in organic lesions of the aged and dwarfish, both mentally and physically.
* Arterio-sclerosis and cerebral affections due to this condition.
* Headaches, but without acute crisis, occurring in old people; heaviness rather than pain.
* Vertigo, due to cerebral anaemia and noises in ears.
* Acts on lower alimentary canal, especially rectum; on muscles and joints, giving stiffness and weakness as from overwalking.
* The white blood corpuscles increased.
* Hypertension and vascular degeneration.
* Increased tension of pulse.
* Arterio-sclerosis [Aurum; Secale] where a high systolic pressure with a comparatively low diastolic tension is attended by cerebral and cardiac symptoms.
This remedy has indurated and narrowing of the cardiac orifice with pain, immediately after eating, and epigastric tenderness, which has been repeatedly verified, also its use in aneurism and chronic hypertrophy of the tonsils.
Nymphomania and satyriasis.
Convulsions.
In every form of mania when the sexual desire is increased.
Multiple sclerosis of brain and cord.
Paresis after influenza and diphtheria.
General feeling of lassitude in the morning, especially weakness of the legs, with muscular stiffness.
Children who go around with their mouth open and who talk through the nose.
Baryta sulphurica
Baryta sulphurica is a mineral remedy. The main feeling of Baryta sulphurica is: "I am scorned/insulted by the person I am so totally dependent on (since I am handicapped)".
The compensated Baryta sulphurica person is self-dependent and makes a lot of effort to be respected. It is a combination of dependability and dignity. The patients are industrious, dependable and dignified people. A man with these qualities will reach a high position.
The problem starts when Baryta sulphurica comes into a new environment with new people around him. There is a tremendous fear of being alone or going out alone. He cannot mix easily. He feels that people will laugh at him, and since he is easily offended or insulted he cannot form deep friendships. He feels that others avoid him, he feels neglected and weeps and broods about it. His memory is weak. There is also aversion to work, loss of will and weeping. The dreams are anxious and frightful. tupid-appearing, hard of hearing.
CALCAREA GROUP
According to Mendeleef, Calcarea comes under group 2A
Alkaline earth group
- Beryllium
2. Magnesium
3. Calcarea
4. Strontium
5. Barium
6. Radium
General characters of alkaline earth group medicines:
Mental character – Sluggish, Indolent, Anxious
Aggravation from cold (Chilly patient)
Predominantly tubercular
Involvement of nervous system and endocrine system
Oedema
Calcarea Group of Medicines
Calcarea acetica
Calcarea ars
Calcarea brom
Calcarea carb
Calcarea caust
Calcarea chlor
Calcarea citrica
Calcarea calcinata
Calcarea flour
Calcarea formicum
Calcarea glycerophos
Calcarea glutamica
Calcarea gluconica
Calcarea hypophos
Calcarea hydrxidum
Calcarea hyposulfurosa
Calcarea hydroiodica
Calcarea iodata
Calcarea lactica
Calcarea lact. natronata
Calcarea lact. phos
Calcarea met
Calcarea mur
Calcarea nitrica
Calcarea oxalica
Calcarea oxydata
Calcarea phos
Calcarea picrica
Calcarea pantothenica
Calcarea pyrophos
Calcarea permanganica
Calcarea renalis
Calcarea sulph
Calcarea silicata
Calcarea silica flour
Calcarea stib sulph
Calcarea sul. Hahn
Calcarea versalis
Calcarea sulphurica – Plaster of paris
Calcrea silica fluorica -- lapis alba
Calcarea renalis -- Urate of limime renal calculi
Calcarea sulphurata Hahnemanni-- Hepar sulph
Calcium is a major mineral element of the body. It constitutes 1.5 to 2 % of the body weight of the adult human. The adult body contains 850 to 1400 gm of calcium. About 99% of the calcium in the body is found in the bones.
The amount in the blood is usually about 10 mg/ 100 ml. There is a dynamic equilibrium between the calcium in the blood and that in the skeleton. This equilibrium is maintained by parathyroid gland and chole- calciferol.
Calcium needed by the body for:
1. The formation and maintenance of bone and teeth,
2. Coagulation of blood,
3. Regulation of neuromuscular irritability and
4. Muscular contractility.
All the salt of lime affects the nutrition of the body; hence they are of great use in infancy and childhood when growth must be accomplished. They favor the development of bones, glands and other tissues.
No clear-cut disease due to calcium deficiency has ever been described even under condition of very low intake. It has been established that if the intake of chole calciferol is adequate, the problems of rickets and osteomalacia does not arise even with low calcium intake. On the other hand no deleterious effects have been observed in man as a result of prolonged intake of large amounts of dietary calcium, neither have any benefits been demonstrated.
SOURCE
Milk and milk products are main source of calcium. Fish, vegetable, fruits, cereals (ragi rich in calcium) and drinking water are other sources. (Green leafy vegetables are the cheapest natural source of calcium but the bio availability of calcium is poor. Presence of oxalic acid, which forms an insoluble substance with calcium, namely calcium oxalate, which make the complete absorption of impossible. Availability of calcium from a good source like milk is adversely affected by the simultaneous consumption of green leafy vegetable)
Recommended in take of calcium (adult) – 400 –500 mg / day.
Non-Homoeopathic uses of Calcarea group of Medicine
Calc iodata-- used as a dusting powder and in lotion, in ointment as antiseptic and deodorant.
Calc sulph – Dried gypsum or plaster of paris used for making plaster splinter and other fixed dressing.
Calc phos – Used as an antacid.
Calc hypophos –Has been used for ricket and impaired nutrition.
Calc chloride – Used to correct increase capillary permeability as in urticaria and dermatitis herpetiformis, also in alkalosis and acidify the urine.
Calc carb – Antacid – in the management of peptic ulcer and other condition of gastric hyperacidity.
(Calc acetica – the first of the lime preparation proved by Hahnemann. Identical with those of Calc carb, both being prepared from oyster shells)
COMMON FEATURES OF CALCAREA GROUP OF MEDICINES
Constitution
Suited to lymphatic, scrofulous and tuberculous person
Fat person with lax fiber
Fat children who are slow in movement, of irregular growth with enlarged and hard lymphatic glands
Calc ars: suited to lymphatic, scrofulous and tuberculous person. Fat women approaching climaxis. Fat person (mentally depressed and anxious)
Calc brom: Suited to children who are of lax fiber, lymphatic, nervous and irritable. Fair haired and fat children.
Calc carb: Leucophlegmatic constitution. Large head and large features with pale skin and chalky look and in infants – open frontenelles. Scrofulous constitution- enlarged and hard lymphatic glands. Tendency to obesity in youth.
Calc flour: Scrofulous- indurated glands of stony hardness
(Calc phos—is an exception to the common fatty, flabby constitution of calcarea which is scrofulous emaciated children who are slow in learning to walk, with sunken flabby abdomen)
Mentally they are sad, depressed and melancholic with great anxiety.
Calc ars: Mentally depressed and anxious
Calc brom: Nervous and irritable
Calc carb: Melancholic sad. Disposition to weep even about trifles
Calc flour: Depressed, anxious and indecisive
(Anxiety of calcarea usually about the future or about the health)
Indolent sluggish behavior. (Always desire to lie down)
All most all calcarea group medicines have a general weakness, aggravation from motion or aversion to motion, amelioration from lying down and ailments from either mental or physical exertion. All these features contributing to indolent, sluggish nature of the calcarea.
Aggravation from mental and physical exertion – Calc carb, Calc ars, Calc caust, Calc fl, Calc iod, Calc pho, Calc sil.
Aggravation from physical exertion – Calc carb, Calc ars, Calc fl, Calc iod, Calc pho, Calc sil, Calc sulph.
Lying down amelioration -- Calc carb, Calc iod, Calc pho, Calc sul.
Aggravation from motion -- Calc carb, Calc ars, Calc pho, Calc sul and Calc sil.
Aversion to motion -- Calc carb, Calc sul.
- Thermal reaction – Most of them are chilly patient.
