Circulation and metabolism are low, muscle degeneration and weakness extend even to the heart. Characteristic are the great weakness and pain in the small of the back and loins; all aggravations are between 2 and 3 a.m. If there is inclination to perspiration the sweat is not connected with sleep as in phosphorus.
Graphites was designated by Hahnemann as a deep acting anti- psorinum, with the characteristic especially on the skin, usually in the form of moist eruptions, predominating on and behind the ears and on the eyelids with honey-like, viscous secretions. The patients are usually fat, bloated, sad and depressed, with lack of body warmth and poor circulation. The nails of fingers and toes are thickened and deformed. The rectum and anus are points of minor resistance.
Iodum is another important constitutional remedy, much abused, but very valuable in torpid forms of scrofulosis and luetic conditions. These people are lean, brunette with dark hair and eyes, they have unclean skin. They dispose to diseases of glandular organs and hyperplasias of connective tissues. The ductless glands function poorly, or wrongly (Basedow). The mucous membranes show increased secretions, which are acrid and corroding. They are always hungry and feel better after eating. They dislike warmth or warm rooms, prefer cool air, and love to walk in the open.
Ferrum is almost as much abuses ad Iodum. It is indicated in young, slender people, healthy countenance in consequence of false erethism when excited, but in reality they have sallow, pale complexions, and pale mucous membranes. The gums are almost white. Local congestions are often found all over. Their system is not strong enough to assimilate the iron from the food. They have aversion to meat, but love bread and butter. The haemorrhage are bright red and coagulated. The time of aggravation is midnight or a little later, especially in asthmatic conditions.
Finally I wish to say a few words about Tuberculinum, which I consider a great constitutional remedy for all scrofulous or tubercular disposed patients. They incline to catarrh of all mucous membranes, and to colds more than the previously mentioned constitutional remedies. Tuberculinum patients have coryza constantly, periodic skin eruptions, which can be considered natures way of catabolism.
Generally the symptom picture is change able. If in chronic and constitutional diseases there is no real improvement, regardless of what form of pathology is present, a dose of Tuberculinum koch 100 or 200 will help. The action is biologic, like all remedies chosen according to the law of similia, by aiding the efforts of nature to ward off disease.
These named important constitutional remedies are to heal body and spirit from inside, and thoroughly; all should always be given in higher potency. I never dispense below the 30th centesimal potency, and often give the 200th. I teach myself and my patients to have patience in awaiting the action.
