Category: Materia Medica Hans-Heinrich Reckeweg

The attenuations of this sarcode are prepared from the fresh main part of the large intestine of a healthy pig (Sus scrofa domesticus).

The action is similar to that of Caecum, but more powerful. May also be used in spasm of the descending and sigmoid colon. Indicated in all serious toxic states, as an intermediate remedy or at the beginning of treatment. Intestinal atony. Umbilical colics. Intestinal tenesmus. Mucous and ulcerative colitis. Insomnia.

The mother tincture is prepared from the dried and peeled fruits, with pips re- moved, of the plant Citrullus colocynthis [L.] Schrad., which occurs in North Africa, Southern Arabia and the Near East. N.O. Cucurbitaceae.

Whereas Colocynthis has almost completely disappeared from normal allopathic therapy, it has an important part to play in homoeopathic therapy. Colocynthis is one of the best remedies for colics. These colics are ameliorated by doubling up, or by the pressure of hard objects against the abdomen or site of the pain, the patient lying across chairs, tables, bedposts etc. Colics associated with dysentery or acute intes- tinal catarrhs are also relieved by Colocynthis, and one could give Arsenicum,

Aconitum, Mercurius or Veratrum Album as additional supporting remedies. Colo- cynthis is also a good remedy for stabbing pains, e.g. in sciatica, and also in neural- gias in the area of the trigeminal nerve and other localisations. Colocynthis is always indicated when stabbing pains shoot through the body like lightning, independent of movement. Whilst Chamomilla often acts beneficially on flatulent colics in chil- dren, when they occur more strongly it is usually Colocynthis which is needed. Other remedies such as Magnesium Phosphoricum, Staphisagria, Dioscorea, Vera- trum Album, Stannum and Jalapa may also be effective in such colics. Colocynthis is able to provide rapid and lasting help when shooting pains and doubling up are prominent. Thus, if we give a table of symptoms, the following indications come within the domain of Colocynthis:

1. Flatulent colics in the whole abdomen with a tendency to bend double, drawing the knees up to the chin and pressing the arms into the abdomen. This may be as- sociated with diarrhoea, which recurs after every meal or drink and is relieved by hot compresses.
2. Neuralgias of various kinds, especially in the sciatic area, but also in others, such as the trigeminal area, or in the intercostal nerves (here possibly indicated in al- ternation with Ranunculus and Dulcamara), but also with stabbing pains in the joints, e.g. in the right knee, and in other sites.
3. Stabbing pains, shooting through as from a dagger-wound, independent of move- ment, touch or pressure, possibly associated with or followed by paraesthesias, crawling or a feeling of having “gone to sleep” (cf. Gnaphalium).
4. Great irritability, choleric temperament, the complaints often being triggered by anger or vexation.
5. 5.   Amelioration from warmth, and pressure of the lower arm.
6. The sweat smells of urine.
7. Periodicity of complaints.

The German Monograph-Preparation Commission for the Homoeopathic Field of Therapy has, under the Preparation Monograph for Citrullus colocynthis, published the following indication(s) in the German Bundesanzeiger (German Federal Gazette) for colocynthis: painful spasmoid conditions of the gastrointestinal tract, the biliary system, and of the urinary organs; neuritis and neuralgia, especially fa- cial; sciatica.

The mother tincture is prepared from the fresh rootstock of the plant Collinsonia canadensis L., which grows in woodlands of atlantic North America. N.O. Labiatae.

The main indications are:

Haemorrhoids, sensation of sand, dryness, pieces of wood in the anus. Constipa- tion (light-coloured, dry balls.) Prolapse of the uterus. Pruritus vulvae.

The German Monograph-Preparation Commission for the Homoeopathic Field of Therapy has, under the Preparation Monograph for Collinsonia canadensis, pub- lished the following indication(s) in the German Bundesanzeiger (German Federal Gazette) for collinsonia canadensis: haemorrhoids; constipation.

see Bacterium Coli

The mother tincture is prepared from the fresh bulbs, dug in the Spring, of Colchicum autumnale L. N.O. Liliaceae.

According to Heinigke, the main action is on individual areas of the mucosa (stomach and small intestine), of the serous membranes (pleura, peritoneum and pericardium), of the fibrous tissues (ligaments and tendons, especially of the smaller joints) and of the muscle fibres (especially of the intercostal muscles and the di- aphragm), where inflammatory processes predominate.

