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

Homeopathic medicine Borax Veneta is prepared from sodium biborate. Sodium biborate is inactive in its crude form but when it undergoes potentization (process of preparing homeopathic medicines that arouses medicinal properties of a crude substance), it gets converted into a highly beneficial homeopathic medicine Borax Veneta. It is a leading medicine in homeopathy for managing mouth ulcers, fungal infection of the mouth and certain women-related problems, mainly vaginal discharge and infertility.

The ‘Borax Veneta’ Constitution

It is mainly recommended to children suffering from mouth ulcers and diarrhea, especially during dentition period.

Drug Action

This medicine has a well-marked action on mind, mouth, eyes and female genitals. Other than this its action is noted on breast, gastric system, urinary organs and skin.

Clinical Indications

Mouth ulcers, aphthae, oral thrush, eye disorders, entropian, noise sensitivity, fears, leucorrhoea, galactorrhea, sore nipples, painful menses, sterility, diarrhea, plica polonica (an uncommon condition in which hair get matted together), cystitis, offensive urine.

Scope As A Homeopathic Remedy

1. Mind (Fears, Oversensitivity To Noise)

Borax acts magnificently on the mind to manage multiple concerns. Its use is mostly recommended to manage certain fears. The first and foremost among these is fear of downward motion like going downstairs and of falling. The person feels anxious while descending stairs and is afraid of falling. Borax Veneta can be useful for babies who fear moving down on stairs, who cry and cling to attendant when being laid in a cot/ crib/bed. Such babies are also fearful while rocking, swinging and dancing. Its use can also be considered in children who suddenly get up at night and begin screaming without any reason. Next fear where it is indicated is fear of thunder. Other than this, persons having fear of suffering from a contagious disease can find this medicine quite helpful. Apart from fears, its use is highly recommended in persons who are oversensitive to sudden noise. They get startled and frightened from the slightest noise, for example sneezing, hawking.

Key Indicating Features

Fear of downward motion like going downstairs, and of falling

In babies, fear of downward motion and who start crying and cling to attendant when laid down

Babies who are fearful when rocking, swinging and dancing

Oversensitive to sudden and slightest noise like sneezing, hawking

2. Mouth (Ulcers, Oral Thrush And Bitter Taste)

This medicine has a marked action on mouth. It proves to be highly effective for treating ulcers in the mouth, on inner surface of the cheeks and on the tongue. These ulcers have a tendency to bleed easily on touching and while eating. There is heat in mouth and excessive salivation. It is useful for painful ulcers in the mouth of babies that hinders normal breastfeeding.  It is one of the best medicines for treating oral thrush (white fungal infection in mouth caused by fungus candida albicans). There is intense redness in the mouth covered with ulcers having cheesy appearance. Lastly, it is beneficial to manage bitter taste in the mouth while eating.

Key Indicating Features

Mouth ulcers having tendency to bleed easily

Fungal infection in mouth (oral thrush)

Redness in mouth covered with ulcers that have cheesy look

3. Eyes (Crusts On Eyelashes, Inward Eyelashes, Entropian)

Borax also acts well on the eyes. First, it is an important medicine for those with dry, crusty, gummy matter on the eyelashes along with its sticking during the morning hours.

Crusty eyes in the morning

Second, it works well on inflammation of eyelids. It is well indicated when the eyelashes turn inwards and cause inflammation of the eyes, especially in the region of outer canthus. It also helps in case of itching in the eyes including when there is a foreign body sensation in the eyes. A characteristic feature for its use is at the time of burning in the eyes soon after putting spectacles. Last, it is indicated for entropian (inward turning of eyelid margins) cases.

