Category: Materia Medica Hans-Heinrich Reckeweg

The attenuations are prepared from Copper(II)-acetate, C₄H₆CuO₄ · H₂O, MW: 199.7.

The indications are essentially the same as for Cuprum and Cuprum Sulphuricum. The German Monograph-Preparation Commission for the Homoeopathic Field of Therapy has, under the Preparation Monograph for Cuprum aceticum, published the following indication(s) in the German Bundesanzeiger (German Federal Gazette) for cuprum aceticum: diseases accompanied by a tendency to spasmodic conditions, such as cerebral seizure disorders, systremma; asthma; whooping cough; angina pectoris.

The attenuations are prepared from metallic copper, Cu, AW: 63.5.

Copper has a narrowly defined sphere of action, in which spasms are in the fore- front. These frequently originate in the fingers and toes and on occasions involve loss of consciousness. Such spasmodic states may be found in dysmenorrhoea, in gastro intestinal colics, in renal colics (especially on the left side), in cramps of the

calf muscles, in muscle cramps after cholera, but also in epilepsy and similar condi- tions: they are especially marked at night. Thus copper also gains a certain impor- tance in the treatment of retoxic impregnation phases, i.e. particularly after the inhi- bition of discharges, eruptions etc.

Cuprum is likewise indicated in Sydenhams’ chorea (St. Vitus’ dance), and espe- cially in whooping cough when there is spasmodic coughing for hours on end. Cuprum is also indicated in asthma, when there is spasmodic vomiting at the end of the attack. In cholera too we find violent vomiting, also diarrhoea, anxiety felt in the pit of the stomach, convulsions of the extremities, coldness and cyanosis of the body, spasmodic constriction of the chest, dyspnoea and chronic cramps, which point to Cuprum Arsenicosum (and Veratrum Album) as simillima. Here Cuprum can save lives. Furthermore, Cuprum is the metal of the kidneys and, according to Prof. Müller of Titisee, it is indicated in those kidney diseases which proceed with hypotension, whilst Plumbum is the indicated metal in those forms of kidney disease with hypertension. Left-sided renal colics obviously react better to copper than right-sided ones, in which Arsenicum acts well.

Dahlke describes a further modality of Cuprum; according to this the coughing and vomiting which call for Cuprum are relieved by a sip of cold water. Cuprum is also said to be effective in acute hydrocephalus, dental cramps and especially in inveterate skin eruptions, particularly if these are herpetic or scabies-like, itching very strongly, with possible ulceration in the creases of the joints. The ripening of deep abscesses is said to be hastened by Cuprum. Cuprum has also done good work in inveterate syphilis, ankylosis, contractures and suppurations of the joints. There is great muscu- lar weakness, frequently a small, rapid pulse, with the pains tending to radiate out in all directions. Collapse and coldness of the surface of the body with cyanosis and dyspnoea may also be present, as well as hoarseness and glottal spasm, which is re- lieved by cold drinks. Cuprum may also prove useful in T.B. of the larynx.

Cuprum has an obvious action on the blood formation, especially after abuse of iron.

Aggravation is generally from hot weather and at night, also before the menses. Amelioration is from cold drinks and pressure.

A glance at the toxicology of the copper compounds shows that large quantities (1 gram) produce violent inflammation of the gastro intestinal mucosa with agonising vomiting, colicky pains and diarrhoea, whilst quantities of 0.2 grams only produce feelings of disgust for food, vomiting and diarrhoea. Still smaller quantities up to about 0.03 grams, produce a reduction of appetite and – by Reversal effect – consti- pation.

Since copper salts are used in a considerable range of industrial processes and copper poisoning occurs as an occupational disease, in such cases one should be on the look-out for greenish or greenish-yellow discolouration of the hair, face, eyes and teeth; a copper rim may also occur on the gums.

Copper poisoning can produce similar symptoms to lead poisoning. Copper colic is differentiated from lead colic insofar as after copper colic diarrhoea usually oc- curs.

