The homeopathic remedy Asafoetida is derived from the plant ‘Narthex Asafoetida’. This plant belongs to family Umbelliferae. The gum resin obtained by incising the living root of this plant undergoes potentization (a process to prepare homeopathic medicines that extract and intensify the medicinal properties of a crude substance). With this process, it gets converted into a very important medicine Asafoetida. It is a prominent medicine in homeopathy to treat gastric problems mainly gas, bloating and also bone-related complaints majorly bone decay and bone pain.

The ‘Asafoetida’ Constitution

This medicine is suitable for nervous and hysterical persons (showing uncontrollable extreme emotions).

Drug Action

This medicine manifests its chief action on the gastric system and the bones. It also acts well on the female genitals and breast. Lastly, its action is noted on the ears, nose and the throat.

Clinical Indications

Gas, bloating, burping, diarrhea, bone diseases, bone decay, decreased breast milk production, ear discharge, ozaena, globus hystericus

Scope As A Homeopathic Remedy

1.Gastric System (Gas, Bloating, Burping, Pain And Diarrhoea)

This medicine has vast action on the gastric system. It is a very effective medicine to manage excessive gas and stomach bloating. The most characteristic feature is that the gas pushes upwards and none passes downwards. There is much rolling of gas in the abdomen which is followed by loud burps that smell like garlic. It can be given to manage rhythmic pain (frequent pain at regular interval) in the abdomen from gas. Heat is felt in the abdomen. Another important feature for its use is regurgitation of liquids (back flow of liquid from stomach into food pipe and mouth). It is also helpful to manage cutting and burning type of pain in the stomach. The stomach feels full of gas. It offers help to manage empty sensation in the pit of the stomach from hunger, specifically gets worse around 11 am. Lastly it is beneficial to manage diarrhea. It is used when there is watery, dark stool having an offensive smell with tight distended abdomen and regurgitation of food. Offensive gas passes along with stool.

Key Indicating Features

Excessive gas in abdomen that pushes upwards and none downwards

Rolling of gas in abdomen followed by loud burps smelling like garlic

Diarrhea with watery, dark, offensive stool with tight distended abdomen and regurgitation of food

2. Bones (Bone Pain, Bone Decay)

This medicine has great affinity to manage bone-related issues. It is successfully used in managing bone pain and bone decay. For using it, the pain in bones vary from case to case. The pain can be sharp, stitching, pressive, aching, boring or darting type. The pain may wander from one bone to the other. In case of bone decay, its use is preferred when there is intense bone pain of throbbing type at night. It is attended with marked sensitivity in affected bones.

Key Indicating Features

Bone pain sharp, stitching, pressive, aching, boring or darting in nature

Bone decay with throbbing pain at night attended with sensitivity

 3. Female Problems (Scanty Periods, Short Periods, Vaginal Discharge, Uterine Ulcers)

Asafoetida has marked action on female genitals as well. It can effectively deal with cases of scanty/ short/ early periods. During periods, a person feels irritable. It is of great value to manage vaginal discharge. It works well for cases having green, thin vaginal discharge that is profuse and has offensive smell. It can also be used to control excessive sexual desire in women (nymphomania). Its last indication is management of uterine ulcers. Here it is given when ulcers in uterus are painful and sensitive accompanied by offensive discharge.

Key Indicating Features

Scanty, short and early periods

Green, thin, profuse, offensive smelling vaginal discharges

Ulcers in uterus that are painful, sensitive accompanied with offensive discharge

4. Breast Complaints (Nipple Discharge And Galactagogue)

Its action is also noted on the breast. Firstly, it is a highly valuable medicine to manage cases of galactorrhea (means milky discharge from the nipples that is not associated with normal milk production that occurs for breast feeding). Secondly, Asafoetida can be given if there is decreased breast milk production. This medicine is known to act as a galactagogue that promotes milk production during breastfeeding in women who are sensitive by nature.

Key Indicating Features

Galactorrhea i.e. milky discharge from the nipples, not associated with milk production during breast feeding

To promote breast milk production during breastfeeding

5. Ears (Ear Discharge And Hardness Of Hearing)

By acting on the ears, Asafoetida helps to manage otorrhoea (ear discharge). It is recommended for offensive pus-like ear discharge accompanied with boring pain in the mastoid bones. One may also find it useful to manage hardness of hearing along with thin, offensive pus discharge from the ears.

