Author: Urenus

The mother tincture is prepared from wood-ants, which occur in the whole of Eu- rope and North America, and also in Asia as far as the East Indies. Formica rufa L.

N.O. Formicariae.

The main indications are:

Rheumatism and neuralgias without fever. Acute glomerulonephritis. Haematuria. Albuminuria.

The German Monograph-Preparation Commission for the Homoeopathic Field of Therapy has, under the Preparation Monograph for Formica rufa, published the fol- lowing indication(s) in the German Bundesanzeiger (German Federal Gazette) for formica rufa: gouty diseases, rheumatism; inflammations of the respiratory pas- sages; allergic diseases.

The attenuations are prepared from Hydrofluoric acid, HF, MW: 20.01.

Corresponding to the seriously destructive effect of fluoric acid on organic tissues, the homoeopathic preparation is indicated in destructive processes such as bed- sores, ulcerations, varicose ulcers and the like, with deeper tissues also being affect- ed. The patient is ameliorated by movement (and by driving in a car).

Fluoric Acid is indicated in a great variety of geriatric problems, especially in pre- maturely aged patients with weak circulation; also alcoholic patients with cirrhosis of the liver. Goitre can also be an indication for Fluoric Acid, also premature loss of teeth, caries and the consequences of mercury poisoning and chronic syphilis.

A typical sign of Fluoric Acid is a swelling of the glabella, with distension and coating of the root of the nose.

This remedy causes great lassitude with burning or boring pains in the facial bones, lower arms and thighs. The pains may occur diagonally, e.g. on the right side in the upper half of the body and on the left side in the lower half. Complaints are aggravated by sitting, being in a room, and by mental exertion; they are ameliorated by standing and walking. There is also aggravation from stimulants (coffee, alcohol), and from warmth.

In an unusually cheerful mood, irritability may occur, with vilification of one’s friends and indifference to one’s own family.

The actual symptoms which make up the picture of Fluoric Acid are often difficult to fathom, as they are also found in other remedies. One thinks first and foremost of Fluoric Acid when one sees the puffiness of the glabella, and in inflammatory con- ditions with formation of vesicles and enlargement of the capillaries of the skin; also if the hair is falling out and there is brittleness of the nails and the palms of the hands are hot and sweaty.

Fluoric Acid is also indicated in diseases of the bones, particularly caries of the long bones and pains in the long bones at night, as also found in osteoporosis. Fur- ther indications are nervous disturbances with orgasms of blood, ravenous hunger and abnormal sexual arousal. Also acrid discharges, chronic rheumatism and ulcera- tion of the tongue of a syphilitic nature are indications.

Typical symptoms which may also lead us to this remedy are: increased salivation at night (cf. Mercurius Sol. Hahnemanni), increased appetite and hunger which may increase to the point of gluttony, with a craving for spicy foods and coffee. There may be heartburn and offensive eructations, also abdominal pains with frequent

rumbling and distension, discharge of foul-smelling flatus with loose stools morning and evening and diarrhoea at night, possibly with haemorrhoids, prolapse of the anus and pruritus ani.

There is a typical sticking pain, maybe with drawing, in the right testicle, towards the inguinal ring, and typical skin symptoms include pustular and vesicular erup- tions and itching in old scar tissue, and especially soreness of the nipples and mam- mary glands with redness and itching of the skin.

In fever, cool air is welcome. The perspiration of Fluoric Acid is copious, pungent and offensive.

Certain spinal symptoms, especially in the area of the sixth thoracic vertebra, make us think of Fluoric Acid as a possibly effective remedy in Scheuermann’s dis- ease, especially when spasmodic contractions are present in the neck muscles and there is paraesthesia of one hand or one arm, and possibly a battered sensation in the left hip with pains in the knee joints, the legs easily going to sleep and the ankles being painful as a result of spinal disorders. In such cases Fluoric Acid must be used with perseverance, preferably as a single remedy.

The catarrhal symptoms may include colds and attacks of coughing in the larynx, with expectoration of frothy mucus (cf. Phosphorus).