Key Indicating Features

Dry, crusty, gummy matter on eyelashes along with its sticking in morning

Inward turning of eyelashes causing eye inflammation

4. Female Problems (Vaginal Discharge, Infertility, Heavy Menses)

It is a very suitable medicine to deal with certain female problems. To begin with, it proves to be highly effective to manage vaginal discharge (medically known as leucorrhoea). There is discharge like egg whites with feeling as if warm water is flowing. It may occur specifically two weeks in between the menstrual period. Along with this, swelling of the labia is present. It is a wonderful medicine for treatment of infertility. This medicine is known to favour easy conception in females. Its use is recommended for cases of early and heavy menses. The bleeding is of pale red colour. It is accompanied with pinching and gripping pain in the abdomen extending to lower back and nausea. During periods, throbbing, pulsating pain in the head, buzzing in the ears and tiredness are also felt. Last, it offers relief in itching of vulva.

Key Indicating Features

Vaginal discharge like egg whites with feeling as if warm water is flowing

Infertility

Early and heavy menses with gripping pain and nausea

5. Breast Complaints (Galactorrhea, Pain)

Borax is also administered to manage some of the breast complaints as well. It is of great use in managing galactorrhea cases. Galactorrhea means milky discharge from nipples not associated with normal milk production for breastfeeding. In cases one needs Borax, there is milky nipple discharge that gets curdled readily. It is next utilised in cases of breast pain in mothers when nursing the child. A unique feature is when pain occurs in the non-feeding breast at the time of breastfeeding a child. After feeding, there is emptiness in breast with stitching pain. It can also be administered for managing ulcers on nipples too.

Key Indicating Features

Galactorrhea with milky nipple discharge that gets curdled readily

Breast pain on opposite side when breastfeeding the child

6. Gastric Issues (Diarrhea, Flatulence)

With its action on gastric system, it can manage diarrhea well. The stool is green and has mucus and there occurs colic (a type of pain) before passing stool and it is accompanied by an offensive smell. It is followed by weakness. During stool, there may occur burning sensation in the rectum. Pinching in abdomen also occurs. Other than this, it is used when there is excessive accumulation of gas in the abdomen. There occurs abdominal distension after eating with pain and loose stool. There is excessive passage of gas.

Key Indicating Features

Diarrhea, when stool is green, offensive with mucus and colic before passing stool

7. Urinary Problems (Frequent And Urgent Urination, Cystitis)

If we talk of urinary problems, this medicine is mainly used to prevent frequent urination at night. The urgency to urinate is felt and person is scarcely able to hold urine. It is also effective for treating cystitis (inflammation of urinary bladder). The urine is warm, has offensive odour accompanied by smarting pain. It is well-indicated for children who screams before urination and are afraid to pass urine due to pain.

Key Indicating Features

Frequent urine at night and urgency to urinate

Warm urine with offensive odor & smarting pain

Screaming of children before urination

8. Skin and hair-related problems (eczema, psoriasis, chilblains and rough frowsy hair)

Lastly, it proves beneficial for various skin concerns and hair-related problems. It offers help in cases of eczema. It is particularly indicated for eczema on fingers and toes with nail damage. It is also indicated for eczema of vulva. It is helpful for psoriasis cases as well. Psoriasis is an auto-immune skin disorder characterized by the presence of inflammatory patches on skin covered with silvery white scales. Apart from these, its use is recommended in case of ulcers on the feet caused by the shoe getting rubbed against the skin of feet.

Chilblains

One may find it useful for chilblains (swollen itchy skin especially on fingers and toes occurring from cold weather and resultant poor blood circulation). For hair related issues, this medicine can be given for managing rough, frowsy hair that split and get tangled easily. The hair tends to stick at the ends that cannot be separated and form bunches. After cutting these bunches, they form back again.

Key Indicating Features

Eczema of fingers, toes attended with nail damage

Ulcers on feet from rubbing of shoes

Chilblains better in open air

Rough, frowsy hair that splits and gets tangled easily

Sticking of hair at the ends that cannot be separated and form bunches

Modalities

Worsening factors: Complaints get worse from downward motion, in warm weather and after menses

Relieving factors: complaints get better in cold weather, in the evenings, and by applying pressure.

