Encyclopedia of Homeopathy

MAJOR ANIMAL REMEDIES• 115Tuberculinum Koch & T. bovumTUBERCULINUMKEY SYMPTOMS constant desire for change • irritable, malicious temperament• romantic nature • susceptibility to recurrent respiratory illness • desire for open airOne quarter of all deaths in Europe in the mid-19th century were due totuberculosis (TB). It was a major killer worldwide, particularly in areassubject to poverty, malnutrition, or disease, until the German bacteriologistRobert Koch identified the bacillus in 1882, and discovered that a preparationof tuberculinum (dead tuberculosis bacilli) could be used to treat and preventit. The British homeopath Dr. James Compton Burnett began a series of testson lung tissue from infected patients in 1885, and by 1890 was able to provethe homeopathic remedy, which is given mainly for respiratory tract complaints.REMEDY PROFILEIntensity and yearning are two traits thatcharacterize people most suited toTuberculinum. There is typically a longingfor constant stimulation and change that maymanifest itself, for example, in a desire tochange partners, to change jobs, to travel,or to frequently redecorate the home.These tendencies can have negativeconsequences. For example, a deep,romantic longing unfulfilled by a stringof partners may ultimately lead todisillusionment. This and a lack offulfillment may result in maliciousness,cruelty, and destructive anger, and may evenlead to alcohol or drug addiction. Many19th-century Romantic composers andartists were of this disposition: their worksdisplay the bittersweetness and underlyingdissatisfaction typical of this temperament.Although the remedy is not used for TBitself, many people suited to Tuberculinumhave a family history of TB infection.Common symptoms include a susceptibilityto colds and persistent tiredness. Symptomsimprove with fresh, dry air, such asmountain air. There is a desire for sweets,cold milk, and smoked meats, anda tendency to perspire heavily duringthe night.Coughs & acute bronchitisSYMPTOMS A dry, hard, possibly recurrentcough, with fever and night sweats. Sharppains may be felt in the upper left lung. Thelymph glands in the neck may be enlarged.If symptoms are associated with bronchitis,there is shortness of breath, wheezing, anda persistent cough with yellow phlegm.Eventually, illness may lead to emaciation.Symptoms better For fresh air; for cool winds;for dry surroundings.Symptoms worse For heat; for damp andhumidity; for stuffy surroundings; forphysical exertion.ColdsSYMPTOMS A recurrent, persistent chest cold,with solid, yellow catarrh, a slight fever, andaching muscles. The eyes have a tendency towater, and the throat is sore.Symptoms better For fresh air; in cool,dry surroundings.Symptoms worse For dry cold; for damp andhumidity; for stuffy surroundings.Arthritic painsSYMPTOMS Aching joint and limb pains thatmove from one part of the body to another.There may also be initial stiffness that loosenswith movement. The limbs are wearyand restless.Symptoms better For fresh air; for cool,dry surroundings.Symptoms worse For cold; for damp andhumidity; for physical exertion.Hay feverSYMPTOMS A runny nose with constantsneezing, nasal congestion, and waterycatarrh. The eyes tend to water.Symptoms better For fresh air; for cool,dry surroundings.Symptoms worse For cold; for damp andhumidity; for physical exertion.Mycobacteriumtuberculosis is bacillusthat causes tuberculosisTUBERCULOSIS Bacilli are usually inhaled into thelungs or ingested into the stomach, from wherethey infect the lymph system.SOURCE DETAILSORIGINPrepared from human sputum (Koch) orbovine lymph gland tissue (bovum) infectedwith Mycobacterium tuberculosis.BACKGROUNDOnce a major killer, TB became less commonthanks to vaccination, but is now risingagain, partly due to the prevalence of HIV.PREPARATIONBacilli from infected tissue or sputum aresterilized, dissolved in purified water, diluted,and succussed.COMMON NAMETuberculosis.Bacillus isrod-shapedNeurotic behaviorSYMPTOMS Irritable, malicious behavior, with astrong sense of discontent. This can cause acompulsive urge to change jobs, move house,or travel. A sense of lack of fulfillment is oftencombined with an incurably romantic nature.There is a tendency to suffer insomnia.Symptoms better For fresh air; for cool,dry surroundings.Symptoms worse For cold; for damp andhumidity; for physical exertion.See also Asthma, page 181; Tuberculosis, page 182; Osteoarthritis, page 196; Allergies, page 206