If we summarise the most important symptoms of Fluoric Acid we find the fol- lowing symptom-picture:

1. Mostly chronic affections with destruction of tissue and organs, especially in the skeletal area (long bones and spine). Scheuermann’s disease. Nervous irritation proceeding from the spine, especially neck muscles and sixth thoracic vertebra. Paraesthesia in arms and legs. Pains in the bones at night. Pains in the coccyx.
2. Lassitude. Inclination to motion without getting tired, with burning or boring pains from irritation of nerves. Complaints occur diagonally, better for standing, driving and walking, worse sitting, in a room and after mental exertion. Air- hunger “like internal suffocation”.
3. Cheerful mood but indifference towards the family and possible maliciousness to- wards friends. Feels like “a poor wretch”.
4. Pustular and vesicular eruptions on the skin and on scar tissue with itching. Nails break off. Ulcers of the lower leg. Naevi. Prostration. Bedsores. Falling out of hair. Vesicular eczema and prominence of the capillaries in the skin.
5. Fever without chill, with copious, pungent and offensive sweat. Amelioration from cool air.
6. Swimming in the head with swaying and a heavy sensation. Itching in the inner canthi, “like wind blowing through the eyes”.
7. Catarrhal laryngitis and bronchitis with a short, dry cough. Ulceration of the tongue. Caries of the teeth. Insatiable appetite; “gluttony”. Diarrhoea with foul- smelling flatus. Pains radiating from the testicle to the inguinal ring. Swollen scrotum. Leucorrhoea with ulceration of the cervix.
8. Scanty, dark, strong urine. Has a diuretic action.
9. A typical leading symptom is the swelling of the glabella with amelioration from driving and motion.

The German Monograph-Preparation Commission for the Homoeopathic Field of Therapy has, under the Preparation Monograph for Acidum hydrofluoricum, pub- lished the following indication(s) in the German Bundesanzeiger (German Federal Gazette) for acidum fluoricum: suppuration; fistulas; inflammations and decalcifi- cation of the bones; inflammations of the periosteum and the joints; deficiencies of the connective tissues such as varicose veins and varicose ulcers; gastroptosis; goi- terous disorders; various diseases of the skin and integumentary appendages; hyper- activity; conditions of emotional upset.

The attenuations of this nosode are prepared from vaginal discharge (leucor- rhoea).

Leucorrhoea must be understood as an outlet with a biological purpose, for the elimination of a wide variety of homotoxins. Thus, from a biological point of view,

it is an absurdity to suppress it by external means, since in this way great biological damage will be caused, which may be responsible not least for the creation of neo- plasms (uterus, ovaries). The enormous increase in the incidence of uterine cancer may be traced back to such retoxic practices, and also the completely wrong but generally widespread consumption of pork (and all kinds of sausage, which contains a high percentage of pork), and of course also of ham, bacon, etc. Leucorrhoea can only be healed in a biologically acceptable way if women keep to a diet which is strictly free of pig-meat.

Of course, the success of such dietary measures will only become noticeable after a period of some months, since the sutoxic factors of pork become built into the con- nective tissue (sutoxic fatty acids as part of an adipose state) and, because of their enormous calorific content, can only be metabolised slowly.

The nosode is not indicated only in leucorrhoea, but also in illnesses following the suppression of it. It may also be used particularly as an intermediate remedy in neo- plasms of the female reproductive tract, to mobilise the body’s defences against this cause of damage. As is the case with other nosodes, one can often then see the orig- inal illness, having previously been suppressed, coming out again, usually associated with appropriate discharges, and in no way must this be suppressed again.

If discharges of any kind occur (with the exception of haemorrhages), they must always be regarded as an outlet serving a biological purpose, by way of which – par- ticularly after the use of nosodes – the originally responsible homotoxins are being set in motion and channelled towards detoxifying elimination.

Just as is the case with the onset of sweating in an attack of feverish influenza, pa- tients usually find that this resumption of elimination is associated with an improve- ment in the way they otherwise feel. In many cases doctors are able to confirm this in terms of an improvement in pre-existing degeneration phases.

The Fluor Albus nosode may also be tried in adnexitis, parametritis, salpingitis, endometritis, ovarian cysts and other affections of the female reproductive tract, par- ticularly in cases where a vaginal discharge has previously been suppressed. For it is possible for all these conditions to stem from such a previous retoxication.