Dosage

As per the case presentation it can be used from low to high potency. It can be repeated often in low potency but in high potency frequent repetition is usually not recommended.

Relationship with Other Remedies

Antidoted by: Chamomilla and Coffea Cruda

Followed well by: Arsenic Album, Bryonia, Calcarea Carb, Lycopodium, Nux Vomica, Phosphorus and Silicea

The remedy Natrum Phos is derived from sodium phosphate which is inert in its crude state. When it undergoes potentization (process of preparation of homeopathic medicines that arouses medicinal properties of a crude substance), it becomes a very valuable homeopathic remedy Natrum Phos. It is one amongst the 12 biochemic medicines in homeopathy also known as Schuessler’s twelve tissue remedies. It is a leading homeopathic remedy to treat acidity, indigestion and heartburn.

The ‘Natrum Phos’ Constitution

Natrum Phos suits people prone to frequent acidity and indigestion.

Drug Action

This medicine acts wonderfully on the gastric system and has great affinity in treating certain gastric issues. Next its action is seen on eyes, mouth, throat, limbs and skin. Besides, it also acts well on the male and female genitals.

Clinical Indications

Acidity, dyspepsia, heartburn, belching, indigestion, colic, peptic ulcer, diarrhea, vomiting, flatulence, jaundice, joint pains, gout, hives, leucorrhoea, infertility, morning sickness, post nasal drip, worms, conjunctivitis.

Scope As A Homeopathic Remedy

 1. Gastric Complaints (Acidity, Acid Reflux, Indigestion, Heartburn, Ulcers, Worms, Jaundice)

The supreme action of this medicine is seen on the gastric system. To begin with, it is one of the leading medicines in homeopathy to bring relief in acidity, dyspepsia (also known as indigestion in which there occur discomfort in upper abdomen with gastric symptoms such as burning in stomach, gas, bloating, nausea vomiting) and acid reflux (back-flow of stomach acid in the food pipe due to improper functioning of the lower esophageal sphincter). Here, firstly it can be given to relieve heartburn (a burning sensation felt in the center of the chest behind the breastbone). Next, it can manage complaints of sour belching and sour vomiting. Natrum Phos is very suitable to treat cases of peptic ulcers. Peptic ulcers refer to open sores in the lining of the stomach or upper part of the small intestine. It can be given to manage fullness in the abdomen arising from even little eating and also noisy flatus (escape of gas from anus). Another indication for using it is diarrhea (loose stool) when stool is green. Its use is highly recommended for getting rid of worms, especially round worms or thread worms. Anal itching is well marked if one is infested with worms which gets worse at night. It is suitable for children if they have stomach pain along with green stool having sour smell, and curdled vomiting. Apart from the above, it is prominently indicated for jaundice (yellow discoloration of skin and white of eye due to increased bilirubin levels in blood).

Key Indicating Features

Acidity, acid reflux (back flow of stomach acid in food pipe)

Indigestion or dyspepsia

Heartburn (burning in the center of chest behind the breastbone)

Sour belching and sour vomiting

Worms with marked anal itching

2. Eyes (Conjunctivitis)

Natrum Phos relieves conjunctivitis (inflammation of conjunctiva which is the membrane lining the eyeball and eyelid). It helps when the eye discharge is particularly golden–yellow and creamy. Eyelids tend to stick to each other when you wake up in the morning. Next, it can be given to manage burning sensation and stitching cutting pain in the eyes. One feels sensation of a sand particle stuck in the eyes. It can be used for itching, burning and soreness of the eyelids. Lastly, it is indicated for red eyes along with burning eye watering.

Key Indicating Feature

Conjunctivitis when eye discharge is golden – yellow, creamy

3. Mouth (Coated Tongue, Blisters, Ulcers)

It acts well on the mouth to help cases of coated tongue, blisters and ulcers. For coated tongue, the main indication is yellow-colored creamy coating specifically at the base of the tongue and roof of the mouth. Natrum Phos is also indicated for blisters developing on the tip of the tongue. Natrum Phos is recommended for ulcers that peculiarly get worse from acid foods and appear on the lips or inside the cheeks. It is also suggested for gumboils, a localised pus collection in soft tissue of gums. Another characteristic feature indicating its use is a sensation of hair on tongue. It also helps to manage teeth grinding in children.