Medicines |
Cold aggravation |
Cold amelioration |
Lack of heat |
Calc carb |
+++ |
+ |
+++ |
Calc ars |
+++ |
+++ |
|
Calc flour |
+++ |
+ |
++ |
Calc phos |
+++ |
+++ |
|
Calc sil |
+++ |
++ |
|
Calc sul |
+ |
++ |
|
Hep sul |
+++ |
+++ |
|
Calc iod |
+ |
- All most all medicines have tendency to take cold easily
Calc carb, Calc iod, Calc pho and Calc sul. - Side affinity—predominantly right sided.
Calc carb
Calc iod Right sided
Calc pho
Calc ars
Calc acet Right sided pain
Calc caust – pain right eye, right cheekbone, right articulation of jaw.
- Miasm—psora and syphilitic are predominant.
Posra -- Calc carb, Calc acet, Calc flour, Calc pho and Calc sul
Syphilitic—Calc flour, Calc iod
Sycotic – Calc carb.
8. Almost all calcarea have stitching type of pain both internally and externally.
Pain stitching -- Calc carb, Calc flour, Calc iod, and Calc sil.
Externally-- Calc carb, Calc flour, Calc pho.
Internally-- Calc carb, Calc phos, Calc iod, and Calc sil. - Dreams –
Anxious
Calc carb, Calc caust, Calc iod, Calc pho, Calc sul and Calc sil.
Frightful
Calc carb, Calc ars, Calc acet, Calc fl, Calc sulp, Calc pho, Calc sil and Hepar sulp.
Dead of the
Calc carb, Calc ars, Calc fl, Calc iod, Calc sil.
Fantastic—coloured
Calc carb, Calc iod, Calc sil
Fire
Calc carb, Calc pho, Calc sil and Hepar sulp.
Amorous dreams
Calc carb, Calc ars, Calc iod, Calc pho, Calc sil
With pollutions
Calc carb, Cal acet, Calc phos - Desires and aversion
Desires:
Alcoholic drinks
Calc carb, Calc ars, Calc iod, Calc sul
Calc carb: Desires for beer, brandy, whisky and wine
Ailments from alcoholic drinks
Calc ars: Complaints of drunkards after abstaining
Craving for alcohol
Cold drinks
Calc carb, Calc ars, Calc sul
Cold food aggravates her complaints:
Calc carb, Calc flour, Calc phos, Calc sil
Salt
Calc carb, Calc flour, Calc sul
Sweets
Calc carb, Calc flour, Calc mur, Calc sul and Calc phos
Aversion
Meat
Calc carb, Calc flour, Calc sulp, Calc sil
Milk
Calc carb, Calc sulp, Calc sil
Milk aggravation:
Calc carb, Calc sulp, Calc sil
Calc group has a general aggravation from milk and aversion to milk - General aggravation at night and evening
Aggravation at night Aggravation evening
Calc carb Calc carb
Calc iod Calc iod
Calc phos Calc pho
Calc sil Calc sul
Calc ars Calc sil
Hepar sul Calc ars
Calc sul
12. Aggravation on ascending
Calc carb, Calc ars, Calc pho, Calc sil and Hepar sulp
13.Aggravation after bathing
Calc carb, Calc sulph, Calc sil and Hepar sulp
14.Almost all calcarea medicines are anaemic
Calc carb, Calc ars, Calc lac, Calc iod, Calc pho, Calc sil, Calc met and Hepar sulp.
- Many of them are anticonvulsant
Convulsion: Calc carb, Calc iod, Calc phos, Calc sil and Calc ars
In children: Calc carb and Calc phos
During dentition: Calc phos
Convulsion with out consciousness: Calc carb, Calc ars, Calc phos and Calc sul
Epileptic convulsion: Calc carb, Calc sulp, Calc phos, Calc sil and Calc ars
Epileptiform convulsion: Calc carb, Calc sulp, Calc phos, Calc iod
Convulsion after suppressed eruption
Convulsion after exertion
Convulsion from fear (fright from)
Convulsion with hydrocephalus Calc carb.
Hysterical convulsion
Puerperal convulsion
Titanic convulsion
Trebling externally (twitching)
Calc carb, Calc caust, Calc flour, Calc iod, Calc pho, Calc sil, Calc mur and Calc sulp. - Dropsy – both external and internal
External: Calc carb, Calc ars, Calc pho, Calc sil, Calc sulp and Hepar sulph.
Internal: Calc carb, Calc ars, Calc sil, Calc sulp and Hepar sulph.
Cardiac and renal dropsy: Calc phos
Hepatic dropsy: Calc carb
17.Almost all calcarea have emaciation and marasmus
(Constitutionally they are fat and flabby)
Emaciation: Calc carb, Calc ars, Calc flour, Calc hp, Calc iod, Calc pho, Calc sil, Calc mur and Calc ox.
Ravenous appetite with emaciation: Calc carb and Calc flour.
Emaciation of the affected parts: Calc carb
Marasmus of the children: Calc carb, Calc phos, Calc sil.
- Haemorrhagic tendency
Calc carb, Calc flour, Calc iod, Calc sil, Calc sul and Calc ln (Calc lactica natro nata.)
19. Tumors cystic
Calc carb, Calc flour, Calc phos, Calc sul and Hepar sulph.
20. Perspiration cold and profuse
Profuse: Calc carb, Calc ars, Calc iod, Calc sul and Calc sil.
Cold: Calc carb, Calc iod, Calc phos, Calc sul Calc sil and Hepar sulph.
21. Sleeplessness
Calcarea group has restless and disturbed sleep. Frequent waking from sleep. Sleep disturbed by fright, anxiety, dreams or thoughts.
22. Menses too frequent, copious and protracted
23. Ravenous hunger with weak digestion
Calc carb, Calc iod, Calc phos, Calc sul and Calc sil.
HALOGENs
in Greek terminology , the words ‘halos ‘ means sea salts, and genes means born. It is so originated due to their close resemblance and gradual transition of physical & chemical properties.
Halogens have 7 electrons in their outer orbit. They require one electron to complete their outer orbit and become stable, so they constantly trying to get one electron & hence these halogen remedies are very active, restless, excited and anxious. Halogens are fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine, astatine
IMPORTANT REMEDIES
Chlorine
Bromine
Iodine
Fluorine.
Spongia from animal kingdom , contain iodine, some amount of bromine & calcareous matter
IMPORTANT FEATURES OF HALOGENS
1)Constitution
Lean, thin, emaciated with a typical cachexic look.
2) Diathesis
Scrofulous.
3) Miasm
anti syphilitic, anti tubercular,
4)Thermal reaction:
Hot.
Iodum- hot
Bromium-bchilly
Fluorine- ambithermal
5)Ailments from :
summer;
Warmth.
6)Tendency to affect glands. All of the halogens act upon the glandular system producing enlargement, induration and even abscess in glands. Thus we find them all useful in scrofulosis, especially Iodine,
Lymphatic glands hypertrophied.
Endocrine glands affected e.g. Iodium - goitre.
Bromium - toxic goitre. Hypo or hyper functioning of glands.
Sexual glands :- hypo functioning and atrophy of ovaries,testes etc.
Primary / secondary sterility. E.g.: infantile uterus ; azoospermia etc.
7)Hollow organs affected: like
Respiratory tract,
Intestines,
Uterus,
Heart etc.
8)Tendency to produce spasms.
Spasmodic affections of respiratory tract. They all produce spasm of the glottis and this is most marked, has proved most characteristic in Chlorine, although they all have it.
9) Marked affinity for all mucous membranes. producing violent inflammation, rawness and excoriation
10) Affinity for bones & hair.
bones – deformities, tumors, etc.
hair – hairfall etc.
11)Highly acrid discharges :
discharges burn the parts on which they flow producing
inflammation ,
then congestion ,
then ulceration ,
then malignancy.
12)Slow onset of disease.
13)Sluggish torpidity.
Therefore halogens useful in chronic diseases.
14)Highly irritant. Destroy fibrin present in blood, leading to haemorrhages.
