Category: Materia Medica Hans-Heinrich Reckeweg

The attenuations are prepared from the sodium salt of pyruvic acid, C₃H₃NaO₃, MW: 110.1.

In its sphere of use, Natrum Pyruvicum has certain similarities to the indications for Sulphur, since pyruvic acid is situated at a focal point in the Citric Acid cycle, and Sulphur-like symptoms occur when there is an accumulation of pyruvates, e.g. in iatrogenic damage. Thus Natrum Pyruvicum can be advantageously combined with Engystol, Sulphur and possibly Hepar Sulph., and with all sarcodes and nu- merous nosodes, especially in cellular phases of all kinds, also in chronic conditions, such impregnation phases as asthma, angina pectoris, pruritus, skin diseases and psoriasis, and in other degeneration phases, e.g. organic nervous diseases, and in pre-cancerous states and neoplasm phases. The regressive vicariations which follow should be tackled with suitable single remedies.

The homotoxins which require Natrum Pyruvicum do not depend so much on dis- orders of the direct energy extraction and utilisation, as in respiratory disorders, but rather they concern an integral part of the energy extraction, which precedes the in- troduction of the decomposing carbohydrates into the Citric Acid cycle.

As well as sodium pyruvate, the additional prescription of α-liponic acid can be of use. Pyruvic acid stands at the dividing line between respiration and fermentation.

We find from practical experience that all cellular phases represent an indication for Natrum Pyruvicum, possibly in combination with Fumaricum Acidum and Na- trum Oxalaceticum.

The action can be completed with the sarcodes Embryo, Cerebrum, Corpus Pineale, Hepar and Ren, and a treatment which has become deadlocked may be re- actived again to some extent by the additional use of Natrum Pyruvicum and sup- porting remedies.

This is especially true of the treatment of chronic impregnation phases, such as asthma, skin diseases and pruritus, and particularly in allergies, alergic eczema, rheumatic and gouty symptoms, psoriasis, angina pectoris, organic nervous diseases and psychoses, and treatment of pre-cancerous states.

In practice, the following indications are particularly noteworthy:

Migraine occurring in the morning and lasting until sunset with head-pain, retch- ing and vomiting. Raised pressure in the eye and frontal sinus conditions. Swim- ming in the head, headaches after washing the hair, cutting the hair and cold food (ice-cream). Bronchial asthma and bronchiectasis. Damage following retoxic treat- ment of acute reaction phases (influenza, otitis media, etc.).

Circulatory disorders (peripheral and central) with gangrene, ulcer of the lower leg, chilblains, marbled skin and circulatory collapse in acute reaction phases. Com- plaints similar to angina pectoris. Either tachycardia, arrhythmia or bradycardia with severely lowered blood-pressure (it may be expedient to prescribe along with it DL- Malicum Acidum and a suitable nosode).

Natrum Pyruvicum patients are said to walk slowly, dragging their feet, and to try to avoid all physical exertion.

The skin is dry or may be excessively greasy. Itching, scaly eczemas, possibly al- ternating with asthma, and also pustular suppurations from the sebaceous glands with scarring (also after chicken pox) are indications for Natrum Pyruvicum, like- wise sore corners of the mouth with deep cracks and inflammations of the alae nasae, and dry eczema on the buttocks. The joints give way easily (cf. Natrum Car- bonicum). Dental fistulae may exist for years, likewise dental caries without appre- ciable pain or periodontitis.

Natrum Pyruvicum should be borne in mind particularly in all disorders of glu- cose metabolism, and especially where there is circulatory disturbance (diabetic gangrene).

Natrum Pyruvicum proved its worth in a case of gangrenous ulcer on the Achilles tendon (in a young woman with juvenile-onset diabetes). Cure took place after 8–10 s.c. injections, likewise in the relapse which occurred a year later.

Psychoses which occur after childbirth and in the menopause are reputed to react well to Natrum Pyruvicum, also.

The drug picture of Natrum pyruvicum was composed in August 1995 by David Riley, M.D., Santa Fe (New Mexico), USA.

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

Essential Characteristics

Stitching or sharp pains in the eyes, chest, and abdomen.

