Encyclopedia of Homeopathy

MAJOR MINERAL REMEDIES• 89Kalium phosphoricumKALI. PHOS.KEY SYMPTOMS mental and physical exhaustion • yellowy-orange discharges• chilliness • person feels better for gentle movementPotassium helps to store energy in the body’s cells, maintain the rhythm ofthe heartbeat, and ensure the transmission of nerve impulses. A deficiencyof potassium in the body is rare, since it is found in most foods. Kali. phos.is one of the 12 Schüssler “tissue salts,” which were designed to counter anydeficiency in the body (see page 90). Proved by Dr. H. C. Allen of Chicago in1892, the remedy is prescribed mainly for nervous collapse and exhaustion. POTASSIUM PHOSPHATE According toREMEDY PROFILEExtreme mental and physical exhaustion,particularly after a period of overwork orstress, is typically treated with Kali. phos.For this reason it may be given to studentsexperiencing nervous collapse. Often downto-earthindividuals with a strong sense ofmorality, those who respond to Kali. phos.tend to be conservative and dogmatic intheir opinions. Distressing news events,such as famine or violence, can easily upsetthem. Extroverted behavior is typical ofthem, yet when fatigued they becomenervous, introverted, and oversensitive.Illness makes them uncommunicative,withdrawn, and averse to company, eventhat of family members.Typical physical symptoms include aninability to keep the feet still, drooping of the lefteyelid, yellowish bodily discharges, a tendencyto sweat excessively yet to be sensitive to thecold, and spinal pain. In addition to fatigue,Kali. phos. is given for gnawing hunger pains,headaches, and insomnia.Chronic fatigue syndromeSYMPTOMS Physical and mental exhaustionfollowing an acute illness or overwork.Extreme tenderness and weakness in themuscles may be accompanied by a slightfever. There is general lethargy, depression,frustration, anger, and irritability. Heightenedsensitivity causes susceptibility to the coldand flinching at the slightest noise or brightlight. The tongue is coated yellow.Symptoms better For heat; for gentlemovement; for sleep; for eating.Symptoms worse For cold; for the slightestexcitement; for physical exertion; for worry;for noise.Abnormal dischargesSYMPTOMS Purulent yellowy-orange dischargefrom the vagina, bladder, or lungs, or presentin the stools.Symptoms better For heat; for sleep; for rest.Symptoms worse For physical and mentalexertion; for drinking milk.Hunger painsSYMPTOMS Empty, nervous feeling inthe stomach, related to stress andpossibly with a headache (see below).Gnawing hunger pains cause wakingat about 5 a.m., but food brings onlytemporary relief. Frequent eating betweenmeals is typical. Sweet foods such aschocolates are often craved, and theremay be a strong aversion to bread.Symptoms better For heat; for gentlemovement; for eating.Symptoms worse For mental exertion; forworry; for cold drinks; for drinking milk.Excess perspirationSYMPTOMS Excessive sweating that occursonly during bouts of illness, notably withsevere fatigue (see left). Perspiration tendsto have a characteristic smell of onions. Itmay appear on the head and face, especiallyafter the slightest excitement or exertion, orafter meals.Symptoms better For sleep.Symptoms worse For physical and mentalexertion; for eating.HeadachesSYMPTOMS Head pain, generally only on oneside of the head, with a nervous, emptysensation in the stomach (see above).Symptoms better For fresh air; for eating.Symptoms worse For cold.Dr. Schüssler, a deficiency of potassiumphosphate led to despondency and anxiety.SOURCE DETAILSWhite orcolorlesscrystalsORIGINA solution of potassium carbonate (seeopposite) is combined with dilute phosphoricacid to form potassium phosphate as aprecipitate.BACKGROUNDUsed in conventional medicine as one of thevarious compounds administered in solutionto patients who are fed intravenously.PREPARATIONThe precipitated crystalline compound ofpotassium phosphate is dried, then trituratedwith lactose sugar until soluble in water.COMMON NAMESPotassium phosphate, phosphate of potash,potassium dihydrogen orthophosphate.InsomniaSYMPTOMS Sleeplessness accompanied by anempty, nervous sensation in the pit of thestomach and possible hunger pains (see left).Symptoms better For heat; for gentlemovement; for eating.Symptoms worse For cold, dry air; for mentalexertion; for worry.Back painSYMPTOMS Sore, bruising pain down the spine.The limbs feel heavy and cold.Symptoms better For heat; for gentlemovement; for sleep.Symptoms worse For mental exertion;for touch; for going up steps or stairs.See also Chronic fatigue symptom, page 205; Headaches, page 218; Insomnia, page 244