Category: Materia Medica Hans-Heinrich Reckeweg

The attenuations of this sarcode are prepared from the fresh blind gut (intestinum coecum) of a healthy pig (Sus scrofa domesticus).

The main indications are:

Disturbances of intestinal excretion. Chronic constipation. General toxic over- loading. Has a stimulating effect on detoxifying and excretory processes.

The attenuations are prepared from Cadmium sulphate, CdSO₄ · 8/3 H₂O, MW: 256.5.

The main symptoms and indications are:

Burning in the stomach. Vomiting. Haematemesis. Carcinoma of the stomach, (may also be prescribed orally).

The action is similar to that of Zinc, but more powerful. There is a desire to be completely at rest, as in Bryonia, but at the same time irritability of the stomach and exhaustion as in Arsenicum Album.

A hint is provided by the symptom: shivering, even when near heating.

The tendency to vomiting is so pronounced that vomiting and retching occur when food has scarcely touched the lips.

Further symptoms which occur are: ulceration and congestion of the nose, itching of the skin, yellow patch on the nose, cheeks and chest.

Yellow fever with black vomiting, ozaena and chloasma are also indications.

The German Monograph-Preparation Commission for the Homoeopathic Field of Therapy has, under the Preparation Monograph for Cadmium sulphuricum, pub- lished the following indication(s) in the German Bundesanzeiger (German Federal Gazette) for cadmium sulphuricum: facial paralysis; corneal clouding; nasal polyps; acute and chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract; general weak- ness and debilitation.

The mother tincture is prepared from the youngest stems and flowers, from the plant Selenicereus grandiflorus [L.] Britt. et Rose, which grows wild in Central America but is often grown as a pot-plant on account of its beautiful flowers which only open for a few hours of one night. N.O. Cactaceae.

Selenicereus grandiflorus is a large-flowered high-standing cactus, sometimes called “Queen of the Night”. It contains a few resins, but no alkaloids or glycosides, and is considered non-toxic.

One important symptom dominates the whole remedy, namely the sensation of being tightly bound or squeezed together, or of being constricted by an iron band, not only the heart, but also head, gullet, diaphragm, neck of the bladder, uterus or rectum. However, in general heart symptoms predominate, with a tendency to weak- ness of the heart and general violent disturbances in circulation, with aggravation from lying on the left side when violent palpitations usually occur.

Haemorrhages, which are associated with heart diseases, are also usually helped by Cactus.

Cactus also helps in conditions such as emphysema with constriction of the chest or difficult respiration, as if the chest could not be expanded; it also helps in period- ic suffocative attacks which may proceed to the point of fainting and cold sweat on the face, or even a complete lack of pulse.

Cactus also has a beneficial effect in that symptom so often noticed in angina pec- toris: a sensation of numbness in the left arm.

Other symptoms of Cactus should also be mentioned, which however may be con- sidered as of secondary importance, unless they accompany the characteristic heart complaints, e.g. painful menstruation with copious “tarry” menstrual blood, accom- panied by pains in the mammary gland, pulsating, drawing pains in the uterus and ovaries, extending up as far as the stomach or down into the thighs, also involuntary urination during sleep and frequent urge to urinate, periodic dimness of vision, con- gestion of blood in the brain, and possible haemoptysis. However, it must be appre- ciated that these complaints, along with lassitude and sleeplessness, and a closed, taciturn, gloomy and melancholy mood, mostly occur in conjunction with the heart- symptoms as described, or are present with heart conditions which may then require Cactus as their remedy.

The most important symptoms are as follows:

1. Cramping complaints with contraction, as if surrounded by an iron clamp, espe- cially the heart (angina pectoris), but also in the rectum, neck of the bladder, uterus, diaphragm, head, gullet, stomach etc.
   1. Bleeding from all cavities of the body, especially in congestion and heart affec- tions, also pulmonary haemorrhage and menstrual bleeding.
   1. Pulsating headache, as if a heavy weight were on the vertex. Pulsations through the whole body, preventing sleep.
   1. Sensation of pressure, as of a load in the chest. Sensation of a load on the vertex.