Key Indicating Features

Yellow creamy coating specifically at the base of tongue and roof of mouth

Ulcers on lips or inside of cheeks that gets worse from acid foods

Sensation of hair on tongue

4. Throat (Sore Throat, Post Nasal Drip)

Natrum Phos gives great results in cases of sore throat when there is specific yellow creamy mucus coating on the throat and tonsils. One feels a lump-in-throat sensation. A pricking sensation as from pins may be felt in the right side of the throat. There is difficulty in swallowing. Other than this, it is an important medicine to relieve post nasal drip (dropping of mucus from back of the nose into the throat).  Here it works wonders when there is dropping of thick yellow mucus from the posterior nares of the throat. This complaint gets worse at night forcing the person to get up and clear his throat.

Key Indicating Features

Sore throat with specific yellow creamy mucus coating on throat and tonsils

Post-nasal drip when there is dropping of thick yellow mucus from posterior nares in the throat

5. Limbs (Joint Pain, Cramps, Numbness)

It is highly valuable in treat complaints including joint pain, cramps and numbness in arms and hands. It is well indicated when there is pain in wrist, shoulder and finger joints. Pain occurs especially in the right shoulder joint or wrist and pain from the wrist extends to the palm. It is also indicated to manage stitching type of pain in the knee mostly in the left one. The tendons of the knee feel as if shortened. Natrum Phos is also given for cases of gout (red, swollen, hot, inflamed joints from increased uric acid levels). It is suitable for cramps in hands felt while writing. There may also occur trembling of hands.  Besides, it is a significant medicine for managing numbness in arms, hands and fingers mainly on the right side.

Key Indicating Features

Joint pain mainly in wrist, finger, shoulder

Cramps in hands when writing

6. Skin Issues (Hives, Eczema, Itching)

This medicine deals with skin issues effectively. First among these is hives (itchy, raised bumps medically called wheals that appear on skin mainly from an allergic reaction). People needing it have itching on the entire body, like insect bites, that peculiarly gets worse from acidic food. Second is eczema when there is creamy, honey colored discharge from eruptions. Lastly, it is very helpful in relieving itching on ankles.

Key Indicating Features

Hives with itching on entire body like insect bites

Eczema with creamy, honey-colored discharge from eruptions

Itching on ankles

7. Male Problems (Involuntary Seminal Emissions, Itching, Burning)

This medicine can manage some male problems too. It is mainly given to manage involuntary seminal emissions at night with weakness in the back and trembling of limbs. The semen is thin and watery. It can also bring relief in itching of scrotum and prepuce. Males may also find it useful to manage complaints of itching and burning at urinary meatus felt after coition.

Key Indicating Features

Involuntary seminal emission at night with weakness in back and trembling of limbs

Itching and burning at urinary meatus after coition

8. Female Problems (Vaginal Discharge, Infertility, Morning Sickness)

It can prove beneficial to females having complaint of creamy or honey-colored vaginal discharge (leucorrhoea). The discharge is watery with sour smell. It is a leading medicine to manage infertility in women having acidic vaginal discharge. It is next indicated to manage morning sickness (nausea and vomiting that occurs during pregnancy) with vomiting of sour fluid.

Key Indicating Features

Watery, creamy or honey-colored vaginal discharge

Infertility in women having acidic vaginal discharge

Modalities

Worsening factors: Complaints get worse from fatty food, acids, citrus food, from milk, sugar and also mental exertion

Relieving factors: Complaints get relieved from cold

Dosage

This medicine can be used from 3X – 12X potency. The most commonly recommended potency is 6X potency. This medicine can be repeated three to four times a day depending on the case presentation.

