Category: Materia Medica Hans-Heinrich Reckeweg

The attenuations are prepared from Potassium carbonate, K₂CO₃, MW: 138.2.

Kali Carbonicum, Potassium carbonate or potash is an extraordinarily important homoeopathic remedy, acting particularly on the mucosa and heart. There are typical stabbing pains, which are independent of movement, and also back-pains between the shoulder-blades. There is anaemia, and often also nausea, pressure in the stom- ach, nasal and bronchial catarrh, and possibly whooping cough and chronic gastro intestinal catarrh.

Also typical of Kali Carbonicum are oedemas of the upper eyelids, and possibly puffiness of the whole face.

There may also be haemorrhoids with burning, itching pains, and these may be as- sociated with constipation and frequent unsuccessful urging (as in Nux Vomica).

Haemorrhage from the lungs and a tendency towards miscarriage, the patient needing to lie down, come within the sphere of indication of this remedy.

Especially typical of Kali Carbonicum however are the heart-symptoms. There are perpetual arrhythmias, possibly interspersed with paroxysmal tachycardia. There are frequently defects of the valves, associated with myocardial weakness and stab-

bing pains in the heart. The Kali salts have a general prophylactic action in respect to heart attack.

The author was especially pointed towards Kali Carbonicum about 40 years ago in treating a patient, about 30 years of age, with damage to the myocardium. This pa- tient was suffering from an arrhythmia, which had remained with him after an infec- tious disease. His E.C.G. showed lesions which medical opinion at that time consid- ered irreparable. The patient was then prescribed Kali Carbonicum 4X and nothing else, following which both his general state of health and also the arrhythmia im- proved. After a treatment of several months the myocardial damage was also com- pletely removed, so far as that could be ascertained at the time by E.C.G., since the

E.C.G. pattern had returned completely to normal.

It might also be mentioned that Kali Carbonicum has proved its worth in tubercu- lar conditions, also in diseases like scurvy and disordered liver function with jaun- dice, and in weakness of the bladder.

Kali Carbonicum has a quite particular action on the right lung, on stitching pains which are not connected with the respiration. Thus it is also indicated in right-sided pleurisy, especially when there are heavy night-sweats without relief. In contrast to Bryonia, in such conditions the patient cannot lie on the affected side.

Kali Carbonicum has a typical aggravation-time of 3:00 a.m.. There is also a great sensitivity to touch (cf. Apis), and a great weakness, presenting as muscular weak- ness.

The following main symptoms emerge from a summary:

1. Stabbing pains unrelated to the respiration, especially in the right lung.
2. Pleurisy (especially on the right-hand side).
3. Catarrhal conditions of various kinds, (nose, bronchi, chronic intestinal catarrh, haemorrhoids).
4. Haemorrhoidal complaints. Weakness of the bladder. Stress-incontinence of urine on coughing.
5. Great weakness and unsteadiness. Muscular weakness and rheumatism. Anaemia. Cannot bear to be touched.
6. Chemosis of the upper eyelids.
7. Sensitivity in the epigastrium.
8. Damage to the heart muscle with arrhythmia; may miss every third beat. Stab- bing pains in the heart and changes in the E.C.G. pattern, particularly in retoxic phases after infectious illness.
9. Typical aggravation around 3:00 a.m.
10. Prostrating sweats, especially at night.
11. Scrofulous conditions. Tendency to catch cold easily. Scurvy-like symptoms. Stomatitis. Periodontitis. Acne.
12. Menorrhagia. Metrorrhagia. Uterine prolapse.

The German Monograph-Preparation Commission for the Homoeopathic Field of Therapy has, under the Preparation Monograph for Kalium carbonicum, published the following indication(s) in the German Bundesanzeiger (German Federal Gazette) for kalium carbonicum: chronic inflammations of the respiratory pas-

sages and of the pleura; cardiac diseases; collection of water in tissues; attrition processes involving the skeletal system; general weakness; paramenia; diseases dur- ing pregnancy.

The attenuations are prepared from Potassium bromide, KBr, MW: 119.0.

