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Tissue Salts by Schussler
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Sodium Phosphate. Natri Phosphas. Phosphas Natricus. Soda? Phosphas. Sodii Phosphas.
Phosphate of Soda.
Formula, Na2HP04, 12HaO. Sp. gravity, 1.55. It is prepared by neutralizing orthophosphoric acid with carbonate of sodium, and is also made from bone-ash. It crystallizes in large, transparent, monoclinic prisms containing twelve molecules of water of crystallization. It has a mild, cooling, saline taste. It is soluble in two parts of hot and in six of cold water. It is insoluble in alcohol. Solutions are slightly alkaline.
The pure phosphate of soda is triturated as directed under homeopathic pharmacy rules. (Should be kept well corked.)
This salt is found in the blood, in the proportion of 0.3-0.5 : 1000, in muscles, nerve and brain-cells, as well as in the intercellular fluids. Through the presence of this salt, lactic acid is decomposed into carbonic acid and water. It absorbs the carbonic acid, taking up two moleclues for every molecule of itself, and carries it to the lungs, where the oxygen of the air sets the carbonic acid free in exchange for oxygen, which latter is taken up by the iron contained in the blood corpuscles. Natrum phos. is the remedy for conditions arising from excess of lactic acid. It prevents inspissation of the bile and mucus with crystallization of cholesterin in the gall duct and will thus remove the cause of many cases of jaundice, hepatic colic, bilious headache and imperfect assimilation of fats from lack of bile. It is useful in podagra, gout, as well as in acute and chronic articular rheumatism, being thus a remedy for the so-called acid diathesis.
The role of this salt in the normal economy, according to Moleschott and Schussler, largely consists in the catalysis of lactic acid in the blood, thus purifying that fluid organ from this effete product of muscular function, which transforms stored glycogen into the acid. The liver is the prime and master laboratory of the animal body. It is essential to both the nitrogenous and the hydro-carbonaceous transformations, to the renewal and the depuration of the blood, to the production of glycogen and grape sugar from starchy and saccharine food, and to the higher oxidation of uric acid, and other effete tissue principles, into urea, ready for elimination by the kidney, and by bile-formation contributes to the intestinal work. When inert, this organ falls short of this extensive function; when overactive, it exceeds it, and overproductions appear with symptomatic effects. These functions are principally due to cell-action. There are two classes of functional or parenchymatous cells; the biliary, spread out as epithelium in the capillary branches of the ducts, in intimate relation with the vessels of the liver and likewise with the remaining set of functional cells—viz.: those of the hepatic acini, also lying in intimate relation to the blood vessels and to the biliary capillaries, with their glandular epithelium. This double duty belongs to the large cells of the acini—viz.: the formation of glycogen and the formation of uric acid. In addition, the old red blood-globules are here in the liver, but in the portal system of veins, now become capillary in the acini, are finally disintegrated, and the new-formed globules perfected. All of these varied functions, separate as they are, undoubtedly assist each other, furnishing necessary chemical exchanges, etc. The glycogen is believed to be mainly carried away in the blood-current, to be stored in the muscular tissues, furnishing motor energy thereto, and being chemically split into two parts of lactic acid. This acid aids in later vital functions of the body, and is at last transformed into carbonic acid and water, while circulating in the blood. This transformation takes place through the presence in the blood of phosphate of soda (Natr. phos) and by a catalytic action of this salt. Any deficiency in this prevents this chemical change, and the lactic acid remains as such. An acid state of the system now prevails; rheumatism, dyspepsia, intestinal troubles, etc., ensue. According to Schussler, by the administration of molecular doses of this drug, this catalytic action is at once restored—the acid state ceases, and the rheumatic and other symptoms subside.
Uric acid is kept soluble in the blood by the presence of the phosphate of soda and the natural temperature of the blood. Whenever there is a deficiency of this salt, uric acid is combined with the soda, forming the urate of soda, an insoluble salt and deposited near the points producing gout and acute inflammatory rheumatism. During an attack of acute gout, we find that the excretion of uric acid is diminished in proportion to the amount of the deposit of urate of soda around the points.
Natrum phosph. serves to emulsify fatty acids; it is therefore a remedy for all dyspeptic conditions traceable to fats, or such as are aggravated by their use. Besides combining with these acids the phosphate of soda appropriates molecules of albumen, which acts biochemically like an acid.
The white blood corpuscles, leucocytes or lymph corpuscles carry molecules of fat and peptones, which latter are modified albuminoids, from the intestinal walls to the blood and thence to the tissues. They do this by virtue of their active movements. From the walls of the intestinal tract the passage of the leucocytes, now laden with peptones, is a direct one, while those carrying the fat molecules reach the goal by an indirect way—namely, through the thoracic duct. Finally they reach the tissues through the walls of the capillaries. Here, after the peptones are retrans formed into albuminoids, they are deposited and become material for the growth of young cells which are formed by division.
