Category: Materia Medica Hans-Heinrich Reckeweg

The attenuations are prepared from Graphite (pencil-lead), a naturally modified form of carbon.

In its action, Graphites has a certain relationship to Carbo Vegetabilis, but also to other anti-psorics, particularly Sulphur. According to Dahlke, there is throughout the whole remedy a characteristic tendency towards the formation of cracks, and to skin diseases of various kinds, proceeding with crusty eruptions and the discharge of a sticky, honey-like fluid, which hardens into scabs.

Skin diseases which call for Graphites are mainly localised in the folds and creases of the skin. Itching is aggravated by heat and the warmth of the bed. They are accom- panied by a pasty appearance, constipation and a despondent mood, with restlessness, anxiety and mental weakness. Thus the Graphites type has become summed up in the catchphrase: “Fat – stupid – constipated.” However, this is not completely apt, insofar as other symptoms, which do not fit into this pattern, are very susceptible to Graphites. These include general loss of hair, which is hard and brittle, and alopecia areata. Various kinds of tinnitus are also indications for Graphites, possibly associated with chronic ear discharge smelling like herring-brine. Graphites eruptions are situat- ed mostly in skin-folds and creases, or on that side of the limb, and at orifices, also be- hind the ears, at the nostrils, which are cracked, raw and encrusted, possibly associat- ed with an offensive discharge (ozaena), the nose itself being dry.

Graphites is also effective in colicky, burning stomach-pains, ameliorated by eat- ing and associated with distension; there may also be a pre-cancerous state in the py- loric area.

There are also itching eruptions around the anus, and possibly haemorrhoids which protrude, and are too painful to permit sitting down.

In women there is an aversion to coitus, a cold sensation in the vagina, and acrid, white leucorrhoea, gushing out. The finger and toe nails are thickened and split. Of- fensive foot-sweats are also susceptible to Graphites. The patient is generally easily chilled and sensitive to the cold. Graphites patients also tend towards swelling and induration of the glands.

Nash quotes a case of eczema on the legs, in which Sulphur was first given, whereupon an eruption broke out all over the body, with the discharge of a sticky, viscous fluid. By following with Graphites this eruption was then cured. Graphites is also the remedy in eczema capitis or when, after eczema has been suppressed, brown, liquid stools with undigested material and an intolerably foetid odour start to be passed. Eczema of the eyelids, eyelids with their edges covered in scales and scurf: these are cured by Graphites, whereas Sulphur is the cure where the orifices of the body are more reddened. Nash emphasizes that the lumpy, copious stools which are characteristic of Graphites may sometimes be joined by threads of mucus, and that Graphites is good not only for anal fissures, but for fissures in general, on fin- ger-tips, nipples, corners of the mouth, between the toes etc. Atheroma is also sus- ceptible to Graphites.

As clinical indications for Graphites, Dahlke also mentions scrofulous eye-condi- tions, styes, scanty menstruation with vicarious bleeding and bearing-down of the uterus, chronic gout with deformed fingers, anaemia, hydrocoele, atheroma, and re- current erysipelas, with the affected parts remaining hard and swollen.

Graphites also softens and reasorbs scar-tissue, and is therefore indicated in ulcers of the lower leg with hard edges and thin, acrid and offensive discharges, and in pso- riasis; but also in hoarseness and laryngeal complaints of professional speakers.

Summing up the main symptoms of Graphites, we have the following picture:

1. Mental dullness, difficult thinking. Despondent mood. Anxiety.
2. Skin dieseases with tendency to eczema in folds of the skin and orifices of the body, and on the articulating surfaces of the limbs, possibly associated with crusty, dry eruptions and offensive, acrid secretions of a sticky, honey-like con- sistency. Itching aggravated in the heat and by the warmth of the bed. Fissures in all orifices. Intertrigo. Styes and Meibomian cysts.
3. Offensive sweat. Chronic nasal catarrh with foetid, purulent and crusty discharge (ozaena).
4. Tinnitus. Otosclerosis. Deterioration of the hearing. Discharge from the ears, smelling like herring-brine.
5. Falling out of hair. Alopecia areata. Fungal infections of the nails.
6. Seborrhoeic blepharitis.
7. Leucorrhoea. Aversion to coitus. Scanty menstruation.
8. Colicky stomach-pains with distension. Pre-cancerous state. Constipation.
9. Chronically recurring erysipelas. Chronic rheumatic polyarthritis with deformity of joints.
10. Ulcer of the lower leg with hard edges. Keloid formation. Psoriasis.