Key Indicating Features

Offensive pus-like ear discharge accompanied with boring pain in mastoid bones

Hardness of hearing along with thin, offensive pus ear discharge

6. Nose (Discharges, Ozaena And Decay Of Nasal Bones)

Use of Asafoetida is also considered in managing certain nasal complaints. This medicine works wonderfully to manage offensive discharge from the nose. It is a brilliant medicine to handle cases of decay of nasal bones. It is a top-listed medicine to manage ozaena. Also known as atrophic rhinitis, ozaena refers to chronic nasal condition in which there occurs atrophy (shrinkage) of the nasal mucus lining and the underneath bone. In ozaena cases, its use is done when there occurs offensive-smelling pus discharge from the nose.

Key Indicating Features

Offensive nasal discharge

Atrophic rhinitis with offensive pus discharge from the nose

Decay of nasal bones

7. Throat (Globus Hystericus, Burning, Tenderness)

Asafoetida is also recommended for managing problems related to the throat. Firstly, it is the main medicine for treating globus hystericus. It refers to sensation of a lump lodged in the throat which is actually not present. Persons needing this medicine feel a pressure in the throat as if some lump is rising in the throat from the stomach or food pipe and has to be swallowed frequently. Secondly, it can manage well burning sensation in pharynx. Burning is followed by soreness. Lastly, it is used to manage tenderness in throat felt while swallowing.

Key Indicating Features

Globus Hystericus

Tenderness in throat felt when swallowing

Modalities

Worsening factors: Complaints get worse at night, during rest, from warm applications, when sitting and after eating / drinking

Relieving factors: Complaints get better in open air

Dosage

Its use can be done in both low and high potencies. The potency and repetition varies from case to case depending on the type and duration of complaint. In general, low potencies can be repeated often while high potencies should not be repeated frequently.

Relationship with Other Remedies

Antidoted by: Causticum, Camphor, China and Pulsatilla

It antidotes: China and Merc Sol

Followed well by: China, Merc Sol and Pulsatilla

The homeopathic remedy Ammonium Carbonicum is derived from carbonate of ammonia. In its crude state, carbonate of ammonia is inert. When it undergoes potentization (process of preparing homeopathic medicines that extracts medicinal properties from a crude substance), it turns into an important homeopathic medicine Ammonium Carbonicum. It is a very effective medicine for managing nasal blockage, certain female problems and various respiratory issues.

The ‘Ammonium Carbonicum’ Constitution

It suits persons who are obese (fat), who always feel tired and have a tendency to catch cold easily. It is also suitable to persons who are overweight along with a weak heart and a suffocating sensation. Other than this, it suits well children and obese women having a sedentary life.

Drug Action

This medicine acts well on the nose, female genitals and the respiratory system. Its action is marked on the limbs and the gastric system.

Clinical Indications

Nose disorders, blocked nose, nose bleeding (epistaxis), heavy periods, obesity, hemorrhages, emphysema, pneumonia, bronchitis, asthma, cough, colic, constipation, piles, heart weakness

Scope As A Homeopathic Remedy

1. Nasal Complaints (Blocked Nose, Nasal Bleeding And Ozaena)

This medicine is of great service to manage nasal blockage. There is marked difficulty in breathing through the nose resulting in mouth breathing. It is a prominent medicine for managing nasal blockage in children. In some cases needing it, there is cold with profuse watery discharge from the nose. The discharge causes burning in the nose. Along with this, there is a constant urge to sneeze. Another top-listed complaint where its use is highly suggested is nose bleeding. The peculiar feature to use it is bleeding from the nose when washing hands or face in the morning. Lastly, it is well indicated for ozaena cases. Ozaena, also known as atrophic rhinitis, refers to chronic nasal condition characterized by atrophy (shrinkage) of the nasal mucus lining and the underneath bone. For ozaena, its use is indicated when blood-stained mucus discharge occurs from the nose.

Key Indicating Features

Nasal blockage with marked difficulty to breathe through nose

Nose bleeding when washing hands or face in the morning

Ozaena with bloody mucus discharge from the nose

2. Female Problems (Heavy Periods, Leucorrhoea)

Ammonium Carbonicum has a prominent action on the female genitals. Here it is well-indicated to manage heavy periods. Females needing it also tend to get early periods with black, clotted bleeding. It is attended with colicky pain. There also occurs hard and difficult stool. Other symptoms that tend to occur during menses are sadness, weakness, fatigue and chill. This medicine can manage leucorrhoea (vaginal discharge) well. It works well for cases having copious, watery burning vaginal discharge. A very striking feature for its use is diarrhea (loose stool) at the beginning of menses.

