Iodum

Origin
Once extracted from slowly burned seaweed, but now generally prepared chemically by industrial processes.

Background
Chinese herbalists used burned seaweed to treat thyroid problems 2,000 years ago. It is also a well-known antiseptic.

Preparation
The remedy is made by dissolving iodate salts in alcohol, then repeatedly diluting and succussing the mixture.

Common Names
Iodine.

IODINE This bluish-black element is commonly used in medicine, in photography, and in dyes.

Key Symptoms

loss of weight with increased appetite; heat intolerance; lack of thirst; enlarged glands that then waste away; anxiety and restlessness

Iodine is essential for the proper functioning of the thyroid gland. A deficiency of iodine produces symptoms such as weak muscles, weight loss, mental sluggishness, and fatigue. The condition is rare in the West because potassium iodide, a salt of iodine, is added to table salt. The homeopathic remedy, proved in 1837 by Hahnemann (in association with Drs. Trinks, Gross, Gerdorff, and Hartlaub) is used mainly to treat the many symptoms associated with an overactive thyroid gland and the accelerated metabolism it produces.

Remedy Profile

Those for whom Iodum is most suitable are talkative, with a marked mental restlessness and irritability due to anxiety, and sudden urges to engage in exhausting activities. Their behavior is obsessive, with a compulsion to keep frantically busy, yet in a disorganized, forgetful way. Despite causing physical and mental fatigue, this frenzy is preferable to inactivity, when frightening thoughts heighten anxiety.

Iodum is given for symptoms caused by an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism) and the accelerated metabolism it causes. Psychological symptoms may include eating disorders and anxiety that may manifest as violent rages if meals are not ready as soon as hunger is felt.

Physical symptoms include protruding eyes and eye pain linked with hyperthyroidism; nausea with a clean tongue and excess salivation, great thirst, respiratory problems, enlarged glands, and excessive sweating. These people tend to feel the heat and constantly try to keep cool, preferring cool clothing and finding warm surroundings uncomfortable.

Overactive metabolism

Symptoms: Staring eyes (exophthalmos) and a distressed expression on the face, which may be swollen. The skin and hair are usually dry. There may be vertigo, with hot flashes, fainting, and throbbing head pain with a rush of blood to the head. Other symptoms include an increased appetite yet a noticeable weight loss and overheating. Symptoms may be linked to hyperthyroidism.

Symptoms better: For fresh air; for movement; for eating.

Symptoms worse: For warm surroundings.

Eating disorders

Symptoms: Rapid, noticeable weight loss and emaciation despite an insatiable appetite. Excessive thirst is typical. The liver may become enlarged, with possible signs of jaundice, and the pancreas may be painful. Chronic diarrhea linked to nervousness or to particular foods may be present, as may constipation with pale stools.

Symptoms better: For fresh air; for movement; for eating.

Symptoms worse: For warm surroundings; for anxiety.

Cough

Symptoms: Dry, spasmodic, choking cough, possibly with gagging, retching, or vomiting. There may be copious mucus and a rattling sound in the chest, but no expectoration if symptoms are due to asthma or pneumonia. Children with this cough may become stiff, pale, or blue.

Symptoms better: For fresh air.

Symptoms worse: For warm surroundings; for overeating; for cold nights after hot days.

Respiratory illness

Symptoms: Profuse, watery, excoriating catarrh in the nose, possibly with hay fever, or a dry, obstructed nose with enlargement of the adenoids. Asthma with hay fever may also be helped by Iodum.

Symptoms better: For fresh air; for movement; for eating.

Symptoms worse: For warm surroundings.

Heat intolerance

Symptoms: Physical distress and feverishness in warm surroundings. The slightest physical activity may cause marked sweating.

Symptoms better: For fresh air; for cool surroundings; for cool clothing.

Symptoms worse: For warm surroundings.

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