Mental dullness. Increased physical energy. Forehead headaches. Coryza. In- creased appetite. Burping and rumbling in the stomach. Flatus.

Mind

Delusions that she is being watched. Vivid dreams on going on a journey. Mental dullness while writing or in the evening. Euphoria. Impatient and irritable. Sensi- tive.

Generalities

INCREASED ENERGY and desires physical exercise. Food desires of chocolate, eggs, pizza, and salt. Aggravated by spicy foods. Puffiness of the body.

Vertigo

Vertigo, particularly during bathing.

Head

Fullness especially at the vertex. Dull head pain. FOREHEAD PAIN particularly be- hind the left. Pressing pain between the eyes. Pulsations in the head.

Eye

Agglutination of the eyelids and lashes. Creamy white discharge from the canthi of the eyes. Itching of the right eye. Stitching pain in the right eye lid. Prickling pain.

Vision

Spots that are yellow spots in the visual fields.

Ear

Dull pain alternating with sharp pain. Piercing pain in the left ear. Sore pain that extends from the throat.

Nose

Nasal congestion. Coryza with discharge. Clear discharge. Sneezing. Tingling in- side the nose. Twitching of the nose.

Face

Eruptions of large pimples on the chin, or itching eruptions on the cheek bone, or below the nose. Fullness. Biting pain. Dull jaw pain. Swelling under or around the eyes or on the left jaw glands. Tingling in the forehead.

Mouth

Painful ulcerations on the tongue. Dryness in the mouth.

Teeth

Sensitive in general. Sensitive to pressure. Sensitive to warmth and cold.

Throat

Painful cervical glands on either side that extends to the ear and are sensitive to the slightest touch. Sensation of a lump when swallowing especially on the left side. Sore pain that extends to the right ear.

Stomach

Feels as if filled with air. APPETITE IS INCREASED on waking and is insatiable or de- creased. Distension. Eructations. Full sensation. Gurgling and rumbling. Nausea with salivation. Pain after eating.

Abdomen

ABDOMINAL DISTENSION after eating. Sharp pain in the umbilicus.

Rectum

Constipation. FLATUS, worse and night. Loud sound to flatulence. Flatus may be

offensive or odorless. Urging that is frequent, ineffectual, or at night.

Stool

Frequent, loose stool.

Bladder

Frequent need to urinate.

Genitalia, Female

Clear leucorrhea. Diminished sexual desire.

Chest

Sense of oppression in the chest. Aching pain in the left breast. Burning, stitching pain in the middle of the chest, worse with deep inspiration.

Back

Compressing pain in the cervical region. Pain in the lumbar region at 3 a.m. when in bed. Stiffness in the cervical or scapulae regions.

Extremities

Cracking or heaviness of the knee joint. Eruption on the hips. Swelling of the knee, leg, or ankle. Knee weakness in the evening. Feeling of dislocation in the knee or hip.

Sleep

Sleepiness, particularly in the afternoon.

Perspiration

Perspiration, particularly in the evening. Offensive odor to perspiration.

Skin

Scaly, red eruptions on the skin. Skin sensitive to the touch.

The attenuations are prepared from Disodiumhydrogen phosphate Na ₂ HPO₄ · 12H₂ O, MW: 358.1.

The main indications are:

Dyspepsia. Heartburn, sour eructations, sour vomiting, sour stools, yellow coating of the tongue.

The German Monograph-Preparation Commission for the Homoeopathic Field of Therapy has, under the Preparation Monograph for Natrium phosphoricum, pub- lished the following indication(s) in the German Bundesanzeiger (German Federal Gazette) for natrium phosphoricum: gastrointestinal disorders.

The attenuations are prepared from Sodium oxaloacetate, C₈H₁₁O₅Na, MW: 210.2.

Like all catalysts of the Citric Acid cycle, Oxaloacetic acid – a product of the de- hydration of Malic acid – shows very close affinities for the internal respiration of the tissues.

The main indications are:

Active factor of the Citric Acid cycle and of redox systems. Impregnation phases of all kinds, also asthma, angina pectoris, pruritus, skin diseases, psoriasis, pre-can- cerous states, neoplasm phases (especially initially) to improve cell-respiration.

