Encyclopedia of Homeopathy

MAJOR MINERAL REMEDIES• 95Platinum metallicumPLATINAKEY SYMPTOMS high expectations • hypersexuality • numbness • senseof constriction, as if bandaged • person feels better in the open airThe Chibcha Indians of Columbia were the first people recordedas using platinum, in 1735. Its name derives from the Latinplatina, meaning “little silver.” Today it is considered morevaluable than gold or silver, and plays a key role in moderntechnology. A costly, malleable metal, platinum isfashioned into coinage, jewelry, surgical instruments,and dental alloys. It is used industrially to refine oiland reduce pollution from exhaust fumes. Thehomeopathic remedy was proved by Drs. Staph andGross, two pupils of Hahnemann, and published in thelatter’s Chronic Diseases (1821–34).PLATINUM GRAINSREMEDY PROFILEChiefly a remedy for women, Platina is bestsuited to those who tend to be haughty andpassionate. High expectations set forthemselves and their partners are frequentlynot met, causing disappointment. Theyoften dwell on the past, and may feel thatothers have deserted them. A sense ofisolation may lead them to becomeindependent and introspective. Narcissistictendencies are accompanied by a feelingthat they deserve the very best ofeverything. If this is denied them, theymay become rather arrogant and depressed.Weeping may bring relief. Curiously, objectsoften appear to these people to be smallerthan they actually are.Platina suits those with alternatingemotional and physical symptoms. Any painincreases and decreases slowly. Secretionssuch as menstrual blood and tears tend tobe sticky. The libido is often high. Platina isused for sexual and menstrual problems inwomen, and nervous-system disorders inboth men and women.Menstrual problemsSYMPTOMS Heavy, brief, or absentmenstruation. Heavy menstrual flow maycontain blood clots. There may be painfuluterine cramps that are worse as menstruationbegins, with a sense of constriction andnumbness in the lower abdomen. Painmay also be felt around the ovaries.Symptoms better For walking in the open air;for sunshine; for stretching.Symptoms worse For touch; in the evening;for emotional stress; for nervous fatigue.Oversensitivity of thefemale genitaliaSYMPTOMS Hypersensitive vulva and vaginaduring and between menstrual periods thatmay cause rapid stimulation during sexualintercourse, or else extreme pain and evenfainting. The vaginal muscles may spasminvoluntarily (vaginismus). There may begenital itching, a high libido, and a tendencyto masturbate. The pain is intermittent, notnecessarily occurring every time sexualintercourse takes place, but tends to be worseas menstruation begins. It can make vaginalexamination and wearing a sanitary towel ortampon highly uncomfortable.Symptoms better For walking in the open air;for sunshine; for stretching..Symptoms worse For touch; in the evening;for emotional stress; for nervous fatigue.Numbness & crampsSYMPTOMS Cold, numb skin, cramps in thecalves, and a constricted feeling in the limbs,especially the thighs, as if the limbs aretightly bandaged.Symptoms better For walking in the open air;for sunshine; for stretching.Symptoms worse For touch; in the evening;for emotional stress; for nervous fatigue.PLATINUM DEPOSITS IN ROCK Platinum depositsare silvery-gray to white. Unlikemany metals, platinum does not corrode.SOURCE DETAILSORIGINUsually forms as grains in or by nickeldeposits. Found mainly in South America,but also in Canada and Russia.BACKGROUNDGiven as a remedy for treating syphilis in the19th century, but not otherwise widely useduntil the 20th century.PREPARATIONGrains of platinum are boiled in acid,washed, and dried. They are then trituratedwith lactose sugar.COMMON NAME Platinum.Head & facial painSYMPTOMS Pain and a sense of constrictionin the head that builds up and disappearsslowly. There may be neuralgic pains inthe face that alternate with numbness,or painless paralysis of the face due toBell’s palsy.Symptoms better For walking in the open air;for movement.Symptoms worse For touch; forbending backward.See also Depression, page 212