Category: Materia Medica Hans-Heinrich Reckeweg

The attenuations are prepared from Arsenictriiodide, AsI₃ , MW: 455.6.

Asthma. Pulmonary tuberculosis. Dry irritating cough without expectoration. Ag- gravation after midnight. Encourages the appetite.

Arsenicum Iodatum is also indicated in eczematous eruptions, also in psoriasis and formation of skin cancer, and it can also be effective in tumours of the mamma- ry glands (cf. Mastopathia cystica Nosode). On the basis of the provings (by Dr. Hale) scrofulous eye-inflammations should respond favourably, likewise stiffness and painfulness in the left side of the neck, aggravated by movement.

Symptoms which may lead to the selection of Arsenicum Iodatum are: burning heat in the sacrum, as if the clothes were on fire. Itching on the backs of both hands, especially the left. Shivering of the left thigh, formication in the left thigh, later also in the right, extending to the foot, ameliorated by walking. Heaviness of the legs with general tiredness.

The mucus which is very tenacious in asthma may be tough, stringy and some- times glassy, or may also form a whitish mass. In purulent bronchitis and pulmonary abscess (for which it is the main remedy), the mucus may be yellowish-green, al- most like pus, and may have blood mixed with it.

The German Monograph-Preparation Commission for the Homoeopathic Field of Therapy has, under the Preparation Monograph for Arsenicum jodatum, published the following indication(s) in the German Bundesanzeiger (German Federal Gazette) for arsenicum iodatum: common cold; bronchitis; glandular swelling; geriatric heart.

The attenuations are prepared from the trituration of Arsenic trioxide, As₂O₃, MW: 197.8.

Arsenic is one of the best-known and most serious poisons, and therefore, by Re- verse action, is also frequently in demand as a homoeopathic polychrest. It is spe- cially indicated when, on account of retoxic impregnation, a humoral phase does not reach regressive vicariation, possibly displaying a tendency to progressive vicaria- tion.

A typical symptomatic indication for Arsenicum Album is the emotional mood of the patient, in whatever kind of phase. The Arsenicum patient displays – in both words and gestures – a certain hopelessness as to his condition. There is also a cer- tain anxiety that all medical efforts are in vain; this is an indication for Arsenicum.

One might find such a state, for example, in a heart-patient with oedema and seri- ous dyspnoea, who enters the consulting room having scarcely been able to drag himself up the stairs. If he now makes the statement that in his condition he is be- yond help, then in addition to an intravenous injection of Digitalis or some drug with similar action, it is absolutely necessary to give Arsenicum Album as well. In such cases the action of the indicated homoeopathic remedy can be observed in a particu- larly impressive way, for an injection of Arsenicum achieves an almost instanta- neous effect on such patients, which would not be seen in a comparable case had Digitalis alone been given. In such cases Arsenicum Album can take an intransigent Digitalis heart and make it amenable again.

One may find a similar hopelessness in poisoning with other substances which produce similar symptoms to those of Arsenic. So, for example, aluminium tartrate 30! poisoning can produce gastroenteritis similar to that of arsenic, characterised by incessant vomiting and exhausting diarrhoea. Arsenicum can then release the pa- tient from his lethargy and obviously hopeless situation. Hahnemann’s Law of Sim- ilars is classically demonstrated in such cases, in contrast to isotherapy. For arsenic poisoning is more rapidly amenable to an agent which creates similar symptoms to those of arsenic, e.g. aluminium tartrate, and vice versa.

Restlessness must be given as a further symptom of Arsenicum, often coupled with this hopeless anxiety. Such restlessness is also found, e.g., in renal colic, espe- cially when localised on the right. In right-sided renal colic, however, Arsenicum must be given in rather higher potencies, e.g. 30X or 200X. Even in such cases one may prescribe Arsenicum Album either i.v. or s.c. (kidney area) or orally.

Burning sensations are a further important symptom of Arsenicum, such as often occur in the course of catarrhs, e.g. in pharyngeal catarrh, when there is burning of the skin and itching with burning after scratching, or again, in fluent coryza when the nasal discharge is burning hot. Stomach complaints may be characterised by burning, or it may arise from discharges of any kind. When Arsenicum is indicated, the skin eruptions and other symptoms are mostly of a stubborn nature, or may even border on the phase of degeneration or exhibit development along malignant lines.