The main indications are:

Declining memory. Speech disorders, omits words and syllables. Accompanied by restlessness, always busy and occupied. Hands tremble, restless, nervous. Pustular acne.

The German Monograph-Preparation Commission for the Homoeopathic Field of Therapy has, under the Preparation Monograph for Kalium bromatum, published the following indication(s) in the German Bundesanzeiger (German Federal Gazette) for kalium bromatum: conditions of excessive excitement associated with the central nervous system; cerebral seizure disorders; nightmares; sleepwalking; insomnia; reduced cerebral emotivity, as with paralysis; sequelae of cerebrovascular accidents; hypomnesia; acne vulgaris.

The attenuations are prepared from Potassium bichromate, K₂Cr₂O₇, MW: 294.2.

The medicinal solutions prepared from Potassium bichromate can be helpful in a few characteristic symptoms, e.g. in catarrhal conditions of the mucosa of the respi- ratory passages, the gastro intestinal tract and the female genitalia, and also in pains which occur in small places and move about, with possible alternation of catarrhal and rheumatic complaints, e.g. also pains in the heels.

There is a typically rapid appearance of many complaints which soon disappear again; also a morning aggravation, with amelioration from staying in the fresh air. Characteristic of Kali Bichromicum are headaches which appear after flickering sco- toma, possibly associated with vertigo and heaviness of the head, and with stabbing pains in the temples, and also frontal headache beginning in the morning, becoming worse as the day goes on and disappearing towards evening.

Especially characteristic of Kali Bichromicum are the tough, stringy mucous se- cretions which occur with catarrhs of the sinuses, the nose, the bronchi, etc. The mucus can scarcely be cleared, and may hang from the mouth in long strings.

Inflammations of the eyelids, and conjunctivitis, are likewise indications for Kali Bichromicum, if accompanied by corneal ulcers with a punched-out appearance. Ulcers of the same kind may also be found on the gums, the tongue, the lips, and even on the gastric mucosa (gastric or duodenal ulcer). The tongue often has a thick, yellow, mucous coating, or else, in ulcerative stomatitis or tonsillitis it may be dry, smooth, shiny or fissured.

Acute gastroenteritis, associated with vomiting of clear, light-coloured fluid or quantities of mucous bile, also haematemesis, flatulent colics, and dysenteric stools with tenesmus all respond well to Kali Bichromicum. It is also of service in balanitis and prostatitis (with pain on movement), and in incipient urinary obstruction with copious solid deposits, and in purulent vaginal discharge.

A summary provides us with the following typical remedy-picture:

1. Subacute to chronic catarrhal conditions with punched-out ulcers. Corneal ulcers (including syphilitic origin).
2. Acute gastroenteritis and ulercous stomatitis. Chronic ulcer problems, especially in habitual drinkers.
3. Leucorrhoea. Cervicitis and ulcerative vulvitis with pains in the loins and ab- domen.
4. Chronic rheumatic muscle and joint conditions, alternating with catarrhs.
5. Flickering scotoma with frontal headache. Anosmia. The flickering scotoma dies down and is replaced by a typical headache in a small, circumscribed location.
6. Ropy mucus, hanging from the mouth in long strings.

The German Monograph-Preparation Commission for the Homoeopathic Field of Therapy has, under the Preparation Monograph for Kalium bichromicum, published the following indication(s) in the German Bundesanzeiger (German Federal

Gazette) for kalium bichromicum: mucosal inflammation of the respiratory pas- sages, the gastrointestinal tract, and the urinary system; chronic dermal ulcers; neu- ralgia and rheumatism.

The attenuations are prepared from the mono potassium salt of L-Aspartic acid, C₄H₆NO₄K, MW: 171.2.

The potassium salts have important biological functions to fulfil in the body, as- partic acid serving as a coupling factor to potassium through salt-formation and showing an especial affinity for important intermediate conversions.