Here one must also bear in mind the relationships with neural therapy since, in chemotherapeutic treatment of leucorrhoea and of ulcerations of the uterine cervix often very potent drugs are used, resulting in the complete disintegration of the tis- sues with which they come into contact, and this must be followed by the stimula- tion of new tissue-growth. In this process the neural receptors of the vaginal mucosa certainly sustain damage in the form of an impregnation phase, and this can be ex- pressed, for example, as neuralgia in remote areas of the body (e.g. trigeminal), or even as other forms of neurosis, e.g. complaints resembling angina pectoris etc.

Thus in treating women it is necessary to enquire in every case whether, at some time, an often apparently innocuous leucorrhoea has been treated and cured, possi- bly in a matter of days. In all such cases the Fluor Albus nosode should be given, and the patient cautioned on no account to have the leucorrhoea treated by any kind of suppressive therapy when it recurs.

Following the Law of Similars, the Fluor Albus nosode could also be deployed in other mucosal catarrhs of a mucous or mucopurulent kind, e.g. of the sinuses, where in some cases relationships may be established with the nervous system in deter- mining the focus of the disease.

The attenuations of this nosode are prepared from the surgically removed Fibroma pendulum.

As fibromas can sometimes degenerate into sarcomas as a result of thoughtless re- moval, e.g. being pulled off with tweezers, the use of this nosode is recommended, especially in the enzyme-digested form, in growths of connective tissue, particularly in sarcomas. However, it can also be used in epithelial tumours, chancroids, rodent ulcers, etc., since in these cases the Law of Similars can be more powerfully applied.

The attenuations are prepared from Iron(II)-sulphate, FeSO₄ · 7 H₂O, MW: 278.0.

The main indications are:

Hot flushes. Sensitivity to cold and to fresh air.

Ferrum Sulphuricum also displays the main features of iron, but also many of those of sulphur. As in Sulphur there is an amelioration from warmth or in a warm room, and aggravation from cold or in fresh air, whilst the opposite is the case with Ferrum.

Ferrum Sulphuricum is also indicated in gastric acidity with eructation of remains of food, also in haemorrhages, pains in the gall-bladder, and a sensation as if all the blood were shooting into the head or face. A sensation of fermentation and rumbling in the stomach also points to Ferrum Sulphuricum. There are also muscular pains, a general sensation of heat with pallor or flushing, and a tendency to sweat. In former times Ferrum Sulphuricum was recommended for incipient thyrotoxicosis in anaemic girls.

The German Monograph-Preparation Commission for the Homoeopathic Field of Therapy has, under the Preparation Monograph for Ferrum sulphuricum, published the following indication(s) in the German Bundesanzeiger (German Federal Gazette) for ferrum sulphuricum: hyperthyroidism.

The attenuations are prepared from evaportaded aqueous Ferric phosphate.

The main indications are:

Feverish states. Otitis media. Acute polyarthritis. Pneumonia. Nocturnal enuresis and diurnal incontinence of urine, also irritation of the neck of the bladder. Hoarse- ness of singers. Aggravation at night.

Ferrum Phosphoricum is the main fever remedy in Schüssler’s therapy (Biochemic tissue-salts). Here we have the same characteristic features as in the other iron com- pounds, such as anaemia, haemorrhages, arterial disease, inflammations, distension and sclerosis of the blood-vessels in general, physical and mental slackness, nerv- ousness, exhaustion and rheumatic conditions, as well as acute rheumatism which makes its presence felt particularly at night.

The German Monograph-Preparation Commission for the Homoeopathic Field of Therapy has, under the Preparation Monograph for Ferrum phosphoricum, pub- lished the following indication(s) in the German Bundesanzeiger (German Federal Gazette) for ferrum phosphoricum: feverish, inflammatory diseases of the respira- tory organs; haemorrhages and their sequelae; rheumatic diseases of the spine and shoulder joints.

The attenuations are prepared from aqueous solution of Ferric chloride hexahy- drate, FeCl₃ · 6 H₂O, MW: 270.3 as well as Fe (AW: 55.85).

