Author: Urenus

see Bacterium Coli

The mother tincture is prepared from the fresh bulbs, dug in the Spring, of Colchicum autumnale L. N.O. Liliaceae.

According to Heinigke, the main action is on individual areas of the mucosa (stomach and small intestine), of the serous membranes (pleura, peritoneum and pericardium), of the fibrous tissues (ligaments and tendons, especially of the smaller joints) and of the muscle fibres (especially of the intercostal muscles and the di- aphragm), where inflammatory processes predominate.

In poisonings, violent gastro intestinal inflammations are observed, with sinking of all energies and death while fully conscious.

Pathological examination revealed: haemorrhage at the cardiac end of the stomach between the mucosa and the muscle, haemorrhage in the jejunum between the mu- cosa and the peritoneum, likewise beneath the pleura and the pericardium. The lungs, right side of the heart and the venae cavae were filled with thick, black blood.

In the homoeopathic provings the following observations were also made: pains in the muscles and joints with increased general irritability and aggravation at night, on movement of the body, or on touching the painful parts. There was a sensation of re- laxation and sinking of energy to the point of being unable to speak; also cramps in the flexors, coldness of hands and feet, and, after large doses, paralytic symptoms.

Typical of Colchicum is restless sleep, disturbed by pain, with frequent starting up. This is associted with an agitated mood and irritability, despondency, peevish- ness and melancholy depression.

Colchicum has a characteristically suffering facial expression, which indicates in- firmity, particularly in gynaecological conditions (neoplasms) with cool, pale skin and hollow eyes with a brown rim (encircled eyes showing over-loading of the im- mune system). There may also be twitching of the corners of the mouth and nervous pains of the cheek-bone and lower jaw, and spasms of the jaw muscles, associated with grinding of the teeth.

In the records of provings there is mention of the formation of glaucoma of the lens with swelling, protrusion of the iris and keratoconus, all these pathological processes then gradually subsiding (Heinigke).

Especially typical are the rheumatoid pains in the musculature and articulation of the back and of the upper and lower extremities, with sporadic loss of feeling. After an initial acceleration of the heart-beat, there often follows a sinking of the general energy. As the temperature rises there is an alternation between fever and chill, ac- companied by copious sweat with a strong sour smell, coldness of the face and ex- tremities, and stabbing pains in the pericardium.

In the alimentary tract there is burning in the mouth with great dryness of the mu- cosa, pains in the gums and teeth which hinder chewing. There may be heaviness and stiffness of the tongue, and also a constricted sensation with difficulty in swal- lowing in catarrhs of the mucosa, with increased production of mucus and pains  along the oesophagus, and violent thirst.

Typical are loss of appetite, disgust for food and nausea, especially at the smell of cooked food. The abdomen is distended (meteorism) with frequent eructations, bouts of hiccoughs, violent vomiting, intestinal colics and loose stools, and a sensa- tion of coldness in the pit of the stomach with pains and spasms. There is constipa- tion with urging for stool, or there is copious diarrhoea with passing of bile and membranous shreds, stools with blood or blood and mucus, and possible anal pro- lapse with colic and symptoms of dysentery.

Bladder and kidney conditions may also be present with much strangury and pains in the urethra.

Nash describes the case of a 75-year-old woman, who was suddenly overcome with nausea. This was followed by copious bloody stools, which then became less profuse, containing blood and mucus, with violent tenesmus and intestinal pain. No improvement occurred following the usual remedies such as Aconitum, Mercurius, Nux Vomica, Ipecacuanha, Hamamelis and Sulphur. On the contrary the patient’s conditions deteriorated so greatly after 12 days that she appeared moribund. She was so weak that she could not raise her head from the pillow. In the space of 24 hours

65 stools were counted, passed in the bed. The pains and the number of evacuations were increasing, and all the symptoms were worse from sunset to sunrise, a strik- ingly important characteristic of Colchicum.

In this case a characteristic symptom was disgust for the smell of food cooking, which prompted Nash to prescribe Colchicum 200, since he had no lower potency with him. By the rapid recovery of this patient owing to the high-potency dose of Colchicum 200, Nash, as he put it, was “convinced against my will but not of the same opinion still”.

