Category: Materia Medica Hans-Heinrich Reckeweg

The attenuations of this sarcode are prepared from the fresh inner part of the lar- ynx, including mucosa and vocal cords, of a healthy pig (Sus scrofa domesticus).

The main indications are:

Hoarseness. Alphonia. Vocal disorders. Polypi on the vocal chords. May be tried in carcinoma of the larynx.

The attenuations are prepared from the basic substance, the “white stone”, which is found in the lower valley of the Achen, near Gastein: a white gneiss, rich in mica, calcium silico-fluoride.

The main indications are:

Glandular indurations. Tuberculous abscesses.

The German Monograph-Preparation Commission for the Homoeopathic Field of Therapy has, under the Preparation Monograph for Lapis albus, published the fol- lowing indication(s) in the German Bundesanzeiger (German Federal Gazette) for lapis albus: hardening of the glands; hardening of the lymph glands.

The mother tincture is prepared from the fresh root, gathered in autumn, of the plant, Rumex obtusifolius L. N.O. Polygonaceae.

The main indications are:

Menopausal symptoms. Hot flushes.

Lamium Album – Dead Nettle

The mother tincture is prepared from the fresh leaves, flowers and tops of young shoots of the plant, Lamium album L., a native of the Balkans and Russia. N.O. Labiatae.

The main indications are:

Leucorrhoea with irritation of the bladder. Premature menstruation.

The German Monograph-Preparation Commission for the Homoeopathic Field of Therapy has, under the Preparation Monograph for Lamium album, published the following indication(s) in the German Bundesanzeiger (German Federal Gazette) for lamium album: abnormal genital discharge.

The attenuations are prepared from dextrorotatory L (+)-lactic acid (Sarcolactic acid), C₃H₆O₃, MW: 90.1.

Disturbed cell-respiration. Diabetes mellitus. Pre-cancerous conditions. Neoplasm phases.

The German Monograph-Preparation Commission for the Homoeopathic Field of Therapy has, under the Preparation Monograph for Acidum sarcolacticum, pub- lished the following indication(s) in the German Bundesanzeiger (German Federal Gazette) for acidum L(+)-lacticum: myalgia.

The attenuations are prepared from Lactic acid, C₃H₆O₃, MW: 90.1.

Diabetes mellitus. Stomach complaints in suspected pre-cancerous patients. Copi- ous foot-sweat, not smelling offensive.

The German Monograph-Preparation Commission for the Homoeopathic Field of Therapy has, under the Preparation Monograph for Acidum lacticum, published the following indication(s) in the German Bundesanzeiger (German Federal Gazette) for acidum lacticum: rheumatism; excessive loss of weight as experienced by diabet- ics.

The attenuations are prepared from the careful dried venom of the snake, Lachesis mutus L., which occurs in Central and South America. N.O. Crotalidae.

The venom obtained from Lachesis muta is secreted in large quantities during the bite, up to 3cm3, lg. when dried. The homoeopath, Dr. Constantine Hering investi- gated the venom of Lachesis muta in 1829 in South America. A part of the symp- toms which he gives comes from the toxicology. On the other hand, extensive prov- ings have been carried out with Lachesis, which have led to a typical symptomatol- ogy, so that today we have a characteristic remedy-picture of Lachesis.

In it there are numerous symptoms, which show Lachesis to be suitable in widely varying illnesses, of both a functional and an organic kind. Above all it is suited to septic illnesses and decomposition of the blood, but also to thrombocytopaenic pur- pura or a haemorrhagic diathesis, angina pectoris, asthma, influenza, laryngitis, sore throat, stroke, tuberculous uveitis, nasal catarrh with discharge, otitis media, carbun- cles, boils, varicose ulcers, diphtheria, haemorrhoids, appendicitis, proctitis, dysmen- orrhoea, scarlet fever, gangrene, malaria and kidney diseases with oedematous swellings. However, a special remedy-picture has emerged with a classified sympto- matology, which we owe most of all to the American physician, Dr. E. B. Nash. Here we find essentially so-called leading symptoms, whose appearance in a case points us to Lachesis. If one then looks through the whole remedy picture of Lachesis again, and enquires of the patient about other symptoms which may be present, then in many cases one will be able to establish other symptoms from the Lachesis picture.