The German Monograph-Preparation Commission for the Homoeopathic Field of Therapy has, under the Preparation Monograph for Graphites, published the fol- lowing indication(s) in the German Bundesanzeiger (German Federal Gazette) for graphites: paramenia; digestive insufficiency; geriatrically related disorders; eczema and other dermal diseases; mucosal inflammation.

The attenuations of this nosode are prepared from surgically removed granuloma (reactive formation of granulative tissue at the tip of the root of a tooth).

The main indications are:

Epulis. Focal diseases. Apical infections. Headaches (especially in the eye and orbit). Migraines. Supporting remedy in infective endocarditis. Myocarditis. Ar- rhythmias. Chronic neuralgias. Acute polyarthritis.

Of general use in impregnation phases, (with Influenzinum, Psorinum, etc.), in- cluding oral doses.

see Medorrhinum.

The mother tincture is prepared from the fresh aerial parts in flower, Pseudo- gnaphalium polycephalum [L.] Hilliard et B.L. Burtt., a native of North America.

N.O. Compositae.

Gnaphalium displays a few typical symptoms, which would justify a widespread use of the remedy, whereas in general it is simply used in sciatica, when the pains extend from the hip down to the toes, linked with a sensation of numbness and hav- ing “gone to sleep”, the numbness alternating with pain, cramps in the calves and lumbago-like complaints, possibly associated with a sensation of heaviness low down in the pelvis.

Rheumatism may also be present in the knees and ankles. Episodes of gout in the big toe may also react favourably to Gnaphalium.

Additionally Gnaphalium is indicated in children’s summer diarrhoea, and also in dysmenorrhoea, in symptoms of prostatic hypertrophy, when the bladder cannot be emptied properly, with urging to urinate and restlessness in the legs. This may be ac- companied by heightened libido and frequent erections, but often with impotence. These latter complaints are generally concealed. They present as rheumatic com- plaints, i.e. as restlessness in the legs with crawling sensations in the thighs, numb- ness, and possibly stabbing pains at times, so that generally it is the use of Gnaphal- ium in sciatica which has prevailed.

Rheumatic conditions of the facial nerves can likewise be beneficially affected by Gnaphalium; also vertigo and dull occipital pain, shooting pains in the chest, cramps of the calf-muscles, and rheumatic pains in the arms and elbows.

Dahlke refers to morning diarrhoea as an indication for Gnaphalium. The following is a summary of the remedy-picture:

1. Sciatic nerve-pains, associated with a sensation of numbness, extending to the toes. Cramps in the calves and feet, especially in bed. Rheumatic complaints in arms and elbows.
2. Morning diarrhoea with great exhaustion. Mouth is furry. Nausea. Abdominal rumblings and flatulence.
3. Prostate complaints with restlessness of the legs. Pressure in the kidney region.
4. Increase in erections and libido. Dysmenorrhoea. Heavy sensation in the pelvis.

The German Monograph-Preparation Commission for the Homoeopathic Field of Therapy has, under the Preparation Monograph for Pseudognaphalium obtusifoli- um, published the following indication(s) in the German Bundesanzeiger (German Federal Gazette) for gnaphalium polycephalum: rheumatism; sciatica; neuralgia; diarrhoea.

The attenuations are prepared from a aqueous solution of Glyoxal, C₂H₂O₂, MW: 58.0.

Has a catalytic and unblocking action both on damaged respiratory enzymes and toxins, and is therefore indicated in all cellular phases, and especially also in neo- plasm phases and viral diseases. Infrequent doses! Allow them time to work!