An important indication is the susceptibility to colds and hypersensitivity to albu- men and fat in the diet, and also to wind and humidity. In acute infectious diseases too, Natrum Oxalaceticum as a supporting remedy with Fumaricum Acidum can ac- celerate the cure considerably; in acute cases the 6X should be given and in chronic cases the 12X.

Special indications include vertigo which does not respond to other remedies, in cerebral ischaemia, asthmatic bronchitis, sinusitis, otitis media, all acute and chron- ic inflammations of the naso-pharynx, lungs and bronchi. In many cases Natrum Oxalaceticum can cut short the acute common cold.

Loss of the sense of smell owing to chemical action, diminution of the sense of touch and impairment of the sense of taste with a tendency to add extra seasoning to food and a desire for sour or salty food or chocolate.

Natrum Oxalaceticum is said to be a good catalyst in patients who fail to respond to well-selected remedies after protracted or relapsing infectious diseases, especially in vague conditions and following drug-poisoning. Nerve pains occurring every- where and moving about, stopping just short of the intolerable, with hypersensitivity to noise, light and touch.

Children are irritable and bad-tempered and unable to concentrate.

Raised blood pressure after air travel. Paralysis following a stroke (to be given along with other homoeopathic remedies).

Acute and chronic gastritis. Duodenal ulcer and other inflammatory illnesses of the stomach and intestinal tract almost all respond favourably to Natrum Ox- alaceticum. Excessive sweating by day and night, with the underwear being stained yellow. Nephrolithiasis. Renal insufficiency. Sweat smelling of ammonia. Vaginis- mus. Adnexitis, oophoritis, mastitis. Prostatitis, also neoplasms. Stubborn rheumatic complaints and gouty affections, also oozing allergic eczema, alternating with asth- ma (vicariation).

A proving of this substance was conducted in the fall and winter of 1993 by Dr. David Riley.

Congruent symptoms with Dr. Reckeweg:

• vertigo
• physical sensitivity
• nasal congestion, colds
• gastritis
• skin eruptions
• excessive sweating

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

Essential Characteristics

The strongest feature of this remedy is the severe intense headaches that are ham- mering or pulsating. There is also a strong mental and physical irritability.

Mental and physical irritability. Vivid dreams. Vertigo. Intense headaches. Pulsat- ing and hammering headaches. Pain in the forehead or temples or alternating side to side. Coryza. Increased thirst. Stomach pains. Cramping abdominal pain. Increased urging for stool. Eruptions on the back. Coldness of the hands. Sleeplessness after midnight.

Mind

Anger. Anxiety especially in the morning. Aversion to the family. Desires company or prefers to be alone while aggravated as if she was in experiencing premenstrual symptoms. Mental confusion that is worse in company. Delusion of floating and feeling expansive. MANY DREAMS: or murder and dead people, of losing the purse or other things, of explosions, of being chased, or of a stranger entering the house. Many dreams, strange dreams, or vivid dreams. Hurry in occupation. IRRITABILITY es- pecially to the family. Malicious. Depression and sadness. Desires to touch things.

Generalities

Food desires or cold drinks. Food aversion to cheese. Heat, flushes of or sensation of heat. EXCESSIVE PHYSICAL IRRITABILITY as from a MSG allergic reaction.

Vertigo

Vertigo like floating. Vertigo associated with heat and with sensation of heat in face. Vertigo from motion. Nausea accompanying the vertigo.

Head

Heat in the forehead with the head pain. Tingling at the top of the head as from ten- sion. Itchy scalp that is better from scratching. Headache after bathing. Dull head pain. Head pain in the morning on waking, or better while lying, or that extends to the eyes. Hammering headache. Head pain with flushes of heat. Sharp, lancinating head pain especially in the forehead. FOREHEAD PAIN that extends to the sides or is above the eyes. Occiput pain that extends to the forehead. PAIN ON THE SIDES OF THE HEAD or alter- nates from side to side, or occurs with ear pain. TEMPLE HEAD PAIN especially on the right temple. Head pain like a vise. Pulsations or throbbing in the forehead.

Eye

Dark circles under the eyes. Dry eyes with burning pain. Twitching of the eyelids.

