Diphtherinum


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


Generalities

      The potencies of this nosode are prepared either from the Diphtheritic virus or membranes. It is useful as a prophylactic in Diphtheria and post-diphtheritic complication, paralysis etc., when anti diphtheritic toxin is used. In Diphtheria the malignancy is present from the start. Patient is greatly prostrated, yet restless; without any pain. Wants to be held. Jerking in single muscles. Internal trembling. Drawing in muscles then sudden snap. Catarrhal affections of the respiratory passage. Offensive discharges. Carphology. Relapsing diphtheria.

Worse

      Lying.

Better

      Cold. Drinking milk in sips.

Mind

      Carphology. Sees imaginary objects.

Head

      Moisture at the margin of hair.

Eyes

      Sees visions.

Nose

      Fanning of the alae nasi with snoring. Yellow thick nasal discharge. Epistaxis.

Face

      Flushed, centre of cheeks purple.

Mouth

      Tongue moist, with red tip; or dark red spot back of tip. Red papillae.

Throat

      Dark. Thick grey membrane; on tonsil (left). Painless diphtheria, swallows without pain but fluids are vomited or returned through the nose. Relapsing diphtheria. Obstinate tonsillitis. Wants cold air down the throat or craves cold drinks.

Stomach

      Faintness at; better sips of milk.

Sleep

      Talks in sleep, with open eyes.

Fever

      Chilly, then hot. Low temperature.

Related

      Carb-ac.

Skin

      Dry, hot palms; they feel withered. Dry skin.

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'.