If we summarise all the symptoms of Cuprum, the following list results:

1. Spasm/cramp remedy par excellence: cramps in the calf muscles, dymenorrhoea, renal colic, muscle spasms, and spasms of the limbs (in cholera).
2. Convulsions in epilepsy, eclampsia, uraemia, with possible alternation of tonic and clonic spasms, which mostly begin with drawing in the fingers and toes and extend from there over the whole body.
3. Whooping cough and asthma with spasmodic vomiting at the end of the attack.
4. Opisthotonos and spasms of the masseter. Abdominal neuralgias, intestinal spasms.
5. Arteriosclerosis. Nephrosis and kidney diseases.
6. Contractures ankylosis, suppuration of the joints associated with inveterate syphilis.
7. Inveterate skin-eruptions with itching, and ulceration in the creases of the joints.
8. Pains are ameliorated by cold drinks and pressure, and aggravated by hot water, at night and before the menses.

Thus we see that Cuprum can be used in numerous conditions, extremely violent and threatening ones, mostly acute, but also in chronic ones, with success. The ac- tion of copper salts in similar to that of Cuprum Metallicum. Cuprum Aceticum, Cuprum Sulphuricum and Cuprum Arsenicosum are particularly in use, the latter ap- pearing to work better in neuralgias, nephrosis and uraemia, insofar as one may ex- pect action by Reversal effect, in combination with complementary methods (e.g. sarcodes.)

The German Monograph-Preparation Commission for the Homoeopathic Field of Therapy has, under the Preparation Monograph for Cuprum metallicum, published the following indication(s) in the German Bundesanzeiger (German Federal Gazette) for cuprum: cerebral seizure disorders; spasmodic muscular conditions; spasmodic conditions of the smooth musculature, the gastro intestinal tract, the res- piratory organs, the vascular systems, and the coronary vessels; circulatory failure.

The mother tincture is prepared from the fresh seeds of Cucurbita pepo L.s.l. N.O. Cucurbitaceae.

Recommended in hypertrophy of the prostate.

The German Monograph-Preparation Commission for the Homoeopathic Field of Therapy has, under the Preparation Monograph for Cucurbita pepo, published the following indication(s) in the German Bundesanzeiger (German Federal Gazette) for cucurbita pepo: vomiting.

The mother tincture is prepared from the dried unripe berries of the plant, Piper cubeba L.f., a native of Malaysia. N.O. Piperaceae.

The main indications are:

Urethritis. Leucorrhoea of little girls.

Apart from general weakness and emaciation, the special characteristics of Cube- ba are said to be loss of memory and sensory weakness, together with the added

symptom of reduced feeling in the fingers and toes, the symptom disappearing when the remedy is discontinued. (Symptom from provings.)

Further symptoms from the provings included trembling of the limbs with spastic movement and slight symptoms of paralysis, an unusually light-hearted mood, flushed face and enlargement of the pupils.

With inflammation of the mucosa and a coated tongue there is a peculiar odour of the secretion, with a sensation of heat and burning in both mouth and oesophagus. In intestinal colics the copious diarrhoea has a peculiar odour. So too does the dark- coloured, foaming urine with increased urination, and at the urethral orifice there is burning itching with discharge. There is also a sensation of pressure and heaviness in the pelvis and excitement of the sexual organs, with weakness and possible inflam- mation of the epididymis.

Above all, Cubeba seems to be indicated when the first inflammatory stage of gonorrhoea has died down, there is burning in the urethra and a thick, creamy dis- charge predominates.

The German Monograph-Preparation Commission for the Homoeopathic Field of Therapy has, under the Preparation Monograph for Piper cubeba, published the following indication(s) in the German Bundesanzeiger (German Federal Gazette) for cubeba: mucosal inflammations of the urinary and reproductive organs.

The attenuations are prepared from the careful dried venom from the poison-sacs of the upper jaw of the North American rattlesnake, Crotalus horridus horridus L.

N.O. Crotalidae.