Arsenicum is also indicated in cases of physical weakness, exhaustion or a steep drop in energy, which may occur in the course of an acute gastroenteritis or loss of vital fluids, or insufficient nutrition, or if a patient is run down from overwork or hunger and needs to lie down. In such cases it is right not to wait too long before giv- ing Arsenicum, but to use it as early as possible, i.e. as soon as the symptoms begin. In episodes, feverish or otherwise, Arsenicum is always effective if there is a need of warmth, or if pains are better from warmth, usually with strong thirst. The pa- tients asks frequently for a drink but mostly takes only small sips, preferring slight-

ly warm drinks. In many cases drinking is closely followed by vomiting.

The lips of the Arsenicum patient are mostly dry, even parched and cracked, so that the patient tends to moisten them with the tongue.

The Arsenicum patient’s tongue is mostly dry and red, with raised papillae, and possibly showing a red imprint at the edges from the teeth. It can however also be chalky-white, similar to the tongue of Antimonium Crudum. In serious cases of ty- phus and sepsis it may be dry, brown and black, as one may find in Phosphorus and Sulphur patients. Aphthous or ulcerative stomatitis with gangrene may well indicate Arsenicum and not only Mercurius Solubilis or Mercurius Sublimatus Corrosivus. The four remedies: Phosphorus, Mercurius, Sulphur and Arsenicum have many sim- ilarities.

Arsenicum also has typical stomach pains, which are aggravated by the slightest food-intake, and which throw the patient into the greatest restlessness, tossing about. They may result from cold drinks or eating ice-cream. Foul-smelling stools, such as are found in typhus and septic conditions, may also indicate Arsenicum.

Where indicated, Arsenicum is also excellent in asthma. A particular characteristic is the occurrence of complaints at night, or their aggravation at midnight or around 1:00 a.m.

Boils and carbuncles indicate Arsenicum if they burn like fire. On the other hand, the patient’s skin may be cold and blue, or dry like parchment, coming off in great scales, such as one sees in psoriasis and similar illnesses. Arsenicum is suitable in gangrene, if black mummification occurs, burning like fire. Generally speaking, one needs to think of Arsenicum, as of Sulphur, in all retoxic impregnations, especially after the suppression of eczema and rashes, e.g. in asthma which vicariates with skin diseases, or in renal colics which occur after suppression of foot-sweat. In such cases Arsenicum will act on any tissue or organ.

Like Sulphur, Arsenicum is indicated after retoxic impregnations, possibly in al- ternation with Mercurius, Hepar Sulphuris and Phosphorus; also with other animal, vegetable or mineral polychrests (Lachesis, Baptisia, Arnica, Belladonna, Apis and others).

Arsenicum Album is used in a wide variety of preparations and potencies, being one of the most important remedies in Homoeopathy. If the emotional symptoms are more prominent, the higher potencies are to be preferred, and as shock-therapy these can also be given without hesitation in frequently repeated dosage.

The view that high potencies must only be given in infrequent doses and allowed to work for weeks is not supported by practice. In asthma, or in right-sided renal

colic, Arsenicum should be given in repeated doses (every 5–10 minutes until recov- ery).

Recently Arsenicum Album, even in its attenuated form, has been suspected by some doctors as a carcinogen and therefore refused. We cannot agree with this view, inasmuch as the potencies in regular homoeopathic use (4X upwards) are no longer capable of carcinogenic action, especially bearing in mind that the normal dose is only a few drops three times a day. Because of the reversal effect, the 6X, 12X, 30X, 200X and 1000X potencies, as highly attenuated antihomotoxics, have an expressly anticarcinogenic action. Repeatedly one can see this powerful antihomotoxic action of Arsenicum – theoretically entirely to be expected – brilliantly prevailing when properly indicated.