Glyoxal and Methylglyoxal (q.v.) have, according to Prof. W. Frederik Koch, a deep-reaching action on a wide variety of degenerative diseases, not only on neo- plasms, but also on schizophrenia (Dr. Wegener of Cologne), and on addictive dis- eases (Dr. Schroeter of Freiburg.)

As “Carbonyl-group series”, Methylglyoxal and Glyoxal have the property of freeing blocked energy-producing systems of the cells and also of dissolving can- cerous tissue which is in process of formation through the action of free radicals, by depolymerisation of homotoxins and carcinotoxins. This is possible both by quinones and by free carbonyl groups, provided that they are suitably diluted in ho- moeopathic potency. Otherwise they work in the opposite direction, (i.e. carcino- genically).

By means of free carbonyl groups and quinones, through the removal of hydrogen, the impregnation phase is to a certain extent “broken up”. (See Reckeweg’s study: “Neue Gesichtspunkte der antihomotoxischen Therapie bei zellulären Phasen” [New view on anti-homotoxic therapy in cellular phases]. Homotoxin-Journal 6, 285–395 [1967]).

In treating patients with Glyoxal and Methylglyoxal it is important not to give a fresh dose so long as the condition is reacting, or so long as the curative action lasts.

The drug picture of Glyoxal was composed in August 1997 by David Riley, M.D., Santa Fe (New Mexico), USA.

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

Essential Characteristics

Nasal obstruction. Throat pain especially with swallowing. Dryness or soreness on waking in the morning. Cervical neck affected strongly with varying types of pain. Soreness in the extremities or affecting the bones of the extremities.

Mind

Difficult concentration.

Generalities

Increased energy or decreased energy in the afternoon.

Head

Head and nasal congestion that causes heaviness. Throbbing forehead pain and sharp pain in occiput.

Eye

Dryness or increased lachrymation. Eye heaviness with head and nasal conges- tion. Tired sensation.

Nose

Obstruction on waking in the morning. Congestion at the root of the nose. Crusts on the nostrils.

Throat

Dryness or soreness in the morning on waking. Throat pain on swallowing espe- cially empty swallowing.

Stomach

Decreased appetite. Distention. Pain in the stomach and diaphragm.

Abdomen Diaphragmatic pain. Rectum

Flatus. Stool Loose. Cough Deep cough. Back

CERVICAL PAIN that is aching, constricting, lancinating or throbbing. Thoracic pain. Back pain with headache.

Extremities

Itching on the knee with vesicular eruptions. SORE PAIN in the bones, ankles, or right shoulder.

Skin

Vesicular eruptions on perspiring parts.

The attenuations are prepared from L-(+)-Glutaminic acid, C₅H₉NO₄, MW: 174.1.

This is a factor in numerous intermediate syntheses. It is a component of glu- tathione, and is said to have a good influence on brain function and to enhance men- tal performance, e.g. in disturbed mental development in children.

The attenuations are prepared from Glyceryl trinitrate, C₃H₅N₃H₉, MW: 227.1.

Even though Glonoin (Nitroglycerin) is used essentially for heart conditions, particularly angina pectoris, nevertheless the symptom-picture presents other symptoms too, which mark out Glonoin as an effective remedy with other indi- cations. The name Glonoin  is  based  on  the  three  components:  Gl  =  glycerol, O = oxygen, N = nitrogen.

The main characteristic symptoms are palpitations extending to the neck, which can be seen in the pulsating carotid arteries, a tendency to sudden violent irregulari- ties in the circulation, active hyperaemia of the brain with symptoms such as are found e.g. in sunstroke. There is also cerebral vomiting, white tongue, empty sensa- tion in the pit of the stomach with pale face and full pulse, laboured respiration, in other words, such symptoms as may be present in sunstroke; these point to Glonoin. There are also headaches which are ameliorated by having the head uncovered and often by lying quietly, but are aggravated by bending the head backwards. In con- trast to Belladonna cases, the face is often not flushed, and the patient must walk about, preferably in the open air, because that is what gives him relief. Generally Belladonna symptoms are exactly the opposite.