In poisonings, violent gastro intestinal inflammations are observed, with sinking of all energies and death while fully conscious.

Pathological examination revealed: haemorrhage at the cardiac end of the stomach between the mucosa and the muscle, haemorrhage in the jejunum between the mu- cosa and the peritoneum, likewise beneath the pleura and the pericardium. The lungs, right side of the heart and the venae cavae were filled with thick, black blood.

In the homoeopathic provings the following observations were also made: pains in the muscles and joints with increased general irritability and aggravation at night, on movement of the body, or on touching the painful parts. There was a sensation of re- laxation and sinking of energy to the point of being unable to speak; also cramps in the flexors, coldness of hands and feet, and, after large doses, paralytic symptoms.

Typical of Colchicum is restless sleep, disturbed by pain, with frequent starting up. This is associted with an agitated mood and irritability, despondency, peevish- ness and melancholy depression.

Colchicum has a characteristically suffering facial expression, which indicates in- firmity, particularly in gynaecological conditions (neoplasms) with cool, pale skin and hollow eyes with a brown rim (encircled eyes showing over-loading of the im- mune system). There may also be twitching of the corners of the mouth and nervous pains of the cheek-bone and lower jaw, and spasms of the jaw muscles, associated with grinding of the teeth.

In the records of provings there is mention of the formation of glaucoma of the lens with swelling, protrusion of the iris and keratoconus, all these pathological processes then gradually subsiding (Heinigke).

Especially typical are the rheumatoid pains in the musculature and articulation of the back and of the upper and lower extremities, with sporadic loss of feeling. After an initial acceleration of the heart-beat, there often follows a sinking of the general energy. As the temperature rises there is an alternation between fever and chill, ac- companied by copious sweat with a strong sour smell, coldness of the face and ex- tremities, and stabbing pains in the pericardium.

In the alimentary tract there is burning in the mouth with great dryness of the mu- cosa, pains in the gums and teeth which hinder chewing. There may be heaviness and stiffness of the tongue, and also a constricted sensation with difficulty in swal- lowing in catarrhs of the mucosa, with increased production of mucus and pains  along the oesophagus, and violent thirst.

Typical are loss of appetite, disgust for food and nausea, especially at the smell of cooked food. The abdomen is distended (meteorism) with frequent eructations, bouts of hiccoughs, violent vomiting, intestinal colics and loose stools, and a sensa- tion of coldness in the pit of the stomach with pains and spasms. There is constipa- tion with urging for stool, or there is copious diarrhoea with passing of bile and membranous shreds, stools with blood or blood and mucus, and possible anal pro- lapse with colic and symptoms of dysentery.

Bladder and kidney conditions may also be present with much strangury and pains in the urethra.

Nash describes the case of a 75-year-old woman, who was suddenly overcome with nausea. This was followed by copious bloody stools, which then became less profuse, containing blood and mucus, with violent tenesmus and intestinal pain. No improvement occurred following the usual remedies such as Aconitum, Mercurius, Nux Vomica, Ipecacuanha, Hamamelis and Sulphur. On the contrary the patient’s conditions deteriorated so greatly after 12 days that she appeared moribund. She was so weak that she could not raise her head from the pillow. In the space of 24 hours

65 stools were counted, passed in the bed. The pains and the number of evacuations were increasing, and all the symptoms were worse from sunset to sunrise, a strik- ingly important characteristic of Colchicum.

In this case a characteristic symptom was disgust for the smell of food cooking, which prompted Nash to prescribe Colchicum 200, since he had no lower potency with him. By the rapid recovery of this patient owing to the high-potency dose of Colchicum 200, Nash, as he put it, was “convinced against my will but not of the same opinion still”.

Nash also mentions the violent burning and the icy coldness in the stomach. These opposite symptoms of Colchicum may be found in the abdomen also. Colchicum is particularly often indicated in autumnal dysentery with evacuations of white or bloody mucus, containing shreds as of mucous membrane. Cantharis has similar stools, which look like scrapings, with urinary tenesmus and pains in the bladder usually present too.

Colocynthis is also indicated for such stools, but it is distinguished from Can- tharis and Colchicum by the colicky pains which double the patient up. For the marked flatulent abdominal distention is characteristic of Colchicum, as are the pains and spasms possibly extending into the thighs.