Nash also mentions the violent burning and the icy coldness in the stomach. These opposite symptoms of Colchicum may be found in the abdomen also. Colchicum is particularly often indicated in autumnal dysentery with evacuations of white or bloody mucus, containing shreds as of mucous membrane. Cantharis has similar stools, which look like scrapings, with urinary tenesmus and pains in the bladder usually present too.

Colocynthis is also indicated for such stools, but it is distinguished from Can- tharis and Colchicum by the colicky pains which double the patient up. For the marked flatulent abdominal distention is characteristic of Colchicum, as are the pains and spasms possibly extending into the thighs.

In terms of differential diagnosis, one should also think of Carbo Vegetabilis,  China or Lycopodium when selecting the remedy.

Boericke draws attention to the great exhaustion and internal coldness, the sensi- tivity to touch and movement, the aggravation lasting from evening to morning, the gouty symptoms – especially gouty inflammation of the big toes and gout in the heels – and the typical pains in the front of the thighs.

Colchicum has also proved effective in neoplasm phases, especially when there is lack of appetite and possibly disgust for the smell of food cooking.

This action is supported by the results of pharmacological trials, where it was shown that colchicin, the active principle of the meadow saffron, is a typical mitosis poison, having a blocking effect which prevents cancer cells from further division.

In Germany, after the currency reform of 1948, ham and bacon were once more available, and numerous elderly people fell ill with cancer of the stomach. At that time the author was able to keep the condition of quite a number of such people sta- ble over a period of months and even years with Colchicum and Conium, injected subcutaneously and alternating every one or two days.

If the main symptoms of Colchicum are summarised, we have the following typi- cal remedy-picture:

1. Gouty illnesses with wandering complaints. Rheumatism, rheumatic polyarthritis with endocarditis and oedema (pleura, pericardium, peritoneum). Great exhaus- tion. Can hardly speak for weakness. Dark rings around the eyes.
2. Oedema with heart and kidney diseases. Nephritis after scarlet fever. Rheumatic iritis. Catarrhs of the mucosa, (mouth, tongue).
3. Autumnal diarrhoea with blood and/or mucus, like intestinal scrapings.
4. Hypersensitivity to smells. Just the smell of food cooking causes nausea, retching and vomiting.

• 5.   Pains extending into the thighs from the abdomen and the bladder.
• 6.   A wide variety of cancers and neoplasms, particularly with lack of appetite and disgust at the smell of food cooking.
• Aggravation from evening to morning, (at night). Increased irritability.

The German Monograph-Preparation Commission for the Homoeopathic Field of Therapy has, under the Preparation Monograph for Colchicum autumnale, pub- lished the following indication(s) in the German Bundesanzeiger (German Federal Gazette) for colchicum: acute and chronic gout; acute articular rheumatism; ten- dovaginitis; effusions in bodily cavities; renal inflammation; inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.

The mother tincture is prepared from the ripe, dried, unroasted beans, the skin having largely been removed, of Coffea arabica L. N.O. Rubiaceae.

The main indications are:

Hypersensitivity to external impressions. No need for sleep. Toothache relieved by drinking cold water. Paralysis of the bladder. Dysmenorrhoea.

The German Monograph-Preparation Commission for the Homoeopathic Field of Therapy has, under the Preparation Monograph for Coffea arabica, published the following indication(s) in the German Bundesanzeiger (German Federal Gazette) for coffea: insomnia; neuralgia.

The attenuations are prepared from Coenzyme A C₂₁H₃₆N₇O₁₆P₃S, MW: 767.6.