Vision

Blurry vision.

Ear

Aching pain in front of the ear associated with headache. Plugged sensation on waking.

Nose

Dry inside the nose but with a constant desire to blow the nose. Burning pain. CORYZA in the morning while walking. Copious discharge especially from the poste- rior nares. Yellow discharge. Itching. Obstruction. Soreness inside the nose on wak- ing. Sneezing on waking.

Face

Hot face and with flushing. Numb feeling of the right cheek. Raw pain at the cor- ners of the mouth.

Mouth

Sensitive, sore pains as if aphthae are breaking out on the tongue and gums. Exco- riation of the upper palate. Increased salivation during sleep.

Taste

Food tastes earthy like old wood.

Throat

PAIN that is scratching as from a cold or occurs when swallowing. Itching in the throat.

Stomach

APPETITE that is decreased or ravenous. Distension especially in the morning. Eructations from an airy stomach that make the back pain better. Heartburn after eat- ing that burns and extends to the throat. Indigestion. Nausea with dizziness. STOM- ACH PAIN. Cramping pain while eating, during the menses, in the morning, or cramp- ing that causes waking. Pain that causes doubling over, or after milk. Pain before

stool. Gnawing pain. Stomach pain better from pressure. THIRST especially in the morning, or that is unquenchable.

Abdomen

FLATULENCE, particularly in the morning. Sensation of fullness. Gurgling. PAIN that is cramping in the hypochondria. Shooting pain in the inguinal region associated with shooting pain in the urethra.

Rectum

Constipation. DIARRHEA that is sudden, or after eating. Flatus at the midday, or during the stool. URGING that is sudden after rising in the morning, or that is con- stant, or with a sudden stool. Rectal pain that extends upward into the intestines after ingestion of cheese.

Stool

Forcible stool. Frequent stool. Watery and soft stools.

Bladder

Increased urge to urinate.

Urethra

Stitching pain in the urethra and right lower abdomen.

Genitalia, Female

CHANGES IN THE MENSES. Increased menstrual flow. Menses begins 5 days too early in the month. Improvement of menstrual cramps or worsening of the menstrual cramps. Longer than normal menses.

Chest

Feeling an expansion in the chest.

Speech & Voice

Hoarseness of the voice that is better from eating and drinking.

Back

Eruptions on the back of boils or large pimples. Aching pain in the lumbar region. Back pain better from burping. Stiffness or tension in the cervical region or between the scapulae.

Extremities

Awkwardness or clumsiness resulting in cutting the hands or bumping into things. Coldness of the hands and feet. Athlete’s feet between the toes. Goose bumps on the legs. Heat in the hand. Trembling of the hand. Aching in the fingers, palms, or bones of the leg. Burning pain in the thigh.

Sleep

Difficulty in falling asleep. Restless sleep. Sleepiness in the evening. SLEEPLESS-

NESS AFTER MIDNIGHT. Waking early.

Chills

Chills alternating with fever as if getting a cold.

Perspiration

Feeling better from increased perspiration that feels like a flush of heat. Odor after bathing.

Skin

Skin eruptions.

The attenuations are prepared from Sodium nitrite, NaNO₂, MW: 69.0.

The nitrites are known as vasodilators and have proved their worth in sudden at- tacks of angina pectoris. Natrum Nitrosum is particularly used in vertigo “as if one would become insensible”. In this state both the lips and the hands tend to become cyanosed, so that the patient must lie down for half an hour before he dares to move again.

There are also frequently violent palpitations in the head and terrible headaches, which are worse from movement and occur particularly on going upstairs. The pa- tients also complain of bitter eructations and a thick coating on the tongue. They have a sensation as if the stomach and intestines were squeezed together, and at night there may be attacks of copious diarrhoea with fainting. Syncope, possibly strokes or gastro intestinal inflammations, and particularly angina pectoris are ac- companied by general cyanosis. Thus Natrum Nitrosum is also included essentially in combination remedies for angina pectoris.

The German Monograph-Preparation Commission for the Homoeopathic Field of Therapy has, under the Preparation Monograph for Natrium nitrosum, published the following indication(s) in the German Bundesanzeiger (German Federal Gazette) for Natrium nitrosum: diarrhoea.

