Ferrum phos [Ferr-p]
At the commencement and for the fever.
Kali mur [Kali-m]
This is the sole remedy in most cases, in alternation with Ferrum phos., which latter will lessen the fever, and is always indicated at the commencement. Kali mur. stands in the same biological relation to the albuminoid substances (i.e., the fibrin) as does the phosphate of lime to the albumen. When an intense irritation has attacked those cells which form the seat of the disease in diphtheria, or relatively the Kali mur. molecules which are contained in them, there arises a disturbance of the proper balance of the molecules of this salt and consequent loss of some molecules, perhaps only a small number. At the same time a portion of the albuminoid substances (the organic basis of the cells) is set free and appears on the surface of the mucous membrane, where it is recognized as the diphtheritic exudation. So long as the disturbance of the proper balance in the motion of Kali mur. molecules lasts, the exudation will derive supplies and continue to go on. For the purpose of curing diphtheria by means of the biochemic method, new molecules of this salt must be applied to the respective tissues of which Kali mur. molecules have become inharmonious in their function, and for this reason the remedy must be given in molecular form. Dose, 10 to 15 grains of 3d or 6th trituration in a tumbler of water, a dose every two hours, or a powder the size of a pea, dry on the tongue.
Calcarea fluor [Calc-f]
When the affection has gone to the windpipe through mismanagement, give this remedy and Calcarea phos. alternately.
Calcarea phos [Calc-p]
Diphtheritic exudation spreading to the trachea. Such a complication is very rare when the Tissue Remedies are used exclusively. A white speck or patch remains after the main exudation has come off.
Kali phos [Kali-p]
In the well-marked, malignant, gangrenous condition, patient exhausted, prostrate. Also for the after-effects of diphtheria, such as weakness of sight, nasal speech or paralysis in any part of the body, squinting, etc. The putrid character is well marked, as seen by the putrid-smelling odor from mouth.
Natrum mur [Nat-m]
Diphtheria, if the face be puffy and pale with heavy drowsiness; watery stools, flow of saliva or vomiting of watery fluid. Dryness of the tongue, stertorous breathing, etc. The use of Natrum mur. must be discontinued with the disappearance of these symptoms.
Natrum phos [Nat-p]
Diphtheritic throat, falsely so called (not true), when the tonsils are covered with a yellow, creamy coating, and the back part of the roof of the mouth looks creamy-yellow; the coating of the tongue is moist, creamy or gold colored.
Natrum sulph [Nat-s]
In diphtheria as an intermittent remedy where there is vomiting of green matter or water, and the peculiar welling-up of mucus from the stomach.
NOTE- Under no circumstances should other remedies, such as lime water, carbolic acid, iced water, etc., be used along with the these remedies, because they may interfere with the proper action of these salts. (Schussler).
DIPHTHERIA CASES [Diphtheria Cases]
Fully developed case of diphtheria with the characteristic glandular enlargement, tonsils, uvula and entire soft palate, were covered with a thick, diphtheritic exudation. Deglutition was attended with great pain and accompanied with the utmost effort, and there was exceeding prostration. Kali mur6. every two hours. The following day there was a marked improvement, and in four days every vestige of the throat trouble had disappeared, and the child recovered rapidly under Calcarea phos. (W.H. Pratt, M.D., North American Journal of Homoeopathy, May, 1883).
Last summer I had a case of diphtheria that was a little out of the usual order. I saw the case on Saturday, July 21. It looked like a simple ulcerated sore throat, and I prescribed Calcarea sulph. and told the mother that if she was not better in the afternoon to let me know. When I got home, about four o’clock, she and her father were at my office. I found her quite feverish and her speech considerably muffled. I examined her throat carefully and found a distinct grayish patch on each tonsil. I now prescribed Ferrum phos. and Kali mur. in alternation. About nine o’clock I called and found that she was evidently not relieved in any way whatever. She now complained of something continually coming into her throat. I thought perhaps it was waterbrash and gave a few doses of Natrum phos. but to no effect. Continued the first remedies through the night. The next morning much worse. The membrane had spread considerably and the tonsils were much enlarged. The rising of mucus in the throat continued. Saw her three times on Sunday. Gave her lower potencies. Left her at night on 3x. Monday morning the mother met me with tears in her eyes and wanted to know if I had not better call another physician. Found her very ill indeed. It flashed upon me that the constant welling-up of mucus in the throat is a symptom of Natrum sulph. I consequently gave it alone in the 200 (B and T.) potency, and in a few hours there was a decided change for the better. In a few days she was well. (E.H.H).
In fourteen cases of diphtheria the biochemic measures left nothing better to be desired, Kali mur. rapidly making a change, the whitish-gray exudation being diminished, shriveling and coming away with the gargle and mouth-wash made with Kali mur., also occasional doses of Ferrum phos. The treatment worked splendidly. In three cases the patients labored under prostration from the first, and Kali phos. had to be given intercurrently; in two cases Natrum mur. alternately with Kali mur., the chief remedy. In the latter cases there existed considerable running of saliva, heavy drowsiness and watery stools. No secondary affection resulted, such as frequently arise under ordinary treatment, as paralysis, defective vision, or neuralgia. (M.D.W).
Case from the practice of Schussler. In a village a few miles from the town of Oldenberg, a child was taken ill with diphtheria, which at an early stage was complicated by an affection of the larynx. The child was treated by the ordinary method and died. Almost at the same time a child of another family in the village was attacked by diphtheria with the same complication. The father of the latter child came to me. I prescribed Kali mur. for the disease in the first instance, and Calcarea phos. for the affection of the larynx, to be taken alternately. I requested the father to inform me without fail of the result, which he promised to do. Two days after I received a letter from him in which he informed me that the child had completely recovered.
In diphtheria (maligna), where every known remedy failed, Kali phos. and Kali mur. with, sometimes without, Natrum mur. effected subsidence of malignity, and hastened the cure.
In paralysis after diphtheria, I know of no better remedy than Kali phos. (Dr. F. from Schussler.)
The following cases are of interest, as showing the action of Ferrum phos. in diphtheria:
1. Young lady with sore throat, tonsils swollen moderately and quite red, a little feverish. Ferrum phos30. every three hours for a day and a half, then paused, being better. Became worse and sent for me. Diphtheritic membrane covered the right tonsil. Ferrum phos30. as before. The next day the membrane was nearly all gone, swelling and redness were better. Continued prescription every four hours. The following day only a slight vestige of the membrane remained. Medicine given less often, and the next day was perfectly well.
2. Boy, aet. 5, febrile state, glistening, flushed eyes, red cheeks, tonsils red and swollen, especially the right, on which was a tuft-like exudation about its centre and about one-quarter inch in diameter, hanging down, the upper attachment looking blackish next to the tonsils; foetid breath. Ferrum phos30. The next day the tonsil was clear, but a similar exudation appeared on the posterior wall of the pharynx; continued the same remedy every four hours; the following day he was well. (J.C. Morgan, M.D., Hahnemannian Monthly, vol. vii).
Professor of Materia Medica in the University of Michigan Homeopathic Medical College. Member of American Institute of Homeopathy. In addition to his editoral work he authored or collaborated on: Boericke and Dewey's Twelve Tissue Remedies, Essentials of Homeopathic Materia Medica, Essentials of Homeopathic Therapeutics and Practical Homeopathic Therapeutics.