Nat. Carb.

Natrum carbonicum


Origin
Once extracted from the ashes of burned seaweed, but now chemically prepared using sodium chloride, ammonia, and carbon dioxide.
Background
Traditionally used in 19th-century Western medicine as a treatment for burns, eczema, catarrh, and vaginal discharges.
Preparation
Sodium carbonate is mixed with lactose sugar and triturated to grind it into a powder fine enough to be soluble in water.
Common Names
Sodium carbonate, soda ash, washing soda.
SODIUM CARBONATE Sodium carbonate is used worldwide in products such as household cleaners, water softeners, and soap.

Key Symptoms

devoted to loved ones; suppression of emotions; weak ankles; sensitivity to sunlight; intolerance of milk
    Roughly 35 million tons of sodium carbonate are produced industrially each year, particularly for use in making glass, ceramics, paper, and detergents. Traditionally, its use in medicine was largely confined to external remedies; as a homeopathic remedy, it is used for digestive problems, nervous disorders, and skin complaints. Nat. carb. was proved by Hahnemann, with Drs. Gross, Hering, Langhammer, and others, and published in Hahnemann's Chronic Diseases (1821–34).

Remedy Profile

People for whom Nat. carb. is most suited are very sensitive. They usually have an inability to assimilate things on both an emotional and a physical level. For example, there may be an emotional inability to tolerate noise, music, thunderstorms, hot weather, and even other people. Physically, this inability to assimilate things might, for example, manifest as digestive problems. These people tend to devote their lives to one person, sacrificing everything to this relationship. Prone to suppressing emotions, they tend to act cheerful even when sad, which compounds the mental strain, fatigue, and irritability they often feel.

People who respond to Nat. carb. may find that mental stress or physical exercise when tired aggravates their symptoms.

Digestive disorders

Symptoms: Indigestion with belching, sourness, and a feeling of nausea. There is a marked intolerance of milk, so that ingestion of even the smallest amount often causes diarrhea. The abdomen may feel painful when touched and there may be thirst, especially when the stomach is upset. An empty, gnawing sensation in the stomach is common, especially around 5 a.m., and may be assuaged by getting up and eating something sweet. Constant nibbling, especially of bread and sweets, is a typical accompanying symptom.

Symptoms better: For pressure on the abdomen; for movement; for eating little and often.

Symptoms worse: For heat and sun; for sympathy and fuss; for drinking milk.

Colds & catarrh

Symptoms: Colds that are aggravated by sitting in a draft, with catarrh running down the back of the throat. The catarrh may smell foul.

Symptoms better: For perspiring.

Symptoms worse: For drafts; every second day.

Headaches

Symptoms: Headaches that alternate with pain in the stomach, accompanied by sensitivity to noise and music. Headaches may be caused by studying or other demanding mental activity, or by overexposure to the sun. There may be a feeling of dizziness.

Symptoms better: For movement; for eating.

Symptoms worse: For sun and hot weather; for drafts; for thunderstorms; for mental exertion.

Skin conditions

Symptoms: A wide variety of skin complaints, such as warts, moles, blisters, and corns, with either very dry skin or a tendency to perspire very easily. There may be extreme sensitivity to sunlight, with the result that even the slightest exposure may cause sunburn or sunstroke.

Symptoms better: For pressing on, rubbing, or scratching the affected skin.

Symptoms worse: For heat.

Ankle weakness

Symptoms: Easily sprained or dislocated ankles, particularly in children.

Symptoms better: For rubbing or pressing on the ankle.

Symptoms worse: For overexertion.

Exhaustion

Symptoms: Nervous fatigue due to overexposure to the sun or overwork. The legs may feel weak and heavy.

Symptoms better: For rubbing or pressing on the affected area.

Symptoms worse: For heat; for noise; for any exertion.


«  Nat. Ars.
Nat. Fluor.   »