Key Indicating Features

Heavy, early periods with black, clotted bleeding, colicky pains, weakness and hard, difficult stool

Copious, watery, burning vaginal discharge

Loose stool at the beginning of menses

3. Respiratory Issues (Cough, Bronchitis, Emphysema, Asthma And Pneumonia)

Ammonium Carb works well on respiratory organs. Here it is well indicated to manage cough, bronchitis, emphysema, asthma and pneumonia. For cough the major indication is dry cough caused by tickling in the throat as from dust or a feather in the throat. Cough occurs at night and in the morning, particularly at about 3:00 am. Its use is also recommended for cough with blood spitting. It can be given in cases of bronchitis (inflamed lining of bronchial tubes that carry air to and from the lungs) in aged people. Here it is used when there is thin, foamy sputa with rattling of bubbles in chest. Ammonium Carb is considered one of the best homeopathic medicines for managing cases of emphysema (lung condition in which damage to air sacs occurs causing shortness of breath). The main indication is difficulty in breathing from exertion or walking or ascending even a few steps. It gets better in cool air. In asthma cases, it can be given when there is asthmatic cough with painful, contracted feeling in the chest. Asthma gets worse in the evening in bed and from exertion. Lastly, it is indicated for the management of pneumonia (infection and inflammation of air sacs of lungs). It is used mainly when pneumonia is accompanied by marked weakness.

Key Indicating Features

Dry cough from tickling in the throat as from dust or a feather in the throat

Bronchitis in aged people with thin, foamy sputa with rattling of bubbles in chest

Difficulty in breathing from exertion, walking or ascending even a few steps

Asthma gets worse in the evening in bed and from exertion

Pneumonia with marked weakness

4. Limbs (Joint Pain, Heel Pain, Panaritium And Felon)

With its action on the limbs, it is useful to manage joint pains. The striking feature for its use is tearing type of pain in joints which gets better by the heat of bed with an inclination to stretch limbs. It can be given in cases of hip joint pain felt while walking. Ammonium Carb can be used in knee pain cases as well. The pain in knee can be drawing or boring type in cases needing it. Pain can be present in wrist joint, fingers, thumbs and ankles where it is required. Elbow joints crackle when moved. Ammonium Carb is helpful in relieving heel pain. The chief indication is heel pain when one wakes up in the morning, while standing and from prolonged walking. Its use is considered for cases of pain, swelling, redness and heat in the big toe specifically in the bed in evening. Besides, it is preferred for cases of panaritium (infected or inflamed tissue near a fingernail) with deep seated pain. It is used for cases of felon (bacterial infection of fingertip causing enclosed pocket of pus with pain) too in the initial stage.

Felon

Key Indicating Features

Tearing pain in joints better by heat of bed with inclination to stretch limbs

Heel pain when awaking in morning, when standing and from prolonged walking

Pain, swelling, redness and heat in big toe specifically in bed in evening

Panaritium with deep seated pain

Felon in initial stage

5. Gastric Issues (Constipation, Stomach Pain, Piles)

By acting on the gastric system, it helps to settle complaints including constipation, stomach pain and piles. In constipation, Ammonium Carb is helpful when there is dry, hard, difficult stool. It is attended by headache. It helps to manage stomach pain which occurs along with nausea and chill. It gets better on lying down and by applying pressure. Other than these, it can handle cases of piles (enlarged, swollen, inflamed veins in anus or lower rectum). The most notable feature is protrusion of piles after stool with long-lasting pain with inability to walk. It gets better on lying down.

Key Indicating Features

Constipation with dry, hard, difficult stool attended with headache

Stomach pain with nausea and chilliness, better from lying down and from pressure

Piles that protrude after stool with pain and inability to walk

Modalities

Worsening factors: Complaints get worse in cold damp, wet weather, on cold and cloudy days, during menses, from motion, during full moon and washing

Relieving factors: Complaints get better in dry weather, lying on painful side and from pressure

Dosage

This medicine can be used in both low and high potencies. One can repeat low potencies frequently but high potencies should not be repeated often.

