Encyclopedia of Homeopathy

MAJOR MINERAL REMEDIES• 77Calcium carbonicum HahnemanniCALC. CARB.KEY SYMPTOMS fears and anxieties • delayed development • sour-smelling discharges• sensitivity to the cold • aversion to dairy products • cravings for sweets and eggsOyster shells are the natural source of calcium carbonate used in this remedy, but thecompound also occurs naturally in marble, chalk, pearls, limestone, and coral. It isone of several calcium salts used in homeopathy. The human body needs calcium tofunction efficiently, since various essential compounds are produced when it combineswith protein in the body. Hahnemann proved the remedy, and published it in hisChronic Diseases (1821–34).REMEDY PROFILECalc. carb. is best suited to shy, placid,sensitive, contemplative people who mayalso have an agitated, excitable side,notably in the face of cruelty. Cautiousand fearful worriers, they are calmed byreassurance. They are forgetful, lacking inenergy, and inherently clumsy, oftenspraining ankles and wrists. Work andsecurity are important.As children, these individuals developslowly, teething and walking later than theaverage age. Both adults and children maysweat heavily, mostly on the scalp, and havea sluggish circulation. There may be anaversion to meat, dairy foods, and coffee,and cravings for sweets, eggs, or indigestiblethings such as chalk or soap. They areprone to constipation and sour-smellingsweat, and may be sensitive to the cold.They are inclined to be overweight.Calc. carb. is prescribed for anxiety-relatedconditions, and for bone, joint, and dentalproblems, digestive disorders, headaches, andcertain ailments affecting women’s health.Anxiety & phobiasSYMPTOMS Worry and fears that may escalateinto obsessive behavior, mainly focusingaround fears that other people will “seethrough them” and consider them unableto cope or fakes. Anxiety may be due toirrational fears, typically of darkness, poverty,illness, death, or failure. Worry and anxietydreams may result in sleep being disruptedor prevented, leading to insomnia.Symptoms better For dry weather; in the latemorning; after breakfast.Symptoms worse For cold weather; towardevening; for mental exertion; after eating.Bone & joint painSYMPTOMS Backaches, bone growths, bunions,or joint pain, perhaps caused by an arthriticcondition, an inflammatory joint problemsuch as tennis elbow, or a slow-mendingsprain. Broken bones tend to be slow to heal.Symptoms better For lying on the affectedside; in the late morning; for dry weather.Symptoms worse For cold; for damp; for sweating;for physical exertion; before menstruating.Dental problemsSYMPTOMS Painful teething in children, withsore gums, fever, and a sweaty scalp. Thechild is irritable and makes a chewing motionwith the jaws. Calc. carb. is also used for slowtooth development, weak, crumbly teeth, anddental decay in children and adults.Symptoms better For warm weather; forrubbing or lying on the affected area.Symptoms worse For heat or cold in the mouth;for a direct current of air on the tooth.Digestive disordersSYMPTOMS Indigestion with flatulence,bloating, and sour belching, or constipationwith sour-smelling, hard, pale stools.Symptoms may improve when accompaniedby constipation. They are often triggered byanxiety and agitation (see left).Symptoms better In the late morning;after breakfast.Symptoms worse For cold; for damp; onwaking; for sweating; for physical exertion;before menstruating; for milk.HeadachesSYMPTOMS Sharp head pain, often right-sided,and possibly with dizziness, congestion, orcatarrh. Migraines with nausea and burstingpain may develop.Mother-ofpearlformsas liningof shellOYSTER SHELL The homeopathic remedy calciumcarbonate is made from oyster shells. Thecalcified remains of many crustaceans alsocontain calcium carbonate.SOURCE DETAILSORIGINSecreted by oysters between the inner andouter layers of their shells. In this form it iscommonly called mother-of-pearl.BACKGROUNDPreviously given as an antacid, and nowused in dentistry, in making furnitureand jewelry, and in the building andchemical industries.PREPARATIONThe shells are cleaned and dried, and themother-of-pearl is removed from the outershell. It is then triturated with lactose sugar.COMMON NAMESCalcium carbonate, oyster shell, mother-ofpearl,carbonate of lime.Symptoms better In the late morning;for dry weather.Symptoms worse For cold; for damp; beforemenstruating; in spring.Women’s healthSYMPTOMS Burning vaginal itching, with athick, yellow or white discharge, due tothrush. There may be heavy menstrual flow orpremenstrual syndrome (PMS), possibly withlow energy levels, enlarged, painful breasts,and dizziness. Menopausal symptoms mayinclude breast pain and heavy bleeding.Symptoms better For warmth; for rest;for dry weather.Symptoms worse For cold; for exertion; foremotional stress.See also Respiration, page 180; Palpitations, page 186; Skin, pages 192, 194; Reproduction, page 198; Immune system, page 204