Author: Urenus

The mother tincture is prepared from the fresh rootstock of the plant Asclepias tuberosa L., which is a native of North America and former Jugoslavia. N.O. Ascle- piadaceae.

Intercostal neuralgia.

The American name of the plant, “Pleurisy Root”, shows the particular relation- ship with the pleura, and also to the chest-muscles. Stabbing pains, aggravated by motion, on either side of the rib-cage, between the scapulae and in the intercostal spaces, all respond well and quickly to the remedy.

Abdominal symptoms too are found, e.g. nausea with retching, flatulent colic and dysenteric stools, also with fever symptoms and subsequent sweating.

All complaints are aggravated by cold, damp weather. There is also a sensitivity to tobacco.

The German Monograph-Preparation Commission for the Homoeopathic Field of Therapy has, under the Preparation Monograph for Asclepias tuberosa, published the following indication(s) in the German Bundesanzeiger (German Federal Gazette) for asclepias tuberosa: dry pleurisy; rheumatism; neuralgia in thoracic areas.

The attenuations of this nosode are prepared from maw-worms, (Ascaris lumbri- coides), parasites inhabiting the human small intestine.

When they occur in large quantities, maw-worms can bring about a symptomatol- ogy corresponding to paralytic ileus. According to the Law of Similars, therefore, the Ascarides Nosode is used in spastic complaints in the abdominal cavity, espe- cially in the intestinal area, in children, not on its own but complementing spasmod- ic remedies such as Cuprum, Colocynthis, Veratrum, Belladonna, Nux Vomica and others. Apart from this, however, we must take into account the nervous reflex-states arising from worm-infestation, such as tics, and neural affections of many kinds, es- pecially if the patient has dark rings around the eyes, and in excessively nervous and irritable children (cf. Chamomilla, Antimonium Crudum, Staphisagria); in such cases it may also be used alongside Cina, Tanacetum, Thymus Serpyllum, Chenopodium, Ambra and others.

One must also think of the Ascarides Nosode in epileptic spasms and gastric ul- ceration.

The mother tincture is prepared from the dried gum-resin from various species of Ferula, such as Ferula assa foetida L., Ferula foetida (Bunge) Regel. N.O. Umbellif- erae.

The tincture, prepared as above, has an unpleasant, obtrusive odour and taste. It was formerly used allopathically in various nervous illness.

Important indications are bone problems and ulcers, which are best treated with medium and high potencies, whilst in nervous problems and in digestive complaints with distension, lower potencies are rather indicated. (“Full of wind, flatulence with eructations, everything pressing upwards, but nothing downwards.” Nash.)

Mental and physical hypersensitivity and irritability are present, with a tendency to hypochondria, hysteria and nervousness, especially when normal discharges have been suppressed. (Retoxic phases.)

In chronic paronychia, according to Fellenberg-Ziegler, Asa foetida acts even when other remedies fail.

Asa foetida is indicated in syphilitic iritis, and after abuse of mercury, such as was formerly common in treatment of syphilis; especially when burning, pulsating pains predominate in the bones of the eye-socket. The characteristic pains of Asa foetida proceed from within outwards, and are stabbing, tearing, pulsating, intermittent, and may change into other kinds of complaint on being touched, often linked with a sensation of numbness.

A further Asa foetida symptom is a chronic discharge of pus from the ear (perfo- ration), possibly linked with hearing impairment. Particularly characteristic however is the “globus hystericus”, with gastric and oesophageal cramps and the feeling of an object rising in the gullet. This may be accompanied by a feeling of emptiness in the stomach, rancid eructations, burning in the gullet and a greasy taste.

The colicky distension, as if everything would burst and as if there were reversed peristalsis in the intestines, is especially prominent when discharges have previously been suppressed, or uterine problems of various kinds have been retoxically treated, or also if the milk suddenly dries up during lactation in hypersensitive women.

In such cases, Asa foetida is said to bring in the milk again.