Thus Arsenicum Album is one of our most important antihomotoxic remedies, which may be combined without hesitation with numerous other polychrests and ho- moeopathic preparations, also as mixed injections. Arsenicum Album complements Arnica well, e.g. after over-exertion, in athletes etc.

A wealth of case-histories could be cited to illustrate the stature of Arsenicum Album as one of the greatest of all homoeopathic polychrests; may this short ac- count of it simply stimulate the reader to study it more closely and to use it in suit- able cases.

The main symptoms may be set out here once more:

1. Emotional symptoms: timidity, hopelessness. The patient believes that he cannot be cured.
2. Great restlessness and urge to be moving.
3. Aggravation in the small hours, or around 1:00 a.m. Attacks of asthma, heart at- tacks, renal pain, itching, etc.
4. Desire for warmth and warm drinks.
5. Burning pains and burning itching, ameliorated by warm applications.
6. Typhoid fevers.
7. Great unquenchable thirst for warm or lukewarm drinks. Only drinks in small sips, so moistening lips and oral cavity.
8. Tongue is dry, red with raised papillae, may be coated white, brown or black also.
9. Gastroenteritis of the most violent kind with insatiable vomiting and diarrhoea.
10. Aphthous stomatitis.
11. Unbearable burning stomach-pains on taking the least food. Foul-smelling evacuations.
12. Bronchial asthma, taking the place of skin diseases.
13. Excoriating discharges, burning coryza, conjunctivitis with burning secretion, burning leucorrhoea.
14. Serous exudations. Pleurisy. Pleural effusion. General pale swellings of the joints and inflammatory swelling with burning, lancinating pains. General anasarca. Skin waxy- or earthy-coloured, or peeling off like parchment; scaly skin in eczemas and psoriasis.
15. Burning and decaying ulcerations with a blue, black or speckled underlying surface, as in ulcers of the lower leg. Burning carbuncles and boils. Gangrene with burning pains.
16. Periodicity of symptoms.
17. Vicariation between asthma and eczema, and other conditions.

The German Monograph-Preparation Commission for the Homoeopathic Field of Therapy has, under the Preparation Monograph for Acidum arsenicosum, published the following indication(s) in the German Bundesanzeiger (German Federal Gazette) for arsenicum album: inflammations of all degrees of severity in all tis- sues and organs; serious infections; diseases of attrition; benign and malignant pro- liferation of tissue; emotional discord or upset.

The mother tincture is prepared from the dried roots of Arnica montana L. N.O. Compositae.

Arnica is the best-known folk-remedy for wounds, injuries, contusions etc. of every kind, and may also be used in concussion of the brain, distortions, bruises, fractures, haematomas etc. Likewise damage resulting from over-exertion is an indi- cation, e.g. of the heart (athletes). Arnica patients als complain of a sensation of weakness, tiredness and general exhaustion. A specific symptom is that everything on which he lies feels too hard (Nash), and so he must be constantly changing posi- tion in order to find relief. Even the bed seems too hard. In septic states this is often an indication for Arnica, though Baptisia – another often-used remedy in sepsis – has the same symptom. The Arnica patient relapses quickly into his stupor when aroused from it. Arnica also has – like Baptisia – a dark streak down the middle of the tongue, and also a dusky-red face, such as is found in the course of sepsis and ty- phus. Stools and urine are often passed unawares, and bruises appear beneath the skin. In whooping cough, children who need Arnica or Baptisia, cry before the coughing comes on. All these cases are strict indications for Arnica. As well as with Baptisia, Arnica also has a certain similarity with Belladonna, head and face being red and hot, while body and limbs are cool or cold.

Further noteworthy Arnica symptoms are: putrid smell from the mouth, offensive eructations and distension with flatus smelling of rotten eggs, and a battered feeling in the uterine area, so that the patient cannot walk upright. The presence of many small, painful boils, occurring one after the other, is an indication for Arnica. The Arnica constitution is usually muscular and athletic, plethoric and tending to hyper- tension; however, this is no reason not to prescribe Arnica in septic states, even in weakly, neurasthenic patients, if the correct symptoms are present. This principle of prescribing according to the symptoms outweighs by far any constitutional consid- erations which may be present, and applies for all remedies as a general rule.

