Strontium Carbonicum

Editor’s Note:  This brief introduction (Conceptual Framework) is to orient the reader to the remedy descriptions that will be offered each month from Absolute Homeopathic Materia Medica by Drs. Ajit Kulkarni and P. I. Tarkas. Below this, the description of Strontium Carbonicum will be found (around p. 5).

Conceptual Frame-Work: How to Read the Remedy

The outline has been delineated as follows:

Generals

• Monogram
• Region Worse Better
• Highlights
• Action
• Make-up
• Nerves
• Tissues
• Ailments from
• Mind
• Thermal state

Particulars

Head to Skin (Hahnemannian schema)

Relations

The remedies are presented through three divisions- ‘Generals’, ‘Particulars’ and ‘Remedy Relations’.

The remedy begins with ‘Monogram’. The monogram is a remedy’s signature. It is for adorning the esteem of a remedy. It unifies the essential threads and renders the fabric of the remedy. The monogram is something that represents or stands for something else by association, resemblance or convention and it also represents something hidden. The monogram is the center from which we can enter into the periphery.

The study of a remedy through monogram is a more specific way to describe the general manner in which the symptoms express themselves. This is the mode where the procedure itself takes place. The boxed type is like the dot on the forehead of our ladies. It bestows an impression, not just on impresser.

It conveys precisely and concisely what a drug fundamentally is! It is like a genetic code of an individual that contain its unique information and will display its characteristic pattern in the form of behaviour! It is like nucleus/essence/core/kernel/central idea which encompasses disturbances at mental, emotional and physical levels.

The study of monogram conforms to the concept of pathological general (Boger), but we have included pattern, pace and miasmatic activity too. Thus, it helps to see mental, emotional and pathological layers in integration and how mind and pathology run parallel in a case. In other words, psycho-clinico-patho-miasmatic co-relations can be constructed and perceived well with the concept of monogram.

Then the authors begin with Boger’s pattern of ‘Region Worse Better.” The Region section brings up the locations like – glands, bones, nerves, muscles, mucous membranes, sides, etc. which are the anatomical affinities of the remedy. Note that side is given at the end of Region. This facilitates quick reference.

The authors have tried to present anatomical localities in a hierarchical way. The Worse and Better section gives both general and particular modalities, the way in which the system reacts to the variable stimuli. After learning the Region, these are the codes on which the existence, the whole procedure is directed upon.

In order that this pattern should facilitate understanding of the remedy, the modalities are organized under sub-headings of Weather, Periodicity, Depressing factors, Depleting factors, Toxins, etc. This pattern could be called as an ‘expanded Boger’ and could be utilized as a direct prescriber in clinical practice.

A wide field of modalities is provided as the authors want to make the vision of our readers broader. To illustrate, we all know that Bryonia has < from least motion. But it is not only least motion < but many more modalities about motion <, that have been provided; we have highlighted motion > too under ‘Better’ section.

Highlights depict the ‘account’ of what a remedy has to offer in terms of essence. A terse selection has been offered here to emphasize the outstanding characters at many levels of keynotes, key themes, patterns, personality etc.

So far as Action is concerned, the authors have presented it in a chronological sequence. Taking the help of all the symptoms of a remedy as known to us through proving, clinical verification and toxicology, the action of a drug is explained as it will help perceive the direction of the disease progression. We hope that readers will learn more about the remedy after pondering over the introductory part.

The authors have snatched as many typological, physiognomic, psychological and other types – the constitutional peculiarities- as possible under ‘Make-up.’ Our drugs possess varied types than hitherto known! Dispositional characters are missing in our drugs in a major way. The readers will find them amply not only in polychrests but also in less used remedies. The authors have evolved dispositions after logical workout of the data and with their clinical experience.

Under ‘Nerves’ section the authors have cast Weakness, Universal commotion, Spasms, Convulsions, Pains, Numbness, Paralysis, Degeneration etc. The scattered data here and there in the proving and then evolved under time continuum, has been coherently compiled under sub-headings. This will facilitate easy reference to a remedy in clinical practice.