The attenuations are prepared from Sodium nitrate, NaNO₃, MW: 85.0.

The main indications are:

Asthma, dyspnoea. Haemorrhagic tendency. Sensation of a weight on the chest. Choroiditis. Exophthalmos.

The German Monograph-Preparation Commission for the Homoeopathic Field of Therapy has, under the Preparation Monograph for Natrium nitricum, published the following indication(s) in the German Bundesanzeiger (German Federal Gazette) for natrium nitricum: infections; rheumatism; haemorrhages; digestive insufficiency; conditions of weakness.

The attenuations are prepared from Sodium chloride, NaCl, MW: 58.4.

No other homoeopathic remedy stands so squarely in the focus of doubt as to the effectiveness of homoeopathy as does Natrum Muriaticum, cooking salt.

After all, it is known that fluids within the body’s tissues as well as blood contain sodium ions in considerable concentration. If in spite of this homoeopathic doses of Natrum Muriaticum act – and such action has been reported by conscientious and objective physicians from their observations over many decades and is also familiar to the author, especially in the high potencies, – then from this action at the same time there proceeds the principle of the harmony of potencies, a remedy of a higher dilution acting even when it is incorporated in a lower potency.

On the other hand it is well known that the ingestion of too much salt can lead   to deep-reaching disorders of nutrition and other symptoms, e.g. oedema, hyperten- sion, and possibly following on from this, a state of aneamia. In the course of the provings, many symptoms came out which showed Natrum Muriaticum to be a great remedy for intermittent fever, according to Nash also for malaria, and also for anaemia, complaints of the alimentary tract and of the skin. There is also a charac- teristic sensation of intense weakness with cold shivers running over the back, as well as a distinct emaciation of the neck and a tendency to catch cold. In Natrum Muriaticum the mucosa is usually dry, and this is associated with irritability and hy- persensitivity to all kinds of external influence.

Nash describes Natrum Muriaticum as one of the best remedies for anaemia, no matter whether this is a result of loss of vital fluids (cf. China, Kali Carbonicum), menstrual disorders (cf. Pulsatilla), seminal loss (cf. Phosphoricum Acidum, China), or from physical influences.

There is usually pallor and emaciation, although the patient is eating well. There may be pulsating headaches, shortness of breath on going upstairs and on physical exertion, and especially constipation and a tendency to depression, which is typical of Natrum Muriaticum, also a tendency to cry. In contrast to Pulsatilla, consolation does not have a good effect, but rather aggravates the situation.

If pulsating headaches do not respond to Belladonna, then Natrum Muriaticum is often indicated. In that case there is often anaemia present with a pale, or only slightly flushed face. The remedy has a certain relationship to China, which likewise has pulsating headaches, also following loss of blood, e.g. after the menses. As in Calcium Phosphoricum, schoolgirls’ headaches may also be an indication for Na- trum Muriaticum. Palpitations and fibrillation with occasional missing beats are par- ticularly indicative of Natrum Muriaticum, likewise discomfort of the heart when at rest, the complaints becoming worse (including the headache) after intensive mental work.

The digestive disturbances of Natrum Muriaticum are striking, being characterised by a strong sensation of dryness, especially in the mouth (without actual dryness being present – Nash). Deep cracks (rhagades) occur in the centre of the upper –

sometimes of the lower – lip. Cracks in the corners of the mouth are also a symptom of Natrum Muriaticum.

As in Silicea, there is the sensation as of a hair on the tongue (also in Kali Bichromicum – Nash). A mapped tongue may also respond to Natrum Muriaticum. Labial herpes, in many cases, requires not only Rhus toxicodendron, Mezereum or Variolinum (Vaccininum), but reacts to Natrum Muriaticum, as may follicular pharyngitis, particularly after local application of silver nitrate.

The dryness of the mucosa in the alimentary canal might well be responsible for the dry, crumbling, irregular, hard stool, the rectum usually being very sluggish without pain, and defaecation difficult, possibly associated with fissures and severe bleeding, the feeling of great soreness remaining.

