Encyclopedia of Homeopathy

MAJOR MINERAL REMEDIES• 87Kalium bichromicumKALI. BICH.KEY SYMPTOMS great attention to detail • regular habits • localized pain • tough,stringy, yellow-green catarrh • person feels worse between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m.Potassium dichromate, the compound used to make this remedy, is also usedindustrially for a variety of purposes, such as the manufacture of chrome pigments.The homeopathic remedy was proved by Dr. Drysdale and published in 1864. Likeother Kali. remedies, it has a strong affinity with the mucous membranes; it is oftenused for conditions that produce profuse catarrh, and for certain skin problems.Unlike other Kali. remedies, it may help stomach complaints.REMEDY PROFILEPeople who benefit most from Kali. bich. tendto have regular habits and like to go into greatdetail about even minor issues. They oftenhave quite a black-and-white view of theworld, and a strong sense of morality.The symptoms may include pain inlocalized areas, and joint pain alternatingwith diarrhea in summer. There is generallya desire for beer and possibly a sensation asif there is a hair on the tongue.Kali. bich. is considered to have a beneficialeffect on the mucous membranes, and isprescribed for respiratory-tract ailmentsmarked by excessive catarrh. It is also givenfor indigestion, headaches, and joint pain, andfor skin conditions with discharges, such asulcers and acne with burning pains.Catarrh & sinusitisSYMPTOMS Constant yellow-green catarrh that isstringy or slimy and proves difficult to expel. Atnight, catarrh may accumulate in the nose orrun down the back of the throat. The catarrhmay sometimes become dry and hard. Thesinuses are inflamed, and there is sharp pain atthe bridge of the nose. Glue ear may develop,marked by earache and a thick, yellow dischargefrom the affected ear. Catarrh that becomesblocked in the nose may cause a headache (seeright), possibly with vomiting.Symptoms better For warmth; for lying in awarm bed; for firm pressure on the bridge ofthe nose; for movement.Symptoms worse For cold; for stooping; in themorning; in the spring and fall.Sore throat, coughs & croupSYMPTOMS The throat and tonsils are swollen.A tickle in the throat develops into a dry, hoarsecough. Stringy mucus lines the larynx and ishard to expel. Chest pains may spread to theback and shoulders. There may be a dry mouth,painful mouth ulcers, and a yellow tongue,possibly with digestive problems (see below).Symptoms better For warmth; for balmy days;for lying in a warm bed; for movement; forexpelling mucus; at night.Symptoms worse For cold and damp; inthe morning; in the spring and fall;for breathing deeply.IndigestionSYMPTOMS Sharp, knifelike pains that radiateto the loins, and a sore spot in the stomachas if an ulcer has developed there. There maybe an impression that the digestive processeshave stopped, with a heavy feeling in theabdomen immediately after eating. Anaversion to meat is a common symptom, asis a craving for beer, but drinking beer oftencauses vomiting and diarrhea.Symptoms better For passing gas; for belching.Symptoms worse For cold; in the spring andfall; for rich, heavy foods; for beer.HeadachesSYMPTOMS Pain at the same time each day.Localized pain may extend slowly acrossthe whole head, possibly due to sinusitis(see left). The onset of a migraine is markedby dim and blurred vision. There may benausea, and stringy mucus may be presentin the throat.Symptoms better For warmth; for firm pressureon the bridge of the nose.Symptoms worse For cold; for bending over.Skin conditionsSYMPTOMS Facial acne that causes small, solid,red bumps producing a yellow discharge.SOURCE DETAILSCompound forms asbrightly colored crystalsPOTASSIUM DICHROMATE This powerful oxidizingagent is a highly caustic and corrosive poison.ORIGINDoes not occur in nature, so generally madechemically by combining neutral yellowpotassium chromate with hydrochloric acid.BACKGROUNDUsed for industrial purposes such as thedyeing of fabric and wood-staining. Alsoused in photography, and as a componentof electric batteries.PREPARATIONPotassium dichromate crystals are finelyground (triturated) with lactose sugar untilsoluble in water. They are then filtered,diluted, and succussed.COMMON NAMESPotassium dichromate, potassiumbichromate, bichromate of potash.There may be itchy, blisterlike rashes, withburning pains, skin ulcers with raised edges,and blisters on the soles of the feet. Round,depressed scars develop on the area after theeruptions or ulcers have healed.Symptoms better For cool weather.Symptoms worse For hot weather; for touch.Joint painSYMPTOMS Pain in the joints that appears anddisappears suddenly. Sharp pains may movearound the joint area.Symptoms better For warmth; for lying ina warm bed.Symptoms worse For cold; for sudden orextreme heat; in the summer.See also Rheumatoid arthritis, page 197; Sinusitis, page 226; Glue ear, page 250