The same holds true to ‘Tissues’ Section. Pre-disposition, Tendencies, Diathesis etc. are mentioned while giving the pathogenetic action of the remedy. Sub-headings here are Blood, Bones, Muscles, Glands, Growths, Emaciation, Discharges, Dropsy, Nails, Cancer, etc. Under sub-headings, relevant information has been incorporated.

The division into General and Particulars, into Nerves and Tissues, allows the reader to look into specific information within a few seconds. To illustrate: if a reader wants to refer to pains of Agar. opening of ‘Nerves’ section will yield the relevant information in terms of type, modalities, characteristics, location and concomitants. Or, if a reader wants to know the action of Puls. on ‘Blood,’ open ‘Tissues’ section and he will get the relevant information. This information can be used for discrimination between several remedies.

The important data about ‘Mind’ has been given in the general section. The authors have focused on dispositional characters/temperamental characters which have been mentioned under ‘Make-up’ and ‘Mind’. Here progressive state of the mind is presented. The comparison between many remedies has been given too. The authors have avoided giving stories and expansive personality portraits of remedies in this MM.

After the ‘generals’ are over, the authors request the readers to take a ride into the area of ‘Particulars.’ Hahnemannian schema of ‘Head à Foot’ is the best method of fathom the action of the remedy on each particular organ. Here the authors have given the therapeutic information from practical standpoint under the heading ‘Particulars’. It covers characteristic symptoms, clinical tips and related remedies. The information has been provided under some headings and an orderly paragraphing has been done so that the reader receives the integrated information at one stroke. An attempt has been made to reduce the gap between MM and therapeutic book through this unique format.

Then follows the ‘Thermal state’ of the remedy that covers chill, heat, sweat, types of fevers and concomitants with characteristics. Here the authors have given many clinical conditions and tips.

The section on ‘Relations’ is quite interesting. It provides useful and new information logically deduced from ‘differential Materia medica’. Readers will enjoy going through the myriad of relations. Discrimination between remedies is an essential part of the study of the Materia medica and hence a lot of new relations have been formulated to perceive the functionality of our remedies and to use the remedies in different stages of the diseases and stages of life in individuals.

‘Relations’ section acts as a fast-track path towards utilizing the remedies successfully in clinical practice. Every case passes through evolution and is characterized by phases, transitions and stages and a physician has to respect them as and when they demand the simile force. If the reader goes through the remedies like Agaricus., Baptasia., Bryonia., Pulsatilla, Pyrogen, etc., he will understand the kind of work presumed to him. This section has a suggestive value too, based on experience and interpretation of the remedial function. Although statements under relationship are not solid facts, incontrovertible as of ‘proving,’ a serious student will find justification of every statement and will enjoy the functionality of the remedy.

Strontium Carbonicum
P.I. Tarkas & Ajit Kulkarni

Excerpted from:  Absolute Homeopathic Materia Medica by Dr. P. I. Tarkas and Dr Ajit Kulkarni

STRONTIUM CARBONICUM
Carbonate of Strontia

REGION

Vaso-motors: Circulation. Veins. Heart. Kidneys
Marrow
Ankles. Joints
Bones, esp. long
Right side

Worse

COLD; changes. Uncovering. Cold air. Fan air
Walking. Motion; beginning of. Rest
Lying with head low. Stooping
Sprains. Surgery, after
Depleting factor: Bleeding (Chin.)
Morning. Evening. Night
Darkness
Touch. Rubbing. Scratching
Climaxis

Better

Heat: Sun. Wrap. Bath
Sunlight. Bright light
Open air, esp. sunny (itching)

MONOGRAM 

CONGESTIVE. HEMORRHAGIC. RHEUMATIC. DEBILITATED.
DEGENERANT. PARALYTIC. DROPSICAL. COLLAPSY. VENOUS.
CANCEROUS. SYCO-SYPHILITIC. NEUROTIC. NEURASTHENIC.

