Tuberculinum

Tuberculinum Koch & T. bovum

Origin
Prepared from human sputum (Koch) or bovine lymph gland tissue (bovum) infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Background
Once a major killer, TB became less common thanks to vaccination, but is now rising again, partly due to the prevalence of HIV.

Preparation
Bacilli from infected tissue or sputum are sterilized, dissolved in purified water, diluted, and succussed.

Common Names
Tuberculosis.

TUBERCULOSIS Bacilli are usually inhaled into the lungs or ingested into the stomach, from where they infect the lymph system.

Key Symptoms

constant desire for change; irritable, malicious temperament; romantic nature; susceptibility to recurrent respiratory illness; desire for open air

One quarter of all deaths in Europe in the mid-19th century were due to tuberculosis (TB). It was a major killer worldwide, particularly in areas subject to poverty, malnutrition, or disease, until the German bacteriologist Robert Koch identified the bacillus in 1882, and discovered that a preparation of tuberculinum (dead tuberculosis bacilli) could be used to treat and prevent it. The British homeopath Dr. James Compton Burnett began a series of tests on lung tissue from infected patients in 1885, and by 1890 was able to prove the homeopathic remedy, which is given mainly for respiratory tract complaints.

Remedy Profile

Intensity and yearning are two traits that characterize people most suited to Tuberculinum. There is typically a longing for constant stimulation and change that may manifest itself, for example, in a desire to change partners, to change jobs, to travel, or to frequently redecorate the home.

These tendencies can have negative consequences. For example, a deep, romantic longing unfulfilled by a string of partners may ultimately lead to disillusionment. This and a lack of fulfillment may result in maliciousness, cruelty, and destructive anger, and may even lead to alcohol or drug addiction. Many 19th-century Romantic composers and artists were of this disposition: their works display the bittersweetness and underlying dissatisfaction typical of this temperament.

Although the remedy is not used for TB itself, many people suited to Tuberculinum have a family history of TB infection. Common symptoms include a susceptibility to colds and persistent tiredness. Symptoms improve with fresh, dry air, such as mountain air. There is a desire for sweets, cold milk, and smoked meats, and a tendency to perspire heavily during the night.

Coughs & acute bronchitis

Symptoms: A dry, hard, possibly recurrent cough, with fever and night sweats. Sharp pains may be felt in the upper left lung. The lymph glands in the neck may be enlarged. If symptoms are associated with bronchitis, there is shortness of breath, wheezing, and a persistent cough with yellow phlegm. Eventually, illness may lead to emaciation.

Symptoms better: For fresh air; for cool winds; for dry surroundings.

Symptoms worse: For heat; for damp and humidity; for stuffy surroundings; for physical exertion.

Colds

Symptoms: A recurrent, persistent chest cold, with solid, yellow catarrh, a slight fever, and aching muscles. The eyes have a tendency to water, and the throat is sore.

Symptoms better: For fresh air; in cool, dry surroundings.

Symptoms worse: For dry cold; for damp and humidity; for stuffy surroundings.

Arthritic pains

Symptoms: Aching joint and limb pains that move from one part of the body to another. There may also be initial stiffness that loosens with movement. The limbs are weary and restless.

Symptoms better: For fresh air; for cool, dry surroundings.

Symptoms worse: For cold; for damp and humidity; for physical exertion.

Hay fever

Symptoms: A runny nose with constant sneezing, nasal congestion, and watery catarrh. The eyes tend to water.

Symptoms better: For fresh air; for cool, dry surroundings.

Symptoms worse: For cold; for damp and humidity; for physical exertion.

Neurotic behavior

Symptoms: Irritable, malicious behavior, with a strong sense of discontent. This can cause a compulsive urge to change jobs, move house, or travel. A sense of lack of fulfillment is often combined with an incurably romantic nature. There is a tendency to suffer insomnia.

Symptoms better: For fresh air; for cool, dry surroundings.

Symptoms worse: For cold; for damp and humidity; for physical exertion.

« Thuja

Uranium Nit. »

Disclaimer | Feedback