Nash emphasises especially that all the discharges are offensive, and that there is great sensitivity to touch, which may be a prominent symptom in osteitis or caries of the bones with violent nocturnal symptoms.

Complaints are aggravated in a room, at night, by touch and at rest, and are ame- liorated by pressure, rubbing and movement in the open air.

The symptom-picture of Asa foetida is characterised by numerous objective changes on the physical level, but also by further symptoms of a nervous kind such as bad moods, work-shyness, irritation and hastiness, restless sleep with sleepiness in the daytime, twitching in individual muscle-groups, headaches and vertigo, as if light-headed and depraved. There are spasmodic twitchings of the eyelids, possible ringing in the ears, and a dulling of the acuity of hearing. There may also be pressure on the heart, shuddering with hot flushes, feeling of constriction with coughing, tenesmus at defaecation with reversed peristalsis, everything pushing upwards, but also ulceration of soft parts and in bone-tissue with viscous or thin offensive pus and a general physical and mental hypersensitivity.

Summing up the main symptoms of Asa foetida, we have the following typical picture of the remedy:

1. Globus hystericus with spasmodic contractions of the oesophagus, as though a foreign body were rising and falling or being swallowed.
2. Lack of appetite. Rancid or greasy eructations. Retching. Distension with flatus pressing upwards and offensive flatulence.
3. Hot flushes with surges of blood, light-headedness and vertigo.
4. Offensive secretions from ulcers, also from the skin.
5. Osteitis, periostitis and caries of the bones with violent pains at night, better from pressure and rubbing.
6. Milk dries up during lactation.
7. Chronic otitis media with purulent discharge and hearing impairment. Chronic paronychia and iritis.

The German Monograph-Preparation Commission for the Homoeopathic Field of Therapy has, under the Preparation-Monograph for Asa foetida, published the fol- lowing indication(s) in the German Bundesanzeiger (German Federal Gazette) for asa foetida: chronic inflammations of the respiratory passages; nervous disorders of the alimentary tract; bone diseases; varicose veins; skin ulceration and development of fistulas; dysfunction in normal milk flow; headaches; various nervous disorders.

The mother tincture is prepared from the fresh tuber, gathered before the develop- ment of the leaves. The plant grows wild in North and South America and in China. Arisaema triphyllum (L.) Torr. N.O. Araceae.

Acute laryngitis. Cracking of the voice. Hoarseness of speakers. Acute catarrhs, pharyngitis, bronchitis. Scarlatina.

A prominent symptom is the tendency to copious sweating. A certain forgetfulness and absent-mindedness indicate Arum Triphyllum, especially if there is a pre- dominantly irritable mood and sleep is restless and disturbed.

The German Monograph-Preparation Commission for the Homoeopathic Field of Therapy has, under the Preparation-Monograph for Arisaema triphyllum, published the following indication(s) in the German Bundesanzeiger (German Federal Gazette) for arum triphyllum: acute inflammations of the upper respiratory pas- sages and of the oral cavity; vocal overstrain.

The mother tincture is prepared from the fresh tuber, gathered before the leaves develop. The plant Arum maculatum L. is found in damp woodlands of Central and Southern Europe. N.O. Araceae.

The main indications are as follows:

Pharyngitis, laryngitis. Hay fever. Bulbar palsy with inability to swallow. Exces- sive salivation. Cramps. Paralyses (with bulbar involvement). The nose, mouth and pharynx are hot and inflamed, raw and painful.

Contact of the freshly-pressed juice of this plant with the skin produces redness, swelling and blistering. If it is injected intravenously, death follows, with paralysis and spasms. This gives the symptoms which also emerged in the provings, such as swimming in the head, sleepiness, flushing of the face in sleep, catarrhs of the mu- cosa of eyes and nose, stomatitis with bleeding of the gums at the slightest touch, tongue swollen and painful. In the gullet there is a sensation of tickling, stinging and burning, and difficulty in swallowing, linked with pain.