In fact these leading symptoms point especially to the indications for Lachesis, one of the most important symptoms being the left-sidedness of the complaints, and the further progression of the complaints from the left side towards the right, e.g. in

sore throat, in neuralgia of the left leg (sciatica), in left-sided ophoritis, left-sided migraines, and headaches which extend from the left side of the neck into the nose (similar to Cimicifuga).

A further important symptom is the extraordinary chattiness and loquacity, the patient jumping from one thought to another. There is also often weakness of mem- ory, the patient making mistakes in writing. There may be delirium with confusion of the sense of time and a flushed face, and there can be difficulty in speaking, the jaw hanging down, particularly associated with depression.

A further characteristic symptom of Lachesis is the aggravation after sleep, or the typical sleeping into an aggravation. This applies not only to asthma and headaches, but also to suffocative attacks of a nervous kind or a globus hystericus sensation in the throat, and also to attacks similar to angina pectoris, ovarian complaints and swellings of all kinds.

Hot flushes arising from sleep are also characteristic of Lachesis, not only during the menopause but also in a run-down constitution, e.g. in drinkers. In such cases one might think of combining Lachesis with Sulphur, Sepia and, in serious cases, with Sulphuricum Acidum.

Also typical of Lachesis are blocked secretions, either as a result of treatment or spontaneously, e.g. nasal catarrh, with headache occurring after it has stopped flow- ing, but also hay fever with blocked discharges, asthma which cannot be loosened, and complaints of menstruation or dysmenorrhoea which are relieved by the flow beginning, or else menopausal complaints which are likewise relieved by a recur- rence of the bleeding.

A further important leading symptom of Lachesis is its sensitivity to constriction, to touch or external pressure. Not only is this especially marked at the neck, no necklace, no tight collar, polo-neck etc., but neither can any pressure be tolerated on the hypochondrium, as is also the case with Lycopodium. The larynx too is fre- quently sensitive to the slightest touch, a sensation of suffocation or of globus hys- tericus arising in the throat.

A further important leading symptom of Lachesis is the bluish discolouration of parts of the skin, of mucosa or inflamed places, e.g. carbuncles, boils, ulcers of the lower leg, the ulcerations having a ready tendency to become gangrenous. Thus Lachesis is also an important remedy in acute tonsillitis with a touch of sepsis, where empty swallowing or swallowing of liquids or saliva is far more painful than swallowing of solids. Pains, especially throat pains, frequently radiate out to the ears (cf. Hepar Sulphuris).

All discharges from Lachesis patients smell offensive, whether they be pus from carbuncles or boils, intestinal haemorrhages, stools or secretions from throat infec- tions.

The Lachesis patient’s tongue can only be protruded with great difficulty and is very dry. Usually it trembles and remains caught on the lower teeth. From this it may be seen that Lachesis must be indicated in serious septic diseases where such a state of the tongue is found, although it often responds well likewise to Natrum Muri- aticum in high potency.

The trembling of Lachesis is also characteristic, similar to that which is found in Gelsemium, but in Lachesis there is tremendous weakness.

The sensitivity to the heat of the sun and the exhaustion caused by it are similar to those found in Glonoinum.

Lachesis has a typical sensation of cramp in the left upper abdomen possibly ex- tending downwards along the sigmoid colon, with a fear of cancer which is often not unjustified.

Lachesis is often indicated not only in serious blood dyscrasias and in disorders of hormonal function, as at the menopause particularly, but also in catarrhs of the mu- cosa, in haemorrhoids, in suppurations and inflammations with the development of sepsis, e.g. sore throats, and other inflammatory states of the kind described. It usu- ally works particularly well – and this may be especially emphasized – in the form of injections, since this is most similar to the natural toxic action of snake-venoms. But one must be very cautious with respect to the potencies used; in particular do not use too low potencies, since patients often react to these initially with consider- able aggravations. On the other hand, septic conditions such as influenza, boils, car- buncles, ophoritis etc. often require the lower potencies to begin with. However, in longer-term treatments, especially if they do not prove too effective, one could suc- cessively increase the potencies which should then achieve astonishing results.

If we make a brief summary of the Lachesis symptoms, the following leading symptoms emerge which characterise the remedy, and where they occur they will point us to the prescription of this very important polychrest.