15)Tendency to pseudo membrane formation. All excepting Chlorine, tend to produce croupous membranes; Chlorine tends more to diphtheritic membrane than pure croupous
16)Oedematous conditions. Esp. Cardiac dropsy.
17)Modalities
< night,
< heat.
mental features
1) Anxiety belongs to all of the halogens.
It hardly originates in the mind, probably coming from some defect in the body itself. It is a common symptom in heart and lung affections, and it is probably thence that the symptom springs. This anxiety is expressed in this way: The patients expect to see objects jump around them or they think that somebody is about them, and they turn around to see if such is the case. This is an effect of Bromine,
2) Restless, excitable people--There is a decided erethism, during which the patient is very excitable, and restless, moving about from place to place, now sitting here, now sitting there, he fears that every little occurrence will end seriously. they continually want to be doing something
3)active- they are active , agile people
4) Impusive—they wanted to do things quickly, impulse to do violent & strange things
5) Destructive—tendency to become destructive, tendency to ruin things which they don’t like
6) Violent- they take harsh & violent measures
7) Forgetful
A third characteristic symptom is their forgetfulness, as described by Vithoulkas (1991 b, page 50). They are so busy and they have so much on their mind that they can't keep up with it. They are inclined to write everything down on little notes, but even then they keep forgetting certain things.
8) Obsession
Their fear of forgetting things might become an obsession. This may lead to compulsive behaviour, all because they want to be able to keep everything under control. This results in fixed ideas: 'I have to do this, and I must do that'.
INDIVIDUAL DRUGS
Iodium
Iodine. The Element.
- Persons of a scrofulous diathesis, with dark or black hair and eyes; a low cachectic condition, with profound debility and great emaciation (Abrot).
- Great weakness and loss of breath on going upstairs (Calc.); during the menses (Alum., Carbo an., Coc.).
- Ravenous hunger; eats freely and well, yet loses flesh all the time (Abrot., Nat. m., Sanic., Tub.).
- Empty eructations from morning to night, as if every particle of food was turned into air (Kali c.).
- Itching: low down in the lungs, behind the sternum, causing cough; extends through bronchi to nasal cavity (Coc. c., Con., Phos.).
- Hypertrophy and induration of glandular tissue_thyroid, mammae, ovaries, testes, uterus, prostate or other glands_breasts may dwindle and become flabby.
- Palpitation, worse from least exertion (compare Dig.from least mental exertion, Cal. ars.).
- Sensation as if the heart was squeezed together; as if grasped with an iron hand (Cac., Sulph.).
- Leucorrhoea: arid, corrosive, staining and corroding the linen; most abundant at times of menses.
- Cancerous degeneration of the cervix; cutting pains in abdomen and haemorrhage at every stool.
- Constipation, with ineffectual urging >> by drinking cold milk.
- Croup: membranous, hoarse, dry cough, worse in warm, wet weather; with wheezing and sawing respiration (Spong.).
- Child grasps the larynx (Cepa); face pale and cold, especially in fleshy children.
- Relations. Complementary: to, Lycopodium.
- Compare: Acet. ac., Brom., Con., Kali bi., Spong. in membranous croup and croupy affections; especially in overgrown boys with scrofulous diathesis.
- Follows well: after, Hep., Mer.; is followed by Kali bi. in croup. Acts best in goitre when given after full moon, or when the moon is waning. _ Lippe.
- Should not be given during lying-in period, except in high potencies. Hering.
- Aggravation. _ Warmth; wrapping up the head (reverse of, Hep., Psor.).
Bromium
Bromine.- The Element.
- It acts best, but not exclusively, on persons with light-blue eyes, flaxen hair, light eyebrows, fair, delicate skin; blonde, red-cheeked, scrofulous girls.
- Sensation of cobweb on the face (Bar., Bor., Graph.).
- Fan-like motion of alae nasi (Ant. t., Lyc.).
- Sailors suffer from asthma "on shore."
- Stony, hard, scrofulous or tuberculous swelling of glands, especially on lower jaw and throat (thyroid, submaxillary, parotid, testes).
- Diphtheria : where the membrane forms in pharynx; beginning in bronchi, trachea or larynx, and extending upwards; chest pains running upwards.
- Membranous and diphtheritic croup; much rattling of mucus during cough, but no choking (as in Hepar); sounds; loose, but no expectoration (Ant. t.).
- Croupy symptoms with hoarseness during whooping-cough; gasping for breath.
- Dyspnoea : cannot inspire deep enough; as if breathing through a sponge or the air passages were full of smoke or vapor of sulphur; rattling; sawing; voice inaudible; danger of suffocation from mucus in larynx (in bronchi, Ant. t.).
- Hypertrophy of heart from gymnastics in growing boys (from calisthenics in young girls, Caust.).
- Physometra; loud emission of flatus from the vagina (Lyc.); membranous dysmenorrhoea (Lac. c.).
- Cold sensation in larynx on inspiration (Rhus, Sulph.); >> after shaving (< after shaving, Carbo an.).
- Relations. Compare : in croup and croupy affection, Chlor., Hep., Iod., Spong.
- Hard goitre cured after Iod. failed.
- Brom. has cured in croup after failure of Iod., Phos., Hep., Spong.; especially in relapses after Iod.
- "The chief distinction between Brom. and Iod. is, the former cures the blue-eyed and the latter the black-eyed patients."-HERING.
Chlorum
(chlorine gas in water)
* The marked effect on the respiratory organs, producing spasm of the glottis, is the chief symptom of the drug.
* Asthma to relieve the spasm of glottis.
* Useful externally and internally in gangrene.
Mind
- Marked loss of memory, especially for names.
Respiratory
- Coryza with sudden gushes of sharp, corroding fluid, making nose sore inside and about the alae.
- Constriction, with suffocation. Spasm of the glottis.
- Irritation of epiglottis, larynx, and bronchi.
- Loss of voice from damp air.
- Sudden dyspnoea from spasm of the vocal cords, with staring protruding eyes, blue face, cold sweat, pulse small.
- Inspiration free, with obstructed expiration. [Mephit.] Livid face.
FLUOR PURUM
Fluorine is rather special in that it isn't easy to potentise. If we were to dissolve it in water it would immediately react with the water to form Fluoric acid. Other solvents would give similar problems, so it won't be easy to find a suitable medium to potentise
Fluorine in its pure elemental form. It is the most reactive of all the non-metallic elements and it affects every substance it comes in contact with, even metals like Platina.
There are only a few noble gases that are not affected by its aggressive action.
Picture of Fluorine
Essence: letting go of personality and values.
They have a tendency to let go of all the values they have had to take on board during their life so far. They feel that they can no longer live within this restrictive set of rules and norms and they would rather get rid of them.
Magnesium Group
Introduction:
World’s lightest metal. It is highly active in pure state. It is the 3rd most abundant of the metals forming 2.5% of the earth crust. In human body too it is the 3rd most abundant cation after Na &Ca. It has an intermediate position between alkalis and transition metals—alkali earth metals. It is discovered by Sir Humphrey Davy (Na, K, Mg, Cl, Ba, Bo).
Symbol – Mg
Group – II A (alkaline earth metal) (Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Ra)
Series – 3rd
Atomic no – 12
Atomic weight – 24.302 amu
Magnesium plays a vital role in the life processes of plants and animals. Chlorophyll, which green plants use in photosynthesis, contains magnesium. Plants produce carbohydrates, a class of foods essential to living things, by means of photosynthesis. Magnesium also takes part in the duplication of substances called DNA and RNA, which have a key part in determining the heredity of all organisms. Magnesium also activates many of the enzymes that speed up chemical reactions that occur in the human body. Magnesium is present in all the cells and is necessary for cell membrane permeability, neuromuscular excitability, muscle contraction and so on. Magnesium along with calcium constitutes the structural organization of the body.
Physical Properties:
Mg is a salt. It is odorless, tasteless& insoluble in alcohol but soluble in dilute acids. Mg is brilliant silver white metal sold in form of ribbon and wire.
