Homoeopathy — Page 235
Causticum 235 Causticum Causticum is a profoundly effective Homoeopathic remedy which has been found very useful in the treatment of many day-to-day illnesses. It is normally used as the instant treatment of muscular paralysis, especially facial palsy , though it is also useful in many other illnesses. The Causticum symptoms progress gradually. The paralysis that follows exposure to cold is usually considered as having occurred suddenly. In fact, the patient has been exposed a few days earlier and then suffers from gradual progressive restlessness, weakness and tiredness before exhibiting the symptoms of paralysis. Paralysis of a sudden kind is seen in Aconite. In the case of Causticum, the exposure to cold occurs two to three days, or at least twenty-four hours before the onset of signs. Stammering due to partial paralysis of the muscles of the tongue, but not due to fear, is best treated with Causticum. However, once a child starts stammering, an element of fear also prevails. In such a situation, the combination of Stramonium and Causticum will offer much faster relief from paralysis. In the illnesses of Causticum, the nerves become afflicted resulting in permanent changes in the muscles. The glands become hard. If the paralysis prolongs, the limbs become stiff and contracted. Causticum is the ideal treatment if other symptoms of Causticum are also present. Hysteria is another condition in which successive fits gradually become more and more severe leading to convulsions. The patient of the nature of Causticum is over-sensitive and can neither tolerate noise nor light touch. Cold and the heat both do not suit him. Usually the spasm affects individual muscles. Joint pains associated with Causticum are relieved by the application of heat, except in the case of the fingers where cold offers greater relief than heat. Similarly, the cough associated with Causticum also responds better to intake of cold water. The patient of a Causticum nature suffers more in the hot climate or with heat, except in the areas of the throat and the hand. Causticum by nature causes restlessness. Causticum is also related to epilepsy. However, epilepsy resulting from a deformity of the skull or a severe accident is not amenable to