Encyclopedia of Homeopathy

MAJOR MINERAL REMEDIES• 73Ammonium carbonicumAMMONIUM CARB.KEY SYMPTOMS mental sluggishness • fatigue • fainting and weakness • breathlessness• sense of compression in the chest • person feels worse for cold and dampFor many centuries, ammonium carbonate was used in the West to treat “bloodpoisoning” arising from scarlet fever infection. From the 19th century, however,its main medicinal use was in smelling salts (also called sal volatile or salts ofammonia), which were used to revive and stimulate those who had fainted.Hahnemann proved and published the remedy in his Materia Medica Pura(1821–34). It is considered particularly useful for states of collapse.REMEDY PROFILEThis remedy is best suited to people whopolarize between a fast, excitable, idealisticstate and one that is absent-minded, confused,and chaotic. Their initial idealism may leadthem to misjudge their own abilities, resultingin disappointment, resentment, or a feelingthat they will never succeed.These people typically search for values andbeliefs as a means of establishing a structureand overview for their lives. If these structuresbegin to drop away, perhaps due to stress orillness, for example, they typically try to“battle on,” exhausted and muddled. They aresensitive to other people and to any distressthey may be experiencing, but are alsoinclined to be challenging and disobedient.They have a tendency to be forgetful, gloomy,weepy, and bad-tempered, especially duringcloudy weather.Physical symptoms typically treated withAmmonium carb. include severe fatigue, skineruptions, chesty respiratory conditions suchas bronchitis, and problems generated by asluggish circulation. It may also be used forscarlet fever.FatigueSYMPTOMS Extreme fatigue, possibly with greatweakness, fainting, irritability, and depression.The temperament typically changes fromidealistic and positive to gloomy, chaotic,confused, absent-minded, and hysterical. Anoverwhelming sensation that “things cannotgo on like this” may be felt, with initial zestand sparkle giving way to a scattered,exhausted feeling. Ultimately, these symptomsmay lead to feelings of depression andnervous exhaustion.Symptoms better For warm, dry surroundings;for raising the feet.Symptoms worse In cloudy weather;for continuous movement.Respiratory illnessSYMPTOMS A sensation of oppression in thechest, with a recurrent, dry, tickling, rattlingcough. The cough may be persistent enoughto cause retching, especially at night, andsevere enough to cause palpitations. Theremedy is commonly used for bronchitis andother chest problems.Symptoms better For warm, dry surroundings;for pressure on the chest; for raising the feet.Symptoms worse In cloudy weather;for continuous movement.Poor circulationSYMPTOMS Breathlessness, wheezing,palpitations, and fatigue, particularlyfollowing exertion. Symptoms are oftenaccompanied by a flushed, puffy face, and aretypically due to inefficient circulation of bloodby the heart.Symptoms better For warm, dry surroundings;for raising the feet.Symptoms worse In cloudy weather;for continuous movement.Skin conditionsSYMPTOMS Skin eruptions such as boils,pimples, and red blotches that are often slowto clear. Ammonium carb. is used for rashes,urticaria (hives), and erysipelas with violentitching. The skin is generally prone to allergicreactions and sensitive, especially to water,and there is often a dislike of bathing orwashing. The skin eruptions are commonlyconsidered an indication of more seriousinternal problems, and are usuallyaccompanied by a flushed and puffy face dueAMMONIUM CARBONATE This whitechemical is now most commonly found inbaking powder.SOURCE DETAILSORIGINChemically prepared from the crystallinecompounds sodium carbonate (see page 91)and ammonium chloride (see page 123).BACKGROUNDTraditionally mixed with alcohol and lavenderto make smelling salts, a pungentconcoction for reviving someone whohas fainted.PREPARATIONThe crystalline solid is diluted in distilledwater. The resulting solution is repeatedlydiluted and succussed to potentize it.COMMON NAMESAmmonium carbonate, sal volatile.to a weak circulation (see left).Symptoms better For warm, dry surroundings;for pressure on the skin; for raising the feet.Symptoms worse In cloudy weather;for continuous movement.Scarlet feverSYMPTOMS A rash of tiny, red spots spreadingrapidly over the body from the neck and theupper trunk, accompanied by a sore throat,headache, and fever.Symptoms better For pressure on the affectedarea; for lying on abdomen or the right side.Symptoms worse For cold; for damp; between3 a.m. and 4 a.m.See also Depression, page 212