General uses:
- Lightness of Mg has earned it a place in aerospace and electronics (Making electronic devices, air planes, missiles, fireworks etc.)
- Making alloys, Mg forms an active alloy with lead (Mg2Ph) that readily absorbs O2 from air.
- Mg amalgam can be prepared by heating Mg with Mercury.
- Mg was used as a laxative, antacid. Since time, Mg is used as a purgative medicine.
- In organic chemistry, it is used as an intermediate for introduction of new radicals.
- It has high affinity for O2 and hence used as a reducing agent.
Biological Functions:
In the serum, its contents 2-4 mg. Mg is particularly important in respect to germination. Sperms are rich in Mg and stimulate sexual function. Brain, muscle and testes are rich in magnesium. It is an intracellular ion. It is useful in signaling, enzyme activation and catalysis.
Food source:
Green leafy veg – Spinach, Nuts- Cashew, almonds, beans, Soyabeans, pumpkin seeds.
Whole grain buck wheat flour, Barley.
Fish
Low fat vanilla
Yoghurt.
Deficiency:
Due to excessive loss of Mg in urine, GI system disorders, that cause loss of Mg or and absorption or chronically law intake of Magnesium.
Signs and Symptoms:
GI symptoms – Loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting
CVS symptoms – Irregular heartbeat, palpitation and HTN, Kidney stones.
Nervous Symptoms – Disorientation, tired feeling, sleep disorders irritability.
Excess:
Mg toxicity associated with Kidney failure. A large dose of laxatives and antacid causes Mg excess.
Symptoms:
Nausea diarrhea loss of appetite and muscle weakness, low BP and irregular heart beat.
IMPORTANT REMEDIES:
Magnesium Carbonicum (Carbonate of Magnessium)
Magnesium Muriaticum (Mureate of Magnesium)
Magnesium phospohoricum (phosphate of Magnesium)
Magnesium Sulphuricum (Epsom salt)
Mag Flouricum
Mag bromatum
Mag Iodatum
Mag aceticum
Mag borocitricum
Mag usta
Mag silicatum
CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES:
CONSTITUTION:
Stout, fair flabby, skin is pale, puffy, oily and waxy with slow healing and scar formation. Premature loose skin, hangs down with lax fiber.
TEMPERAMENT:NERVOUS
THERMAL:Chilly, very sensitive to cold.
Miasm: Psoric
SPHERE OF ACTION:
All magnesium remedies act on mucous membranes especially the intestinal and increases the secretion. GI tract, sexual organs especially uterus, NS, Muscles, liver and GB, prostate, nails etc. Acts on kidneys and causes excretion of alkaline urine. Magnesium shows more affinity towards right side.
PATHO PHYSIOLOGICAL ACTION:
Magnesium injections reduce body temperature. Mg ions are a depressant of CNS and neuromuscular transmission. Mg++ relaxes muscle. In heart Mg slows the rate of impulse formation at SA node. The intestinal action of Mg salts need not be concerned with a purgative action as is known of MgSO4. With MgSO4 the fluidity of stool depends not upon a reabsorptive action but exactly on the poor reabsorption of this salt.
CHARACTERISTIC MENTAL SYMPTOMS:
- Pacifism: They hate aggression in any form. They try to avoid violence in any form. They find it very difficult to get angry, because they are extremely disturbed by violence.
- Aggression: On the other hand they can be very aggressive (Ex: Mag C). This part is not much emphasized in literature. But Whitmont describes Mgs the most violent, ill tempered, erratic but also fearful, depressed remedy in our MM.
- Fear of loss of friends, family etc. Kent describes Mag C as a remedy for orphans. Mag carb, Mag mur are important remedies for children of divorced or quarrelling parents. In rejected children Mag finds its place as a remedy. Because of the rejection there is a greater than usual frustration as the demands (in the form of love, security and recognition) are not fulfilled. These produce conflict in them and ultimately anxiety which is expressed in dreams. This is in general the Magnesium mind.
- Repression:Main feeling of Mg is tremendous internal anxiety and insecurity but this feeling is usually repressed. (Natrum suppresses). Emotions are so repressed that even the patient is unaware of them.
- Insecurity, Neglected feeling:Mg patients have the history of being neglected in some way by the parents.
- Dreams of feeling loneliness, of having to face the problem alone etc:
Of being left behind- dreams that they were on a railway platform and the train departed with all relatives while patient was left behind. Among the pleasant dreams, that magnesium patient get dreams of being with people, a picnic with relatives etc.
These features of tremendous anxiety, insecurity a need for protection and nourishment and a strong repression of emotions are seen in orphans, one who has no one to protect him or whom he can confide in.
- Strong sense of duty: Magnesium patients have a strong sense of duty. They easily overload themselves with too many tasks and then become very anxious and they find themselves unable to keep up. They become overwrought with nervous energy trying to meet the demands and then find themselves unable to sleep properly.
This sense of duty along with the emotional sensitivity to others eventually leads to great restlessness and fidgety over the years.
- Oversensitive: Magnesium patients are oversensitive to noise, voices or any other external stimuli, including pain.
- Delusions, hallucinations, imaginations and illusions:Mainly there are auditory and visual hallucinations. He sees dead people or feels that he is going to die due to some incurable diseases. This creates anxiety in him. He sees phantoms, mutilated bodies, and thieves or as if someone is following him. There are pleasant delusions also as that of weddings, meeting friends, etc…
- Censorious:Magnesium’s dealing with other people is interesting. These people are abusive, fault finding, insulting, censorious, disposed to contradictions and is always discontented. He is obstinate and headstrong. His moods are very changeable. He is very quarrelsome and definitely not a favorite among his subordinates.
- Reserved: Mag patient withdraws himself into a shell and does not want to be spoken to or to answer. He is very introverted. This leads to grief and forsaken feeling. He feels that even people who are close to him have left him and this leads to anxiety and irritability.
A/ F:
- Anger
- Disappointment in friendship or feeling that he has been deceived.
- Fright
- Home sickness
- Metal exertion
- Grief
PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS:
- Right Sided affections
- Chilly patients (except Mag iod and Mag mur)
- Periodicity of Complaints.
- Desire – For, meat, vegetables and refreshing things,
- Aversion – to cooked food, sweets, fatty food, Milk is intolerable < sweet, fat
- Discharges are sour, profuse and offensive, stool green watery with mucus
- Menses – Blood is very dark, tar like and many complaints excited or aggravated in relation with menses.
- Mg group have affinity to nervous system peripheral paralysis and affections of muscle excitability. Neuralgic pains are present.
- Poor resistance, lack of vital heat, and increased susceptibility which leads to allergic manifestation. Ex: Urticaria, eosinophilia, asthma etc.
- Pains: Neuralgias- Pain is darting, tearing, boring and shooting.
- Having antispasmodic character useful in abdominal colic, renal colic angina biliary colic etc.
- Tendency to new growth, like tumors and warts.
- Sleep unrefreshed, more tired in evening.
- Tendency to spasmodic affections like cramps, colic, tetany, convulsions and epilepsy.
- Tendency to relaxation and paralytic effects – subluxations, prolapse, displacement.
- Poor reaction – tendency to suppuration and scar formation. Tendency to hypertrophy infiltration and indurations and hence remedy for tumors.
- Mg group mainly psoric similar to calcareas.
- General Modality
- < By cold, touch, 7am, Rt side and motion
- >Warm application, pressure and Bending double.
MAGNESIUM CARBONICUM
Mind:
Remedy for children of quarreling or divorced parents. In Mag C feeling that he is not appreciated. This makes to understand why Mag C children so aggressive. They have to be recognized and accepted & if this does not happen, they will show their presences in another way, they well force you to respect them.
Physicals
- Spasmodic affections of stomach and intestines (Col, Mag P), increased Secretions from mucus membranes, marked acidity.
- Menses preceded by sore throat, labor like pain, cutting colic, weakness chilliness flows only at night or when lying, ceases when walking (Ammo m, Kreos, opposite of Lil tig) acrid dark pitch like, difficult to wash off (med).