Up to now little attention has been paid to the action of Arnica in septic states, where it ranks equally with Baptisia and can often be prescribed alongside or with it, or differentiation made from it. Battered pains occur also in Baptisia, Phytolacca, Rhus Tox., Ruta, Staphisagria, China and others, but in Arnica, however, they are characteristically especially marked. If other typical Arnica symptoms are also pres- ent, then Arnica will be the remedy of choice and prove to act best.

Arnica complements Rhus Toxicodendron well. The latter will follow with advan- tage when the action of Arnica has died down and the case has fundamentally al- tered.

The following is a summary of the important symptoms of Arnica:

1. Injuries of every kind, such as haemorrhages, injuries to the soft tissues, concus- sion, dislocations, contusions, fractures, subluxations and others.
2. Consquences of over-exertion, e.g. muscular ache, sportsman’s heart.
3. Everything seems too hard (the bed is too hard). General battered sensation.
4. Offensive eructations. Putrid smell from the mouth. Distension, with flatus smelling of sulphuretted hydrogen.
5. Battered feeling in the uterine area and inability to walk upright.
6. Coughing with chest pain. Child cries before the coughing paroxysm in whoop- ing cough.
7. Septic states with a dark streak down the middle of the tongue, dusky-red face and episodes of restlessness, possibility of delirium.
8. Stool and urine pass unnoticed.
9. Apoplexy. Ruptured blood-vessels. (Like Aconite, Arnica has a special action on the arterial circulatory system.)
10. Tendency to extremely painful boils, appearing one after the other.
11. Hoarseness of speakers and singers.
12. Neurodermitis and eczema on the forehead, cheeks and face, with itching. (In external application, Arnica may cause skinirritation.)

The German Monograph-Preparation Commission for the Homoeopathic Field of Therapy has, under the Preparation-Monograph for Arnica montana, published the following indication(s) in the German Bundesanzeiger (German Federal Gazette) for arnica: haemorrhages of all kinds; myalgia after excessive strain; disorders of the arterial and venous systems.

The mother tincture is prepared from the fresh aerial parts of the plant Aris- tolochia clematitis L. N.O. Aristolochiaceae.

Skin diseases (ulcers, wounds, eczema, acne, etc.). Diseases of the female repro- ductive tract (amenorrhoea). Menopausal arthropathy. Gastro-intestinal catarrh.

The following further symptoms appeared in the provings: stabbing and lancinat- ing pains in various areas of the body, cramping pains in the heels, stabbing pains in the heart, so that the patient can hardly breathe; raw lips and inflamed gums, tongue coated white in the morning, lack of appetite and colicky abdominal pains, followed by loose stools with burning in the anus and frequent urging to urinate.

The German Monograph-Preparation Commission for the Homoeopathic Field of Therapy has, under the Preparation Monograph for Aristolochia clematitis, pub- lished the following indication(s) in the German Bundesanzeiger (German Federal Gazette) for aristolochia clematitis: paramenia; affections of the venous system.

The attenuations are prepared from Silver nitrate, AgNO₃, MW: 161.9.

Silver Nitrate, also known as “lunar caustic”, is  the  medicine  with  which  every civilised person unavoidably becomes acquainted at the beginning of his     or her extra-uterine existence, for, as a part of the Crede prophylaxis, every new- born child has one drop of a 1% solution (formerly 2%) introduced into the eye-tis- sue.

Whereas in orthodox medicine Argentum Nitricum is used primarily as an astrin- gent, a disinfectant and a caustic, in homoeopathy it is an important polychrest, dis- tinguished by its extensive range of healing action. Many types of orthodox treat- ment with this substance, e.g. cauterisation of excess tissue, astringeing of the mu- cosum in duodenal ulcer as part of the Roll treatment, may, when effective, be seen as unintentional homoeopathy. Of course, the dilutions used in these procedures cor- respond to the homoeopathic low potencies in common use. Furthermore, an addi- tional resorptive effect is always to be reckoned within external use. In tabes dorsalis

there is also an oral indication for Argentum Nitricum tablets which were formerly much used.