If the progress of the leucocytes carrying the fat molecules is stopped in their course through the lymphatic glands, skin, bones or lungs, phlegmonous and glandular inflammations, and swellings take place as well as tubercular conditions of these organs and tissues.
Since these stagnated leucocytes contain albumen and fat, their fatty degeneration is rendered possible. So long as this has not actually taken place, Natrum phosph. possesses the power to free the leucocytes and thereby again enabling them to carry on their specific function. This it does by its two properties—that of emulsifying fats even if but a trace of a fatty acid is present and its capacity to take up peptonic molecules.
Diseases of infants suffering from excess of lactic acid, resulting from overfeeding with milk and sugar. Ailments with excess of acidity. Thin, moist coating on the tongue. The soft palate also has a yellowish, creamy look. Sour eructations, sour vomiting, greenish diarrhoea, pains, spasms, and fever with acid symptoms, etc. Acts also upon the bones and glands, lungs and abdominal organs. The knowledge of its sphere of action has been much enlarged by Schussler in recent years. It is the principal remedy in scrofulous glands, tuberculosis, etc. Small doses of Natrum phos. given subcutaneously have been found to antidote the desire for Morphine and thus break the habit.
Guiding Symptoms and Characteristic Indications.
Anxious and apprehensive fear as if something would happen. Dull and without ambition. Imagines on waking at night that pieces of furniture are persons; that he hears footsteps in next room. Nervous, irritable, vexed at trifles. Forgetful. Great mental prostration.
Head and Scalp
Headaches on crown of head; on awaking in the morning, with creamy appearance at the back part of the palate, and yellow, moist tongue. Severe pain in the head as if the skull were too full, frontal or occipital, with nausea or some slimy vomiting. Intense pressure and heat on the top of the head as if it would open. Giddiness, vertigo with gastric derangements. Sickening headaches, ejection of sour froth.
Discharge of golden-yellow, creamy matter from the eyes. Ophthalmia, discharge of yellow, creamy matter, the lids are glued together in the morning. Hypopyon. Burning lachrymation. See sparks before eyes. Squinting caused by intestinal irritation as from worms. Granular conjunctivitis, when granulations look like small blisters. Scrofulous ophthalmia. Pain over eyes. Dim sight, as if a veil were over eyes.
Ears sore, externally, burn and itch. One ear red, hot, frequently itchy, accompanied by gastric derangements and acidity. Roaring in ears.
Picking at the nose, associated with acidity of the stomach and worms. Pricking in the nares. Offensive odor before nose. Itching of nose. Catarrh with thick, yellow purulent discharge. Tension over root of nose.
Red and blotched face, yet not feverish, with acidity, etc., white about nose or mouth. Facial neuralgia; shooting, stitching pain. Soreness of right lower jaw. Paleness or bluish, florid appearance of face, sour risings, etc.
Yellow, creamy coating at the back part of the roof of the mouth. Acid taste in the mouth. Coppery taste.
The great keynote for this remedy is the moist, creamy or golden-yellow coating at the back part of the tongue. Blisters and sensation of hairs on tip of tongue. Difficult speech.
Grinding of the teeth in children during sleep.
The same moist, creamy or golden-yellow coating found at the base of the tongue is also found on the soft palate, tonsils and uvula. Inflammation of any part of the throat with this accompaniment calls for Natr. phos. It is also usually accompanied by an acid condition of the stomach. Diphtheritic throat, falsely so called. Sensation of a lump in the throat, worse swallowing liquids. Dropping of thick, yellow mucus from posterior nares, worse at night. Nasopharyngeal catarrh.
Acidity, sour risings due to excess of lactic acid. Gastric abrasions and ulcerations. Pain after food, in one spot. Vomiting of sour fluids or of a dark substance like coffee-grounds, sour risings, loss of appetite. Dyspepsia with characteristic eructations and tongue, sour taste in the mouth. Pain sometimes comes on two hours after taking food. Nausea and vomiting of acid fluids and curdled masses (not food). Waterbrash with acidity. Flatulence with sour risings. Colic in children with symptoms of acidity, such as green, sour-smelling stools, vomiting of curdled milk, etc. Stomachache from presence of worms. Empty, gone feeling in stomach, with feeling of weight above the ensiform cartilage. Imperfect assimilation of fats from lack of bile.
Abdomen and Stool
Habitual constipation with occasional attacks of diarrhoea in young children. Sclerosis of liver. Acts upon the glandular organs of the intestinal tract. Diarrhoea caused by excess of acidity, stools sour-smelling, green, jelly-like masses of mucus, painful, straining, coagulated casein, scanty and frequent. Sudden urging, difficulty in retaining stool. Pain through right groin. Intestinal, long or thread-worms, with characteristic symptoms of acidity or picking of the nose, occasional squinting, pain in the bowels, restless sleep, etc. Itching at the anus from worms, especially at night when warm in bed (injections of same). White or green stools, with diarrhoea and sometimes with jaundice, due to deficiency of bile. Flatulent colic. Obstinate constipation. Itching, sore and raw anus.