The main indications are:

Haemorrhages from eyes, ears, nose and any organ of dark, fluid blood. Aggrava- tion in the Spring. Metrorrhagia in the menopause, purpura. Disturbances of the brain, makes mistakes in writing and calculating. Yellow fever, typhus, inflamma- tions with gangrene and sepsis. Weak heart. Toxic icterus. Viral hepatitis. Acute yel- low atrophy of the liver.

Typical of Crotalus is the great lassitude and exhaustion and the rapid dwindling of energy which can occur, with fainting, trembling all over and convulsions. The right half of the body is particularly affected. The aggravation of all complaints takes place in the early hours of the morning. This is associated with an irritable mood, with the patient tending towards emotion and ecstatic states. In chronic con- ditions there is apathy, despondency and anxiety with restlessness and unsociability. A pointer to the remedy can be the inability to express oneself in suitable or cor- rect words, either spoken or written, and the use of incorrect words to express con- cepts, likewise an uncharacteristic weakness in spelling and an unaccustomed weak-

ness of memory (cf. Medorrhinum, Anacardium).

Pains in the forehead and temples, in the eye-sockets and in the teeth, possibly with nausea and vomiting, are relieved by fresh air. The poisoning picture after suf-

fering a rattlesnake bite shows principally hemiparesis, pains which shift rapidly and quickly return, with the bones being primarily affected. There is also a spasm of the scalp, with the hair standing on end, spasm of the jaw and a flaccid drooping of the lower jaw, in the Crotalus picture (apoplexy).

Also characteristic are catarrhs of the conjunctiva and a reddening of the left upper eyelid with sensation of heat and burning, lachrymation and a jaundiced discoloura- tion of the sclera, often associated with enlargment of the pupils.

In the forefront are the haemorrhages from orifices of the body, and generally in the skin (yellow, red, blue, greenish and bluish-black patches with itching stingings in various places), general jaundiced skin-discolouration and haemorrhages from the capillary network of the skin, linked with the eruption of small pustules on the face, trunk and limbs with extensive bluish-red patches and larger swellings con- taining muco-pus. There is also general oedematous swelling of the skin and of the dermal tissue (snake-bite effect).

This is associated with a weak, hoarse voice, with painful sensitivity of the larynx to touch, dyspnoea, coughing with chest-pain and bloody expectoration, also halito- sis, bleeding of the gums and increased salivation.

The tongue is dry, brown and swollen and can only be moved and articulated with difficulty. The stomach will retain nothing but jelly, coffee and a little brandy. There is retching and vomiting with eructation and hiccoughs, and heartburn. There is hy- peraesthesia of the abdominal skin with pains in the liver and spleen areas (cf. Lep- tandra), and frequent thin stools with involuntary defaecation (cf. Podophyllum, Aloe, Veratrum etc.) and rectal haemorrhage.

Thus if other typical symptoms are present, one should think of using Crotalus Horridus in paralytic and spasmodic states, in psychoses with ecstatic or melan- cholic episodes, and above all in acute cholangitis, cholecystitis and pancreatitis, also in scurvy and haemophilia.

The German Monograph-Preparation Commission for the Homoeopathic Field of Therapy has, under the Preparation Monograph for Crotalus horridus, published the following indication(s) in the German Bundesanzeiger (German Federal Gazette) for crotalus: serious dermal and mucosal infections; tendency to general blood poison- ing; haemorrhages of all kinds; paralysis.

The mother tincture is prepared from the dried stigmas of the plant, Crocus sativus L., a native of the Orient and cultivated in Southern Europe. N.O. Iridaceae.

The main indications are:

Burning in the eyes after reading for a short time; muscae volitantes (floaters). Sensation as if a foetus were moving within the abdomen. Metrorrhagias, miscar- riage. Haemorrhages aggravated by the slightest movement, curdled like an icicle. Sydenham’s chorea.

The other symptoms obtained from the provings are essential, for after large doses narcotic symptoms are observed, likewise a surge of blood to the head, which may reach the point of apoplexy, with intoxication and dulled senses, delirium and lethar- gy to the point of coma. Haemorrhages, particularly uterine, are generally frequent. There is a rare symptom from the provings which may lead us to this remedy: the sensation of dull, blunt thrusts, blows and pains, occurring suddenly, not lasting long, and recurring again in attacks. These are often caused or aggravated by move- ment. They are at their most violent in the mornings and quiet down on walking

slowly in the open air. There may also be a sensation as if something were hopping about inside the body or on it.