The most important symptoms of Glonoin are the heart symptoms. A sensation of fullness in the praecordium is reported, and strong pulsations throughout the body, as if the chest would burst, linked with pains radiating out into the arms and throat.

Nash draws our attention to the similarity with Melilotus, so that differentiation is often difficult.

One symptom of Glonoin deserves our attention: gets lost in familiar streets, pos- sibly accompanied by thoughtlessness. Apart from this there are also weakness and trembling in the upper and lower limbs and a sensation of heaviness and restlessness in the arms and legs, associated with numbness and a “gone to sleep” sensation. There is also a spasmodic drawing and feeling of stiffness in the nape of the neck, and a spasmodic feeling of tension and contraction in the muscles, possibly also with stabbing in the shoulder-blades.

The blood vessels may be injected, even in the eye with reddened conjunctiva, sparks and flashes in the field of vision, weak or dull vision and occasional inability to see.

There may also be twitching and numbness in the lips with pulsating toothache, and also particularly in increased production of saliva and mucus, with frequent ex- pectoration and a sensation as if the tongue were enlarged and raw, with a sharp taste and a bitter, scratching sensation towards the palate.

The remedy picture also contains diarrhoea with retching, nausea, vomiting, flatu- lence and cutting pains in the abdomen; also polyuria and congestion of the head during the menstrual periods.

The specific indications which have generally emerged are the complaints follow- ing sunstroke, the ciruclatory disturbances in the heart and the pulsating and beating in the blood vessels. Thus Glonoin is likely to be effective in strokes, delirium, epileptiform spasms, meningitis, migraines and also dysmenorrhoea, so long as the symptomatology indicates it to a reasonable extent. It may also be mentioned that the symptoms are aggravated by drinking spirits, and that head symptoms may also occur after having the hair cut.

When these symptoms are summarised, we have the following characteristic rem- edy-picture:

1. Complaints are aggravated by heat of the sun, hot weather, movement, drinking spirits, and having the hair cut. They are ameliorated at rest and in the fresh air.
2. Pulsations throughout the body, proceeding from the heart. Pulsation of the carotid arteries. Blood vessels distended. Hot flushes passing over the head from the nape of the neck. Painful feeling in the praecordium. Angina pectoris and lancinating pains, extending from the heart to the back and shoulders with a spas- modic feeling of pressure in the heart (cf. Cactus). Violent reactions of the heart, extending as far as the finger-tips, and accelerated heart activity. Pulse full and rapid or fast and small. Angina pectoris.
3. Cannot find his way in familiar streets and towns.
4. Violent frontal and temporal headaches, ascending from the nape of the neck and taking in the whole back part of the head, aggravated by any movement and jar- ring, better at times in fresh air and by lying quietly.
5. Diarrhoea with gastric symptoms, vomiting and retching; also polyuria and dys- menorrhoea with congestion of the head. Supporting remedy in meningitis.

The German Monograph-Preparation Commission for the Homoeopathic Field of Therapy has, under the Preparation Monograph for Nitroglycerinum, published the following indication(s) in the German Bundesanzeiger (German Federal Gazette) for glonoinum: headaches; hypertension; angina pectoris.

The attenuations of this nosode are prepared from liquor of patients with glioma.

This nosode is indicated not only in gliomas, but also particularly in chronic neu- ralgias and possibly in stubborn headaches.

The attenuations of this sarcode are prepared from the fresh thyroid gland of a healthy pig (Sus scrofa domesticus).

The main indications are:

Down’s syndrome. Myxoedema. Thyroid tumours. Neoplasm phases. Adiposity. Liver and kidney diseases.

The attenuations of this sarcode are prepared from the fresh thymus gland of a healthy pig (Sus scrofa domesticus).

The main indications are:

Disorders of growth and development. Down’s syndrome. Neoplasm phases.