Causticum
(Causticum Hahnemanni · Hahnemann’s caustic potash)
The remedy of deep sympathy. In the materia medica, Causticum is associated with people who feel the suffering of others intensely, with rawness and burning, hoarseness, and a slowly creeping weakness in single muscles.
Source
A preparation devised by Hahnemann from freshly slaked lime and potassium bisulphate
Kingdom
Mineral
Abbreviation
Caust.
Home acute kit
Usually prescribed by a homeopath
The classic picture
(a remedy is chosen when the whole picture fits the person, not from a single symptom)
Intensely sympathetic, with a strong sense of justice; complaints after long-lasting grief
Raw, burning soreness in the throat and chest, with hoarseness or loss of voice
A cough where mucus can’t quite be brought up, eased by a sip of cold water; urine may leak when coughing
Gradual weakness of single parts such as the eyelid, voice or bladder, with stiff, contracted tendons
Tends to feel better
Damp, wet weather
Warmth, especially heat of bed
Sips of cold water (cough)
Tends to feel worse
Dry, cold winds
Clear, fine weather
Cold air and drafts
How it compares
(remedies that are often confused with Causticum)
-
Phosphorus
(Phosphorus)
Both deeply sympathetic; Phosphorus is open and reassured by company, and the two are classically said not to follow each other well.
Read more -
Rhus toxicodendron
(Rhus toxicodendron)
Both have stiff joints and restlessness at night; Rhus toxicodendron loosens up with continued motion, Causticum is better in damp weather.
Read more -
Gelsemium
(Gelsemium sempervirens)
Both have drooping eyelids and weakness; Gelsemium’s comes on with acute heaviness and drowsiness, Causticum’s gradually.
Read more
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From the classic texts
“Child does not want to go to bed alone. Least thing makes it cry. Sad, hopeless. Intensely sympathetic. Ailments from long-lasting grief, sudden emotions.”
“Intense sympathy for sufferings of others. Ailments: from long-lasting grief and sorrow (Phos. ac.); from loss of sleep, night watching (Coc., Ign.)”
Articles that mention Causticum
Addressing Menopause Symptoms: Homeopathy for Hormonal Shifts and Hoarseness
Looking for more than a quick remedy?
Acute remedies can be a starting point for short-term complaints. Ongoing or recurring issues call for a full case: a detailed conversation about your physical, mental and emotional symptoms, so the remedy fits you as a whole person.
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