- Children whole body smells sour, disposed to boils.
- Diarrhea -Stool-Green, watery, frothy like a frog ponds scum.
- Milk passes undigested in nursing children, sour with tenesmus (Rheum).
- Constipation after mental shock or severe nervous strain.
- Agg – change of temperature, every 3 weeks, rest, milk, during menses.
Amel. – Warm air, but worse in warmth of bed (Led, Merc – better in warmth of bed – As).
MAGNESIUM MURIATICUM
Mind
Remedy for children of quarrelling or divorced parent. In Mag Mur feeling that there is fear of losing his sense of being safe and cured for. They crave for attention of nurturing, 1st stage they crave for attention, whine, but they might also get very irritated if they don’t get attention. Irritation may marked and change into bad temper or fits of anger. Same time they are afraid of aggression themselves because of fear of losing the support. They can’t stand violence. Afraid of people’s anger. Quarrels between parents can throw them completely out of balance.
Physicals
- Children – difficult dentition, unable to digest milk, causes pain in stomach and passes undigested, puny, rachitic and crave sweets.
- Great sensitiveness to noise
- Sweating of head (Calc, Sani, Sili))
- Leucorrhoea – after exercise with every stool with uterine spasm, followed by metrorrhagia two weeks after menses for 3 to 4 days (Bar, Bov, Con)
- Constipation – stool hard, large, knotty like sheep’s dung, difficult to pass, crumbling at the vage of anus (Anumm, Natm) of infants during dentition.
MAGNESIUM PHOSPHORICUM
Mind
Fear that their aggression will take away the possibilities of contact. They need to make contact to exchange ideas and feelings. But they are afraid that they will say something wrong which makes other person angry and even break of the friendship. So they became very careful. They become more and more tense and almost spastic. Eventually they avoid making contact and even develop fear of people.
They can also cause the withdrawing and timid behavior.
They like traveling or quite the opposite, they often suffer from Homesickness.
Physical
- Pains –Sharp cutting, stitching, lighting like coming and going (Bell). Paroxysmal. Spasmodic or cramp of stomach with clean tongue as if a band around the body.
- Colic - flatulent forcing to Bend double and by heat, rubbing, hard pressure (Col, plumb)
- < Cold air, cold washing, bathing, motion, touch
>Bending double, heat, warmth, pressure
MAGNESIUM SULPHURICUM (EPSUM SALT):
Mind
Mag sulph is afraid of getting angry, out of fear of losing his love or his loved one.
Physical
Skin
Itching suppressed itch, small pimples itch violently, warts, erysipelas and dropsy.
Urinary
Diabetes: Stitches & burning in the orifice of urethra after micturition (urethritis) .Urine in morning copious and yellow later become turbid with red deposits. Urine greenish when passed, is of a clear color and in large quantity.
Female
Leucorrhoea as profuse as menses with weary pain in lumbosacral region and on moving about. Metrorrhagia, returns after 14 days.
REFERENCES:
- Group study of materia medica by JD Patil.
- Clinical materia medica by EA Farrington.
- Pocket manual of homoeopathic materia medica by William Boericke.
- A Study of materia medica by Choudhuri.
- Keynotes and characteristics with comparisons by Allen.
- Homoeopathy and minerals by Jon Scholten
MERCURIAL GROUP
The three grand characters of Mercurial group are – destructiveness, elusiveness and restlessness.
The drugs in the Mercurial group are listed below.
Name of drugs
- Mercurius Solubilis
- Mercurius aceticus
- Mercurius auratus
- Mercurius biniodatus = mercurius iodatus rubber
- Mercurius bromatus
- Mercurius corrosivus = Mercurius sublimates
- Mercurius cum Kali = Mercurius biniodatus cum kali iodato
- Mercurius cyanatus
- Mercurius dulcis, calomel
- Mercurius iodatus flavus
- Mercurius Methylenus
- Mercurius Nitrosus
- Mercurius Oxydatus = Mercurious precip. ruber
- Mercurius phosphorus
- Mercurius pracipitatus albus
- Mercurius pracipitatus flavus
- Mercurius Sulphocy- anatus
- Mercurius Sulphuratus niger
- Mercurius Sulphuratus ruber
- Mercurius Sulphuricus
- Mercurius tanicus
- Mercurius vivus
- Mercurialis perennnis
MONOGRAM
Congestive, Catarrhal, Exudative, Ulcerative, Suppurative, Destructive, Glandular, Scrofulous, Scorbutic, Anemic, Rheumatic, Offensive, Sensitive, Tremulous, Dropsical, Agile, Chaotic, Debilitated, Syphilitic
- Congestive: Merc is basically inflammatory group of remedies. Every inflammation begins with congestion and Merc has it forcefully in its pathogenesis. This congestiveness has to be differentiated from Aco, Bell or Ferr-ph. These three drugs have congestion in their first stage of inflammation. Merc presents a furtherance of activity where suppuration has supervened. An abscess in Merc is of spreading congestion-more red, more painful, more throbbing, and with adjacent lymphadenopathy.
- Catarrhal: Merc causes inflammation of mucous membranes resulting in profuse, thin, slimy, acrid, burning, foul or thick greenish-yellow discharges. Merc covers simple to malignant catarrhs in its pathogenesis.
- Exudative: Exuding the ichorous fluid, pus etc. through affected lesions like boils, abscesses, carbuncles, sinuses, fistulae etc. is the characteristic of Merc. The exudation is usually offensive in nature.
- Ulcerative: Merc has ulcerations; of the mucous membranes, esp. of mouth and throat. The syphilitic miasmatic dimension is responsible for recurrent and non-healing ulcerations; ulcers based on deep pathologies, or metabolic basis. Syphilitic, phagadenic ulcers.
- Suppurative: Inflammation in Merc doesn’t stop at the level of congestion. Inflammatory action is intensely acute and violent and rapidly tends to septic disorganization. It is as if little resistance is offered by the system. Defective mesenchymal system and phagocytosis turns the condition into suppuration. Merc has tendency to pus formation and the pus is thin, green, putrid; streaked with blood. Suppuration in glands, ulcers or even internal vital organs like lungs (e.g. empyema) or kidneys (e.g. peri-nephric abscess or pyelonephritis) comes within the range of Merc.
- Destructive: Merc transforms healthy cells into decrepit, inflamed and necrotic wrecks. Merc is destructive both at body and mind levels. Its lesions resemble those of syphilis. Merc’s action is similar to that of the toxins of infectious diseases. Inflammations of malignant types, and prostration. Appropriate Merc salt can be thought of in cases where perforation threatens.
- Glandular: Merc has increased glandular activity, esp. of salivary and mucous glands. Lymphatic system is esp. affected with all the membranes and glands. Merc has concomitant lymphadenopathy with skin lesions like boil, abscess, ulcer etc. Syphilitic miasm is responsible for even malignant glandular affections and fevers. Based on scrofulous diathesis, it also covers tubercular glandular affections. Chronic suppurating glands; cold abscesses are dealt with Merc.
- Scrofulous: Tuberculous disease of lymphatic nodes and of bone, with slowly suppurating abscesses. Merc decomposes the blood, producing a profound anemia. It thus affects the nutrition and prepares a ground for scrofulous affections. Syphilitic activity further leads to cachexia.
- Scorbutic: Merc has spongy and bleeding gums. When the general condition is impaired and metabolism affected because of malnutrition, scorbusis may get developed. Scorbusis may be a precursor of metabolic diseases like DM.
- Anaemic: Merc through decomposition of blood, and through bone-narrow depression causes profound or aplastic anemia. Hemorrhages, metabolic disorders, hepatic and renal toxicity cause anemia. Hence Merc constitution is emaciated, pale with dark ring around eyes.
- Rheumatic: Rheumatic diathesis is one of the features of Merc group. It has both acute and chronic dimensions. Mercs are sensitive to both heat and cold - human barometers and they come down with acute joint swellings and pains consequent to weather changes. ‘Redness’ indicates Merc.