A striking symptom is the excessive jollity and delight, mood for fun and joking, immoderate laughter, and a tendency to sing and behave deliriously with musical ideas. If musical tones are registered by the ear, the patient joins in, singing involun- tarily. This is accompanied by a rapid change of moods with no obvious cause, an excessive vacillation from one extreme of mood to the other.

Women experience labour-like pains in the abdomen such as might occur before the monthly period.

Crocus should also be tried in hysterical conditions, paroxysmal laughing and cry- ing, St. Vitus’ dance, melancholia, masked intermittent fever, gouty conditions and especially in haemorrhage of dark, thick and easily coagulated blood (like an icicle). The German Monograph-Preparation Commission for the Homoeopathic Field of Therapy has, under the Preparation Monograph for Crocus sativus, published the following indication(s) in the German Bundesanzeiger (German Federal Gazette) for crocus: haemorrhages; tendency to painful spasmodic conditions; quickly change-

able states of emotional discord or upset.

The attenuations of this nosode are prepared from human hair.

The main indications are:

Alopecia. Premature greying of the hair (recommended in combination with Onyx).

The mother tincture is prepared from the fresh, ripe fruits of the plant, Crataegus laevigata (Poir.) DC. and Crataegus monogyna Jacq. emend. Lindm. (and their hy- brids), which grow in hedgerows and on the edge of woodlands in Europe and the temperate parts of Asia. N.O. Rosaceae.

Hawthorn is an effective heart and circulatory remedy which, even in overdoses and long-term use, produces no toxic side-effects. Crataegus does not only act as a heart tonic generally, but also in weakness of the heart following infections, and thus may be applied in retoxic impregnation phases, and particularly in heart condi- tions of the elderly, as a long-term treatment. Numerous studies of Crataegus have appeared in the last few years, concerned with the pharmacodynamics of Hawthorn.

R. F. Weiss (“Hippokrates” 602, 15 [1963]) describes Crataegus as one of the most- used remedies, especially in minor heart-therapy.

Thus, in respect of its action, Crataegus is somewhat opposed to Digitalis, discov- ered by Withering 180 years ago, which is used in so-called major heart-therapy. The basic effects of Crataegus tincture usually become apparent only after it has been in use for a longer period of time, whilst the patient feels easier and more ca- pable after only a few doses. Such conditions as angina pectoris with pressure in the praecordium, sensation of constriction, easily-occurring air-hunger etc., usually show an immediate improvement and then with long-term use this becomes a lasting one, especially if additional single remedies are combined with Crataegus (e.g. Spigelia).

Whilst Digitalis may be described as the sovereign remedy for obvious cardiac in- sufficiency (Weiss), Crataegus is indicated more for degenerative conditions of the heart, especially in heart conditions of the elderly, when hypertrophy accompanies hypertension, for the consequences of myocardial infarction and myocardial fibrosis, in myocardial ischaemia and angina pectoris. Thus Crataegus is excellent as a pro- phylactic for angina pectoris, and is indicated as soon as the slightest symptoms ap-

pear, since the effects will usually be seen immediately and are deep-acting. Howev- er, in manifest cardiac insufficiency, Digitalis preparations are also indicated in the first instance.

The action of Crataegus preparations stems from flavinoids (Flavine and Flavan, also Aminopurine), and from other substances not yet clearly defined in terms of their action, which have a completely differing effect from that of the glycosides. In experiments it was not possible to raise the level of heart-activity as such with Crataegus preparations. Of course, this action of Crataegus only appears after it has been taken for some time. Weiss mentions three points of attack in Crataegus’ ac- tion. These are:

1. An improvement in the coronary flow of blood;
2. An effect on the heart muscle itself, i.e. on the interstitial cell groups of the my- ocardium, these being credited with providing the energy for fibrillations;
3. An effect on the impulse system, this effect only being observed when large doses have been injected intravenously.