Relationship with Other Remedies

Antidoted by: Sepia specifically eruptions and swelling of joints; Apis to relieve hives

It can be compared with remedies Carbo Veg, Nux Vomica, Robinia, Kali Carb and Carbolic Acid

The remedy Alumen Crudum is derived from Potash alum. In the crude form, potash alum is inert. When its pure crystals undergo potentization process, its latent medicinal properties get aroused and get converted into a wonderful homeopathic medicine Alumen Crudum.  It is a very effective medicine for treating various rectal complaints among which constipation tops the list. Even the worst type of constipation cases with hard, dry stool are known to respond well to this remedy.

Potash alum

The ‘Alumen Crudum’ Constitution

It is mostly recommended for elderly persons and children having tendency of mucus build-up in the bronchi/ bronchial tubes that carry air to and from the lungs. Elderly people complaining of complaints related to urinary bladder may find this medicine highly suitable.

Drug Action

Alumen Crudum shows marvellous action on rectum and intestines primarily to treat constipation. Next it acts well on the tissues and glands that have been hardened. Besides these, its action is marked on gastric system, skin, throat, mouth, lungs and female genitals.

Clinical Indications

Constipation, ulcers, piles, hemorrhages (bleeding), cancer, nausea, vomiting, colic, chilblains, eczema, throat disorders, hardened glands, bronchitis, cough, vaginismus, leucorrhoea, gonorrhoea.

Scope As A Homeopathic Remedy

1. Rectal Complaints (Constipation, Rectal Ulcers, Piles, Bleeding And Cancer) 

Alumen Crudum acts magnificently on the rectum to settle down various complaints. Its most important indication for use is constipation. It is majorly indicated when the stool is very hard and dry that may be described as hard as stones. This characteristic symptom forms the main indication for using this remedy. The stool is passed with great difficulty with slight blood. It may pass as a large hard lump or in little pieces resembling sheep’s dung. Sometimes the first part of stool is hard followed by soft stool. Even after passing stool, a fullness sensation in the rectum is still felt. Pain and smarting (burning) sensation may occur after passing stool. Itching at the anus after passing stool is the next attending symptom. The persons needing it have no desire to pass stool for days together. It proves very effective if there are ulcers in the rectum. In such cases, its use is considered when there is passage of blood-stained, foul-smelling fluid from the rectum. Another complaint where it is utilized is piles that are painful and bleed too. Further, Alumen Crudum is valuable for managing itching at the anus in the evening. It is also recommended for treating diarrhea when stool is yellow, slimy, mixed with blood of foul odor accompanied by excessive weakness. It can be given for managing cases of intestinal bleeding as in case of typhoid fever when there is passage of blood in large quantity. If bleeding from anus occurs specifically after taking wine or whiskey, then Alumen can prove to be very beneficial. Besides,  it plays a role to manage cases of cancer of rectum when there are hard growths in the rectum with intense pain after stool.

Key Indicating Features

Constipation with very dry, hard stool like stones

Rectal ulcers with passage of bloody fluid from rectum having fetid smell

Painful and bleeding piles

Bleeding from anus specifically after taking wine or whiskey

2. Gastric Issues (Pain, Burning, Nausea, Vomiting)

Alumen can effectively deal with gastric issues. Firstly, it is useful for treating abdomen pain accompanied with heaviness and fullness in abdomen. The pain increases from walking, and gets relieved by applying pressure. This medicine also offers relief if there is burning sensation in stomach relieved by drinking cold water. It helps treat nausea and vomiting cases. Nausea mainly occurs in the morning before breakfast, along with weakness and  restlessness. There is vomiting that is of tough glairy mucus. Person may also vomit everything eaten.

