Encyclopedia of Homeopathy

86 •MAJOR MINERAL REMEDIESIodumIODUMKEY SYMPTOMS loss of weight with increased appetite • heat intolerance • lackof thirst • enlarged glands that then waste away • anxiety and restlessnessIodine is essential for the proper functioning of the thyroid gland.A deficiency of iodine produces symptoms such as weak muscles,weight loss, mental sluggishness, and fatigue. The condition is rare inthe West because potassium iodide, a salt of iodine, is added to tablesalt. The homeopathic remedy, proved in 1837 by Hahnemann (inassociation with Drs. Trinks, Gross, Gerdorff, and Hartlaub) is usedmainly to treat the many symptoms associated with an overactivethyroid gland and the accelerated metabolism it produces.REMEDY PROFILEThose for whom Iodum is most suitable aretalkative, with a marked mental restlessnessand irritability due to anxiety, and suddenurges to engage in exhausting activities. Theirbehavior is obsessive, with a compulsion tokeep frantically busy, yet in a disorganized,forgetful way. Despite causing physical andmental fatigue, this frenzy is preferable toinactivity, when frightening thoughtsheighten anxiety.Iodum is given for symptoms caused by anoveractive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism)and the accelerated metabolism it causes.Psychological symptoms may include eatingdisorders and anxiety that may manifest asviolent rages if meals are not ready as soon ashunger is felt.Physical symptoms include protruding eyesand eye pain linked with hyperthyroidism;nausea with a clean tongue and excesssalivation, great thirst, respiratory problems,enlarged glands, and excessive sweating.These people tend to feel the heat andconstantly try to keep cool, preferring coolclothing and finding warm surroundingsuncomfortable.Overactive metabolismSYMPTOMS Staring eyes (exophthalmos) anda distressed expression on the face, whichmay be swollen. The skin and hair areusually dry. There may be vertigo, with hotflashes, fainting, and throbbing head painwith a rush of blood to the head. Othersymptoms include an increased appetite yeta noticeable weight loss (see right) andoverheating (see below, right). Symptomsmay be linked to hyperthyroidism.Symptoms better For fresh air; for movement;for eating.Symptoms worse For warm surroundings.Eating disordersSYMPTOMS Rapid, noticeable weight loss andemaciation despite an insatiable appetite.Excessive thirst is typical. The liver maybecome enlarged, with possible signs ofjaundice, and the pancreas may be painful.Chronic diarrhea linked to nervousness orto particular foods may be present, as mayconstipation with pale stools.Symptoms better For fresh air; for movement;for eating.Symptoms worse For warm surroundings;for anxiety.CoughSYMPTOMS Dry, spasmodic, choking cough,possibly with gagging, retching, orvomiting. There may be copious mucusand a rattling sound in the chest, but noexpectoration if symptoms are due toasthma or pneumonia. Children with thiscough may become stiff, pale, or blue.Symptoms better For fresh air.Symptoms worse For warm surroundings;for overeating; for cold nights after hot days.Respiratory illnessSYMPTOMS Profuse, watery, excoriatingcatarrh in the nose, possibly with hay fever,or a dry, obstructed nose with enlargementof the adenoids. Asthma with hay fever mayalso be helped by Iodum.SOURCE DETAILSORIGINOnce extracted from slowly burned seaweed,but now generally prepared chemically byindustrial processes.BACKGROUNDChinese herbalists used burned seaweed totreat thyroid problems 2,000 years ago. It isalso a well-known antiseptic.PREPARATIONThe remedy is made by dissolving iodatesalts in alcohol, then repeatedly diluting andsuccussing the mixture.COMMON NAMEIodine.Granules areheavy and slightlysoluble in waterIODINE This bluish-black element is commonlyused in medicine, in photography, and in dyes.Symptoms better For fresh air; for movement;for eating.Symptoms worse For warm surroundings.Heat intoleranceSYMPTOMS Physical distress and feverishness inwarm surroundings. The slightest physicalactivity may cause marked sweating.Symptoms better For fresh air; for coolsurroundings; for cool clothing.Symptoms worse For warm surroundings.See also Rheumatoid arthritis, page 197; Prostate problems, page 202; Blockage of the eustachian tube, page 222