Crataegus probably also acts as a general cell stimulant, as it appears from feeding experiments carried out over a nine year period by Klatt, the Director of the Zoolog- ical Institute at Hamburg University. In 1956 he reported on the breeding of the but- terfly Ocneria dispar. This breed, near to extinction, clearly as a result of wrong feeding for nine years on alder leaves, had its diet changed radically to hawthorn leaves. The whole breed was regenerated and ceased to be depleted by regular infec- tious diseases, large, powerful butterflies developing which would lay several hun- dred eggs each at a time. After six years’ observation of these positive results, which continued, Klatt reported the feeding on Crataegus leaves as being the cause of the improvement in the breed. He ascribes to Crataegus the action of a general cell stim- ulant.

E. Holtzem of the Pharmacological Institute of Bonn University checked these feeding experiments with Crataegus on the fruit-fly, Drosophila melanogaster. Com- pared with a control group which received normal food, he found in a group of five generations, which received Crataegus leaves in addition, a distinct increase in off- spring. Feeding with pure oleander acid, which is one of the triterpene acids of the hawthorn, also produced the same result.

Weiss sees the centre of gravity of Digitalis therapy as being more clinically orien- tated, whereas that of Crataegus is more practice-orientated. Weiss considers ongoing treatment with Crataegus to be necessary, and places less importance on the size of single doses.

A further conclusion to be drawn from the experiments with Ocneria dispar is that the action of Crataegus is not confined to the circulation, but extends to other systems too. So we find in human beings not only an action on the heart, but also a general toning action on the circulation, Crataegus having a regulating effect on the blood pressure and thereby also on the tension in the peripheral circulation. The regulation of blood pressure appears to take place partly centrally and partly peripherally.

When the information is concisely arranged, we find the following main indica- tions for Crataegus:

1. 1.   Weakness of the heart muscle, including that of a toxic nature e.g. in retoxic im- pregnation phases. (Infectious toxic weakness of the heart-muscle).
2. Myocarditis, cardiomyopathy.
3. Heart conditions of old age. Athlete’s heart. Fatty degeneration of the heart.
4. Hypertension. General arteriosclerosis.
5. Myocardial ischaemia. Disturbances of coronary circulation with angina pectoris.
6. Support of the circulation in infectious diseases and fever. (Influenza, pneumonia etc.).

The German Monograph-Preparation Commission for the Homoeopathic Field of Therapy has, under the Preparation Monograph for Crataegus, published the fol- lowing indication(s) in the German Bundesanzeiger (German Federal Gazette) for crataegus: cardiocirculatory disorders such as cardiac insufficiency, geriatric heart, arrhythmia, angina pectoris, and dysarteriotony.

The mother tincture is prepared from the hornet, Vespa crabro L. N.O. Vespidae.

The main indications are:

Left-sided oophoritis. Conjunctivitis. Chemosis.

The German Monograph-Preparation Commission for the Homoeopathic Field of Therapy has, under the Preparation Monograph for Vespa crabro, published the fol- lowing indication(s) in the German Bundesanzeiger (German Federal Gazette) for crabro vespa: inflammatory dermal affections; mucosal swelling; inflammation of the urinary organs; inflammation of the female reproductive organs.

The attenuations of this nosode are prepared from inactivated Coxsackie viruses of subgroups A₉ and B₄.

The main indications are:

Pyelonephritis, acute and chronic cystitis. Chronic sinusitis. Abacterial meningitis and headache. Asthma, circulatory disturbances. Valvular stenosis and heart-pains, damaged or strained myocardium or pericardium, sequelae of mumps, pancreatitis, hepatitis, nephritis, orchitis, oophoritis, pleurisy, abacterial meningitis or encephali- tis, possibly including pareses. Chronic conditions of the large intestine (spastic colon), especially in combination with Colon, Nux Vomica, Cantharis, etc. (See re- port by Dr. Schmidt on experiments with over 500 patients in “Biologische Medi- zin” 2, 160–161 (1973), and 5, 212–214 (1976).