Coenzyme A contains pantothenic acid, a substance belonging to the group of B- Vitamins, also a sulphurous amine, cysteamine (2-aminoethanethiol, H₂N CH₂ CH₂

SH), ribose-3’-phosphate and adenine. It is an indispensible co-factor in numerous syntheses and important reactions in the intermediate metabolic process. For exam- ple, coenzyme A activates acetic acid on entering the Citric Acid cycle. Fatty acids are only capable of reaction in the form of their coenzyme A compound. In order to render the free acetic acid capable of reaction, it must be transferred to the coen- zyme A compound through an expenditure of energy, for which ATP (Adenosine- Triphosphate) is needed. Apart from this, the formation of activated acetic acid can also take place directly in the course of the oxidative breakdown of pyruvic acid and the fatty acid, the separation of the acetyl residue taking place by means of a take-up of coenzyme A, the process of fission itself providing the energy for the formation of the acetyl mercaptan. The acetyl transfer via coenzyme A, as a basic reaction of the intermediate metabolic process, plays an important part in many synthetic reactions, as in the formation of acetylcholine from choline and acetate, which synthesis de- pends on ATP. Acetic acid is an important building block of all possible syntheses, and is made capable of reaction by combination with coenzyme A. Thus activated acetic acid, to a certain extent, represents a coenzyme A which has been acetylised to the SH group.

Thus Coenzyme A can be used in various phases to stimulate enzyme activity, es- pecially in cellular phases with enzyme damage (iatrogenic pathology), e.g. in asth- ma, liver damage, damage to the myocardium, and in all degenerative diseases, par- ticularly in combination with suitable biotherapeutic and anti-homotoxic remedies.

A proving of this substance was conducted in the winter of 1995 by Dr. David Riley, Santa Fe, USA.

Congruent symptoms with Dr. Reckeweg:

• chest pain

The most important symptoms from David Riley’s drug proving were:

Essential Characteristics

Dryness is a prominent characteristic of this remedy as seen in the eyes, nose, mouth, throat, and skin. The mental state was markedly affected with mental sensi- tivity expressed as anxiety, irritability, and impatience. Sleep disruption and vivid dreams were also noted.

Alternating moods. Paranoia. Vivid and colorful dreams. Itching, dryness, and irri- tation in the eyes. Dry nose. Persistant thirst despite drinking. Metallic taste in the mouth. Dry throat. Increased thirst. Abdominal distention with flatulence. Soft stools. Menses cycle begins earlier than normal. Back pain in the morning. Restless sleep.

Mind

Anxiety after midnight. Difficult concentration. Deja vu experiences as if having been there before. Dreams of babies, cooking, going to the theater, tattoos, or the former husband. VIVID DREAMS. IRRITABILITY and impatient. Alternating and change- able moods. Sadness without cause. Sensitive. Unsympathetic.

Generalities

Food desires of sweets and chocolate, eggs, fried foods, and potatoes. Heat sensa- tion. Itching. Better in open air. Bone pain. WEARY AND FATIGUED on waking in the morning.

Head

Tingling in the head. Tightness. HEADACHES IN THE MORNING OR AFTERNOON. Head pain from artificial light. Pain in the forehead behind the eyes. Migraine.

Eye

EYE DRYNESS. Irritation and itching in the eyes.

Vision Blurry. Nose

Congestion. Clear coryza and sneezing. Dryness inside the nose. Epistaxis on blowing the nose. Obstruction on waking in the morning.

Face

Dry skin. Pimples. Heat in the face and heat within the body.

Mouth

Aphthae on left inner cheek. Dryness in the mouth better in the evening. Increased salivation.

Taste

METALLIC TASTE.

Teeth

Sensitive to brushing.

Throat

Dry. Throat pain during the daytime. Scratching pain.

Stomach

APPETITE is either increased or decreased. Burping in the evening. INCREASED THIRST or thirst for large quantities of cold water.

Abdomen

Abdominal distension especially in the morning. Flatulence or improvement of flatulence. Pain that is cramping.

Rectum

Periodic diarrhea.

Stool

Soft stool

Genitalia, Female

Clear vaginal discharge. FREQUENT MENSES or menses is late.

Bladder

Night time urination improves.

Urine

Strong odor to the urine.

Chest

Cutting pains in the left ribs or at night. Chest pain worse motion and better from pressures. Swelling and tenderness as if it is the time of the menses.

Back

Back pain in the morning. Cervical stiffness on waking.

Extremities

Itching of the feet. Sharp or cutting pain in the hip or the feet as if twinging. Dull pain in the joints.