Introduction

• One of the deep-acting remedies from the alkaline earth group, which comprises Beryllium, Magnesium, Calcium, Strontium, Barium and Radium.
• The strontium metal is dark yellow; varies in color from white to yellow and pale green. Strontium generates electricity, hence used in nuclear batteries, telephone, radio, etc. It converts heat into light. Highly electro-negative. PH reaction-alkaline in nature. Produces acidity by rebound phenomenon. Occurs in massive, fibrous, stellated, rarely orthorhombic crystals.
• Strontium replaces calcium from bone and acts as a source of internal radiation that damages bone marrow, blood forming organs and induces cancer with bleeding tendency. Hence indicated in leukemia.

Highlights

• A neglected remedy against sycotic, syco-syphilitic and syphilo-sycotic troubles, both acute and chronic (like Ars.).
• Congestions: Head, heart, lungs, etc.; with tenseness. Venous tensions (in arms; varicose etc.). Tension in outer and inner parts. Congestive states > warmth of covering and sun; like which like Stront-c. allied to Bar-c. and Calc.
• Hemorrhages: Chronic sequelae of hemorrhages. Oozing of dark blood from mucous membranes after injuries. Surgical shock. After surgery with much cutting: Great prostration, oozing of (dark) blood, coldness, breathe almost cold (It is the surgeon’s Carb-v., says Kent). After abdominal surgery esp. if lost much blood, body is warm but extremities icy cold, will not tolerate uncovering, hiccough, nausea, anorexia and prostration.
• Great sensitiveness to cold; chilly; the perpetually wrapped; the sun seeker (Psor.).
• Alternations: Pains and itching.
• Bones: esp. long, esp. femur (Asaf.). Enlargement. Exostoses (Calc-f.). Osteoporosis. Caries. Tumors. Bone T.B. (with atrophy). Bone affections of scrofulous children, with diarrhea (Calc.). Necrosis. Fall-out sickness (strontium is emanated in nuclear explosions).
• Cancer: Leukemia. Osteosarcoma. Multiple myeloma.

Injuries:

• Head injuries. Sprains. Old injuries. Ankles sprain. Chronic sprains. Traumatic shock; paralysis. Falls. Misstep. Tedious labour.

Nerves

• Pains: Fleeting pains; many pains (and symptoms) are like fleeting phantoms so that one can scarcely designate their location. Yet they appear to be situated mostly in the cylindrical bones and marrow. Pains make the patient faint and sick all over. Pains tensive. Come and go slowly. Pains (esp. in tendons, ligaments and bones) more prominent than in Bar-c. or Gnawing as if in the marrow of bones. Burning.
• Violent involuntary starts (shocks of the body).
• Paralysis: Sense of paralytic weakness (right). Left sided paralysis; paralyzed side twitches or convulses. Threatened apoplexy (Aster.). Post–apoplectic paralysis. Immobility of limbs (on one, right side of body).
• Weakness: Great weakness in morning; weak, tremulous sensation.
• Neuritis, great sensitiveness to cold.

Mind:

• A/F scorn, vexation, anticipation.
• Anxiety and fear. Fear of dark. Desire for light. Fear of being criticized, of being observed. Starting. Restlessness at night. Apprehensive and anxious as from a bad conscience. Strong social responsibility (a single remedy rubric).
• Passivity. Fear of new undertaking. Disinclined to talk. Great forgetfulness. Depression of spirits. Confusion from spirituous liquors. Wearisome. Absorbed. Inclination to sit.
• Irritable, suddenly becomes angry, beats anything that comes in his way. Ill- humoured. Impetuous. Malicious (cp. Lach.).
• Delusions about criminals (Ferr.), of objects covered with blood.

PARTICULARS

Head:

• Vertigo with headache and nausea < motion, rising up.
• Distensive pressure, from within outward, in temples, as from drinking wine. Threatened apoplexy, violent congestion, pulsation, < during climaxis, cannot bear the least draft of air. Status apoplecticus, walking causes dyspnea with heat and redness of face. Pain from nape to occiput < night, > heat, wrapping, in sun.
• A promising remedy for brain hemorrhage; traumatic or apoplectic; with collapse symptoms.