Relationship with Other Remedies

Antidoted by: Arnica, Camphor and Hepar Sulph

Followed well by: Belladonna, Bryonia, Lycopodium, Phosphorus, Sepia, Rhus Tox, Sulphur and Veratrum Album

Homeopathic medicine Kali Sulphuricum is prepared from potassium sulphate which is inactive in its crude form. After potentization (process of preparing homeopathic medicines that arouses medicinal properties of a crude substance), it gets converted into a highly beneficial homeopathic medicine Kali Sulphuricum. It is one of the 12 biochemic medicines also called Schuessler’s twelve tissue remedies. It offers great help in managing various skin complaints (like psoriasis, eczema), dandruff (seborrhoea) and cold.

Drug Action

The most important action of this remedy is noted on the skin, mucus membranes, scalp and respiratory system. Its action is well marked on the nose, ears and head. It is one of the best medicines in homeopathy for complaints presenting with yellow coloured discharge.

Clinical Indications

Dandruff, seborrhoeic dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema, cold, sinusitis, cough asthma, bronchitis, eustachian catarrh (mucus build up), headache, otorrhoea (ear discharges), ozaena, pneumonia, polyps

Scope As A Homeopathic Remedy

1. Skin Problems (Scaling, Psoriasis, Seborrhoeic Dermatitis, Eczema, Ringworm, Itching And Ulcers)

Kali Sulphuricum acts magnificently on the skin to treat numerous skin concerns. It majorly helps skin conditions in which there occurs excessive scaliness, flakiness and peeling of the skin. The scales are specifically yellow in colour where it is required. It is a highly recommended medicine in homeopathy to treat psoriasis. Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin condition characterized by patches of inflammation on the skin covered with silvery white scales. It is given when there is marked flakiness of the skin. Its use is considered in cases of ringworm (fungal infection causing ring-shaped lesions on the skin). It gives good results when ringworm affects the scalp or the beard area. The lesions are covered with scales where this medicine is required. In seborrheic dermatitis, Kali Sulph can be very helpful when flakes are yellow.  It is a skin condition in which there occurs red, itchy rash with flaky scales mainly on the scalp, around the nose, behind the ears, eyebrows and the eyelids. Its role in treating eczema is also marvellous. It is well indicated when papular (solid raised area on the skin less than 1cm) eruptions appear on the skin along with itching and burning sensation. It is given in cases of skin itching. For using it here, the notable feature is skin itching getting worse from heat. Lastly, it is effective in treatment of skin ulcers, especially the ones that ooze thin and yellow watery liquid.

Key Indicating Features

Psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis with marked scaling on the skin

Ringworm on the scalp or in the beard area when lesions are covered with much scales

Eczema with papules attended with itching, burning

Skin ulcers oozing thin yellow watery liquid

2. Nose (Cold, Sinusitis And Ozaena)

It has marked action on the mucus membrane of the nose which helps manage cold. The guiding symptom to use it is yellow, thick and slimy discharge from the nose. Nose feels blocked. It can be used in cases of sinusitis (inflammation of the lining of the paranasal sinuses that are air – filled spaces inside the skull) as well. In such cases it can be given when there is thick and green nasal discharge. Kali Sulphuricum is also considered in treating ozaena. Ozaena is also called atrophic rhinitis in which there is shrinking of nasal mucus lining and the underneath bone due to long term inflammation. In these cases, it works well when there is thick yellow and offensive nasal discharge along with loss of smell and taste. It proves very effective for treating complaints that remain after removal of adenoids like swelling of the nasal membrane, mouth breathing and snoring.

Key Indicating Features

Cold with yellow, thick, slimy discharge from the nose

Sinusitis with thick, green nasal discharges

Ozaena with thick yellow offensive nasal discharge along with loss of smell and taste

Swelling of nasal membrane, mouth breathing and snoring remaining after removal of adenoids

3. Ears (Ear Discharge, Deafness, Polyps)

Kali Sulpuricum is the most helpful to manage ear discharges. It works best for yellow or brownish discharge from the ears which stinks. It also treats polyps (non-cancerous growths) in the ear when accompanied with offensive discharge. Lastly, it is well indicated for managing deafness caused by swelling and mucus build- up in the middle ear and the eustachian tube.

Key Indicating Features

Yellow or brown offensive discharge from the ears

Ear polyps with offensive discharge

Deafness from swelling and mucus build-up in middle ear and eustachian tube

4. Head (Dandruff, Headache)

Kali Sulph yields excellent results in cases of dandruff (seborrhoea). Kali Sulphuricum is one of the best homeopathic medicines for cases in which there occurs excessive scaling on the scalp and the scales are moist, sticky and yellow. It is recommended for treating headache. It is useful when headache occurs from head movement from side to side or backwards. Next characteristic is headache worsens in a warm room and relieved in open air.