Sleep

Sleepiness and falling asleep in the daytime. RESTLESS SLEEP from dreaming.

Perspiration

Offensive odor. Night perspiration on chest and back.

Skin

DRY skin.

The mother tincture is prepared from the whole fresh plant in flower of Cochlearia officinalis L., a native of Europe and Russia. N.O. Cruciferae.

The indications are:

Stomachic. Diuretic. The German Monograph-Preparation Commission for the Homoeopathic Field of Therapy has, under the Preparation Monograph for Cochlearia officinalis, pub- lished the following indication(s) in the German Bundesanzeiger (German Federal

The mother tincture is prepared from the dried impregnated female cochineal shield-louse, Dactylopius coccus Costa, which occurs in Central America, Peru, Al- geria and Spain, feeding on cacti, especially on Nopalea coccinellifera, Opuntia monocantha and others. N.O. Coccidae.

The main indications are:

Renal colic, pyelitis, nephrolithiasis. Whooping cough with tough, stringy mucus, better in cold air. Constricting sensation in throat, as if bound up, (bulbar palsy,  speech disturbances).

Typical of Coccus Cacti are whooping cough-like paroxysms with a thick, mu- coid, stringy, expectoration, with stabbing pains and pressure above the lungs, radi- ating out; with a hemmed-in sensation and a feeling of increased warmth in the chest. A sensation of heat is also present in the oral mucosa, with a clean, rough, dry tongue.

The German Monograph-Preparation Commission for the Homoeopathic Field of Therapy has, under the Preparation Monograph for Dactylopius coccus, published the following indication(s) in the German Bundesanzeiger (German Federal Gazette) for coccus cacti: inflammation the nasopharyngeal region and of the respi- ratory passages; uterine bleeding; renal disorders and nephrolithiasis.

The mother tincture is prepared from the dried ripe fruits of the plant, Anamirta cocculus Wight et Arn., which is found in India, Sri Lanka and the Indo-Malayan countries. N.O. Menispermaceae, the content of Picrotoxinin, C₁₅H₁₆O₆, MW: 292.3 is not less than 0.8 %.

The tincture prepared from the fruits of Indian Cockle contains a poisonous bitter substance, Picrotoxinin, as well as fat, wax, resin, gum, menispermin and para- menispermin. The main action of Cocculus is on the central nervous system and af- fects primarily vagotonous states and symptoms of exhaustion, which may reach the point of paralysis or unconsciousness. There is weakness of the neck muscles with heaviness of the head, as if the muscles could not support the head. The patient also complains of a feeling of weakness in the sacrum, like paralysis, and also of great weakness and heaviness in the legs, with the knees giving away while walking. There may also be paraesthesias in the soles of the feet and in the hands, alternating between right and left. The thighs may be painful, as if beaten. Also typical of Coc- culus is a nocturnal paraesthesia, with the sensation as if the hand were swollen.

This exhaustioon, originating in the parasympathetic system, may also present as a headache, extending down the neck rather like a cervical migraine. The sensation as though the head were opening and closing is also an indication for Cocculus.

A further very important indication for Cocculus is sea-sickness, nausea and vom- iting while travelling, also after tobacco smoke, possibly associated with oe- sophageal cramps and convulsions. There may also be nervous or hysterical symp- toms at the beginning of and during the menses, and during pregnancy, and when menstruation has been suppressed in some way.

Cocculus can always be of help when Nux Vomica does not work, e.g. also in pressive, clamping stomach complaints. There is often an aversion to all sour things. The fruits of Cocculus, imported from the East Indies under the name “Cockle-

Seeds” were formerly used as a hop-substitute and for intoxicating fish, hence the other name: “Fish-seeds”.

The exhaustion of vagotonic origin, which may intensify into a state similar to in- toxication, also occurs after facing excessive demands and after over-exertion, par- ticularly night-watching. Therefore Cocculus is a good remedy for overwork and after stress, too.

Then finally, there is the characteristic vertigo, which occurs on travelling by train, by car, by aeroplane etc. Ménière’s syndrome with migraine-like symptoms and nau- sea and vomiting, also reacts well to Cocculus.