Eyes:

• Red and blue margins or circles before eyes, after rubbing, with pressure, as by sand. Burning in eyes; < when moving them; followed by sticking; with lachrymation. Dancing and chromatic alternations of objects. Green spots before eyes in dark. Luminous vibrations before eyes; flickering.
• Photopsia, remaining after operation, esp. when objects appear blood-covered.
• Twitching of left upper lid. Itching in inner canthi.
• Supra-orbital neuralgia.
• Retinopathy; diabetic, hypertensive. Retinal hemorrhage. Blindness from retinal apoplexy.

Ears:

• Roaring and tearing pains in right ear, in paroxysms. Humming.
• Sticking in front of left ear, extending into it.

Nose:

• Bloody crusts in nose.
• Itching, redness and burning.

Face:

• Red, hot, burns, itches, < scratching after. Violent boring pain in right cheek bone. Tearing pain in right lower jaw. Stitch in left side of chin, extending into articulation of jaw.
• Neuralgic, tearing pain in face. Flushed with many complaints e.g. HBP, dyspnea.
• Cracked lips. Barber’s itch.

Mouth:

• Violent clawing in teeth. Front teeth feel on edge. A screwing-together sensation in teeth. Jerking, tearing pain in teeth and in roots. Swelling, burning, and stitches in gums (Kali-c.).
• Taste: Bitter, in morning; dry, earthy.
• Tongue: Tip painful; coated with mucus, feeling dry. Heat emanating from mouth and nose, with thirst.
• Numbness and a feeling of dryness early on waking in morning.

Throat:

• Stenosis of oesophagus. Fauces inflamed and painful (stinging) during deglutition. Rawness and dryness provoke hawking and hacking cough.
• Pain in left side of throat on swallowing. Itching in pharynx, on swallowing.

Stomach:

• Pressure in stomach during digestion > while eating; < on walking; also after a meal; from epigastrium to back. Heartburn. Empty eructations.
• Appetite for brown bread only. Craves beer; milk. Averse to meat, to vegetables. Anorexia. Nausea: With burning heat in face; with weakness and ill-humor. Burrowing in stomach and upper abdomen. Constriction in stomach, with uprisings of clear water.
• Twinging feeling in stomach. Cutting in epigastric region. Stitches in stomach, now in right, then in left side. Cardialgia.
• Hiccough: Violent; long continued; causes pain in chest.

Abdomen:

• Colic with uncomfortable fullness and distension of abdomen (); diarrhea and chilliness; with cardiac distress. Contraction (Lach.).
• Cramps about navel. Sticking in abdominal ring.

Rectum:

• Stool: Hard, knotty, retarded, compact, in large lumps, difficult stool.
• Contractive sensation in rectum, burning in anus, lasts a long time after stool ().
• Exhausting diarrhoea of yellow water or mealy; worse at night; constant urging; better towards morning 3 am to 4 am; periodical; with rheumatism. Tenesmus after stool; < coffee.

  Urine:

• Pale, ammoniacal urine (Benz-ac.); iodine-smell; yellow and copious; diminished.
• Enuresis nocturnal.

 Male:

• Transient pressive pain in the right spermatic cord while urinating.

Female:

• Menses: Too early, and of too short duration; retarded, discharge being serous at first, later clots of blood. Constant slight showing of menses.
• Leucorrhoea: While walking (Carb-an.).
• Profuse sweating at night, menopausal. Climacteric flushes (Lach.).

Respiratory:

• Dyspnea with red hot face. Smothering feeling. Fine, piping voice.
• Post-operative pneumonia.

Chest:

• Constriction; pressive pain, esp. on motion.
• Spasmodic drawing and clawing; stitches on coughing and inspiring. Stitches below ensiform cartilage. Drawing pain in right pectoral muscles.

