Alumen


Dr. S.R. Phatak describes the clinically confirmed symptoms of the homeopathic remedy Alumen in his Concise Materia Medica, published in 1977….


Generalities

      It causes paralytic weakness of me muscles in all parts of the body. Tendency to induration of glands, and other tissues is very marked. Tongue, rectum, uterus etc., are hardened; ulcers with indurated base. Adapted to old people suffering from bronchial catarrh. Sensation of dryness, and of constriction. Constipation of the most aggravated kind, as in cancer of uterus and rectum. Haemorrhages; from leech bite; with large clots. Sensitive to cold; exposure to air causes roughness and chaps in the skin. Useful after operations on the eyes and teeth. Yellow bland discharges. Sensation of constriction, as of a cord or band around limbs, in paralytic states. Relaxation of muscles.

Worse

      During sleep; lying on right side; cold. Bad news.

Mind

      Nervous tremors, from bad news. Doubting people. Lectophobia.

Head

      Burning pain, as of weight on top of head better pressure of cold hand. Vertigo with weakness in the pit of stomach better opening eyes, better turning on right side. Headache better drinking cold water.

Eyes

      Prolapse of iris, after cataract operation. Right eye squints, towards the nose.

Ear

      Hears every noise in sleep. Purulent otorrhoea.

Throat

      Enlarged and indurated tonsils, from frequent colds. Uvula elongated, relaxed. Scraping in throat with cough. Spasms of oesophagus, liquids can scarcely be swallowed. Complete aphonia.

Abdomen

      Very obstinate constipation; no desire for days. Hard, marble- like masses passed, but rectum still feels full. Long lasting pain and smarting in rectum after stools. Haematemesis of hard drinkers. Passes large clots from, rectum.

Female

      Induration; of cervix uteri; and mammary glands. Chronic yellow vaginal discharge. Menses watery. Hands weak, drops things during menses.

Respiratory

      Copious ropy, expectoration, in a.m. in aged persons. Catarrh of chest; chest weak, haemoptysis; and mucus expelled with difficulty.

Heart

      Palpitation; worse lying on right side, from thinking of her disease.

Skin

      Eczema on the back of penis and scrotum. Alopecia.

S.R. Phatak
A pioneer of Homoeopathy in Maharashtra, Dr Shankar Raghunath Phatak was born on 6th September, 1896. He did his MBBS from Grant Medical College, in 1924. Started his practice but somehow not satisfied with Allopathic Treatment.

He was convinced about Homoeopathy while going through Sir William Osler's writings on 'History of Medicine' so switched over to an entirely Homoeopathic Practice in 1932. He also started working on Homoeopathic literature along with his Practice.

He has contributed immensely to homoeopathic literature. He was an ardent follower of Dr Boger. His Repertory is based on Boger's ''A Synoptic key to Materia Medica'.