- Offensive: Merc is filthy, mentally as well as physically. All discharges smell horribly; the decomposition, the debris, the slough, the suppuration; smell emanates from the body. Mercs are, hence, recognized to an observant physician.
- Sensitive: Mercs are very sensitive to weather changes, hence termed as ‘human barometer’. The inflamed part is very sensitive and depicts all characters of inflammation. The reactivity pattern is exhibited well. Sensitivity attracts environmental stimuli; hence modalities or sensory stimuli / inputs are usually available. Sensitivity is also present at mind level.
- Tremulous: ‘Trembling’ is a marked characteristic of Merc. Paralysis agitans – Parkinsonism -come under pathogenetic action of Merc. Syphilitic expressions with a lot of pathologies at nerves, spinal cord, and brain resulting in inco-ordination are responsible for tremulousness.
- Dropsical: Dropsy due to anemia, hepatic, renal or cardiac affections are covered by Merc. Edematous swellings in the affected parts characterize Merc.
- Agile: Merc is basically an‘active’ group. We get rapid development of symptoms leading to destruction. When active disease processes are present, Merc group is indicated. It is less indicated for remnants or for exhaustion stage. That work is allotted to other groups like Carbon etc. Usually full-blown acute or chronic diseases are found in Merc group because of increased sensitivity and susceptibility.
- Chaotic: The aberrant immune response as expressed in autoimmune disorders give the character of chaos. Under severe infection, the system becomes prey and behaves in an eccentric way. Tubercular miasma actively dominates the scene. The agile character allows the system to go into chaos.
- Debilitated: The sway of disease processes under tubercular and syphilitic miasmatic activities depletes the energy. The system can’t continue for long and succumbs. Anemia, malnourishments add to the state of debility. Discharges produced do not ameliorate and further deplete the energy.
- Syphilitic: Merc and syphilis are knot together since antiquity. Merc has in its pathogenesis all stages of syphilis-primary, secondary and tertiary. Low states and phagadenic condition from syphilitic poison. Destructive effects on nerves. It covers both acute and chronic phases. Discharges which system develops as defense do not help and syphilitic march is continued.
Merc group is an active group and hence must be considered in all inflammatory processes characterized by suppuration. But once Merc action has been over, (for example in a case of an abscess), it is better to follow with either a constitutional remedy or a nosode. Sul is a liaison remedy to complement Merc.
Merc group resembles Acid group as far as inflammation and destruction is concerned. But Acid group is more debilitated. ‘Struggle followed by exhaustion’ is the theme with Acid group. In Merc group struggle is an active process. Fight is the theme and it is continued till decomposition occurs. But if this state appears, better to go to Carbon group of remedies.
Merc group should be compared with Spider group. This group is slyer, nervier and has more loss of control.
Previously Merc was used for all and sundry as a medicine. Now antibiotics and steroids are used. Now we don’t get Mercurialised constitutions to treat homeopathically. But it is necessary to note that modern man is using Mercury more than his predecessors. And it needs to be antidoted by our potentised Mercury.
ANALOGICAL RELATIONSHIP
1] A poor conductor of heat but a fair conductor of electricity.
2] Atom shows the unstable quick reaction; changes its physical state quickly and
possesses extraordinary mobility.
3] Low melting and boiling point; reacts to changes of temperature and atmospheric
pressure.
4] Mercury has affinity for the liquid sphere and left to itself it assumes the form of
any liquid, the drop, which at the slightest instance, due to lack of adhesion and
liability of inner coherence separates into innumerable droplets, restlessly moving
about in every direction.
5] Solubility of mercury is directly proportional to availability of NaCl; NaCl
enhances Mercury solubility.
6] Mercury is heaviest of all known liquids, weighing 13.6 times as an equal volume
of water (1litre bottle of Hg weighs more than a bucket of water).
7] Its power of cohesion is extremely great but its adhesion to its surroundings is
poor. Neither grasped like a solid and doesn’t stick like liquid and retains its own
shape.
8] Takes up and dissolves all metals such as gold, silver, tin etc. with the exceptions
of iron in solutions called amalgams.
9] A bizarre substance; cold and elusive, always restless; but when still, it is better
than a mirror to see into.
10] Due to its solubility in lipids, Mercury has a tendency to concentrate in nervous
tissue and particularly the brain which is extremely sensitive to mercury.
11] Mercury switches are used in automatic control and measuring instruments as
they ensure instantaneous opening and closing of electrical circuits.
12] Hg dissolves metals as water dissolves salt.
Interpretation in MM
1] Present erratic pattern of disease process. Established pathologies run rapidly.
2] Unstable mind and body, imaginations run riot. Exaggeration of complaints. Wants
to travel.
3] Human Barometer. Increased susceptibility and sensitivity. Changeability.
Vacillating.
4] Unstable at maintaining relations. Restless. Can go to any extreme under emotional
dominance.
5] Both Mercury and Natrum salts are related to ‘liquid state’ and hence catarrhal.
Mercury is furtherance of Natrum presenting suppuration and thick discharges.
Merc compliments Natrum and is an acute of it. Mentally Nat anger may go into
Merc rage.
6] Heavy to deal with both from personality and disease point of view. Presents deep
acting, syphilitic pathogenesis. Discharges are thick and suppurating.
7] A leader who coheses the mass but can’t maintain close I.P.R. (Inter-personal
Relationship) of harmony owing to elusive, detached and chameleon attributes.
8] Odd, clumsy, restless and difficult to unfold; full- blown disease portrait helps
click the remedy.
9] Presents “Mercurial erethism”- profound and characteristic disturbance of
nervous system and mind.
10] Instantaneous, quick to act. A trifle can provoke out of proportion response.
When open; aggressive, dictatorial; when closed; timid, shy, easily embarrassed.
11] Mercury almost dissolves the personality of others with its dictatorship, divide
and rule policy.
INDIVIDUAL DRUGS
Mercurius -- quicksilver
- In bone diseases, pains worse at night; glandular swellings with or without suppuration, but especially if suppuration be too profuse (hep., sil.).
- Profuse perspiration does not relieve; may even increase the suffering
- Catarrh: with much sneezing; fluent, acrid, corrosive; nostrils raw, ulcerated; yellow-green, fetid, pus-like; nasal bones swollen; < at night and from damp weather.
- Toothache crowns decay, roots remain
- Fetid, coppery, metallic-tasting saliva.
- Tongue: large, flabby, shows imprint of teeth
- Mumps, diphtheria, tonsillitis with profuse offensive saliva; constant desire to swallow;
- Dysentery: stool slimy, bloody,with colic and fainting
- leucorrhoea itching with rawness; always worse at night;
- Mammae painful, ulcerate at every menstrual period
- Relations. - follows well: after, bell., hep., lach., sulph., but should not be given before or after silicea.
- if given in low (weak) potencies hastens rather than aborts suppuration.
- Aggravation. - at night; wet damp weather (rhus); in autumn, warm days and cold, damp nights; lying on right side; perspiring. Mercury is < by heat of, but > by rest in, bed. Arsenic is > by heat of, but < by rest in, bed.
Mercurius corrosivus
corrosive sublimate.
hgcl2
- diseases of men, syphilitic; ulcers, with corroding, acrid pus; bright's disease.
- dysentery and summer complaints of intestinal canal, occurring from may to november.
- tenesmus: of rectum, not >> by stool (< by stool, nux); incessant, persistent; stool hot, scanty, bloody, slimy, offensive; shreds of mucous membrane and terrible cutting, colicky pains. More the pain merc cor is indicated and more blood merc sol is indicated
- tenesmus: of bladder, with intense burning in urethra; urine hot, burning, scanty or suppressed; in drops with great pain; bloody, brown, brick-dust sediment; albuminous.
- gonorrhoea: second stage, greenish discharge, < at night; great burning and tenesmus.