Key Indicating Features

Dandruff with copious scaling on the scalp when the scales are moist, sticky, yellow

Headache from head movement from side to side or backwards

Headache worse in warm room and relieved in open air

5. Respiratory Issues (Cough, Asthma, Bronchitis, Pneumonia)

This medicine can handle well certain respiratory problems too. It works well in cases of cough. It is well indicated when cough gets worse in hot weather. It can take care of bronchitis (inflammation of the lining of bronchial tubes that carry air to and from the lungs) cases. There is rattling of mucus in the chest. There is yellow, slimy and thin profuse mucus expectoration. Kali Sulpuricum can be utilized in asthma cases as well when there is yellow slimy expectoration. In pneumonia (infection and inflammation of the air sacs of lungs), it is recommended when there is wheezing in the chest and yellow rattling mucus that is expectorated with difficulty.

Key Indicating Features

Cough worse in hot weather

Bronchitis with mucus rattling and expectoration of yellow, slimy, thin profuse mucus

Asthma with yellow slimy expectoration

Pneumonia with wheezing and yellow rattling mucus that is expectorated with difficulty

Modalities

Worsening factors: Complaints get worse from noise, in evening, warm air, warm weather and heated room

Relieving factors: Complaints get better by walking, in cool open air, from passing gas and from fasting

Dosage

This medicine can be used in both low and high potency but the most preferred is 6x potency. When using 6X potency it can be taken three to four times a day depending on the case details. In high potencies, frequent repetition should be avoided.

Relationship with Other Remedies

Followed well by: Acetic Acid, Arsenic Album, Calcarea Carb, Hepar Sulph, Pulsatilla, Sepia, Silicea and Sulphur

It can be compared with other remedies including Kali Bichrome, Natrum Mur and Pulsatilla

The remedy Antimonium Tartaricum is derived from tartar emetic (tartrate of antimony and potash). Tartar emetic is inert in its crude form. When tartar emetic undergoes potentization (process of preparing homeopathic medicines by arousing the medicinal properties of a crude substance), it is converted into a highly valuable homeopathic medicine Antimonium Tartaricum. It is a magnificent medicine in homeopathy to treat certain respiratory problems where loose rattling cough is the key indicating feature to use it.

The ‘Antimonium Tartaricum’ Constitution

This medicine suits people who suffer from respiratory problems. Among all age groups, it is most suitable to children and elderly people. Lastly, it is well suited to persons who are addicted to alcohol and hence suffer from gastric complaints (mainly loose stool).

Drug Action

The most prominent action of this medicine is noted on the respiratory system and is a highly reputed medicine in homeopathy to primarily treat cases of loose rattling cough. Other than this, it acts well on the face, back, gastric system and skin. Its use is noteworthy in treating certain sleep issues.

Clinical Indications

Cough, bronchitis, pneumonia, emphysema, drowsiness, cholera, colic, eruptions, gastric disorders, diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea, back pain and chickenpox.

Scope As A Homeopathic Remedy

1. Respiratory Complaints (Cough, Bronchitis, Pneumonia, Emphysema)

This medicine is mostly indicated to treat various concerns related to respiratory system. It has a vast and magnificent action on respiratory system. First of all, it is well-indicated to treat cough. It works best when cough is specifically loose rattling type. In such type of cough, it is often considered as a first line of treatment in homeopathy. There is excessive rattling of mucus in chest and the lungs feel full of mucus with little expectoration where Antimonium is indicated. Cough may result in vomiting in some cases. Vomit may contain thin or tough slimy matter. Cough tends to get worse after eating. It is also worse after midnight. Sitting in an upright position, and expectoration helps to relieve cough. It also gives good results in cough cases that are worse in damp cold weather. 