In terms of differential diagnosis, one should also think of Carbo Vegetabilis,  China or Lycopodium when selecting the remedy.

Boericke draws attention to the great exhaustion and internal coldness, the sensi- tivity to touch and movement, the aggravation lasting from evening to morning, the gouty symptoms – especially gouty inflammation of the big toes and gout in the heels – and the typical pains in the front of the thighs.

Colchicum has also proved effective in neoplasm phases, especially when there is lack of appetite and possibly disgust for the smell of food cooking.

This action is supported by the results of pharmacological trials, where it was shown that colchicin, the active principle of the meadow saffron, is a typical mitosis poison, having a blocking effect which prevents cancer cells from further division.

In Germany, after the currency reform of 1948, ham and bacon were once more available, and numerous elderly people fell ill with cancer of the stomach. At that time the author was able to keep the condition of quite a number of such people sta- ble over a period of months and even years with Colchicum and Conium, injected subcutaneously and alternating every one or two days.

If the main symptoms of Colchicum are summarised, we have the following typi- cal remedy-picture:

1. Gouty illnesses with wandering complaints. Rheumatism, rheumatic polyarthritis with endocarditis and oedema (pleura, pericardium, peritoneum). Great exhaus- tion. Can hardly speak for weakness. Dark rings around the eyes.
2. Oedema with heart and kidney diseases. Nephritis after scarlet fever. Rheumatic iritis. Catarrhs of the mucosa, (mouth, tongue).
3. Autumnal diarrhoea with blood and/or mucus, like intestinal scrapings.
4. Hypersensitivity to smells. Just the smell of food cooking causes nausea, retching and vomiting.

• 5.   Pains extending into the thighs from the abdomen and the bladder.
• 6.   A wide variety of cancers and neoplasms, particularly with lack of appetite and disgust at the smell of food cooking.
• Aggravation from evening to morning, (at night). Increased irritability.

The German Monograph-Preparation Commission for the Homoeopathic Field of Therapy has, under the Preparation Monograph for Colchicum autumnale, pub- lished the following indication(s) in the German Bundesanzeiger (German Federal Gazette) for colchicum: acute and chronic gout; acute articular rheumatism; ten- dovaginitis; effusions in bodily cavities; renal inflammation; inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.

The mother tincture is prepared from the ripe, dried, unroasted beans, the skin having largely been removed, of Coffea arabica L. N.O. Rubiaceae.

The main indications are:

Hypersensitivity to external impressions. No need for sleep. Toothache relieved by drinking cold water. Paralysis of the bladder. Dysmenorrhoea.

The German Monograph-Preparation Commission for the Homoeopathic Field of Therapy has, under the Preparation Monograph for Coffea arabica, published the following indication(s) in the German Bundesanzeiger (German Federal Gazette) for coffea: insomnia; neuralgia.

The attenuations are prepared from Coenzyme A C₂₁H₃₆N₇O₁₆P₃S, MW: 767.6.

Coenzyme A contains pantothenic acid, a substance belonging to the group of B- Vitamins, also a sulphurous amine, cysteamine (2-aminoethanethiol, H₂N CH₂ CH₂

SH), ribose-3’-phosphate and adenine. It is an indispensible co-factor in numerous syntheses and important reactions in the intermediate metabolic process. For exam- ple, coenzyme A activates acetic acid on entering the Citric Acid cycle. Fatty acids are only capable of reaction in the form of their coenzyme A compound. In order to render the free acetic acid capable of reaction, it must be transferred to the coen- zyme A compound through an expenditure of energy, for which ATP (Adenosine- Triphosphate) is needed. Apart from this, the formation of activated acetic acid can also take place directly in the course of the oxidative breakdown of pyruvic acid and the fatty acid, the separation of the acetyl residue taking place by means of a take-up of coenzyme A, the process of fission itself providing the energy for the formation of the acetyl mercaptan. The acetyl transfer via coenzyme A, as a basic reaction of the intermediate metabolic process, plays an important part in many synthetic reactions, as in the formation of acetylcholine from choline and acetate, which synthesis de- pends on ATP. Acetic acid is an important building block of all possible syntheses, and is made capable of reaction by combination with coenzyme A. Thus activated acetic acid, to a certain extent, represents a coenzyme A which has been acetylised to the SH group.