Key indicating features

Abdomen pain which gets worse by walking and better by applying pressure

Stomach burning relieved by drinking cold water

Nausea in the morning before breakfast

Vomiting of tough glairy mucus or of everything eaten

3. Skin Issues (Ulcers, Dryness, Chilblains, Varicose Veins & Eczema)

It acts wonderfully on the skin. The most characteristic feature regarding its use is ulcers with a hard base. It can be used for skin hardening as well when it has resulted from long-term inflammation. For inflamed and hardened glands too it can be administered. Another use of it is for dry, rough skin with cracks from exposure to cold air. It can also be used for chilblains (red, swollen, itchy skin especially on toes and fingers due to cold weather and poor blood circulation), varicose veins (means enlarged, swollen, dilated and twisted veins) that bleed, and eczema of scrotum.

Key Indicating Features

Skin ulcers with a hard base

Hard skin from chronic inflammation

Hard, inflamed glands

Dry, rough, cracked skin due to cold air exposure

4. Throat Complaints (Sore Throat, Hard Tonsils)

It wonderfully helps manage sore throat. The symptoms for its use in case of a bad throat are redness, swelling and dryness in the throat. Swallowing is difficult. Scraping sensation in throat with cough is present. Sometimes there is a prickling sensation in the throat, accompanied by burning sensation and pain. It is also used when uvula is inflamed, enlarged, elongated, and relaxed. Another important reason for its use is if there are enlarged and hard tonsils due to frequent cold. Besides, a noteworthy feature guiding its use is spasm (involuntary muscle contraction) of esophagus with problem in swallowing liquids.

Key Indicating Features

Sore throat with redness, swelling and dryness, burning, scraping sensation in throat

Inflamed, enlarged, elongated, relaxed uvula

Enlarged and hard tonsils due to frequent cold

Spasm of esophagus with problem in swallowing liquids

5. Mouth (Dryness, Altered Taste)

It manages the complaint of dryness of the mouth, throat and tongue quite well, however, the person may not necessarily feel thirsty. It also helps in managing cases of bitter, sweet or sour taste in the mouth. It gives good results when there is a burning sensation on the tongue in the evening hours. Tongue is clean with a little slimy coating at the back part. It is also used in managing cases of cancer of tongue.

Key Indicating Features

Dryness of mouth, throat and tongue with no thirst

Burning sensation on the tongue in evenings

6. Lungs (Bronchitis, Cough)

This medicine is suitable for bronchitis (inflammation of bronchial tubes that carry air to and from the lungs) cases with ropy sputum. It is helpful to elderly persons who expectorate excessive ropy phlegm in morning. Cough in elderly during the morning hours can also be treated well with it. Its use is also done for dry cough cases when it occurs in the evenings after lying down. Cough may be a result of tickling in the larynx. Its use is also recommended in case of coughing in the morning soon after waking up which becomes better after breakfast.

Key Indicating Features

Expectoration of ropy mucus in elderly in morning

Dry cough in the evening after lying down

Cough from tickling in larynx

Cough in the morning soon after waking, but relieved after breakfast

7. Women-Related Problems (Ovarian Complaints, Vaginal Complaints, Gonorrhoea)

This medicine can be used in treating some of the women-related problems. It is given in cases of ovarian complaints on left side with excessive pain accompanied with constipation. There is scanty and watery menses. It is valuable for treating vaginal discharge (leucorrhoea) that is yellow coloured attended with weight loss. It can treat certain vaginal problems wonderfully. These includes ulcers in vagina, sensitive vagina, narrowing of vagina due to swelling. Next is vaginismus (involuntary contraction of vaginal muscles when anything is trying to enter it) complaint. It gives good results in gonorrhoea (sexually transmitted infection caused by bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae) cases with yellow discharge. It is well suited to treat sore, inflamed nipples. Lastly, it can be used for management of uterine cancer and breast cancer.

Key Indicating Features

Left ovary complaints with excessive pain and constipation

Vaginal discharge of yellow colour attended with weight loss

Vaginal ulcers, vaginal swelling causing its narrowing

Gonorrhoea with yellow discharge

Sore, inflamed nipples

Modalities

Worsening factors: complaints get worse during sleep and from cold except headache

Dosage

This medicine can be used in both low and high potencies. The highest potencies have proved to be the most effective. The dose and repetition of this medicine is decided by the physician as per every individual case presentation.