Urinary and Sexual Organs
Hepatic form of diabetes. Constant urging, flow intermits, requires straining. Incontinence of urine in children with acidity. Urine dark red with arthritis. Frequent micturition. Atony of bladder. Seminal emissions without dreams. Semen thin, watery. Sexual desire gone or increased with erections. Drawing in testicles and spermatic cord. Menses too early, pale, with afternoon headache over eyes, worse after menses, with sensation in knees, as if cords were shortened. Weakness and distress in the uterine region. Prolapse, with weak sinking feeling after stool. Uterine displacement with rheumatic pains. Sterility with acid secretions from the vagina. Leucorrhoea, discharge creamy or honey-colored or acid and watery. Sour-smelling discharges from the uterus. Excitement with sleeplessness before menses.
Morning sickness with vomiting of sour masses of fluids.
A useful intercurrent in catarrhal troubles associated with acidity. Phthisis florida in young subjects, with hereditary tendency to sigh, especially during menses. Consumption. Soreness of intercostal muscles and lower sternum. Pains in chest, worse from pressure and deep breathing.
Trembling about the heart. Pains about the base of heart, relieving pain in limbs, and great toe. Palpitation, feels pulse in different parts of body. Sensation as though shot were rolling through arteries.
Back and Extremities
Crick in neck. Swelling of glands of neck. Goitre. Weak feeling in back and limbs. Cold extremities. Legs give way while walking. Gait unsteady. Spinal anaemia, paralytic weakness of lower extremities. Inside thighs draw. Sore hamstrings. Pain in knees, ankles and shins, in hollow and ball of foot. Synovial crepitation. Arms tired. Contraction of extensor muscles on back of arm. Aching wrists. Crampy pain in hands while writing. Sore feeling in joints. Rheumatic arthritis, especially of joints of fingers, pains suddenly go to the heart.
Irritation of the intestines by worms, sometimes causes squinting and twitching of the facial muscles. Nervousness, from mental exertion and sexual excess. Tired feeling, with goneness of stomach, crick in neck, trembling and palpitation. Heaviness, as if paralyzed. Prostration.
Sleep restless with worm troubles, very drowsy, falls asleep while sitting. Sleepless from itching. Wakes easily. Sexual dreams.
Intermittent fever with vomiting of acid, sour masses. Acid, exceedingly sour-smelling perspiration. Feet icy-cold during the day, burn at night. Flashes of heat and headache every afternoon.
Chafing of the skin. Eczema with symptoms of acidity, secretion creamy, honey-colored. Yellow, jaundiced. Erythema. "Rose rash," golden-yellow scabs. Secretions yellow, like honey, and cause soreness of skin. Crusta lactea. Hives, itching all over body, like insect bites. Much itching at ankle joints with eczematous eruption.
Exudations and secretions yellow, honey-colored. Leucaemia. Swelling of lymphatic glands before hardening. Marasmus of children. Jaundice. Use lx trit. In bone diseases, to favor deposit of phosphate of lime. Scrofula; its specific action upon glands tends to dissolve the morbidly formed products. Leucocytosis. Rheumatic arthritis. Marked anaemia.
Some of the pains of this remedy were aggravated during a thunderstorm; during menstruation many symptoms have an afternoon and evening aggravation. Aversion to open air.
Proved under supervision of Dr. E. A. Farrington. The record of the proving is found in Allen's Encyclopedia, vol. x, first published in Hahnemannian Monthly, vol. xii. An excellent symptomatology of the drug is found in Allen's Handbook and Hering's Guiding Symptoms, vol. viii.
Schussler recommends the 6x, either in trituration or in dilution. The 4x seems to be the proper potency to use in view of the fact of the relative proportion of this salt in the blood according to Dr. Quesse. It may also be used as an injection in worm troubles. Dr. Morgan prefers infrequent doses of the 30th potency. The higher and highest potencies have also been employed with success.
As a remedy for scrofulosis with similar "acid" symptoms compare Calc. carb. In gastric catarrhal affections it is to be compared with Calcar., Kali carb., Nux, Coccul., Carbo, Carbol. ac. As a remedial agent for children, for whom Natr. phos. is pre-eminently the remedy, where these acid conditions of stomach and bowels are frequent, compare Rheum, where the whole body, but especially the stool of the little patient, smells sour. It is interesting to note the association of the peculiar Natr. phos. gastric symptoms, so frequently verified clinically, and the symptoms of gout developed in the provings. Remembering the peculiar gouty dyspepsia, we may have in Natr. phos. a most useful remedy. Compare here Colchic, Bens, ac, Guaiac, Lycop., Sulphur. In itching all over, compare Dolichos, Urtica, Sulphur, etc.
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