It can be used in children having loose, rattling cough with excessive accumulation of mucus in bronchial tubes. The cough occurs day and night and can be attended with difficulty in breathing. The child tends to bend backward during coughing. In them, cough gets worse after eating or drinking. Antimonium Tart is the topmost homeopathic medicine for managing cases of bronchitis. Bronchitis refers to inflamed bronchial tubes that carry air to and from the lungs. In bronchitis, though it works well in people of all age groups, it is most prominently indicated for bronchitis in infants and elderly people. There is excessive mucus production and bronchial tubes feel overloaded with mucus. Next it is a prominently indicated medicine for emphysema (a lung condition in which air sacs get damaged that mainly causes shortness of breath). Its gives excellent results in emphysema occurring in elderly people. Another complaint for which it is well indicated is pneumonia (inflammation and infection of air sacs of lungs). Here it is indicated when cough is rattling with tough foamy white frothy expectoration tinged with blood. It is gluey and sticky. Difficulty in breathing and suffocation attends it. Cough is accompanied with vomiting. Chest pain on coughing also occurs.

Key Indicating Features

Loose rattling cough, lungs feel full of mucus but only little gets expectorated

Bronchitis in infants and old people

Emphysema in elderly

Pneumonia with rattling cough, chest pain, tough, sticky, foamy white frothy expectoration tinged with blood

Cough in damp, cold weather

2. Face (Trembling, Pain, Burning, Pustules)

Next it acts well on the face. The main complaint where it is found to be effective is trembling or shaking of chin and lower jaw. It can be used to manage burning heated sensation in the face. Another indication for its use is tearing pain on one side of face, that may radiate to head and neck on the same side. Lastly, it can be given for cases of pustules (pus-filled eruptions) on face when they leave bluish – red scars.

Key Indicating Features

Trembling or shaking of chin and lower jaw

Pustules leaving blue red scars

3. Back (Back Pain)

It manages back pain very well, especially, when it is felt while sitting. Burning sensation can be felt in the back. It is also helpful in managing severe pain in the lower back. A peculiar indication for its use is sensation as if a heavy load is hanging on the end of tail bone (coccyx).

Key Indicating Features

Back pain while sitting

Feeling of a heavy load on the end of the tail bone

4. Gastric Problems (Abdomen Pain, Burping, Vomiting, Loose Stool, Cholera)

It acts well on the gastric system and manages well the abdomen pain when particularly accompanied with drowsiness. The pain is sharp and felt before passing the stool. Sometimes there is pain around the navel area with relief after passing the stool. Burning may be felt in the abdomen as well. Gas and rumbling in the abdomen may occur too. It can be administered in cases if there is heavy burping with bitter, salty or acidic burps. Sometimes, burps smell like eggs. Fullness, cramping in stomach may also be felt along with the above symptoms. Next, it is useful in cases of nausea and vomiting. It is indicated when vomiting is a result of ingestion of sour, and bitter food.

After vomiting, a person feels weak and sleepy. A very characteristic symptom is relief in vomiting from lying on the right side. This medicine is used for some of the rectal problems also. It is usually indicated for loose stool that occurs in case of eruptive fever in which eruptions occur with fever. Stool is yellowish brown, watery, slimy and may contain blood. Stool has an offensive odour, and is accompanied by passing of gas. After passing stool, burning is felt at the tip of the anus. Besides the above-mentioned, it is well indicated for cholera (an infection of the small intestine caused by bacteria vibrio cholerae) cases when there is excessive vomiting along with coldness.

Key Indicating Features

Abdomen pain accompanied by drowsiness

Burps that are bitter, salty, acidic or smell like bad eggs

Vomiting followed by weakness and sleep

Cholera with copious vomiting and coldness

5. Skin Complaints (Pustules, Vesicles, Itching, Chicken Pox)

For skin complaints its use is recommended for pustular (pus filled) eruptions on skin that leaves bluish red scars. These eruptions may be covered with brown crusts. These are painful too. Next, it can help when there occurs vesicular (fluid filled) eruptions on the entire body. Persons having itching and biting sensation over the whole body in the evenings can be greatly benefited with its use.  Another use of it is noted in chicken pox (viral infection caused by varicella zoster virus) cases.

Key Indicating Features

Pustular eruptions on skin leaving bluish red scars

Itching biting on skin in evening

6. Sleep Issues (Sleepiness, Trembling In Sleep, Restless Sleep)

Lastly, it works wonderfully well in managing some of the concerns related to sleep. The classic symptom to use it is excessive drowsiness with any type of complaints indicative of this medicine. The person who requires it has irresistible desire to sleep. Yawning occurs with this, next important symptom guiding its use is trembling and jerking during sleep. Next, this medicine is used if someone suffers from restlessness during sleep accompanied by tossing and turning. In the next morning, there occurs pressure feeling on the forehead and back of the head and dizziness.