The mucosa of the respiratory and digestive tracts are also affected, with burning, contractive stomach pain. There is vomiting of mucus and blood, cramping intestin- al colics, and also copious menstrual bleeding.
The German Monograph-Preparation Commission for the Homoeopathic Field of Therapy has, under the Preparation-Monograph for Arum maculatum, published the following indication(s) in the German Bundesanzeiger (German Federal Gazette) for arum maculatum: inflammation of the upper respiratory passages; nasal polyps.

The attenuations of this sarcode are prepared from the fresh arteries of a healthy pig (Sus scrofa domesticus).

Disturbances of circulation. Periarteritis. Intermittent claudication. Diabetes mel- litus. Gangrene. Buerger’s disease. Cramps in the calf-muscles.

The mother tincture is prepared from the fresh rootstock of the plant Artemisia vul- garis L., a native of Europe, Asia and North America. N.O. Compositae.

Sydenham’s chorea. Hysteria. Complaints due to worms. Asthenopia. Vertigo from coloured light.

The German Monograph-Preparation Commission for the Homoeopathic Field of Therapy has, under the Preparation Monograph for Artemisia vulgaris, published the following indication(s) in the German Bundesanzeiger (German Federal Gazette) for artemisia vulgaris: spasmodic disorders (cramps); worms.

The attenuations are prepared from Arsenictriiodide, AsI₃ , MW: 455.6.

Asthma. Pulmonary tuberculosis. Dry irritating cough without expectoration. Ag- gravation after midnight. Encourages the appetite.

Arsenicum Iodatum is also indicated in eczematous eruptions, also in psoriasis and formation of skin cancer, and it can also be effective in tumours of the mamma- ry glands (cf. Mastopathia cystica Nosode). On the basis of the provings (by Dr. Hale) scrofulous eye-inflammations should respond favourably, likewise stiffness and painfulness in the left side of the neck, aggravated by movement.

Symptoms which may lead to the selection of Arsenicum Iodatum are: burning heat in the sacrum, as if the clothes were on fire. Itching on the backs of both hands, especially the left. Shivering of the left thigh, formication in the left thigh, later also in the right, extending to the foot, ameliorated by walking. Heaviness of the legs with general tiredness.

The mucus which is very tenacious in asthma may be tough, stringy and some- times glassy, or may also form a whitish mass. In purulent bronchitis and pulmonary abscess (for which it is the main remedy), the mucus may be yellowish-green, al- most like pus, and may have blood mixed with it.

The German Monograph-Preparation Commission for the Homoeopathic Field of Therapy has, under the Preparation Monograph for Arsenicum jodatum, published the following indication(s) in the German Bundesanzeiger (German Federal Gazette) for arsenicum iodatum: common cold; bronchitis; glandular swelling; geriatric heart.

The attenuations are prepared from the trituration of Arsenic trioxide, As₂O₃, MW: 197.8.

Arsenic is one of the best-known and most serious poisons, and therefore, by Re- verse action, is also frequently in demand as a homoeopathic polychrest. It is spe- cially indicated when, on account of retoxic impregnation, a humoral phase does not reach regressive vicariation, possibly displaying a tendency to progressive vicaria- tion.

A typical symptomatic indication for Arsenicum Album is the emotional mood of the patient, in whatever kind of phase. The Arsenicum patient displays – in both words and gestures – a certain hopelessness as to his condition. There is also a cer- tain anxiety that all medical efforts are in vain; this is an indication for Arsenicum.

One might find such a state, for example, in a heart-patient with oedema and seri- ous dyspnoea, who enters the consulting room having scarcely been able to drag himself up the stairs. If he now makes the statement that in his condition he is be- yond help, then in addition to an intravenous injection of Digitalis or some drug with similar action, it is absolutely necessary to give Arsenicum Album as well. In such cases the action of the indicated homoeopathic remedy can be observed in a particu- larly impressive way, for an injection of Arsenicum achieves an almost instanta- neous effect on such patients, which would not be seen in a comparable case had Digitalis alone been given. In such cases Arsenicum Album can take an intransigent Digitalis heart and make it amenable again.