Heart:

• Burning in left side of sternum. Pressure at or beneath sternum, dull and intermittent pressure in precordial region. Palpitation from emotional excitement. Pain in left breast with oppression < after meals.
• (Pseudo) angina pectoris. Smothered feeling about heart, allowing no rest.
• Coronary sclerosis. Results of coronary infarction. Heart block.
• Arteriosclerosis; HBP, after injuries, with flushed face, pulsating arteries.

Neck and back:

• Tearing tension in nape of neck, as if tendons were drawn up. Drawing, sticking pain in small of back. Sensation as if bruised in back and sacrum, < from stooping and when touched. Slight drawing pain along spine in afternoon, changing into dull tearing in joints of legs, < by walking.

Extremities:

• Hot hands and icy cold feet.
• Ankles: Oedema, with sciatica; sprain.
• Cramps in calves and soles. Pain between scapulae, < motion.
• Veins of arms distended. Varicosis. Phlebitis.

 Skin:

• Tension of skin in different parts, evening in bed.
• Itching pimples on skin. Itching < from scratching. Sycotic eruptions on face or other parts of body, moist, itches and burns. Skin adherent to scar in forearm, becomes looser.

Sleep:

• Restless sleep, frequent waking. When going to sleep: twitching and starting; jerk through body awakens her.
• Dreams: Of fire; grieving; filled with joy.

 Fever:

• Chill: Chill in forenoon, descending from sacrum to posterior part of thighs. Chilliness from head over shoulder blades. Flushes of heat; in face; with aversion to uncover.
• Heat: Dry heat at night, with thirst.
• Sweat: Nightly; of neck and body; after malaria, upset by cold weather, wraps a fur cup constantly; severe occipital pain, vertigo, sensitive to cold, scalp perspires freely in summer, sleepless esp. later part of night. After malaria nightly attacks of drenching sweat, upset from cold weather, wears a fur cap constantly.
• Flu, after a cold exposure (causing a lumbago) followed by basking (in winter), with a congestive catarrh, restlessness, fear of death, drowsiness, pulsation felt in the vertex, hair sensitive to touch, throat > cold drinks, likes covering, desires sun; patient had syphilis; nausea, thirstlessness, Gels. unavailing.
• Pulse: full and hard, with violent pulsation in arteries.

Relations:

• Similar: Am-c., Bar-c., Bar-m., Calc-f., Con., Ferr-s., Kali-c., Mez., Naja, Rat. Similar to for necrosis and fall-out sickness. Morg. with its confreres Bar-c. and Calc.
• Compatible: , Calc., Caust., Kali-c., Merc., Nux-v., Puls., Rhus-t., Sep., Sulph.
• “Bar-c. is the closer congener of Stront-c.” – J.H. Clarke (scrofulous, apoplexy, chilly, sensitivity to criticism, A/F scorn, timidity).
• The overextended, degenerative and stronger version of Calc. Irritable and malicious Calc.
• Its action lies between Calc. and Bar-c. Calc. has action on bones, Bar-c. has on vascular system, while Stront-c. has action on both bones and vessels. Stront-c. has more pains than Calc. and Bar-c. ‘Strontium is the nasty alter ego of Calcarea’ (Scholten) as the strontium metal has the ability to drive out and replace the calcium in the bones.
• Shock like Carb-v. but fanning distinguishes.
• A mild and chilly A version of Naja. Less intensified Crot-h.
• Compare: Ferr. (congestion to head and chest, hemorrhage, anemia, delusion about criminals; Stront-c. is a timid and sober Ferr.); Hecla (cancerous affections, exostoses, inflammation and caries of bones, affinity for right side, femur and jaws [upper in Hecla, lower in Stront-c.], inflammation of veins, rest <, pain in teeth, facial neuralgia); Kali-p. (forgetfulness, passivity, paralysis); Sil. (timidity, sensitive to criticism, chilly, caries of bones, head symptoms > from wrapping up); Mag-m. (constipation, head symptoms > from wrapping up); Arn., Rhus-t. and Ruta (sprains of joints); Strontiums, (arteriosclerosis).
• Congestive group: Aml-ns., Bell., Glon., Verat-v. (Boger)
• Antidoted by Camph.