Thus Coenzyme A can be used in various phases to stimulate enzyme activity, es- pecially in cellular phases with enzyme damage (iatrogenic pathology), e.g. in asth- ma, liver damage, damage to the myocardium, and in all degenerative diseases, par- ticularly in combination with suitable biotherapeutic and anti-homotoxic remedies.

A proving of this substance was conducted in the winter of 1995 by Dr. David Riley, Santa Fe, USA.

Congruent symptoms with Dr. Reckeweg:

• chest pain

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

Essential Characteristics

Dryness is a prominent characteristic of this remedy as seen in the eyes, nose, mouth, throat, and skin. The mental state was markedly affected with mental sensi- tivity expressed as anxiety, irritability, and impatience. Sleep disruption and vivid dreams were also noted.

Alternating moods. Paranoia. Vivid and colorful dreams. Itching, dryness, and irri- tation in the eyes. Dry nose. Persistant thirst despite drinking. Metallic taste in the mouth. Dry throat. Increased thirst. Abdominal distention with flatulence. Soft stools. Menses cycle begins earlier than normal. Back pain in the morning. Restless sleep.

Mind

Anxiety after midnight. Difficult concentration. Deja vu experiences as if having been there before. Dreams of babies, cooking, going to the theater, tattoos, or the former husband. VIVID DREAMS. IRRITABILITY and impatient. Alternating and change- able moods. Sadness without cause. Sensitive. Unsympathetic.

Generalities

Food desires of sweets and chocolate, eggs, fried foods, and potatoes. Heat sensa- tion. Itching. Better in open air. Bone pain. WEARY AND FATIGUED on waking in the morning.

Head

Tingling in the head. Tightness. HEADACHES IN THE MORNING OR AFTERNOON. Head pain from artificial light. Pain in the forehead behind the eyes. Migraine.

Eye

EYE DRYNESS. Irritation and itching in the eyes.

Vision Blurry. Nose

Congestion. Clear coryza and sneezing. Dryness inside the nose. Epistaxis on blowing the nose. Obstruction on waking in the morning.

Face

Dry skin. Pimples. Heat in the face and heat within the body.

Mouth

Aphthae on left inner cheek. Dryness in the mouth better in the evening. Increased salivation.

Taste

METALLIC TASTE.

Teeth

Sensitive to brushing.

Throat

Dry. Throat pain during the daytime. Scratching pain.

Stomach

APPETITE is either increased or decreased. Burping in the evening. INCREASED THIRST or thirst for large quantities of cold water.

Abdomen

Abdominal distension especially in the morning. Flatulence or improvement of flatulence. Pain that is cramping.

Rectum

Periodic diarrhea.

Stool

Soft stool

Genitalia, Female

Clear vaginal discharge. FREQUENT MENSES or menses is late.

Bladder

Night time urination improves.

Urine

Strong odor to the urine.

Chest

Cutting pains in the left ribs or at night. Chest pain worse motion and better from pressures. Swelling and tenderness as if it is the time of the menses.

Back

Back pain in the morning. Cervical stiffness on waking.

Extremities

Itching of the feet. Sharp or cutting pain in the hip or the feet as if twinging. Dull pain in the joints.

Sleep

Sleepiness and falling asleep in the daytime. RESTLESS SLEEP from dreaming.

Perspiration

Offensive odor. Night perspiration on chest and back.

Skin

DRY skin.

The mother tincture is prepared from the whole fresh plant in flower of Cochlearia officinalis L., a native of Europe and Russia. N.O. Cruciferae.

The indications are:

Stomachic. Diuretic. The German Monograph-Preparation Commission for the Homoeopathic Field of Therapy has, under the Preparation Monograph for Cochlearia officinalis, pub- lished the following indication(s) in the German Bundesanzeiger (German Federal

The mother tincture is prepared from the dried impregnated female cochineal shield-louse, Dactylopius coccus Costa, which occurs in Central America, Peru, Al- geria and Spain, feeding on cacti, especially on Nopalea coccinellifera, Opuntia monocantha and others. N.O. Coccidae.

The main indications are:

Renal colic, pyelitis, nephrolithiasis. Whooping cough with tough, stringy mucus, better in cold air. Constricting sensation in throat, as if bound up, (bulbar palsy,  speech disturbances).

Typical of Coccus Cacti are whooping cough-like paroxysms with a thick, mu- coid, stringy, expectoration, with stabbing pains and pressure above the lungs, radi- ating out; with a hemmed-in sensation and a feeling of increased warmth in the chest. A sensation of heat is also present in the oral mucosa, with a clean, rough, dry tongue.