Natrum Muriaticum can be a very good remedy in fever, especially in intermittent fever, when the chill occurs between about 10:00 and 11:00 in the morning (Nash). Fever, headache and all other symptoms of Natrum Muriaticum are often ameliorat- ed by sweating.

The skin symptoms of Natrum Muriaticum include particularly fissures in the nails (ingrowing nails) with inflammatory irritation of the fingers and toes, cracked and peeling surface of the lips, and swelling of the lips, especially the upper lip (cf. Causticum). Nodules, vesicles, diffuse red patches with loosening of the epidermis and seborrhoea, and particularly vesicular eruptions in the creases of the joints may all be present, the latter bursting and exfoliating with secretion of an acrid fluid (Nash). Nash particularly refers to the fact that Natrum Muriaticum works better in high potencies.

Boericke also describes other typical symptoms, such as violent fluent coryza with sneezing and loss of smell and taste, internal soreness and dryness of the nose, also irregular menstruation, acrid, watery vaginal discharge, giving-way of the joints, rheumatic complaints with coldness of the legs, nervous twitching in sleep with somnolence in the mornings, eruptions at the hair-margins, warts on the palms of the hands, and amelioration in the open air, from cold bathing and lying on the right- hand side.

Boericke also recommends Aqua Marina in suitable potency subcutaneously in the treatment of skin, kidney and intestinal diseases, in gastroenteritis and tuberculosis, and also for detoxification in cancer.

Natrum Muriaticum should also be tried in neuralgias, especially infraorbital and ciliary and in headaches, if other symptoms agree (emaciation, anaemia, long-stand- ing rheumatism, gouty or rheumatic arthritis).

Natrum Muriaticum is also indicated in infiltration of cellular tissue and the glands, and where there are exudates and transudates which are not easily reab- sorbed. One must pay attention primarily to the constitutional symptoms of the pa- tient, and to the mentality, the irritability, sacral pain and constipation above all of- fering an important indication, together with the amelioration in dry, warm weather and the aggravation in damp, cool weather, and the general shivering.

The main symptoms of Natrum Muriaticum may be summed up in the following remedy-picture:

1. Pale patients, looking relaxed, easily irritated, despondent and pessimistic; they cry easily but refuse consolation (“autonomically labile asthenics” – Schilsky), reproachful answers when medical history is taken.
2. Pulsating headaches, especially in the temples and during the forenoon. Neural- gias. Shuddering from chilliness even in a warm room.
3. Sacral pains with desire for something hard on which to lie. Neuralgias and rheumatism. Joints give way.
4. Palpitations with arrhythmias, especially at rest.
5. All complaints aggravated by mental work and by exertion. Irregular menstrua- tion.
6. Febrile attacks with shivering, thirst, heat and violent headache, ameliorated by outbreak of sweating. Intermittent fever. Malaria. Attacks commencing in the forenoon.
7. Labial herpes. Corners of the mouth cracked. Deep cracks in the centre of the upper lip (possibly also the lower lip).
8. Urticaria. Eczema in the crease of the elbows with acrid fluid discharge. Also at the hair margins.
9. Desire for salt and highly-seasoned food. Sensation of thirst, without drinking much. Mapped tongue.
10. Mucous catarrhs, coryza with sneezing and nasal discharge like white of egg (also from urethra, vagina). Sensation of a hair on the tongue.
11. 11.  Constipation with hard, dry, crumbling stools, in some cases like sheepdung, with sorenses of the anus, fissures and bleeding. Sensation of weakness in the in- testines.

The German Monograph-Preparation Commission for the Homoeopathic Field of Therapy has, under the Preparation Monograph for Natrium chloratum, published the following indication(s) in the German Bundesanzeiger (German Federal Gazette) for natrium muriaticum: migraine; diseases of the gastrointestinal tract; emotional discord or upset; skin diseases; disorders of the supporting tissue.

The attenuations are prepared from Sodium molybdate-dihydrate, Na₂MoO₄ · 2H₂O, MW: 242.0.

With the increasing shortage in plants and exhausted soil, Molybdenum has been recognised as an important trace element and co-factor in enzyme-functions. It is found in xanthine oxidase (in the liver and milk), which contains iron, apart from molybdenum, as an active factor.