One may find a similar hopelessness in poisoning with other substances which produce similar symptoms to those of Arsenic. So, for example, aluminium tartrate 30! poisoning can produce gastroenteritis similar to that of arsenic, characterised by incessant vomiting and exhausting diarrhoea. Arsenicum can then release the pa- tient from his lethargy and obviously hopeless situation. Hahnemann’s Law of Sim- ilars is classically demonstrated in such cases, in contrast to isotherapy. For arsenic poisoning is more rapidly amenable to an agent which creates similar symptoms to those of arsenic, e.g. aluminium tartrate, and vice versa.

Restlessness must be given as a further symptom of Arsenicum, often coupled with this hopeless anxiety. Such restlessness is also found, e.g., in renal colic, espe- cially when localised on the right. In right-sided renal colic, however, Arsenicum must be given in rather higher potencies, e.g. 30X or 200X. Even in such cases one may prescribe Arsenicum Album either i.v. or s.c. (kidney area) or orally.

Burning sensations are a further important symptom of Arsenicum, such as often occur in the course of catarrhs, e.g. in pharyngeal catarrh, when there is burning of the skin and itching with burning after scratching, or again, in fluent coryza when the nasal discharge is burning hot. Stomach complaints may be characterised by burning, or it may arise from discharges of any kind. When Arsenicum is indicated, the skin eruptions and other symptoms are mostly of a stubborn nature, or may even border on the phase of degeneration or exhibit development along malignant lines.

Arsenicum is also indicated in cases of physical weakness, exhaustion or a steep drop in energy, which may occur in the course of an acute gastroenteritis or loss of vital fluids, or insufficient nutrition, or if a patient is run down from overwork or hunger and needs to lie down. In such cases it is right not to wait too long before giv- ing Arsenicum, but to use it as early as possible, i.e. as soon as the symptoms begin. In episodes, feverish or otherwise, Arsenicum is always effective if there is a need of warmth, or if pains are better from warmth, usually with strong thirst. The pa- tients asks frequently for a drink but mostly takes only small sips, preferring slight-

ly warm drinks. In many cases drinking is closely followed by vomiting.

The lips of the Arsenicum patient are mostly dry, even parched and cracked, so that the patient tends to moisten them with the tongue.

The Arsenicum patient’s tongue is mostly dry and red, with raised papillae, and possibly showing a red imprint at the edges from the teeth. It can however also be chalky-white, similar to the tongue of Antimonium Crudum. In serious cases of ty- phus and sepsis it may be dry, brown and black, as one may find in Phosphorus and Sulphur patients. Aphthous or ulcerative stomatitis with gangrene may well indicate Arsenicum and not only Mercurius Solubilis or Mercurius Sublimatus Corrosivus. The four remedies: Phosphorus, Mercurius, Sulphur and Arsenicum have many sim- ilarities.

Arsenicum also has typical stomach pains, which are aggravated by the slightest food-intake, and which throw the patient into the greatest restlessness, tossing about. They may result from cold drinks or eating ice-cream. Foul-smelling stools, such as are found in typhus and septic conditions, may also indicate Arsenicum.

Where indicated, Arsenicum is also excellent in asthma. A particular characteristic is the occurrence of complaints at night, or their aggravation at midnight or around 1:00 a.m.

Boils and carbuncles indicate Arsenicum if they burn like fire. On the other hand, the patient’s skin may be cold and blue, or dry like parchment, coming off in great scales, such as one sees in psoriasis and similar illnesses. Arsenicum is suitable in gangrene, if black mummification occurs, burning like fire. Generally speaking, one needs to think of Arsenicum, as of Sulphur, in all retoxic impregnations, especially after the suppression of eczema and rashes, e.g. in asthma which vicariates with skin diseases, or in renal colics which occur after suppression of foot-sweat. In such cases Arsenicum will act on any tissue or organ.