Relationship With Other Remedies

Antidoted by: Chamomilla, Ipecac, Nux Vomica and Sulphur

It can be compared with other homeopathic remedies including Alumina, Aloe Socotrina, Nitric Acid, Muriatic Acid, Nux Vomica, Opium, Ratanhia and Sulphur

The homeopathic remedy Cuprum Metallicum is derived from metal copper. Copper is inert in its crude form, but after undergoing potentization (a process of preparing homeopathic medicines by arousing the medicinal properties of a crude substance), it gets converted into a highly valuable homeopathic medicine Cuprum Metallicum. It is a magnificent medicine in homeopathy to treat muscle cramps, spasms, twitching and epilepsy.

Drug Action

This medicine has marked action on nerves, muscles and brain. Its action is noteworthy on the limbs to manage cramps and twitching. It has an affinity for managing certain complaints of face, head, gastric system and respiratory system.

Clinical Indications

Cramps, epilepsy, convulsions, spasms, chorea, bronchitis, asthma, cough, meningitis, colic, cholera, neuralgia (nerve pain)

Scope As A Homeopathic Remedy

1. Limbs (Cramps, Chorea, Twitching, Weakness)

Cuprum Metallicum acts wonderfully on the limbs. It is highly effective in managing cramps, twitching and weakness in the limbs. It is mainly useful to manage cramps in the palms, soles, toes, fingers and calf muscles (muscles in the back of the leg). The cramps are of severe intensity that can even make a person cry in pain. It is helpful for managing twitching and jerking of the hands, arms, legs and feet. It is one of the best medicines for chorea management.

Chorea is a movement disorder causing involuntary jerking muscle movements.

In chorea, its use is considered when jerks start in the fingers and the toes and then spread to the whole body. It affects one side of the body and is painful, but gets better on lying down. Lastly, it is beneficial to tackle weakness in the limbs, especially legs. The knees also feel weak with drawing pain on walking and standing.

Key Indicating Features

Cramps in the palms, soles, toes, fingers and calf muscles

Twitching and jerking of hands, arms, legs and feet

2. For Convulsions And Epilepsy

Cuprum Met is a very effective medicine in managing convulsions and epilepsy (tendency to have recurrent seizures or fits). Convulsions also known as seizures refer to uncontrollable shaking from rapid and repeated contraction and relaxation of muscles. The characteristic feature to use it is convulsions arising in the knees, toes or fingers and radiating to the entire body. The face becomes distorted with rolling of eyes. The person may become unconscious with foaming from the mouth. Urine or stool may pass involuntarily. After seizure attack, headache occurs. It is well-indicated for convulsions in children during dentition. When epilepsy occur during menses, at night, after fright or after a fall on the head, Cuprum Met proves very beneficial.

Key Indicating Features

Convulsions that begin in knees, toes or fingers and radiates to the entire body

Convulsions with distorted face, rolling of eyes, unconsciousness, foaming and falling

Epilepsy at night

Epilepsy during menses, after fright and a fall on the head

Convulsions during dentition

3. Face (Spasm)

It acts magnificently on the face to manage facial spasm (involuntary muscle contraction). It is prominently indicated for cases of spasm in which there is chewing motion of the lower jaw. It can also be given when face appears distorted from spasm. The face is red, sunken, pinched and may be icy cold. Its last indication is chorea with distortion of the mouth and eyes.

