Encyclopedia of Homeopathy

76 •MAJOR MINERAL REMEDIESBarium carbonicum syn. Baryta carbonicaBARYTA CARB.KEY SYMPTOMS physical, mental, and emotional immaturity • lack of confidence• swollen tonsils • offensive-smelling perspiration on the feetBARIUM CARBONATE A powerful poison, thiscompound causes nausea and vomiting ifconsumed. It is used to make rat poison.Alchemists in the 17th century gave barium the name lapis solaris, due to itsluminous qualities when heated. Its compounds are used in radiology, although asa pure element barium is very poisonous. Commercially barium carbonate is usedas a pottery glaze, and to make porcelain, glassware, and optical glass. Barytacarb., proved by Hahnemann and published in his Chronic Diseases (1821–34),is prescribed mainly for problems in childhood and old age.REMEDY PROFILEPhysical, emotional, or mental development isusually slow in those who respond best toBaryta carb. They tend to be shy andintroverted, often because they are insecureand feel that they are worthless. They mayrequire excessive reassurance, and are proneto fears and anxieties. Emotional immaturitycan cause them to feel inadequate inrelationships and social situations.Typical physical traits linked with Barytacarb. include nail-biting when anxious and atendency to have sweaty, smelly feet. Theremedy is used for slow development inchildren and for those with Down syndrome,and is also given for senile dementia in theelderly. In addition, Baryta carb. is used totreat recurrent colds and coughs, sore throats,swollen tonsils, anxiety and phobias,and impotence.Growth disorders in childrenSYMPTOMS Delayed physical development inchildren, such as late development of speechand walking, possibly caused by Downsyndrome. The genitals and other parts of thebody may not develop properly, typicallyresulting in a large head and short stature.Symptoms better None known.Symptoms worse For emotional stress.Problems of the elderlySYMPTOMS Senile dementia with childish,confused, and embarrassing behavior. Theshort-term memory may be impaired, andparanoia or depression may develop. Theremay be hair loss. A frequent desire to urinatemay progress eventually to incontinence.These symptoms may be associated witha stroke.Symptoms better For not thinkingabout symptoms.Symptoms worse For emotional stress;for company.Swollen tonsilsSYMPTOMS A raw throat with inflamedtonsils and a burning pain on swallowing.There may be retching that is aggravated byswallowing solid foods. The neck glands mayswell and harden, and there may be excessproduction of saliva. Symptoms may beindicative of mumps, especially in children.Symptoms better For warmth; for fresh air;for movement.Symptoms worse For extreme heat; for cold; forhaving damp feet; for thinking about symptoms.Anxiety & phobiasSYMPTOMS Intense, often irrational, fears andanxieties, possibly triggered by negativerecollections of school days, or by memoriesof physical or sexual abuse. There is often atendency to bite the nails.Symptoms better For walking alone in the openair; for not thinking about symptoms.Symptoms worse For emotional stress;for company.Respiratory illnessSYMPTOMS Recurrent colds, coughs, andbronchitis. The nostrils may feel dry and raw.Symptoms better For warmth; for fresh air;for movement.Symptoms worse For extreme heat; for cold; forhaving damp feet; for thinking about symptoms.ImpotenceSYMPTOMS Bouts of erectile dysfunction or lowlibido in men, possibly so pronounced that theyactually fall asleep during sexual intercourse.White crystalsare odorless and toxicSOURCE DETAILSORIGINBarium chloride is precipitated witha weak solution of ammonia to formwhite, odorless crystals ofbarium carbonate.BACKGROUNDPrescribed medicinally in Europe in thelate 19th and early 20th centuries asa treatment for tuberculosis andglandular swelling.PREPARATIONOnce the crystals of barium carbonate havebeen chemically prepared, they are mixedwith lactose sugar and triturated.COMMON NAMEBarium carbonate.Symptoms better For not thinkingabout symptoms.Symptoms worse For cold, for having dampfeet; for emotional stress.See also Stroke, page 187; Prostate problems, page 202; Confusion, page 266; Senile dementia, page 266