Like Sulphur, Arsenicum is indicated after retoxic impregnations, possibly in al- ternation with Mercurius, Hepar Sulphuris and Phosphorus; also with other animal, vegetable or mineral polychrests (Lachesis, Baptisia, Arnica, Belladonna, Apis and others).

Arsenicum Album is used in a wide variety of preparations and potencies, being one of the most important remedies in Homoeopathy. If the emotional symptoms are more prominent, the higher potencies are to be preferred, and as shock-therapy these can also be given without hesitation in frequently repeated dosage.

The view that high potencies must only be given in infrequent doses and allowed to work for weeks is not supported by practice. In asthma, or in right-sided renal

colic, Arsenicum should be given in repeated doses (every 5–10 minutes until recov- ery).

Recently Arsenicum Album, even in its attenuated form, has been suspected by some doctors as a carcinogen and therefore refused. We cannot agree with this view, inasmuch as the potencies in regular homoeopathic use (4X upwards) are no longer capable of carcinogenic action, especially bearing in mind that the normal dose is only a few drops three times a day. Because of the reversal effect, the 6X, 12X, 30X, 200X and 1000X potencies, as highly attenuated antihomotoxics, have an expressly anticarcinogenic action. Repeatedly one can see this powerful antihomotoxic action of Arsenicum – theoretically entirely to be expected – brilliantly prevailing when properly indicated.

Thus Arsenicum Album is one of our most important antihomotoxic remedies, which may be combined without hesitation with numerous other polychrests and ho- moeopathic preparations, also as mixed injections. Arsenicum Album complements Arnica well, e.g. after over-exertion, in athletes etc.

A wealth of case-histories could be cited to illustrate the stature of Arsenicum Album as one of the greatest of all homoeopathic polychrests; may this short ac- count of it simply stimulate the reader to study it more closely and to use it in suit- able cases.

The main symptoms may be set out here once more:

1. Emotional symptoms: timidity, hopelessness. The patient believes that he cannot be cured.
2. Great restlessness and urge to be moving.
3. Aggravation in the small hours, or around 1:00 a.m. Attacks of asthma, heart at- tacks, renal pain, itching, etc.
4. Desire for warmth and warm drinks.
5. Burning pains and burning itching, ameliorated by warm applications.
6. Typhoid fevers.
7. Great unquenchable thirst for warm or lukewarm drinks. Only drinks in small sips, so moistening lips and oral cavity.
8. Tongue is dry, red with raised papillae, may be coated white, brown or black also.
9. Gastroenteritis of the most violent kind with insatiable vomiting and diarrhoea.
10. Aphthous stomatitis.
11. Unbearable burning stomach-pains on taking the least food. Foul-smelling evacuations.
12. Bronchial asthma, taking the place of skin diseases.
13. Excoriating discharges, burning coryza, conjunctivitis with burning secretion, burning leucorrhoea.
14. Serous exudations. Pleurisy. Pleural effusion. General pale swellings of the joints and inflammatory swelling with burning, lancinating pains. General anasarca. Skin waxy- or earthy-coloured, or peeling off like parchment; scaly skin in eczemas and psoriasis.
15. Burning and decaying ulcerations with a blue, black or speckled underlying surface, as in ulcers of the lower leg. Burning carbuncles and boils. Gangrene with burning pains.
16. Periodicity of symptoms.
17. Vicariation between asthma and eczema, and other conditions.

The German Monograph-Preparation Commission for the Homoeopathic Field of Therapy has, under the Preparation Monograph for Acidum arsenicosum, published the following indication(s) in the German Bundesanzeiger (German Federal Gazette) for arsenicum album: inflammations of all degrees of severity in all tis- sues and organs; serious infections; diseases of attrition; benign and malignant pro- liferation of tissue; emotional discord or upset.