1. Left-sided remedy, the complaints having a tendency to move to the right side, as in tonsillitis, ophoritis, headache, tracheitis, laryngitis, angina-like pains, etc.
   1. The patient sleeps into his complaints. Aggravation after sleep.
   1. Intolerance of any clothing, pressure or constriction, especially round the neck but also abdominally, and at the mouth or nose. Feeling of suffocation. Globus hystericus. Bronchial asthma. Angina-like chest pains.
   1. Inflammatory symptoms with bluish-red discolouration and a tendency to be- come gangrenous. Oedematous swellings and foul-smelling secretions.
   1. Tongue dry, can only be protruded with difficulty, trembles and remains caught on lower teeth.
   1. Haemorrhagic tendency. Haemorrhagic purpura. Haemorrhagic diathesis. Ma- lignant infectious diseases, or acute infections (scarlatina, measles, erysipelas, smallpox, boils, carbuncles, ulcers of the lower leg etc.) become malignant.
   1. Aggravation from heat of sun. Great exhaustion.
   1. Ovarian remedy. Ophoritis. Salpingitis. Endometritis worse on the left side. Menopause. Ovarian dysfunction, especially hot flushes.
   1. Extraordinarily rapid change of emotional mood. Ecstasy, a kind of trance-like state and unaccustomed loquacity. Jumping from one thought to another. Weak- ness of memory. Emotional depression.
   1. Kidney disorders with albuminuria and dysuria.
   1. Skin diseases with exfoliation and haemorrhagic tendency.

Lachesis is an extraordinarily important polychrest, indicated in numerous illness- es which occur in practice, and it justly finds very wide application in homoeopathy. The German Monograph-Preparation Commission for the Homoeopathic Field of Therapy has, under the Preparation Monograph for Lachesis muta, published the following indication(s) in the German Bundesanzeiger (German Federal Gazette) for lachesis: inflammations and haemorrhages of the skin and mucosae; menopausal complaints; glandular diseases; infectious diseases and general blood poisoning; phlebitis; angina pectoris; cardiac and circulatory insufficiency; neuralgia; rheuma- tism; spasmodic conditions; paralysis; behavioural disorders; emotional discord or

upset.

The attenuations are prepared from the fresh milk of the domestic lacting dog, Canis familiaris. N.O. Canidae.

The main indications are:

Tonsillitis (also diphtheria), changing sides from day to day. Frequent movement of carbuncle. Pains from the chest and throat during the menses. Mastitis. Tongue coated white with red edges.

The German Monograph-Preparation Commission for the Homoeopathic Field of Therapy has, under the Preparation Monograph for Lac caninum, published the fol- lowing indication(s) in the German Bundesanzeiger (German Federal Gazette) for lac caninum: tonsillitis; paramenia; rheumatism; headaches; hypersensitivity of the sensory organs.

The attenuations are prepared from Creosote, a mixture of Guaiacol, Cresol and Cresolene obtained by distillation of beechwood tar.

Creosote was formerly used allopathically as an anti-tubercular, antiseptic and styptic, and especially in dyspepsia. In dentistry creosote used to serve as an additive to arsenic paste for the devitalisation of dental pulp.

Creosote is a carcinogen, and has similar effects to those of pure phenol (Car- bolicum Acidum). It has an excoriating action on the skin and causes white patches on the oral mucosa and the tongue, followed by deeper destruction of the tissue. Considering the highly toxic and carcinogenic properties, significant curative action is to be expected of it by Reversal effect.

Excoriating, foetid and burning discharges are characteristic, as are haemorrhages and ulcers. A rapid decomposition of fluids and secretions follows, and also gan- grene. Further indications include post-menopausal complaints, pains in gangrenous (severely carious) teeth and inflamed gums. Stauffer emphasizes as a leading symp- tom itching and burning in the parts, also profuse passive haemorrhages and vomit- ing of undigested, sour contents of the stomach, 3–4 hours after eating.

There is a tendency towards skin eruptions on the extensor sides of the limbs, and aggravation from rest and cold. The mood is desperate and despondent, with longing for death. There is often wasting, especially in children, with diarrhoea, vomiting, urging to urinate, sickly appearance, emaciation of the face with yellowish com- plexion, and a tendency towards ulceration with foetid secretions. Typical is the heavy bleeding from small wounds, haemorrhage being possible from any organ, and there is often severe halitosis.

There are also neuralgias, particularly of the sciatic nerve, primarily accompany- ing diabetes or albuminuria. Trigeminal neuralgias may proceed from carious teeth. The eyelids are also inflamed, with conjunctivitis, and severe reddening and swelling. There may be pustular eczema with scurf on the extensor sides of the limbs, and possibly also Meibomian cysts and styes, burning, itching, moist eczema of the ears, and maybe also chronic otitis media and tinnitus.