Mercurius biniodide
- Mercurius iodatus ruber
- Biniodide of mercury mgi5
- Diphtheritic and glandular affectionsof left side; fauces dark red; solids or liquids painful when swallowing; exudation slight, easily detached; cases attending epidemic scarlet fever, ulcers on fauces or tonsils; glands enlarged; greenish tough lumps from pharynx or posterior nares. Tubercular pharyngitis.
Mercurius dulciscalomel hg2cl2
- catarrhal affections of mucous membranes, especially of the eye and ear.catarrhal inflammation of middle ear(kali m.). Eustachian tube closed; catarrhal deafness and otorrhoea in psoric children; deafness of old age (kali m.). Acute affections of prostrate after maltreated stricture. Deafness and catarrhal affections of nares, throat, and pharynx, from mercurial amalgam fillings. Diarrhoea: of children; stools grass-green; like chopped eggs; profuse, causing soreness of anus.
Mercurius iodatus flavus
Iodide of mercury---hg2i2.
- diphtheritic and throat affections where the cervical and parotid glands are enormously swollen; membrane begins on or is < on right side; < by warm drinks, and empty swallowing (lach.).
- tongue: thick, yellow coating at base (kali bi._ golden yellow coating at base, nat. P.; dirty or greenish-gray coating at base, nat. S.); tip and edges red; right side of throat and neck most affected.
Constant inclination to swallow
- for hunterian (hard) chancre, secondary symptoms rarely follow if given in proper dose; great swelling of inguinal glands, no disposition to suppurate.
Mammary tumors, with tendency to much warm perspiration and gastric disturbances.
Cinnabaris (mercuric sulphide)
* for certain forms of ciliary neuralgia and ulceration upon a syphilitic base, this remedy is most effective.
* sleepless during night.
eyes
- pains from lachrymal duct around eye to temple, from inner canthus across brows to ear. Severe shooting pain in bones of orbit, especially running from inner to outer canthus in the bone. Redness of whole eye.
- lids granulated; canthi and lids red.
Mercurius sulphuricus
sulphate of mercury.
hgso4.
- hydrothorax, if occurring from heart or liver diseases; dyspnoea, has to sit, cannot lie down.
Extremities swollen; stool loose, watery, causing severe burning and soreness; burning in chest.
- "when it acts well it produces a profuse, watery diarrhoea with great relief to the patient; it is as important as arsenicum in hydrothorax." _ lippe.
- relations. Compare: ars., cinnab., dig., sulph.
NATRUM
It is a metallic element. Silvery white lustrous alkali metal of wax consistency oxidising rarely in air or water. The salts of sodium are extensively used in medicine
Periodic table group I A
Series – 3.
Atomic no.: 11;
Other members of alkali group
Hydrogen, lithium, potassium
The cation sodium has its physiological task in water movement and acid base equilibrium. Its quantity in body fluids is so great. Its marked swelling action on colloids, its property of binding water and the great capacity of its dissociation of salts makes it chiefly as the chloride compound the chemical regulator of water balance. In the acid base equilibrium it acts in the first place in the form of carbonates and to a far less extent in the form of phosphate.
Chemical actions of sodium
1) The neutralisation of gastric acid through weakly alkaline sodium carbonate is a mass chemical action. Large doses of sodium carbonate before meals will produce a hypotonia of stomach and shallow peristalsis
Sodium influences the optimum H+ concentration in digestive processes. By the development of HCl in the stomach a great deal of sodium is made free for combination with carbonate and is an essential participant in the preparation of alkaline intestinal juices.
This role of sodium in digestive processes is a chemical mass action on receptive organs. Rectal administration of sodium bicarbonate lessens the gastric acid secretion. Sodium ion is a physiological intermediator of chloride carbonate exchange
2) NaCI provides a sodium ion which is a constant constituent of blood and tissue fluids in general. The so called buffer action of carbonate against excess acid in body fluids rest upon the ease with which carbon dioxide is taken up or given off.
3) Sodium serves as an easily available transporting agent for decomposition products. The close connection of sodium to water regulation can be considered best in sodium chloride and concerning intestinal secretion in connection with sodium sulphate.
4) Small doses of sodium carbonate increases the excretion of urea with a simultaneous reduction in uric acid output.
5) For purely palliative effects of threatening acidosis large amounts of sodium carbonate were in use. But excessive use of alkaline diet as in forced fruit diuresis and too excessive use of alkaline water favours the formation of inflammatory urate foci.
Intravenous injection of soda solution in animals gives rise to pallor and complete cessation of circulation,
Discovered by Sir Humphrey Davy in 1807- Na, K, Mg, Cl, Ba,
- Greek word – Natrium
- English – Sodium
- French – Carbonate
Physical & chemical properties:
- Soft, white metal with silver luster.
- Tetragonal crystalline form.
- Dissolves in liquid ammonia giving intense blue color.
- Soluble in alcohol.
Normal values:
- Extracellular: 140 meq/lit
- Intracellular: 05 meq/lit
- In blood: 160 meq/lit
- Plasma: 330 meq/lit
- Serum: 136 – 145 meq/lit
- Muscle: 60 – 160 mgms %
- Nerve tissue: 300 mg.
Important Remedies in Homoeopathic use:
- Natrum Ars
- Natrum Cacodylicum
- Natrum Carb
- Natrum Hypochlorosum
- Natrum Iodatum
- Natrum Lacticum
- Natrum Muriaticum
- Natrum Nitricum
- Natrum Nitrosum
- Natrum Phosphoricum
- Natrum Salicyclicum
- Natrum Selenicum
- Natrum Sulphuricum
- Natrum Sulphurosum
- Borax- Sodium biborate
Sphere Of action
Mind, GIT, skin, MM, lymphatics, bones, connectivetissue
Patho-physiological action:
- Water transport in the body
- acid-base equilibrium.
- Action on colloids, capacity of dissociation of its salts.
- Hydroxide has severe corrosive action, carbonate has weak lacerative action on skin & mucous membrane.
- Alkaline NaHCo3 has neutralizing action of gastric acid.
GENERAL FEATURES
Constitution: lean, thin, emaciated, pale.
Temperament: bilious and melancholic.
Diathesis: Rheumatic and Gouty.
Miasms : Sycosis & tubercular
Thermally: Hot ( except Natrum carb& Natrum sulph)
MIND
- Grief , depression—most characteristic feature is GRIEF.There is much grief about that which they have lost. They are glum, melancholic and pessimistic. They feel that things will never be right again. They get stuck in the past, when everything was still all right. Their thoughts keep going back to that time. Sometimes they can cry about it, but they will not show that.they cry when alone not in front of others. Changeability of moods
- Closed- they keep their problems inside, never talk about it. They carry their secret grief & hide it from the outside world. They are having the feeling that they have to carry the burden of their grief by their own. They cannot expect any help from outside world
- Pessimistic- Looks on dark side of everything, they have lost all the faith that all things could become alright againalso having the feeling that they are forbidden to be happy, not allowed to experience this
- Sensitive – very sensitive & very vulnerable. Easily affected by anything, easily frightened, unexpected thing could easily hurt them. There is also a sensitivity to music, especially soft, classical music. With this music they can let themselves be carried away in their melancholic mood. Oversensitive to noises
- Reserved & introverted- inclination to withdraw, but want to hold on. So they attached to certain things or memeories of the past
- Anxious- anxiety of keeping balance or harmony, this means maintanenece of relationships. Natrum patient does not want too many relationship, keep one & dependent only on one relationship, without which she feels isolated and therefore very insecure. This tremendous need and dependence on relationship that makes natrum patient very vulnerable to hurt
- FEAR- becoz of this vulnerability natrum people develop a fear of people, & tries to avoid contact and on other hand she has fear of being alone
- Dwell on past occurrences
- Emotional – very emotional can’t forget if they have been hurt. Very emotional concerning relationships
- Hypochondriacs
Physicals
1)Affections of blood – anaemia, leukemia, haemorrhage
2) Periodicity of complaints : 10 – 11 am- all complaints arise every summer, in hot weather, electric changes in atmosphere or direct sunrays give rise to various ailments
3) Emaciation .-All Natrums stimulate cellular activity and increases oxidation and metabolism. These lead to increased conception of oxygen and increased appetite but he loses flesh while living well.