Key Indicating Features

Intense drowsiness with any complaint indicative of this medicine

Trembling and jerking during sleep

Restless sleep with tossing about

Modalities

Worsening factors: Complaints get worse from heat, warm weather, and dampness, also from anger, if staying in warm rooms and from sitting down.

Relieving factors: There is relief in complaints by sitting erect, while in cold open air, lying on right side, from vomiting and from motion.

Dosage

This medicine works equally well in both low and high potencies. In low potency, it can be repeated frequently but in high potency its frequent repetition should be avoided.

Relationship with Other Remedies

Antidoted by: Asafoetida, China, Cocculus Indicus, Ipecac, Laurocerasus, Opium, Pulsatilla and Sepia

It antidotes: Baryta Carb, Bryonia, Camphor, Pulsatilla and Sepia

Followed well by: Carbo Veg, Cina, Camphor, Ipecac, Pulsatilla, Sulphur and Terebinthina

The remedy Mercurius Corrosivus is derived from mercuric chloride, also called corrosive sublimate. When mercuric chloride undergoes potentization (process of preparing homeopathic medicines which arouses medicinal properties of a crude substance), it is converted into a highly valuable homeopathic medicine Mercurius Corrosivus. This medicine is prominently used to manage cases of cystitis, urethritis, tenesmus and dysentery.

Drug Action

Mercurius Corrosivus has its most important action on urinary system and gastric system. It manifests its action on eyes, throat, male and female genitals.

Clinical Indications

Cystitis, urethritis, bladder disorders, kidney disorders, nephritis, tenesmus, dysentery, diarrhea, intestinal ulcers, eye disorders, photophobia, corneal ulcers, iritis, conjunctivitis, sore throat, swollen tonsils, elongated uvula, post nasal drip, balanitis, gonorrhea, syphilis, chancre, vaginitis, leucorrhoea, cracked nipples

Scope as a Homeopathic Remedy

1. Urinary complaints (Cystitis, Urethritis, Vesical Tenesmus)

Mercurius Corrosivus stands out to be a prominent medicine to manage cases of urinary tract infection. It is highly recommended to manage cystitis (bladder inflammation) and urethritis (inflammation of urethra). The top most indication for its use is vesical tenesmus. It refers to a feeling of incomplete emptying of the bladder after urination with urge to urinate frequently despite there being no urine left in the bladder after urinating. Burning and painful urination are also present. A stabbing pain in urethra going into the bladder may occur too. In some cases, mucus and blood may appear during or after urinating. It can be used when there is frequent urination. The urine is hot, burning and scanty. Urine passes drop by drop with pain. Dribbling of urine may occur that is worse when sitting. Urine may contain brick dust sediments as well.

Key Indicating Features

Cystitis with marked vesical tenesmus and burning and painful urination

Mucus and blood discharge during or after urinating

Frequent urination with hot, burning, scanty urine

2. Gastric Problems (Dysentery, Tenesmus, Diarrhoea, Stomach Pain And Vomiting)

Mercurius Corrosivus has a superb action on gastric system. Among these, the leading action is seen on the rectum. It is of great value in managing cases of dysentery (an intestinal infection causing loose stool with blood and mucus). In cases needing it, there is blood and mucus in stool. A most important notable symptom attending it is tenesmus. It refers to a persistent feeling to pass stool even after passing stool and when the bowels are already empty. Tenesmus is very extreme with constant urge to pass stool and never-get-done feeling. The stool is scanty, hot and slimy with blood and shreds of mucus membrane. The stool is yellowish-green and has an offensive smell. It is attended with cutting and colicky pain. Burning in rectum and anus is also felt while passing stool.

In some cases, only bloody water passes through the anus. It proves beneficial for diarrhea (loose motion) cases as well. It can be given when there is loose stool with mucus and undigested food and abdomen pain. Anus prolapse may accompany it. With its action on stomach, Mercurius Corrosivus gives substantial relief in cases of stomach pain. The pain in stomach can be darting, burning, and gnawing type. Cramping may also be felt in stomach that gets worse from the slightest touch. Stomach is very sensitive to touch. The stomach is sore and distended. The abdomen is bloated and painful to least touch. It can offer relief in cases of vomiting. The vomiting is green-colored. It contains thick, sticky mucus with blood.