Throughout the whole symptom-picture of Kreosotum there runs a sickness of a wide variety of mucosa, so that profuse and loathsome discharges with ulceration and severely depleted vital energy are typical. This is particularly the case with the female genitalia, where there is putrid-smelling, acrid, excoriating discharge, stain- ing the underwear yellow. The itching and burning of the vulva is not relieved by scratching, but rather this leads to inflammation with a strong tendency to bleeding, also with the lochia. Nash refers to violent burning in the pelvis, as if from glowing coals, with lumps of putrid-smelling blood being passed, e.g. in puerperal sepsis.

The menses arrive too early and last too long, are dark and (especially at the menopause) have a foetid odour; they are intermittent and possibly linked with itch- ing and burning afterwards, not relieved by scratching. There is a typical symptom of post-coital bleeding, which is frequently an indication of ulceration or carcinoma of the cervix and uterus.

There may also be mammary tumours, which are bluish-red and scrufy. Kreoso- tum may well be of use in hyperemesis gravidarum, and generally in persistent vom- iting, especially when there is also diarrhoea with stools smelling like carrion. This is frequently found in teething children, the gums being painful, swollen, dark red and blue, and the teeth in many cases already destroyed as soon as they have erupt- ed.

Nash refers to the reliable urinary symptoms of Kreosotum:

1. Profuse, pale urine.
2. Sudden violent urging (cf. Petroselinum).
3. The child wets the bed during first sleep, which is very deep, so that he hardly wakes.
4. Can only urinate while lying down. (cf. Zincum Metallicum – only when sitting bent backwards.)

Nash sees as the most important symptoms: bad teeth and diseased gums; foetid, acrid discharges; great debility and haemorrhagic tendency.

The Kreosotum picture is rounded off by chronic nasal conditions with acrid dis- charge, ulcers and epistaxis, plus protracted catarrhs of the lungs, tuberculosis with cachexia, weakness, bronchiectasis and gangrene of the lungs; also by chronic gastro intestinal conditions, possibly haematemesis and distension, also with peri-anal in- flammations and burning pains and heavily bleeding haemorrhoids with internal burning and itching.

Boericke mentioned Arsenicum Album, Phosphorus and Sulphur as complemen- tary remedies in malignant illnesses, whilst Carbo Vegetabilis and Carbo Animalis are said to be inimical, at least in the same potency.

If we sum up the symptoms of Kreosotum, we have the following typical remedy- picture:

1. Widely varying mucosal conditions, with offensive, acrid, excoriating discharges, staining the underclothing yellow, (leucorrhoea, conjunctivitis). Chronic bronchi- tis. Pulmonary tuberculosis, bronchiectasis. Burning pains in the larynx with spasmodic cough. Chronic gastritis with gastric haemorrhages. Vomiting of brown masses. Cholera infantum.
2. Spongy gums and carious teeth, neuralgias proceeding from them. Burning toothache with deep caries, black patches on the teeth and foetid discharges.
3. Pruritus and eczema on the extensor sides of limbs with violent burning pains and small pustules forming crusts; oozing, with continual compulsion to scratch, and aggravated at night in the warmth of the bed.
4. Hyperemesis gravidarum and puerperal fever with foul-smelling, black lochia and retained placenta.
5. Diabetes mellitus (and possibly albuminuria) with sudden violent urging to uri- nate, nocturnal enuresis (in first sleep), foul-smelling urine. Hypertrophy of the prostate gland.
6. General haemorrhagic tendency from skin and mucosa. Bloody discharge and post-coital bleeding. Carcinoma of the uterus.

The German Monograph-Preparation Commission for the Homoeopathic Field of Therapy has, under the Preparation Monograph for Kreosotum, published the fol- lowing indication(s) in the German Bundesanzeiger (German Federal Gazette) for kreosotum: inflammations of the skin, the mucosae, the respiratory passages, and the urinary and reproductive organs; tendency to haemorrhage; behavioural distur- bance among children; age-related diseases.

The attenuations of this nosode are prepared from sterilized cultures of the bacte- ria Klebsiella pneumoniae (10⁷CFU/g).

The main indications are:

Silicosis. Pneumoconiosis. Bronchiectasis. Bronchial asthma. Iatrogenic damage from treatment for influenza. Also in acute influenza, pleurisy and pneumonia, espe- cially in obese patients.