We must also mention the sensation of emptiness in the head, a feeling which may also occur in the abdomen, intestines, chest, and any inner parts or other organs and is a firm indication for Cocculus.

Nor must we omit to mention that Cocculus can also be of help in rheumatic and gouty conditions of the joints, which proceed without any significant inflammatory process and are linked with cracking sounds on movement. It may also help in neu- ralgia of the spermatic cord.

If we summarise the main symptoms of Cocculus, the following typical remedy- picture results:

1. Vertigo with sensations of faintness and nausea. Sea , car, air and train-sickness. Menière’s syndrome with vomiting and nausea.
2. Great weakness and exhaustion with feeling of faintness and sensation of an empty space in a wide variety of organs and parts of the body. Consequences of sleep-loss and night-watching (as occurs in nursing staff and people on night- duty).
3. Headache in occiput and nape of neck; also weakness and pain in the sacrum, hips and knees, as if the limbs were on strike.
4. Vagotonia. Paraesthesias. Complaints originating from the spinal column in spondylitis.
5. Tendency to cramping symptoms, stomach cramps, vomiting and aversion to any- thing sour.

The German Monograph-Preparation Commission for the Homoeopathic Field of Therapy has, under the Preparation Monograph for Anamirta cocculus, published the following indication(s) in the German Bundesanzeiger (German Federal Gazette) for cocculus: vertigo of various origins; travel sickness; travel nausea; cerebral arte- riosclerosis; occipital headaches; spasmoid conditions and lameness; paramenia; nervous disorders and emotional discord or upset, also associated with sleeplessness.

The attenuations are prepared from Cobalt(II)-digluconate C₁₂H₂₂Co₁₄ · 2 H₂O, MW: 485.27, the cobalt salt of D-Gluconic acid.

The importance of cobalt rests particularly on the fact that the anti-anaemic prin- ciple in Vitamin B₁₂ is a complex compound of Co⁺⁺. Glycyl-Glycinpeptidase is also believed to be specifically activated by Co⁺⁺.

Cobalt deficiency causes a serious degenerative disease of sheep in Australia, “coast disease”, an illness which is distinguished by progressive emaciation, weak- ness, loss of appetite and apathy, leading in the end to severe anaemia. It can be pre- vented or cured by giving a dose of Img. of cobalt (per sheep per day).

The mother tincture is prepared from the fresh stems with leaves and flowers, gathered at the beginning of flowering of the plant, Clematis recta L., which grows on sunny hillsides and sparse bushy country in Central and Southern Europe. N.O. Ranunculaceae.

The main indications are:

Chronic bladder irritation; dribbling of urine after urination. Hypertrophy of the prostate. Epididymitis. Swelling of the inguinal glands. Urethral stricture. Gouty tophi. Oozing, vesicular eczema. Eruption on the occiput, with violent itching.

Painfulness of the urethra on external pressure indicates Clematis, as do a spas- modic narrowing and contraction of the urethra with purulent discharge (urethritis), tenesmus of urine and pain on urination (cf. Cantharis), with the urine passing by fits and starts and at intevals, and the urine dribbling involuntarily afterwards.

A further typical symptom is a great sensitivity to cool air, especially on baring the body. Very sensitive pustular eruptions, characterised by burning, stinging pains, and also pustules, proceed in many cases with inflammatory swellings of the neigh- bouring lymph-nodes, with the glandular lobules beneath the nipple possibly also being indurated.

The German Monograph-Preparation Commission for the Homoeopathic Field of Therapy has, under the Preparation Monograph for Clematis recta, published the following indication(s) in the German Bundesanzeiger (German Federal Gazette) for clematis: rashes; swelling of the lymph nodes; inflammation of the eyelids and con- junctiva; inflammations of the urinary bladder, the urethra, the testicles, and the mammary glands.

The attenuations are prepared from anhydrous Citric acid, C₆H₈O₇, MW: 192.1.

