Kali carbonicum
(Kalium carbonicum · Potassium carbonate)
The remedy of sharp stitches and small-hours waking. In the materia medica, Kali carbonicum is associated with weakness, backache and sweat, sharp stitching pains, chilliness, and complaints that peak around 2 to 4 a.m.
Source
Potassium carbonate, a salt traditionally obtained from wood ash
Kingdom
Mineral
Abbreviation
Kali-c.
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)
Sharp, stitching pains that can appear anywhere, often in the chest or back
Weak, giving-out back and legs with sweating and exhaustion, notably after childbirth
Dry, hard cough or tight breathing in the small hours, eased by sitting up and leaning forward
Irritable and very sensitive to touch and noise, yet does not want to be left alone
Tends to feel better
Warm weather, even if damp
Sitting up and leaning forward
Moving about during the day
Tends to feel worse
Around 3 a.m.
Cold weather
Lying on the left or painful side
How it compares
(remedies that are often confused with Kali carbonicum)
-
Bryonia
(Bryonia alba)
Both have stitching pains; Bryonia's are better lying on the painful side and keeping still, Kali carbonicum's worse from it.
Read more -
Arsenicum album
(Arsenicum album)
Also dislikes being alone and worsens in the small hours, but with burning pains, anxious restlessness and fastidiousness.
Read more -
Carbo vegetabilis
(Carbo vegetabilis)
Its classic complement; Carbo vegetabilis for deeper collapse and low vitality, often considered first.
Read more
Free printable guide
12 remedies to keep at home
When to think of each one, how to tell them apart, when to call a doctor instead and a printable home remedy guide.
Get the free guide
From the classic texts
“…very characteristic stitches, which may be felt in any part of the body, or in connection with any affection. All Kali pains are sharp and cutting; nearly all better by motion.”
“Cannot bear to be touched; starts when touched ever so lightly, especially on the feet. Great aversion to being alone (Ars., Bis., Lyc. - desires to be alone, Ign., Nux).”
Articles that mention Kali carbonicum
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.
Book free intro callThis page is for education only and is not medical advice. Homeopathy is complementary care, not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment by a licensed medical provider. Seek medical care for severe, worsening or emergency symptoms. Please view our Disclaimer.