The German Monograph-Preparation Commission for the Homoeopathic Field of Therapy has, under the Preparation Monograph for Dactylopius coccus, published the following indication(s) in the German Bundesanzeiger (German Federal Gazette) for coccus cacti: inflammation the nasopharyngeal region and of the respi- ratory passages; uterine bleeding; renal disorders and nephrolithiasis.

The mother tincture is prepared from the dried ripe fruits of the plant, Anamirta cocculus Wight et Arn., which is found in India, Sri Lanka and the Indo-Malayan countries. N.O. Menispermaceae, the content of Picrotoxinin, C₁₅H₁₆O₆, MW: 292.3 is not less than 0.8 %.

The tincture prepared from the fruits of Indian Cockle contains a poisonous bitter substance, Picrotoxinin, as well as fat, wax, resin, gum, menispermin and para- menispermin. The main action of Cocculus is on the central nervous system and af- fects primarily vagotonous states and symptoms of exhaustion, which may reach the point of paralysis or unconsciousness. There is weakness of the neck muscles with heaviness of the head, as if the muscles could not support the head. The patient also complains of a feeling of weakness in the sacrum, like paralysis, and also of great weakness and heaviness in the legs, with the knees giving away while walking. There may also be paraesthesias in the soles of the feet and in the hands, alternating between right and left. The thighs may be painful, as if beaten. Also typical of Coc- culus is a nocturnal paraesthesia, with the sensation as if the hand were swollen.

This exhaustioon, originating in the parasympathetic system, may also present as a headache, extending down the neck rather like a cervical migraine. The sensation as though the head were opening and closing is also an indication for Cocculus.

A further very important indication for Cocculus is sea-sickness, nausea and vom- iting while travelling, also after tobacco smoke, possibly associated with oe- sophageal cramps and convulsions. There may also be nervous or hysterical symp- toms at the beginning of and during the menses, and during pregnancy, and when menstruation has been suppressed in some way.

Cocculus can always be of help when Nux Vomica does not work, e.g. also in pressive, clamping stomach complaints. There is often an aversion to all sour things. The fruits of Cocculus, imported from the East Indies under the name “Cockle-

Seeds” were formerly used as a hop-substitute and for intoxicating fish, hence the other name: “Fish-seeds”.

The exhaustion of vagotonic origin, which may intensify into a state similar to in- toxication, also occurs after facing excessive demands and after over-exertion, par- ticularly night-watching. Therefore Cocculus is a good remedy for overwork and after stress, too.

Then finally, there is the characteristic vertigo, which occurs on travelling by train, by car, by aeroplane etc. Ménière’s syndrome with migraine-like symptoms and nau- sea and vomiting, also reacts well to Cocculus.

We must also mention the sensation of emptiness in the head, a feeling which may also occur in the abdomen, intestines, chest, and any inner parts or other organs and is a firm indication for Cocculus.

Nor must we omit to mention that Cocculus can also be of help in rheumatic and gouty conditions of the joints, which proceed without any significant inflammatory process and are linked with cracking sounds on movement. It may also help in neu- ralgia of the spermatic cord.

If we summarise the main symptoms of Cocculus, the following typical remedy- picture results:

1. Vertigo with sensations of faintness and nausea. Sea , car, air and train-sickness. Menière’s syndrome with vomiting and nausea.
2. Great weakness and exhaustion with feeling of faintness and sensation of an empty space in a wide variety of organs and parts of the body. Consequences of sleep-loss and night-watching (as occurs in nursing staff and people on night- duty).
3. Headache in occiput and nape of neck; also weakness and pain in the sacrum, hips and knees, as if the limbs were on strike.
4. Vagotonia. Paraesthesias. Complaints originating from the spinal column in spondylitis.
5. Tendency to cramping symptoms, stomach cramps, vomiting and aversion to any- thing sour.

The German Monograph-Preparation Commission for the Homoeopathic Field of Therapy has, under the Preparation Monograph for Anamirta cocculus, published the following indication(s) in the German Bundesanzeiger (German Federal Gazette) for cocculus: vertigo of various origins; travel sickness; travel nausea; cerebral arte- riosclerosis; occipital headaches; spasmoid conditions and lameness; paramenia; nervous disorders and emotional discord or upset, also associated with sleeplessness.