Natrum Pyruvicum – Sodium Pyruvate

The attenuations are prepared from the sodium salt of pyruvic acid, C₃H₃NaO₃, MW: 110.1.

In its sphere of use, Natrum Pyruvicum has certain similarities to the indications for Sulphur, since pyruvic acid is situated at a focal point in the Citric Acid cycle, and Sulphur-like symptoms occur when there is an accumulation of pyruvates, e.g. in iatrogenic damage. Thus Natrum Pyruvicum can be advantageously combined with Engystol, Sulphur and possibly Hepar Sulph., and with all sarcodes and nu- merous nosodes, especially in cellular phases of all kinds, also in chronic conditions, such impregnation phases as asthma, angina pectoris, pruritus, skin diseases and psoriasis, and in other degeneration phases, e.g. organic nervous diseases, and in pre-cancerous states and neoplasm phases. The regressive vicariations which follow should be tackled with suitable single remedies.

The homotoxins which require Natrum Pyruvicum do not depend so much on dis- orders of the direct energy extraction and utilisation, as in respiratory disorders, but rather they concern an integral part of the energy extraction, which precedes the in- troduction of the decomposing carbohydrates into the Citric Acid cycle.

As well as sodium pyruvate, the additional prescription of α-liponic acid can be of use. Pyruvic acid stands at the dividing line between respiration and fermentation.

We find from practical experience that all cellular phases represent an indication for Natrum Pyruvicum, possibly in combination with Fumaricum Acidum and Na- trum Oxalaceticum.

The action can be completed with the sarcodes Embryo, Cerebrum, Corpus Pineale, Hepar and Ren, and a treatment which has become deadlocked may be re- actived again to some extent by the additional use of Natrum Pyruvicum and sup- porting remedies.

This is especially true of the treatment of chronic impregnation phases, such as asthma, skin diseases and pruritus, and particularly in allergies, alergic eczema, rheumatic and gouty symptoms, psoriasis, angina pectoris, organic nervous diseases and psychoses, and treatment of pre-cancerous states.

In practice, the following indications are particularly noteworthy:

Migraine occurring in the morning and lasting until sunset with head-pain, retch- ing and vomiting. Raised pressure in the eye and frontal sinus conditions. Swim- ming in the head, headaches after washing the hair, cutting the hair and cold food (ice-cream). Bronchial asthma and bronchiectasis. Damage following retoxic treat- ment of acute reaction phases (influenza, otitis media, etc.).

Circulatory disorders (peripheral and central) with gangrene, ulcer of the lower leg, chilblains, marbled skin and circulatory collapse in acute reaction phases. Com- plaints similar to angina pectoris. Either tachycardia, arrhythmia or bradycardia with severely lowered blood-pressure (it may be expedient to prescribe along with it DL- Malicum Acidum and a suitable nosode).

Natrum Pyruvicum patients are said to walk slowly, dragging their feet, and to try to avoid all physical exertion.

The skin is dry or may be excessively greasy. Itching, scaly eczemas, possibly al- ternating with asthma, and also pustular suppurations from the sebaceous glands with scarring (also after chicken pox) are indications for Natrum Pyruvicum, like- wise sore corners of the mouth with deep cracks and inflammations of the alae nasae, and dry eczema on the buttocks. The joints give way easily (cf. Natrum Car- bonicum). Dental fistulae may exist for years, likewise dental caries without appre- ciable pain or periodontitis.

Natrum Pyruvicum should be borne in mind particularly in all disorders of glu- cose metabolism, and especially where there is circulatory disturbance (diabetic gangrene).

Natrum Pyruvicum proved its worth in a case of gangrenous ulcer on the Achilles tendon (in a young woman with juvenile-onset diabetes). Cure took place after 8–10 s.c. injections, likewise in the relapse which occurred a year later.

Psychoses which occur after childbirth and in the menopause are reputed to react well to Natrum Pyruvicum, also.

The drug picture of Natrum pyruvicum was composed in August 1995 by David Riley, M.D., Santa Fe (New Mexico), USA.

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

Essential Characteristics

Stitching or sharp pains in the eyes, chest, and abdomen.

Mental dullness. Increased physical energy. Forehead headaches. Coryza. In- creased appetite. Burping and rumbling in the stomach. Flatus.

Mind

Delusions that she is being watched. Vivid dreams on going on a journey. Mental dullness while writing or in the evening. Euphoria. Impatient and irritable. Sensi- tive.

Generalities

INCREASED ENERGY and desires physical exercise. Food desires of chocolate, eggs, pizza, and salt. Aggravated by spicy foods. Puffiness of the body.

Vertigo

Vertigo, particularly during bathing.

Head

Fullness especially at the vertex. Dull head pain. FOREHEAD PAIN particularly be- hind the left. Pressing pain between the eyes. Pulsations in the head.

Eye

Agglutination of the eyelids and lashes. Creamy white discharge from the canthi of the eyes. Itching of the right eye. Stitching pain in the right eye lid. Prickling pain.

Vision

Spots that are yellow spots in the visual fields.

Ear

Dull pain alternating with sharp pain. Piercing pain in the left ear. Sore pain that extends from the throat.

Nose

Nasal congestion. Coryza with discharge. Clear discharge. Sneezing. Tingling in- side the nose. Twitching of the nose.

Face

Eruptions of large pimples on the chin, or itching eruptions on the cheek bone, or below the nose. Fullness. Biting pain. Dull jaw pain. Swelling under or around the eyes or on the left jaw glands. Tingling in the forehead.

Mouth

Painful ulcerations on the tongue. Dryness in the mouth.

Teeth

Sensitive in general. Sensitive to pressure. Sensitive to warmth and cold.

Throat

Painful cervical glands on either side that extends to the ear and are sensitive to the slightest touch. Sensation of a lump when swallowing especially on the left side. Sore pain that extends to the right ear.

Stomach

Feels as if filled with air. APPETITE IS INCREASED on waking and is insatiable or de- creased. Distension. Eructations. Full sensation. Gurgling and rumbling. Nausea with salivation. Pain after eating.

Abdomen

ABDOMINAL DISTENSION after eating. Sharp pain in the umbilicus.

Rectum

Constipation. FLATUS, worse and night. Loud sound to flatulence. Flatus may be

offensive or odorless. Urging that is frequent, ineffectual, or at night.

Stool

Frequent, loose stool.

Bladder

Frequent need to urinate.

Genitalia, Female

Clear leucorrhea. Diminished sexual desire.

Chest

Sense of oppression in the chest. Aching pain in the left breast. Burning, stitching pain in the middle of the chest, worse with deep inspiration.

Back

Compressing pain in the cervical region. Pain in the lumbar region at 3 a.m. when in bed. Stiffness in the cervical or scapulae regions.

Extremities

Cracking or heaviness of the knee joint. Eruption on the hips. Swelling of the knee, leg, or ankle. Knee weakness in the evening. Feeling of dislocation in the knee or hip.

Sleep

Sleepiness, particularly in the afternoon.

Perspiration

Perspiration, particularly in the evening. Offensive odor to perspiration.

Skin

Scaly, red eruptions on the skin. Skin sensitive to the touch.