• 5.   Gastro-cardiac symptom-complex with constriction of the heart, pulsations in the stomach area, nausea and eructations, and possible haematemesis. (Acute or chronic hepatic congestion).

The German Monograph-Preparation Commission for the Homoeopathic Field of Therapy has, under the Preparation Monograph for Selenicereus grandiflorus, pub- lished the following indication(s) in the German Bundesanzeiger (German Federal Gazette) for cactus: spasmodic conditions affecting the musculature, vascular or- gans, and hollow organs; mucosal haemorrhages; organic and functional cardiac dis- orders; angiosclerosis; hypertension.

The mother tincture is prepared from the fresh aerial parts of the flowering plant, Capsella bursa-pastoris [L.] Medik. N.O. Cruciferae.

The main indications are:

Haemorrhages. Metrorrhagia. Menorrhagia. Haematuria.

In the first world war, when extracts of Bursa Pastoris were introduced for haemo- static purposes because of a shortage of Secale, a noticeable agreement emerged as to the action of both substances.

Admittedly the provings provide other kinds of symptoms, such as restless sleep with frequent waking and confused, unpleasant dreams, vertigo, as if intoxicated, worse on rising from crouching, pressing frontal headache, worse towards evening, sensation as of dust in the eyes in the morning, buzzing noise in the ear after exer- tion as if an insect had got into it, hearing impairment and pains in the ears, scurfy eruption behind the ears, epistaxis, etc. However, in practice the remedy is used al- most exclusively in abnormal bleeding, uterine fibroids, leucorrhoea with great weakness, haematuria, bloody diarrhoea, haemorrhoidal bleeding, chronic cystitis, sand in the urine and kidney stones, and in gouty diathesis.

In one case of haemorrhage from mammary tumours, all other haemostatic meas- ures having failed, it was finally Bursa Pastoris in daily injections – later every other day – which stopped the flow. The carcinoma itself was gradually re-absorbed – ad- mittedly not completely at the time of writing – with alternating injections of Bursa Pastoris and Asterias Rubens.

The German Monograph-Preparation Commission for the Homoeopathic Field of Therapy has, under the Preparation Monograph for Capsella bursa pastoris, Thlaspi bursa pastoris, published the following indication(s) in the German Bundesanzeiger (German Federal Gazette) for bursa pastoris: lithiasis; uterine haemorrhages; mu- cosal haemorrhages.

The attenuations are prepared from the dried poisonous secretion of the cutaneous glands of the common toad, Bufo bufo L. N.O. Bufonidae.

The main therapeutic indications are:

Shamelessness. Childish, foolish behaviour. Purulent blisters (Pemphigus) on the skin and mucosa.

A sheep, a cat and a dog which were injected with Bufo, died in a few minutes with violent cramps, torpor and convulsions alternating. Death occurred suddenly.

In humans, toad poison is said to induce a kind of imbecility (Heinigke), in which all moral stability is lost, the patient tends toward masturbation, and epileptiform at- tacks occur. Before these symptoms appear, a peculiar state of agitation is noticed. The patient speaks disconnected words, and is very sensitive when he is not under- stood. Deep sleep after the convulsions. A further consequence is said to be impo- tence. American Indian squaws administer the poison to their husbands in food and drink, in order not to be molested by them.

Offensive perspiration and discharges are typical of Bufo, and they are noticeable particularly in inflammations.

Bufo patients tend to angry outbursts, during which they bite things. Music is in- tolerable to them. The patient cannot bear the sight of shining objects.

There is burning in the lungs and palpations. A sensation as if the heart were too big; it feels as if tied up. (cf. Cactus). Complaints appear particularly at the menses, likewise epileptiform attacks, sexual excitement, burning in the womb and in the ovaries.

Pemphigus appears especially on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. Paronychia, with pains which move up the arm.

Aggravation in a warm room, on waking (cf. Lachesis). Amelioration after bathing or in cool air.

Bufo is particularly indicated if the states occur in conjunction with sexual excite- ment, during the menses, after masturbation and in feeble-minded children.