Obviously asparagine (and glutamine) are given the function of recapturing the ni- trogens proceeding from the breakdown of albumen for the plant (Leuthardt.) In the intermediate metabolism, aspartic acid is known to be a sugarformer, a so-called glucoplastic amino-acid. Aspartic acid is also involved in the synthesis of urine, of purine and pyrimidine, and in nitrogen-fixation, which depends on the presence of minute quantities of molybdenum, insofar as the intermediate product, oximinosuc- cinic acid, is further reduced to to aspartic acid.

Aspartic acid, moreover, is a nitrogen-donor in the transformation of citrulline into arginine, from which the significance for the synthesis of urine becomes appar- ent.

By Clostridium Welchii, aspartic acid can be decarboxylated, and transformed into α-alanine.

Since potassium salts perform an important function of the so-called “sodium

pump” in the cell-membrane, the combination with aspartic acid, intermediately ex- tremely active as it is, appears especially noteworthy for influencing intra-cellular enzyme-mechanisms. Thus Kali Asparaginicum is generally used primarily in preparations which are aimed at stabilising or regenerating the enzyme-functions.

The attenuations are prepared from Potassium metarsenite, KAsO₂ · HAsO₂, MW: 253.95.

The main indications are:

Nephrotic syndrome. Chronic eczemas, dry, slack skin. Emaciation down to the bones. Itching psoriasis. Lichen ruber, numerous papules with white scales and fis- sures in the creases of elbows and knees. Pruritus in warmth. Quarrelsome, peevish, discontented mood; apathy.

The German Monograph-Preparation Commission for the Homoeopathic Field of Therapy has, under the Preparation Monograph for Kalium arsenicosum, published the following indication(s) in the German Bundesanzeiger (German Federal Gazette) for kalium arsenicosum: dry rashes; tabetic disorders; chronic kidney dis- orders.

The mother tincture is prepared from the fresh, ripe berries of the plant, Juniperus communis L., which is distributed over the whole Northern hemisphere. N.O. Cu- pressaceae.

The main indications are:

Glomerulonephritis. As a diuretic.

The German Monograph-Preparation Commission for the Homoeopathic Field of Therapy has, under the Preparation Monograph for Juniperus communis, published the following indication(s) in the German Bundesanzeiger (German Federal Gazette) for juniperus communis: elimination dysfunctions of the urinary tract col- lection system; dyspeptic complaints.

The mother tincture is prepared from equal parts of the fresh leaves and the fresh rind of the green fruit of Juglans regia L. ssp. regia, a native of the Caucasus and now cultivated throughout Europe on account of its fruits. N.O. Juglandaceae.

The main indications are:

Lymphadenopathy. Tuberculosis. Chronic urethral discharge.

The German Monograph-Preparation Commission for the Homoeopathic Field of Therapy has, under the Preparation Monograph for Juglans regia, published the following indication(s) in the German Bundesanzeiger (German Federal Gazette) for juglans: suppurative rashes; lymphadenitis; liver disorders; headaches.

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

The main indications are:

Duodenal ulcer. Pancreatitis. Dumping syndrome. Hypoglycaemia.

The mother tincture is prepared from the dried leaves of the plant(s) Pilocarpus jaborandi Holmes, P. pennatifolius Lem. and/or P. microphyllus Stapf, natives of Brazil. N.O. Rutaceae.

The main indications are:

Abnormal sweats, nocturnal sweats in pulmonary tuberculosis, excessive saliva- tion and cystitis during pregnancy. Hyperhydrosis generally, sweats after menopausal hot flushes.

Jaborandi, which contains pilocarpine, is known for its qualities as a diaphoretic, promoting sweating, and a myotic (i.e. causing the pupils to contract). Heinigke de- scribes the action of Jaborandi in the form of an infusion containing 6 grams. of the leaves as follows: “The face immediately flushes, the temporal arteries begin to throb, and a strange sensation of heat occurs in the mouth and face. Salivation be- gins, the brow becomes wet, sweating occurs all over the face, and the saliva flows more and more, filling the mouth with great quantities of fluid, leading to continual spitting; gradually the whole body is bathed in sweat, and an agreeable feeling of warmth predominates. Meanwhile, other realisations have dawned: the eyelids are moistening, the pupils are contracting slightly, the nose begins to run and the mu- cous membranes of pharynx, trachea and bronchi are exuding watery mucus; there are also palpitations and an irregular pulse. These symptoms are at their most intense after taking the remedy, continue for about 30–50 minutes, and then gradually die down, followed by a certain weakness and sleepiness, and a great dryness of all the organs which have just been so intensely active, remaining for a shorter or longer time.”