Key Indicating Features

Spasm of jaw with chewing motion of the lower jaw

Distorted face from spasms

Chorea with distortion of mouth and eyes

4. Head And Brain (Headache, Meningitis, Hydrocephalus)

Cuprum Met can effectively deal with certain issues related to head and brain. Firstly, it can offer help in relieving headache. It helps when burning, shooting type of pain occurs in the side of forehead and top of the head (vertex).  It also proves beneficial when pain is felt in the back of the head (occiput) and the neck on moving the head. It is also effective for managing sinus headache. Here it is used when there is pain in the forehead and pressure especially over left eye, nasal stuffiness, nasal discharge, and loss of smell. The pain gets worse from movement and better by lying down. It is of great value to manage headache that occurs after epilepsy. Another complaint for which its use is recommended is meningitis (inflammation of the protective membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord). In meningitis, it is recommended when the person violently shakes his head from side to side along with boring head in the pillow. Lastly, it can offer supportive help in hydrocephalus (abnormal fluid build-up in the ventricles of brain). It is prescribed in hydrocephalus when there are head convulsions, moving of head from side to side or drawing of head to one side or its falling forward.

Key Indicating Features

Burning, shooting pain in the side of forehead and top of the head

Pain in back of head (occiput) and neck on moving head

Sinus headache with pain in the forehead over left eye with pressure feeling, stuffy nose, nasal discharge and loss of smell

Meningitis with shaking of head from side to side or boring head in the pillow

Hydrocephalus with head convulsions, movement of head from side to side or drawing of head to one side or head falling forward

5. Gastric Issues (Pain, Vomiting, Cholera)

Cuprum Met manifests excellent action on the gastric system. The most important indications for its use are pain in the abdomen and cholera (infection of intestine caused by bacteria vibrio cholerae). It works well in cases of cutting, drawing pain in the abdomen. Abdomen is hot, tense and tender to touch. Pressure is felt in the stomach with nausea, belching and rumbling in abdomen. It gets better by wrapping a cloth tightly around the abdomen. In cholera cases, it is suitable when there is copious loose stool, frequent vomiting and is attended with cramps in the abdomen and calf muscles.  Cuprum Met is also prescribed to manage vomiting which also gets better from cold drinks. Vomiting occurs on waking in the morning and also on least movement.

Key Indicating Features

Cutting, drawing pain in abdomen

Pressure in the stomach with nausea, belching

Cholera with copious loose stool, frequent vomiting, cramps in the abdomen and calf muscles

Vomiting on waking in morning and from least movement

Vomiting which gets better from cold drinks

6. Respiratory System (Cough, Asthma)

Lastly it can handle respiratory problems including cough and asthma as well. To begin with it is of great service to manage dry suffocative cough at night. Cough has a gurgling sound as if water is being poured from a bottle. A very peculiar symptom is cough occurring in three attacks in quick succession. Another indicative feature is worsening of cough from laughing, inhaling cold air and eating solid food. It gets better by drinking cold water. Apart from cough, it is a well-indicated medicine for asthma cases. The asthma attacks come suddenly with breathing difficulty, cough with whistling breathing on taking deep breath and wheezing respiration.

Key Indicating Features

Dry suffocative cough at night time

Cough with a gurgling sound as if water is poured from a bottle

Cough occurring in three attacks in quick succession

Cough from laughing, inhaling cold air and eating solid food

Cough better by drinking cold water

Sudden asthma attacks with breathing difficulty, cough with whistling breathing on taking deep breath and wheezing respiration

Modalities

Worsening factors: Complaints get worse from loss of sleep, anger, fright, touch, pressure, cold air and before menses

Relieving factors: Complaints get better by drinking cold water, wrapping head and during sweating

Dosage

It works well in both low and high potencies. The potency is selected individually for every case. In low potency like 30 C, it can be repeated frequently. But when using in high potencies like 200 C, 1M, frequent repetition should be avoided.

Relationship with Other Remedies

Antidoted by: Belladonna, Camphor, Cicuta, Conium, Ipecac, Merc Sol, Pulsatilla and Veratrum Album

Followed well by: Arsenic Album, Apis Mellifica, Causticum, Cicuta, Hyoscyamus, Stramonium, Veratrum Album and Zincum Met