Argentum Nitricum in homoeopathic potency has obvious effects on the autonom- ic nervous system, and vagotonous conditions in particular derive benefit from it. However, irritations too, eg. lancinating pains in tabes are alleviated or removed by Argentum Nitricum. Radiating pains are typical, especially stomach pains extending up into the chest cavity and mimicking angina pectoris. Frequently there is also dis- tension of the abdomen – part of the gastro-cardiac symptom-complex, ameliorated by loud, explosive eructations, as can also be the case with Phosphorus and Asafoeti- da.

The Argentum Nitricum patient is anxious and restless, exhibiting many features of neurasthenia, and is very concerned about his state of health. Argentum Nitricum patients furthermore have cravings for sweets, especially sugar. Diarrhoea easily oc- curs from excitement, and all symptoms, especially gastric ones, are aggravated by becoming flustered. The typical Argentum Nitricum headache is ameliorated by hav- ing a cloth firmly bound around the head. Vertigo also occurs, accompanied by gen- eral weakness and trembling, also tinnitus, such as one finds in Ménière’s syndrome. Argentum Nitricum is indicated in hoarseness of singers, with roughness and scratching in the throat and a sensation as of a splinter lodged in the throat; also in polyps of the vocal cords. Tiredness in the lower legs, calves and lower arms are likewise typical. Argentum Nitricum is indicated in epilepsy, when the pupils are en- larged for hours or days before the attack. In this area it is only seldom that one will be able to expect a full and final cure; however, distinct improvements can often be achieved, e.g. in the frequency and violence of the attacks. It must also be mentioned that in such it is absolutely necessary to maintain a diet which is strictly free of su- toxins.

Let us sum up the most important symptoms of Argentum Nitricum:

1. Distension in the upper abdomen, gastro-cardiac symptom-complex, ameliora- tion from eructations.
2. Spluttering diarrhoea, flecked, green, mucoid stools like chopped spinach.
3. Headache, ameliorated by tight binding of the head.
4. Catarrh and hoarseness of singers, speakers, teachers etc. after over-exertion of the voice. Sensation of a splinter in the throat. Catarrh of the pharynx, ears and conjunctiva.
5. States of weakness and exhaustion, primarily in the calves and lower arms.
6. Lancinating pains in tabes-sufferers.
7. Gastric crises.
8. Epilepsy with mydriasis a few days before the attack.
9. Agoraphobia, neurasthenia, restlessness and worry. Diarrhoea from excitement, stage-fright, vertigo. Romberg’s sign is positive.
10. Bleeding gastric ulcers. (Use high potencies!)

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

Gazette) for argentum nitricum: psychosomatic disorders of the alimentary tract; migraine.

The attenuations are prepared from a trituration of metallic silver, Ag, AW: 107.9.

Loss of memory. Pain in the left ovary, as if enlarged. Chronic hoarseness of speakers and singers. Pains in the joints. Coxalgia. Pains in the rib cartilage. Brain- tiredness in mental workers. Repeated low potencies of Argentum Metallicum over a long period eventually cause argyria, resulting from a deposition phase of silver in the epidermis.

Indications for Argentum Metallicum include a cramping pain at various sites in the body, and the symptom: vertigo on looking into running water.

Other characteristic symptoms include occipital headache after mental exertion, with an empty sensation in the head and loss of memory; also a pale, wan face and itching in the canthi.

There is a dryness of the mouth with accumulation of sticky saliva which makes speaking difficult, and sore throat with hoarseness and difficulty in swallowing and attacks of deep coughing; a feeling of weakness in the chest with constriction are also indications for Argentum Metallicum.

The German Monograph-Preparation Commission for the Homoeopathic Field of Therapy has, under the Preparation Monograph for Argentum metallicum, published the following indication(s) in the German Bundesanzeiger (German Federal Gazette) for argentum: chronic inflammations of the pharynx and larynx: mental exhaustion; disturbances of the nervous system, accompanied by lameness and cramps in the arms and legs; inflamatory swelling of the ovaries.