Gen- Emaciation-Borax, Natrum ars, Natrum carb, Natrum hypochi,Natrum mur, Natrum nit, Natrum phos, Natrum sul, Natrum sil
Natrum mur- Great emaciation Joses flesh while living well,throat and neck of children emaciates rapidlyduring summer complaints. Emaciation more of body than of face.
4) Craving for salt- prolonged intake causes profound nutritive changes in various systems. There arises symptoms of salt retention as evidenced by dropsy and edema
5) Craving- salt, fish, farinaceous food, milk aversion- bread
6) Tongue characteristics-Natrum mur-abnorma! sensation of hair on tongue. Tongue mapped with red insular patches like ring worm on tongue especially on sides, (ars. lach, mere, nit ac, tarax). Geographical tongue, clean shining tongue with froth on sides.
Natrum sulph- dirty greenish or brown coating on tongue, covered with mucous. Slimy taste,
Natrum phos- golden yellow or creamy coating on base of tongue or even upto the roof of mouth. Sensation of hair on tip of tongue. Sometimes dry brown centre.
Natrum nitrosum- heavily coated tongue.
Natrum carb- affections of under surface and frenum- So heavy that the patient has difficulty in speaking,
Natrum hypochlorosum- tongue white shrivelled at sides, taste as after sucking alum. Tongue furred in morning apthae on sides of tongue.Natrum arsenicosum-tongue furred coated yellow, deep red corrugated anterior part fissured, tongue large moist and flabby.
7)Easy spraining of ankle or dislocations
8) Glandular affections – especially thyroid
9) Aphthous stomatitis.
Natrum ars- ulcers in mouth which are very sore.
Natrum carb- pimples on tip of tongue. Tensive blisters on right margins of tongue. Papular eruptions beneath the tongue. Pustules and ulcers on the frenum,
Natrum hypochlorosum-apthae and sore pimples inside the lips,
Natrum mur—herpes labialis blisters like pearls about the lips.
Natrum sulph—burning blisters on tip of tongue and on palate.
Borax -aphthae white fungus like growth, mouth hot and tender, ulcers bleeds on eating or on touch.
Natrum chloratum—sore and irritable, spots along sides of tongue and throat.
Gums sore swollen with apthous ulceration.
10) Skin complaints
Natrum mur- eczema raw red and inflammed along the edges of hair. Aggravated after eating too much salt or after ocean voyage or when at sea shore.urticaria acute or chronic over the whole body especially after violent exercise. (apis» calc, hep, sanic, urt), Face oily and shiny as if greased. Herpes on borders of hair and on nape of neck. Warts on palms, corns and hang nails,
Natrum carb- eczema with particular affinity to dorsum of bands. Skin becomes rough dry and chapped. Shoebite and march past ulcer on heels. Icthyosis and herpes circinatus. Complaints from using alkali soap. Warts and other scrofulous conditons of skin.
.
Natrum cacodylicum-d ry dermatitis of skin of abdomen.
Borax - Psoriasis and apthae on mucocutaneous junction. Tips of hair splits easily. Hair tangles easily. Plica polonica. Pruritus of vulva and eczema. Eczema of toes and finger joints. Itching of back of finger joints.
Natrum hypochlorosum - eczema of scalp and behind ears
Natrum arsenicosum-pityriasis rubra. Wens on bottom of each little toe.
Itching aggravation when in warm and from exercise. Psoriasis.
Natrum phos- itching in various parts especially of ankles. Eczema with honey coloured secretion.
Natrum sulph- Itching while undressing. Jaundiced ,watery blisters. Warts like red lumps all over Skin eruptions appear every spring,
14)Catarrhal complaints and affections of mucous membranes.
Natrum mur- respiratory system is mainly affected beginning from rhinitis and even whooping cough. In GIT it produces dryness of mucous membranes leading to constipation. Tears stream down his face whenever he coughs.
Natrum carb- GIT and respiratory system are affected. Purulent discharges which are greenish and yellow. Post nasal discharge offensive with mouldy smell. Main cause of catarrh in GIT here is intake of milk, vegetables, or starchy foods. Manifested as diarrhoea and flatulence. Catarrh of genitourinary tract manifested as excessive discharge from vagina after an embrace causing sterility.
Natrum sulph- catarrh of respiratory tract. Catches cold easily.- bronchial asthma. Expectoration purulent greenish or yellow. Dirty coating on tongue.
Profuse sputum which is purulent.
15).Laryngeal affections and laryngeotracheo bronchitis
Natrum nitricum- indicated in laryngeotracheo bronchitis or croup and in all inflammations.
Natrum selenicum- laryngeal pthisis with expectoration of small lumps of bloody mucous with slight hoarseness. Frequent clearing of throat. Chroniclaryngitis, laryngeal pthisis and hoarseness of singers-
Natrum iodatum- chronic laryngitis.
16)Bone affections.
Natrum silicicum scrofulous bone affections.
Natrum silicoflouricum Destructive action on bones producing caries. So it is called bone scraper in case of caries.
17) Sterility
Genitalia female- Sterility—borax, Natrum carb, Natrum mur, Natrum phos
Natrum carb- discharge of mucous from vagina after an embrace causing sterility.
Borax- Sterility , favours easy conception,
Natrum mur- sterility with too early and too profuse menstruation.
Natrum phos- sterility with acid secretion from vagina
18)Uterine affections-
Natrum chloratum- feels as if uterus were pushed up on sitting. Violent menorrhagia , leucorrhoea and backache. Passive bearing down sensation from heavy condition of uterus. Womb heavy sodden with tendency to prolepses. Sub involution of uterus.
Aururn muriaticum natronatum- indurations of ovary. Indurations of one part and softening of another part of uterus. Corrosive leucorrhoea with pustules on genitals. Schirrus carcinoma of breast and uterus. Ulcers with induration.
Sub acute metritis and sterility from ovarian disorders.
Natrum hypochlorosum- Water logged uterus. Uterus feels heavy. Pains low down in pelvic region. Tendency to prolapse , subinvolution of uterus afterlabour. Tongue swollen and shriveled at sides. Globus hystericus aggravated after eating and while taking cold water and before menses. Diffuse hydrogenoid constitution. Weight of uterus increased leading to prolapse. Hydreamia more marked in uterus. While sitting patient feels as if uterus were pushed up.. sensation of shutting and opening of uterus.
Natram mur- Prolapse of uterus with cutting in urethra. Bearing down pains aggravation morning. Must sit down to prevent prolapse.
Natrum carb- bearing down sensation as if every thing would come out. <sitting >moving about.
19) Respiratory complaints and asthma.
Resp - asthmatie-Natrum ars, Natrum carb, Natrum phos, Natrum sulph
Resp - difficult-Natrum ars, Natrum carb, Natrum mur, Natrum phos, Natrum sulph
Natrum sulph- Breathing difficulty most noticeable on a damp or cloudy day. Copious green expectoration offensive breath and harsh asthmatic breathing audible even at some distance. Asthma is associated with looseness of bowels. Humid asthma of children with every change to wet weather. Asthma with every fresh cold and damp rainy weather. Sycotic pneumonia affecting lower lobe of left lung. Great soreness of chest.during cough has to sit up in bed and holds chest with both hands. Hydrogenoid constitution. Catches cold easily. Bronchial asthma aggravated at 4-5am..
Natrum mur-Dyspnoea when going near sea or salt in any form may aggravate the dyspnoea.
Natrum arsenicosum- -cough with greenish expectoration. Miners asthma.
Oppression of the chest about the heart. Lung feels as though smoke has been inhaled.
Natrum salicylicum-dyspnoea, patient is compelled to assume a half sitting posture. Breathes with great difficulty. Gasps like fish out of water.
Natrum nitricum-asthmawith urine supersaturated with solids.
20) General modality -< sun, heat, 10 or11am, lying on left side, milk,music , seashore
> at night , open air, cold bathing, dry weather (<&> sea- janscholten)