The mother tincture is prepared from the dried roots of Arnica montana L. N.O. Compositae.

Arnica is the best-known folk-remedy for wounds, injuries, contusions etc. of every kind, and may also be used in concussion of the brain, distortions, bruises, fractures, haematomas etc. Likewise damage resulting from over-exertion is an indi- cation, e.g. of the heart (athletes). Arnica patients als complain of a sensation of weakness, tiredness and general exhaustion. A specific symptom is that everything on which he lies feels too hard (Nash), and so he must be constantly changing posi- tion in order to find relief. Even the bed seems too hard. In septic states this is often an indication for Arnica, though Baptisia – another often-used remedy in sepsis – has the same symptom. The Arnica patient relapses quickly into his stupor when aroused from it. Arnica also has – like Baptisia – a dark streak down the middle of the tongue, and also a dusky-red face, such as is found in the course of sepsis and ty- phus. Stools and urine are often passed unawares, and bruises appear beneath the skin. In whooping cough, children who need Arnica or Baptisia, cry before the coughing comes on. All these cases are strict indications for Arnica. As well as with Baptisia, Arnica also has a certain similarity with Belladonna, head and face being red and hot, while body and limbs are cool or cold.

Further noteworthy Arnica symptoms are: putrid smell from the mouth, offensive eructations and distension with flatus smelling of rotten eggs, and a battered feeling in the uterine area, so that the patient cannot walk upright. The presence of many small, painful boils, occurring one after the other, is an indication for Arnica. The Arnica constitution is usually muscular and athletic, plethoric and tending to hyper- tension; however, this is no reason not to prescribe Arnica in septic states, even in weakly, neurasthenic patients, if the correct symptoms are present. This principle of prescribing according to the symptoms outweighs by far any constitutional consid- erations which may be present, and applies for all remedies as a general rule.

Up to now little attention has been paid to the action of Arnica in septic states, where it ranks equally with Baptisia and can often be prescribed alongside or with it, or differentiation made from it. Battered pains occur also in Baptisia, Phytolacca, Rhus Tox., Ruta, Staphisagria, China and others, but in Arnica, however, they are characteristically especially marked. If other typical Arnica symptoms are also pres- ent, then Arnica will be the remedy of choice and prove to act best.

Arnica complements Rhus Toxicodendron well. The latter will follow with advan- tage when the action of Arnica has died down and the case has fundamentally al- tered.

The following is a summary of the important symptoms of Arnica:

1. Injuries of every kind, such as haemorrhages, injuries to the soft tissues, concus- sion, dislocations, contusions, fractures, subluxations and others.
2. Consquences of over-exertion, e.g. muscular ache, sportsman’s heart.
3. Everything seems too hard (the bed is too hard). General battered sensation.
4. Offensive eructations. Putrid smell from the mouth. Distension, with flatus smelling of sulphuretted hydrogen.
5. Battered feeling in the uterine area and inability to walk upright.
6. Coughing with chest pain. Child cries before the coughing paroxysm in whoop- ing cough.
7. Septic states with a dark streak down the middle of the tongue, dusky-red face and episodes of restlessness, possibility of delirium.
8. Stool and urine pass unnoticed.
9. Apoplexy. Ruptured blood-vessels. (Like Aconite, Arnica has a special action on the arterial circulatory system.)
10. Tendency to extremely painful boils, appearing one after the other.
11. Hoarseness of speakers and singers.
12. Neurodermitis and eczema on the forehead, cheeks and face, with itching. (In external application, Arnica may cause skinirritation.)

The German Monograph-Preparation Commission for the Homoeopathic Field of Therapy has, under the Preparation-Monograph for Arnica montana, published the following indication(s) in the German Bundesanzeiger (German Federal Gazette) for arnica: haemorrhages of all kinds; myalgia after excessive strain; disorders of the arterial and venous systems.