An active factor in the Citric Acid cycle and in redox systems. Impregnation phas- es of all kinds, also asthma, angina pectoris, pruritus, skin diseases, psoriasis, pre- cancerous states and in neoplasm phases (especially in the early stages), to improve cell-respiration.

Difficult respiration, aggravated on becoming warm, is typical. As in Carbo Veg- etabilis, the patient constantly desires fresh air. Thus Citric Acid has a close affinity for respiratory disturbances in the case of tumours, and is also indicated for cancer pains (Boericke).

The patient makes grandiose plans, with steadily increasing cheerfulness and de- creasing energy. Alcohol and sugar disagree.

Arteriosclerosis with lapses of memory.

Citric Acid is also helpful in certain complaints arising from Vitamin C deficiency; in spite of a high level of care, children fail to thrive and the oxygenisation of the tissues is insufficient. Old people are only half-awake and repeat every question ten times.

Also characteristic is a total loss of libido. Impotence in men. Infertility. Frigidity. Post-gonorrhoeal state. Hands and feet are cold and damp. Consequences of over- dosing with Vitamin D. Dental problems and gingivitis. Scurvy. Blackening of teeth and heavy deposits of dental plaque.

The German Monograph-Preparation Commission for the Homoeopathic Field of Therapy has, under the Preparation Monograph for Acidum citricum, published the following indication(s) in the German Bundesanzeiger (German Federal Gazette) for acidum citricum: bleeding gums; tabetic disorders.

The drug picture of Acidum citricum was composed in March 1996 by David Riley, M.D., Santa Fe (New Mexico), USA.

The most important symptoms from David Riley’s drug proving were:

Essential Characteristics

Generalized sensation of heat or in the face with fever and sweating. Cramping in the chest, abdomen, and uterus. Improvement of the symptom of heartburn.

Mental dullness. Flushes of heat. Temple pain. Heat in the face. Nausea. Abdomi- nal pain. Painful uterine cramping.

Mind

Dullness and forgetfulness. Fear of poverty. Weakness of memory for recent thoughts. Weeping during the menses. Dreams of running.

Generalities

HEAT: flushes of heat, in the afternoon, or the general sensation of heat with per- spiration. Sluggishness of the body as if sick.

Head

Sensation of fullness. Lancinating pain is ameliorated by lying down but worse with motion or with stooping. Pain is localized in the temples. Pain also felt on the

sides of the head, pressure ameliorates the pain. Pressing pain in the forehead as from sinuses. Throbbing, pulsating pain in the temples, and worse on waking.

Eye

Discharge of gluey mucus on waking in the morning. Sensitivity to motion or touch.

Ear

Itching in the right ear that is not ameliorated by boring in the ear. Ringing noises in the evening.

Nose Sneezing. Face

Heat or flushes of heat in the face, neck, and head. Clenched jaw and tightness of jaw. Herpetic or fever blister eruptions about the mouth and lips.

Mouth

Dryness. Painful, herpetic vesicles around the lips.

Stomach

Nausea ameliorated in the open air, or with vomiting. Heartburn improves. Ap- petite increased.

Abdomen

Pain. Cramping pain in the umbilical region ameliorated from passing flatus or after stool. Cutting pain at midnight causing her to bend double. Distension.

Rectum

No urging for bowel movement.

Stool

Stickiness of feces.

Bladder

Burning pain without urination. Ineffectual urge to urinate.

Urine

Brown in color. Offensive odor. Genitalia, Female

Menses that is copious, too early, or late. Painful uterine cramping, during menses or improvement of that symptom.

Cough

Dry, painful, hacking cough.

Chest

Sharp crampy pain aggravated by deep breathing. Stitching pain in the left side worse on lying down. Rapid heart beat as if running.

Back

Aching pain in the cervical and dorsal regions improves. Cutting pain in the lum- bar region.

Extremities

Incoordination and awkwardness as if off balance and drops things.

Sleep

Sleepiness in the afternoon. Sleeplessness from hardness of the bed.

Fever

Feeling of heat off and on throughout the day.

Perspiration

Awakes in a cold sweat at night. Perspiring when cold. Offensive perspiration. Perspiration leaves yellow stains on the clothing.

Skin

Greasy and oily.