This remedy has a characteristic action on complaints and diseases of the right side of the body, particularly neuralgias and headaches on the right side of the face and head, and rheumatism of the right shoulder, especially if there are pains at night. Ferrum Muriaticum is also indicated in haemorrhages of all kinds and in the con- sequent weakness; also in restlessness and nervousness. A further symptom is

swelling of the spleen with pains in the left hypochondrium.

The German Monograph-Preparation Commission for the Homoeopathic Field of Therapy has, under the Preparation Monograph for Ferrum sesquichloratum solu- tum, published the following indication(s) in the German Bundesanzeiger (German Federal Gazette) for ferrum muriaticum = ferrum sesquichloratum: anaemia; paramenia during puberty; rheumatism of the right shoulder.

The attenuations are prepared from metallic iron, Fe, AW: 55.85.

Along with its salts, Iron is one of the most important metals, and should be re- garded as an essential building block of the human organism, especially of the red blood corpuscles; thus it occupies a key position in the turnover of oxygen.

A typical modality (i.e. altering state) of Ferrum is the aggravation when at rest and the amelioration on slowly moving about; this is generally true of Ferrum, not only of its pains but also of its haemorrhages. This aggravation is particularly marked after midnight, with intolerance of heat, although Ferrum patients also take badly to cold. At the same time there is an increase in physical and mental irritabili- ty. (According to Dahlke, an irritable weakness.)

One of the main indications for Ferrum is anaemia with corresponding subsidiary symptoms such as vertigo, nervousness, debility and fever. Ferrum is also suggested by congestive headaches with beating and pulsation, particularly with the sensation as if the head would burst, and also with vertigo and staggering, with flushed face and cold feet.

Ferrum symptoms are particularly pronounced after mental work.

The state of ill-health formerly known as chlorosis, with pale, waxy complexion, pale lips and almost white mucosa, is nowadays more precisely defined as anaemia. Suddenly and abruptly the face can become flushed, with violent pulsation of the blood vessels and oedematous swelling in the dependent parts of the body, particu- larly the ankles, and also with shivering and palpitations. This constitutes Ferrum symptomatology. Associated with it there may also be symptoms of gastritis, linked with nausea, stomach pains, pressure in the stomach, vomiting, aversion to meat, craving for sour things and usually constipation.

There may also be muscular weakness, emaciation, fatigue after slight movement and a depressive mood. As in Calcium Carbonicum we find cold feet and fingers with hot head and face, or the face may be red but cold (pseudoplethora). The pul- sating in the occiput is worse on bending down and on coughing. The headache and facial pain may extend to the teeth and are ameliorated by cold water. The diarrhoea is painless and watery and contains undigested food, occurring after every meal and at night (cf. Ferrum Phosphoricum).

The renal area is sensitive to pressure and the urine may contain albumen or blood, or may be copious and light-coloured. Likewise Ferrum often acts beneficially in enuresis. The menses generally commence too early and are copious, mixed with wa- tery or bright red blood, including dark clots. Varicose veins in the legs may be aggra- vated during the menses. The uterine region is usually sensitive to pressure. Leucor- rhoea is also a symptom of Ferrum, and the libido may be depressed, even to the point of frigidity. Sterility or amenorrhoea often occur. Pressure and heaviness are felt in the chest, so that the patient can only walk about slowly, and there is persistent hoarseness and a dry, tickling cough, associated with a flushed face and vomiting, as in Drosera. This may be accompanied by throbbing pain in the occiput. From time to time there may be expectoration of blood-streaked mucus or of pure blood. At the same time the patient complains of fleeting stabbing pains in the chest and a sensation as if the chest were raw. These may be initial symptoms of tuberculosis.

Further indications for Ferrum include rheumatic complaints of a boring, tearing kind in the arms and legs, driving the patient out of bed at night to walk about; also hot flushes, the complexion suddenly changing from pale to red, associated with pulsation throughout the body and with weakness and trembling, sleeplessness and dyspnoea. The venous circulation is also affected, with a tendency to haemorrhage, and also to distension of the veins.