This picture of the effects of pilocarpine, which is the main active ingredient of Jaborani, can be used to good effect according to Reversal effect and the Law of Similars in such conditions as abnormal sweating, especially in night-sweats of tu- bercular patients, in salivation and urinary disorders, also during pregnancy, and also in spasms of the muscles of accommodation and various other kinds of visual disorders, such as difficulties in accommodation and spasms of the eyelids.

There are also good results in bronchitis with profuse secretion of watery mucus and in inflammation of the parotid glands, as well as in dysmenorrhoea of young girls who have extremely dry skin and scanty periods; it is also particularly good for nursing mothers who are short of milk.

Pilocarpine is used in ocular medicine in order to contract the pupils, e.g. in in- juries to the iris and in glaucoma, a 1%–2% solution being employed. Compared with eserine, pilocarpine has the advantage of a less powerful action, the accommo- dation being affected to a lesser degree, and the tendency towards iritis being en- hanced to a lesser degree than with eserin.

Good results have also been obtained in daily headaches which occur around mid- day and are associated with accelerated respiration and also with pressure on the chest, anxiety, palpitations, pain in the praecordia region, vertigo and pulsating pain

on the vertex. It should also be tried in disorders of accommodation, especially with spasm of the muscles of accommodation while reading, when the letters suddenly disappear, it becomes difficult to see in detail and there is myopia.

Good results could be expected in swelling of the middle ear (cf. Euphorbium), and in a sensation of emptiness in the lower abdomen, in painless diarrhoea, in flushing of the face with outbreak of sweat, and in sudden violent pain in the blad- der, shooting into the urethra, so that the patient has to cry out, and also in burning in the urethra with urging to urinate.

An important indication is also its use in pulmonary oedema with frothy expecto- ration and watery or mucous secretions, generally accompanied by excessive sweat- ing at various locations on the body.

The German Monograph-Preparation Commission for the Homoeopathic Field of Therapy has, under the Preparation Monograph for Pilocarpus, published the fol- lowing indication(s) in the German Bundesanzeiger (German Federal Gazette) for jaborandi: eye disorders; excessive sweating.

The mother tincture is prepared from the fresh rootstock of the plant, Iris versicol- or L., which occurs in the U.S.A. and Canada. N.O. Iridaceae.

The main indications are:

Hemicrania. Flickering scotoma, followed by headache. Sunday migraine. Sour vomiting, like vinegar, excoriating. Summer diarrhoea. Sciatica with stabbing, shooting pains, as if lame and the hip dislocated.

The Iris Versicolor headache occurs mostly on the right side, associated with ca- tarrhs of the eyes and conjunctiva and with tinnitus (ringing and roaring noises). It tends to come on mostly on non-working days, especially Sundays, and for this no physiological reason can be given.

Also typical of Iris Versicolor are the frequently changing pains, which are cutting pains of short duration, the right side being mainly affected.

On the skin, Iris Versicolor can also have a beneficial effect on vesicles and pus- tules on the head, face, trunk and limbs with a tendency to suppurate.

Anal prolapse often occurs in the intestinal colics with violent urging for stool, frequent passing of watery, mucous stools and burning pains in the rectum, possibly with blood in the stools.

Should the catarrhal symptoms spread to the renal pelvis, ureters and urethra, then the urine usually has a peculiar, penetrating odour.

The German Monograph-Preparation Commission for the Homoeopathic Field of Therapy has, under the Preparation Monograph for Iris versicolor, published the following indication(s) in the German Bundesanzeiger (German Federal Gazette) for iris: migraine; facial neuralgia; sciatic neuralgia; condition following herpes zoster; inflammation of the gastric mucosa and of the pancreas.