Natrum Molybdaenicum is indicated for long-term treatment of neoplasms, since here there is normally a lowered molybdenum level, which may also be of causal significance.

Nitrate reductase, a flavoprotein enzyme, also contains molybdenum in a complex compound. It is found in numerous bacteria, such as Escherichia coli, Clostridium Welchii, and in fungi (neurospora, aspergillus), and can reduce a nitrate to a nitrite, whilst azobacteria are able to build up gaseous nitrogen from the air into nitrogen compounds in the presence of the smallest quantities of molybdenum.

Thus it is possible that small doses of molybdenum are able to counteract dysbac- terial action, particularly in view of the combination with sulphur.

The attenuations are prepared from desiccated Sodium carbonate-monohydrate, Na₂CO₃ · H₂O, MW: 124.0.

The main indications are:

Sensitive to warmth, thunderstorms, rest. Ameliorated by movement. Headache in the sun, or after school. Milk causes diarrhoea. Morning sickness. Joints give way. Ulcers on the heel. Leucorrhoea and nasal catarrh with thick mucus. Tendency to catch cold. Wary of going into the fresh air.

The German Monograph-Preparation Commission for the Homoeopathic Field of Therapy has, under the Preparation Monograph for Natrium carbonicum H₂O, pub- lished the following indication(s) in the German Bundesanzeiger (German Federal Gazette) for natrium carbonicum: chronic inflammations of the respiratory pas- sages; abnormal discharges; digestive insufficiency; conditions of physical and men- tal weakness; emotional discord or upset.

The attenuations are prepared from Sodium bromide, NaBr, MW: 102.9.

Whereas the bromides occupied a favoured position among the sedatives and as cough remedies many decades ago, reducing the excitability of the brain cells, in ho- moeopathic prescribing the bromides, especially Natrum Bromatum, are used ac- cording to the Reversal effect or Hahnemann’s Law of Similars.

The author was made frighteningly aware of what damage can be wrought even by such apparently harmless, mild drugs as bromides when, in the thirties and in the early years of his medical practice, he was the family doctor of a Berlin civil ser- vant’s family, and was introduced to a boy of about 20 who in early childhood had suffered from whooping cough and had been treated with high doses of bromides.

It was a situation which left a deep impression. In the little nursery bedroom, in a child’s bed, a handsome youth’s head looked up at the author, strangely agitated, from large, dark eyes. The author spoke to him, but received no reply. When the au- thor pulled back the bed-covers to examine him, he saw a large, handsome young man’s head attached to child’s body. Externally the head had developed normally; however, the general physical development was retarded, corresponding roughly to that of a 10-year-old. The mental development was completely retarded. The lad could not talk, he could only communicate with his parents by sign language: a ghastly fate for both the patient and his family.

We use Natrum Bromatum in potency for signs of bromism, in mental sluggish- ness, lack of will-power, in vertigo, when the ground seems to sway beneath the feet, and also – as in the case of the 20-year-old retarded patient – when pallor of the face is a striking symptom. However, Natrum Bromatum can also act in salivation, salty taste (like bromium), in anaesthesia in the throat, and also in hysterical conditions with the typical anaesthesia, as well as in cases of rapid, small pulse and in morbid

lethargy. On the other hand, it can also, in its homoeopathic form, compensate for the effects of other sleep-inducing agents, including herbal preparations such as Va- leriana, hops etc. Menorrhagia during the menopause is also an indication. Natrum Bromatum is used almost exclusively in combination-remedies.

The mother tincture is prepared from the fresh herb in flower of Nasturtium offici- nale [L.] R. Br., a native of Europe, Asia, Africa and America, and frequently culti- vated as a vegetable. N.O. Cruciferae.

The main indications are:

Liver and gall remedy. Stomachic. Aphthae. Diuretic.

The German Monograph-Preparation Commission for the Homoeopathic Field of Therapy has, under the Preparation Monograph for Nasturtium officinale, published the following indication(s) in the German Bundesanzeiger (German Federal Gazette) for nasturtium aquaticum: conditions of irritation of the urinary tract col- lection system.