The German Monograph-Preparation Commission for the Homoeopathic Field of Therapy has, under the Preparation Monograph for Bufo bufo, Bufo, Bufo rana, published the following indication(s) in the German Bundesanzeiger (German Fed- eral Gazette) for bufo: spasmodic conditions and cerebral seizure disorders; glandu- lar and dermal inflammations accompanied by a tendency toward suppuration; nerv- ous cardiac complaints.

The mother tincture is prepared from the dried leaves of Barosma betulina (Bergius) Bartl. et Wendl. and Barosma crenulata [L.] Hook. N.O. Rutaceae.

Buchu contains the volatile oil Hesperdidin, the glycoside Barosmin and resins, and is an anti-inflammatory, mild diuretic with a special affinity for inflammations of the urinary tract.

The German Monograph-Preparation Commission for the Homoeopathic Field of Therapy has, under the Preparation Monograph for Barosma, published the follow- ing indication(s) in the German Bundesanzeiger (German Federal Gazette) for bucco: disorders of the urinary tract.

The mother tincture is prepared from the fresh root of Bryoina cretica (sub-species dioica [Jacq.] Tutin.), gathered before flowering. N. O. Cucurbitaceae.

According to the doctrine of signatures, through its outward form, Bryonia alba points to its symptomatology. Just like the Bryonia patient, the fine, tender creeping tendrils are extraordinarily sensitive to touch and motion. If they are loosened from their support, the whole plant withers rapidly. The mighty root, which can weigh up to 3 kg., indicates an affinity with the body’s water-metabolism, and hints at the

great thirst (for beer) which is typical of Bryonia. (Sometimes known as “bovine thirst”: could drink a bucketful of water or beer.) This can only rank with the insa- tiable thirst of Curare. Bryonia is also an important remedy in renal calculi, pyelonephritis and other such conditions. The creeping tendrils and leaves of Bry- onia bear a strong resemblance to the hop plant. This may also hint at the remedy’s typical thirst for beer.

Larger doses of Bryonia cause abdominal pains, copious watery diarrhoea and even vomiting. Experimental high doses of Bryonia have resulted in inflammations of the stomach with blackish markings of the mucosa, and colitis.

The main action of Bryonia, as revealed in the provings, is on skin, mucosa and especially on the serous membranes.

There is a typical aggravation of complaints by motion in general, and also by light touch (similar to Apis Mellifica) and in fresh air, whilst amelioration occurs from rest, from firm pressure on the painful place and from staying in a warm room. The opposite is the case with the cough, which is worse on entering a warm room.

The amelioration from firm pressure may be the dominant modality (e.g. in renal colic), where there may be an urge to move and relief may be experienced on motion. The mood is irritable, bad-tempered, anxious, irascible and possibly also tearful. The Bryonia patient can also be quarrelsome. Sleep is frequently restless with start- ing, and with vexatious and delirious dreams. The skin is often jaundiced, (Bryonia is an important liver-remedy). However, there may also be itching and eruption of small nodules and vesicles, linked with sloughing of the epidermis and rawness in

the creases.

Bryonia also has a typical painfulness of the mandibular joints, and also an acute inflammation of the temporo-mandibular joint.

Bryonia has a particularly characteristic headache, a bursting pain, possibly with pressing pains in the forehead, a feeling of heaviness and pulsating thrusts in the temples. There may also be stabbing and drawing over the whole skull, possibly combined with vertigo and a tendency to fall backwards, and a general feeling of weakness, which is most marked early in the morning.

As in Belladonna there may also be catarrhal conjunctivitis with mucopurulent discharge.

Further characteristic symptoms of Bryonia include acute rheumatic-inflammato- ry illness, e.g. rheumatic pains in the elbow and wrist joints, but also in the inter- costal muscles, pains in the sacrum and loins, arthritis of the knee joint, inflammato- ry pains in the ankle and toe joints, but with involvement of the synovial membrane and fibrous tissue as well as the musculature.

