Causticum

Causticum Hahnemanni

Origin
Hahnemann used equal parts of slaked lime (calcium hydroxide) and sulfate of potash (potassium bisulfate) to make this remedy.

Background
Created by Hahnemann, who wanted to produce a particularly caustic mixture, this compound was new to the medical repertory of the time.

Preparation
Slaked lime and sulfate of potash are combined and dissolved in purified water. This solution is then further diluted and succussed.

Common Names
Potassium hydrate.

POTASSIUM HYDRATE This compound is not used in any form of medicine other than homeopathy.

Key Symptoms

oversensitivity; intolerance of injustice; gradual paralysis; raw, burning pain; person feels worse for cold, dry, windy weather

Unique to homeopathy, this compound of potassium was specially devised and proved by Hahnemann, who published it in his Chronic Diseases (1821–34). Hahnemann noted that the compound caused an astringent sensation and a burning taste on the tongue. Interestingly, Causticum is a major homeopathic first-aid remedy for severe burns, and a remedy for pain with a burning sensation. Other ailments for which it is taken include local paralysis, incontinence, sore throats, and coughs.

Remedy Profile

Those for whom Causticum may be most helpful tend to be serious and introspective. They feel the effect of grief for prolonged periods and may become mentally weakened, absent-minded, hopeless, anxious, and prey to fears or fanciful ideas. Forgetfulness and a need to check on their fears and fancies can lead to a compulsive need to check and recheck everything they do. Acutely sympathetic to the sufferings of others, they tend to react strongly to others' distress or to any perceived injustices; at best sympathetic and idealistic, they are often politically active.

These people frequently have a tendency to feel chilly and to be affected by changes in the weather, by cold, dry weather, and by getting wet. Causticum is most often prescribed for weakness, which may progress to paralysis, of the nerves and muscles, especially of the bladder, larynx, vocal cords, upper eyelids, and the right side of the face. Muscle weakness may show both as twitching and as stiffness that causes mobility problems.

Tremors & paralysis

Symptoms: Muscle weakness with tremors and drooping of the upper eyelids. There may be a stutter, particularly at times of anger or excitement, and dizziness accompanied by a lack of coordination. Facial neuralgia or paralysis (Bell's palsy) is possible, especially on the right side, or there may be a form of slow-developing paralysis. Minor or severe seizures may occur, from petit mal fits to serious convulsions, with a susceptibility to jerking and twitching in extreme cases.

Symptoms better: For warmth; for washing.

Symptoms worse: For dry, cold winds; in the evening; for exertion.

Urinary disorders

Symptoms: Bed-wetting that may be longterm in children, and urine incontinence in the elderly. A need to urinate frequently may be experienced, or the reverse, where urine is retained due to temporary paralysis. There may be stress incontinence on jarring the body—for example, when running, or when coughing, sneezing, or laughing. This is particularly prevalent in women during pregnancy and after giving birth. Cystitis, with a strong urge to urinate accompanied by an inability to actually do so, may also be treated by Causticum. Both men and women who respond to this remedy may experience a loss of sexual pleasure or an aversion to sexual intercourse.

Symptoms better: For warmth; for washing; for cold drinks.

Symptoms worse: For dry, cold winds; in the evening; for coffee.

Skin conditions

Symptoms: Large warts that may bleed easily on the hands, face, and fingertips, especially near the nails; scars that do not heal well; and slow-healing burns that blister. Boils, blisters, eczema, herpes, and acne may also be helped by the remedy.

Symptoms better: For warmth; for washing.

Symptoms worse: For dry, cold winds; in the evening; for exertion.

Sore throat

Symptoms: A dry, raw, and burning throat with a constant need to swallow or to clear mucus from the throat, possibly with a choking sensation. The larynx and vocal cords may be inflamed and hoarse. Tightness and a tearing pain in the chest may be related to asthma.

Symptoms better: For warmth; for washing; for cold drinks

Symptoms worse: For dry, cold winds; in the evening; for overusing the voice.

Cough

Symptoms: A dry, deep cough that racks the chest, with a persistent tickle in the throat and difficulty coughing hard enough to bring up mucus.

Symptoms better: For warm, moist weather; for warmth in bed; for cold drinks.

Symptoms worse: For dry, cold winds; in the evening; for exertion.

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