Key Indicating Features

Dysentery with blood and mucus in stool and extreme tenesmus

Scanty, hot, offensive, yellow green, slimy stool with blood and shreds of mucus membrane

Loose stool with mucus and undigested food and abdomen pain

Vomiting of green colour or that contains thick, sticky mucus with blood

3. Eye Complaints (Eye Pain, Photophobia, Corneal Ulcers, Iritis, Conjunctivitis)

It has magnificent action on the eyes. It can allay burning, soreness and eye pain. It can be used when pain is shooting, tearing or burning in nature. Pain is most intense at night. It can be given in cases of photophobia (sensitivity to bright light) and excessive acrid (that cause irritation, burning) eye watering. Its use is also recommended for managing cases of ulcers on cornea. The ulcers are red with itching and burning sensation. Its use is also suggested for management of iritis (inflammation of colored ring around the eye’s pupil i.e. iris). Here, Mercurius Corrosivus offers help when there is burning in eyes and pain over eyes which reaches the head. Further, it can take care of conjunctivitis. The conjunctiva is inflamed, with itching in eyes in evening and sensitivity to bright light.

Key Indicting Features

Tearing or burning pain in eyes, pain worse at night

Photophobia (sensitivity to bright light) and excessive acrid eye watering

Corneal ulcers that are red with itching and burning sensation

Iritis with burning in eyes and pain over eyes and through them to head

4. Throat Issues (Sore Throat, Swollen Tonsils, Elongated Uvula, PND)

Mercurius Corrosivus can also settle certain throat issues quite effectively. Firstly, it is a highly suitable medicine for cases of sore throat. Those needing it have dark red, swollen throat attended with burning and pain. Additionally, pricking in throat as from needles is felt. The sore throat gets worse from heat.  Swelling of tonsils is also noted. Ulcer formation may occur on tonsils. Next it can help when the uvula is swollen, red and elongated. Apart from these, it gives immense relief in complaint of PND (post nasal drip) in which mucus drips from the back of the nose into the throat. It is accompanied with sharp pain in the ears.

Key Indicating Features

Sore throat with dark red, swollen throat along with burning pain, worse from heat

Swollen tonsils with ulcers

Post nasal drip attended with sharp pain in the ears

5. Male Problems (Balanitis, Gonorrhoea, Syphilis, Urethritis, Chancre)

This medicine is suitable to deal with various male problems. This medicine is known to be helpful in treating balanitis (inflammation of the glans, head of the penis). Here its use is preferred when there are numerous excoriated places on glans along with greasy offensive-smelling discharge. Mercurius Corrosivus is useful in treating gonorrhoea (a sexually transmitted infection caused by bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae). It works well in gonorrhoea cases with thick green-colored urethral discharge. The discharge is worse at night. Along with urethritis (inflammation of urethra) there is redness and swelling of orifice of urethra. The glans is sore, painful with heat. There is burning sensation while urinating. There is itching, burning, stinging and throbbing in urethra. Besides these, its use can be done in managing cases of syphilis with formation of chancre (an ulcer on genital that forms in primary stage of syphilis) on inner surface of prepuce (foreskin). Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by bacteria treponema pallidum. In cases needing it, the margins of chancre become dark red with pain and bleeding. Thin pus may get discharged from the chancre.

Key Indicating Features

Balanitis with numerous excoriated spots on glans along with greasy offensive smelling discharge

Gonorrhoea with thick green discharge that occurs from urethra, worse at night

Urethritis with redness, swelling of urethral orifice and burning, smarting when urinating

Chancre on inner surface of prepuce with dark red margins, pain, bleeding and thin pus discharge

6. Female Problems (Vaginitis, Leucorrhoea, Cracked Nipples)

Lastly, it can be used in the management of some health problems in females. Here it is primarily helpful in managing vaginitis (inflammation of vagina). In such cases, it can be given when there occurs pale yellow vaginal discharge (leucorrhoea). The discharge may be tinged with blood. In some cases, there is mucus discharge as thin as water. It offers help in cases of early and heavy menses. It can be of great service in cases of cracked nipples with bleeding. Pain is felt in nipples while breastfeeding the child.

Key Indicating Features

Vaginitis with pale yellow vaginal discharge that may be blood tinged

Cracked nipples with bleeding and pain when breastfeeding the child

 Modalities

Worsening factors: complaints are worse after stool and urination, from motion, at night, from cold and open air

Relieving factors: complaints are relieved at rest

Dosage

This medicine can be used in both low and high potencies. In low potencies, it can repeated frequently but in high potency frequent repetition should be avoided.

Relationship with Other Remedies

Antidoted by: Silicea