Thus Bryonia becomes one of the most important remedies in acute polyarthritis and acute muscular rheumatism, particularly when ameliorated by pressure and, when suitable, by strong massage, whilst in polyarthritis extreme rest and complete avoidance of any movement gives comfort. These conflicting and apparently mutu- ally exclusive symptoms of Bryonia’s are typical of joint and muscle illnesses, in that at one time rest ameliorates and at another relief is gained from strong pressure and lying on the affected side.

The catarrhal symptoms of the mucosa especially typical of Bryonia: catarrhs of the larynx, of the trachea with hoarseness, accumulation of tough mucus with desire to cough which, as already mentioned, occurs especially on entering a warm room. Then the expectoration loosens with difficulty and a dry cough follows. Along with this we find constriction of the chest, and also stabbing pains there, which only occur in deep inspiration. These are common symptoms in pleurisy, for which Bry- onia is an important remedy, also when accompanied by pneumonia.

As with Belladonna, the tonsils may also be red and inflamed, and the swallowing may be difficult on account of stomatitis and tonsillitis.

In all the inflammatory illnesses which require Bryonia there is commonly a bad, insipid or bitter taste with lack of appetite and particularly an inordinate thirst day and night; however after drinking there is discomfort and nausea, and after eating there is a sensation of pressure in the stomach with possible vomiting of the con- tents.

The tongue is mostly coated brown. In the epigastrium and hypochondria on both sides, there is a sensation of pressure and painful tension. Constipation may alternate with diarrhoea, or there may be soft loose stools with cutting abdominal pains. The typical Bryonia stool has a “burnt” appearance and is dry.

Bryonia is one of the most important remedies in appendicitis. However, it is im- portant here to avoid giving oral doses of Bryonia in low potency, since then occa- sionally, unnoticed, a crisis can follow with perforation of the appendix and possible dangerous consequences. The author has observed in many cases that, e.g. after co- pious ingestion of sutoxins (cold meat platter, fresh liver-sausage, pork knuckle, smoked rib of pork and the like) first irritation of the gall-bladder occurred, which quickly died down in response to doses of Belladonna and Chelidonium or suitable antihomotoxic/biotherapeutic combination-remedies, followed by constipation and the typical Bryonia tongue and other symptoms (e.g. thirst, desire for rest, etc.).

If Bryonia 4x is now given in frequent doses, there is the danger that a latent and so far asymptomatic appendicitis will develop, becoming acute without warning and will be followed by peritonitis. Therefore never give Bryonia in low potency in such conditions or if acute appendicitis is suspected, but use higher potencies (30X or higher), and under these the appendicitis will die down, observation being main- tained. However, chronic appendicitis reacts well to low potencies of Bryonia.

Bryonia can also be very useful in chronic gastritis, should other remedies such as Pulsatilla, Arsenicum Album, Argentum Nitricum, Oxalis Acetosella etc. fail. The author once saw a serious case of chronic gastritis (without ulceration) with tongue coated brown, clear up quickly under Bryonia, after having shown a certain im- provement under Antimonium Crudum. The patient was a 30-year-old galvanising worker who was constantly working with cyanides and had been suffering from this chronic gastritis for many years.

The characteristic stabbing pains of Bryonia only occur on motion, in contrast to Colocynthis, in which remedy the stabbing pains can come on without any particular cause; this also happens in Kalium Carbonicum (stabbing in the chest on the right side).

Bryonia is also a remedy for typhoid fevers, the tongue being mostly coated brown, and sensory disturbances and delirium often occurring, as e.g. in meningitis, when the lower jaw is constantly in motion, as if chewing. (Also a Bryonia symp- tom).

Dehydration and dryness of the mucosa are typical Bryonia, and we see them in the lungs and bronchi, combined with the typical Bryonia thirst, in a hard, dry cough with stabbing, rawness and pain. After Bryonia has been given this cough loosens more easily, with expectoration. A typical Bryonia symptom, by the way, is that on coughing the patient holds his head and chest firmly, because this gives relief. With the Bryonia headache it is similar: pressure e.g. on the occiput, where the nerves leave the skull, provides relief.

