Common name: Potassium hydrate
Samuel Hahnemann was an experienced chemist who was well versed in the science of his day. He determined to isolate the “caustic principle” as he understood it and developed a complicated process of heating and distilling calcium hydroxide and potassium bisulphate that produced what he called, “Causticum,” a substance unique to homeopathy. Its exact chemical composition is unknown, but it can be reproduced by following Hahnemann’s original procedure based on his instructions. Hahnemann’s Causticum could be a weak solution of potassium hydroxide, which is the form of lye used to make liquid soap, or it could be a type of ammonia silicate. Read more about it here.
Due to its caustic properties, as a homeopathic remedy, Causticum is useful for serious burns with blistering, including sunburns or chemical burns. But there are many other symptoms that can be relieved by the action of this polycrest remedy. It has an affinity for the nerves and muscles, especially for the bladder and larynx. There is a tendency towards gradual paralysis on all levels – physical, emotional, and mental. People who would benefit from Causticum are often sympathetic, intense, and idealistic. They may become active in social causes due to an angry intolerance of injustice and may become involved in violent political movements.
Keynotes:
- Idealistic, fighting for a cause, religious fanaticism, social activism, rebellious to authority
- Cannot stand injustice, great anger, intolerant and overbearing, incensed
- Sensitive to the suffering of others, weeping from sympathy
- Ambitious, self-confident, strong opinions
- Ailments from grief, depression, disillusioned, pessimistic, anxious
- History of violence or sexual abuse in the family
- Stammering, constant clearing of the throat or swallowing, hoarseness, cough, voice lost
- Burns with blistering, 2nd and 3rd degree burns, chemical burns
- Chilly, worse cold, worse drafts but better in cloudy, wet, rainy weather
- Paralysis, rigidity, numbness on left side of the body, dragging foot when walking
- Twitching, jerking, tremors, chorea, convulsions, seizures, petit mal
- Stress incontinence, bed wetting, involuntary urination
- Paralysis of the bladder, retention of urine after childbirth
- Cystitis with frequent urging and burning pains that are worse during urination
- Burning pains, heartburn, indigestion with burping
- Warts around nails, on the tip of the nose, on the eyelids, on the face
- Craves bacon and smoked meats, salt
- Does not like sweets, worse from coffee
- Worse at 4 pm
Information contained on this site is for educational purposes only and should not be used to prescribe, diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or illness. Any information provided is not intended to replace medical advice offered by a physician. If you desire or need such advice, you should consult a professional healthcare provider.