Ferrum has a typical action in rheumatism of the left shoulder, although it can also affect the right side. (Ferrum Phosphoricum, Chelidonium and Sanguinaria usually have a better effect on the right side.) Chronic digestive disturbances and vomiting in pregnancy may also be indications for Ferrum. In inflammatory rheumatic fevers,

where the body is cold with a full, strong pulse and thirst during chill, Ferrum is likewise indicated (though Ferrum Phosphoricum is better). Intercurrent doses of Ferrum should be given in chronic heart conditions with anaemia, and also in haem- orrhage when there is a sensitive, painful feeling in the affected parts (uterus or lungs). In particular an extreme degree of nervousness suggests Ferrum, and it is likewise called for in petechiae.

A few of the salts of Ferrum have certain special indications: thus Ferrum Phos- phoricum acts particularly in otitis media, inflammation of the Eustachian tubes and tonsils, dysentery, nocturnal enuresis, throat inflammations of singers and – the op- posite of Ferrum – rheumatism of the right shoulder joint. If Ferrum Phosphoricum is called for in fever, the pulse is usually full and soft.

Ferrum Picrinicum is recommended for hypertrophy of the prostate, and also in chronic tinnitus and deafness with a gouty background; also in states of nervous ex- haustion.

Ferrum Iodatum is recommended for scrofula and anaemia, in tumours, mammary and other glandular swellings, and especially for bearing-down sensations in the genitalia on sitting down (cf. Sepia, Lilium Tigrinum).

Ferrum Sulphuricum is indicated in Grave’s disease, associted with anaemia, and in morning diarrhoea.

If we sum up the symptoms of Ferrum, we have the resulting essential remedy- picture which follows.

1. Anaemia with pallor of skin and mucosa, face alternately hot and red. Cold limbs. Hot flushes.
2. Chilly. Mentally tired. Emaciated. Asthenic.
3. Haemorrhagic tendency. Petechiae. Epistaxis, usually bright red; haematemesis. Palpitations. Congestion of blood. Varices. Oedema of the legs.
4. Fever, with thirst during chill. Head and limbs are cool.
5. Dry cough with air-hunger. Hoarseness. Congestive catarrhs. Sensation of pres- sure in the chest. Stabbing in the chest. Risk of tuberculosis.
6. Weakness of the stomach. Heartburn. Vomiting. Aversion to meat. Painless diar- rhoea.
7. Enuresis. Cystitis. Nephritis. Hyperemesis.
8. Amenorrhoea or heavy menstruation with long intervals. Sterility. Indifference towards coitus.
9. Rheumatism of the left shoulder (Right: Ferrum Phos.) Neuralgias driving pa- tient out of bed.
10. Consequences of loss of vital fluids (cf. China), and retoxic impregnations (post- infectious anaemia).

The German Monograph-Preparation Commission for the Homoeopathic Field of Therapy has, under the Preparation Monograph for Ferrum metallicum, published the following indication(s) in the German Bundesanzeiger (German Federal Gazette) for ferrum metallicum: haemorrhages; anaemia; circulatory disorders; di- gestive insufficiency; neuralgia; inflammations of the respiratory passages.

The attenuations are prepared from metallic iron and iodine, FeI₂, MW: 309.6.

The main indications are:

Glandular enlargement. Tubercular infections of the eyes. Hypertrophy of the prostate.

Ferrum Iodatum has a typical pain in the throat “as if from splinters”. Purulent conjunctivitis with photophobia, and a swollen nose with copious mucous discharge also point to Ferrum Iodatum, as does a sensation as if one cannot bend down on ac- count of fullness and pressure below the sternum, although one has had only a little to eat. On sitting, there is also a sensation as if something were pushing upwards.

The German Monograph-Preparation Commission for the Homoeopathic Field of Therapy has, under the Preparation Monograph for Ferrum iodatum, published the following indication(s) in the German Bundesanzeiger (German Federal Gazette) for ferrum iodatum: goiterous disorders in cases of hyperthyroidism; renal inflamma- tions; chronic swelling of the lymph glands; uterine displacement.

The attenuations are prepared from Ferric(II)-fumarate, C₄H₂FeO₄, MW: 169.91.

By coupling iron with fumaric acid, its relationship to oxygen transport is sub- stantially strengthened, since fumaric acid, as a catalyst of the Citric Acid cycle, likewise displays substantial relationships to the supply and utilisation of oxygen.

May be tried in degeneration phases, or in disturbances of oxygen utilisation (blocking of Citric Acid cycle), e.g. in psoriasis, pernicious anaemia, etc.