Bryonia may also be indicated for the consequences of over-heating in summer,

e.g. in cases of diarrhoea, which may precede a dehydration of the mucosa.  Bryonia is also indicated in vicarious epistaxis (instead of menses) and in drying-

up of the milk in nursing mothers with possible consequent mastitis. In such cases it is best combined in injection with Hepar Sulphuris and Mercurius Solubilis.

Summing up the main symptoms of Bryonia, we have the following essential pic- ture of the remedy, which marks out Bryonia as a great and often-needed polychrest:

1. Complaints aggravated by motion, after eating, by vexation; and ameliorated by rest and pressure, also by lying on the affected side. Easily angered. (Anacardium swears.)
2. Stabbing pains, worse from motion, better from rest. Bursting and stabbing headaches. Trigeminal neuralgia (right side). Acute pleurisy. Intercostal neural- gia. (Also Ranunculus Bulbosus.)
3. Acute and chronic rheumatic polyarthritis. Acute pleurisy with stabbing pains on coughing. Peritonitis. Acute appendicitis (high potencies!); also chronic. Mastitis. Muscular rheumatism.
4. Typhoid fevers with sensory disturbances. Meningitis with constant chewing mo- tion of lower jaw.
5. Thirst for large quantities of beer (typical in fever etc.). “Bovine” thirst, renal ob- struction in nephrolithiasis, better under pressure. Pyelitis. Renal colic.
6. Dry cough with stitching pains in the pleura, especially on entering a warm room, better out of doors. On coughing holds head and chest with the hands. Generally, acute catarrhal colds, also stomatitis and tonsillitis.

The German Monograph-Preparation Commission for the Homoeopathic Field of Therapy has, under the Preparation Monograph for Bryonia cretica, published the following indication(s) in the German Bundesanzeiger (German Federal Gazette) for bryonia (alba): acute inflammation of the respiratory organs, pleura, peritoneum, and liver; acute and chronic rheumatism.

The attenuations of this nosode are prepared from the Brucella abortus Bang- serum.

Frequent miscarriage. Dysmenorrhoea. Psychoses linked with pregnancy. Should also be tried in illness from the Bang germ. Any complaint arising after inoculation.

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

Emphysema. Bronchial asthma, chronic bronchitis. Congestions of capillary cir- culation.

The Bronchus sarcode should also be used concurrently in treatment of chronic catarrh of smokers, in order to adjust the body’s defences against the damage caused by the carcinogen benzopyrine, contained in tobacco smoke. This assumes a pre- cancerous state, which is generally asymptomatic.

Where tumour-formation has taken place, the simple sarcode may still develop a certain stimulant action, but in such cases the nosodes are better-indicated (q.v.).

The attenuations are prepared from the dried ripe fungus Calvatia gigantea with- out its peridia, which grows in Central Europe in pastures and dry meadows every- where. N.O. Lycoperdaceae.

Speech disturbances. Uses wrong words and misunderstands. Otitis externa with offensive discharge. Menorrhagia. Menses come too early. Moist eczema on the back of hand.

There is one modality which may lead us to this remedy: if toothache is amelio- rated in fresh air.

Otherwise, there is violent itching over the whole body, especially of the scalp, aggravated in the evening. We may also see eruptions of small white or red papules, blisters, nodules or pustules which ooze or form scales, dry out like bran or become purulent. Intertrigo in the inguinal region. Superficial ulcers form in the nostrils and corners of the mouth.

Bovista has also done good service in metrorrhagia (like Ipecacuanha), and in scrofulous patients with herpetic eruptions, in long drawn-out eye and ear inflam- mations, and in protracted colds with ulcerated nose and lips.

The German Monograph-Preparation Commission for the Homoeopathic Field of Therapy has, under the Preparation Monograph for Calvatia gigantea, published the following indication(s) in the German Bundesanzeiger (German Federal Gazette) for bovista: tendency to haemorrhage, such as from the nose; uterine bleeding; cardiac circulatory insufficiency with hyperemia; anoxemia; rashes; gastric pain; diarrhoea.