The mother tincture is prepared from the freshly-gathered roots of one-year-old plants of Arctium lappa L., Articum minus [Hill.] and Arctium tomentosum Mill.

N.O. Compositae.

Skin diseases. Eczema of the scalp.

Arctium Lappa is recommended not only in boils, but also in chronic, recurring erysipelas, and for uterine prolapse.

Arctium Lappa is used externally for offensive perspiration of the axillae. (The area in question should be washed with a 50 : 50 mixture of tincture and water.)

The German Monograph-Preparation Commission for the Homoeopathic Field of Therapy has, under the Preparation-Monograph for Arctium lappa, published the following indication(s) in the German Bundesanzeiger (German Federal Gazette) for arctium lappa: weeping skin eruptions; prolapse of the uterus; rheumatism.

The mother tincture is prepared from the Diadem spider, Araneus diadematus Clerck. N.O. Araneidae.

Lack of vital heat. Chilliness. All complaints aggravated by wet and cold. Neural- gia of the upper jaw at night. Feeling as of ice in the bones. Hydrogenoid constitu- tion. Pain in the heels. Haemorrhagic tendency. Colitis with bleeding.

Also characteristic of this remedy are intermittently occurring fevers, the fever ex- pressing itself almost exclusively as a chill, followed only seldom by heat and never by sweat. Aranea is indicated in numerous complaints associated with impregnation phases, especially in the neurodermal area (nervous system), such as the feeling of great relaxation, tiredness and faintness with very restless sleep and frequent wak- ing, and possible delusions of the lower arm and hands being larger and heavier than usual. There may also be a painful burrowing and drawing in the spinal nerves, with headache and a feeling of heaviness in the head. There is also the sensation as if the eyes were trembling, and there may be tremors in the upper arm. Aranea is also said to be indicated in malarial cachexia, with considerable enlargement of the spleen.

The German Monograph-Preparation Commission for the Homoeopathic Field of Therapy has, under the Preparation Monograph for Araneus diadematus, published the following indication(s) in the German Bundesanzeiger (German Federal Gazette) for aranea diadema: abnormal blood pressure; periodically occurring neu- ralgia; intermittent episodes of fever; Parkinson’s disease; paralgesia; painful artic- ular disease.

The mother tincture is prepared from the fresh rootstock of the plant Aralia race- mosa L., which is a native of North America. N.O. Araliaceae.

Hay fever. Bronchial asthma. Leucorrhoea. Pruritus.

Aralia is indicated by a great sensitivity to draughts; the slightest draught causes sneezing. Respiration makes a whistling sound, with a feeling of imminent suffoca- tion, especially on inspiration, worse lying. At night coughing paroxysms occur, waking the patient from first sleep and obliging him to sit up. This is accompanied by a constriction of the chest, as if laced up, with the sensation as if a foreign body were lodged in the throat.

Aralia is often indicated in retoxic phases resulting from suppressed discharges,

e.g. suppressed menses, retoxically treated leucorrhoea, and also in asthma follow- ing harmful use of narcotics.

The German Monograph-Preparation Commission for the Homoeopathic Field of Therapy has, under the Preparation Monograph for Aralia racemosa, published the following indication(s) in the German Bundesanzeiger (German Federal Gazette) for aralia racemosa: common cold; allergic disorders of the respiratory organs, such as hay fever and asthma.

The mother tincture is prepared from the whole fresh plant in bloom, Aquilegia vulgaris L. N.O. Ranunculaceae.

Menstrual disturbances, functional amenorrhoea. Menopausal problems. Depres- sion during the menses.

Aquilegia is particularly a remedy for nervous female patients, mostly suffering from hormonal dysfunction, e.g. with globus hystericus, but also suffering from sleeplessness, nervous tremors and sensitivity to light and noise, especially during painful menstruation (dysmenorrhoea). This is often accompanied by painful pres- sure in the loin on the right-hand side.

The German Monograph-Preparation Commission for the Homoeopathic Field of Therapy has, under the Preparation Monograph for Aquilegia vulgaris, published the following indication(s) in the German Bundesanzeiger (German Federal Gazette) for aquilegia: insomnia in conjunction with nervousness.