Kalium carbonicum
- VERMEULEN Frans
Kali-c.
Right is right, even if everyone is against it;
and wrong is wrong, even if everyone is for it.
[William Penn]
Signs
Potassium carbonate. Kalium carbonate.
CLASSIFICATION Potassium is a member of group 1 [formerly IA] of the periodic table, along with Lithium, Sodium, Rubidium, Caesium, and Francium. The Latin name kalium comes from Arabic qali, alkali. Potassium is never found free in nature. The element was long thought to be of organic origin for potash, potassium carbonate, was obtained by leaching wood ashes and evaporating the solution for dryness. Since the process was carried out in iron pots, the name of the element came from 'pot' and 'ashes'.
OCCURRENCE Discovered in 1807 by the British chemist Davy, who obtained it from caustic potash, this was the first metal isolated by electrolysis. It is the seventh most abundant and makes up about 2,5% by weight of the earth's crust. Most potassium minerals are insoluble and the metal is obtained from them only with great difficulty. Potassium exists in three natural isotopes, with mass numbers 39, 40, and 41. Potassium-40 is radioactive and has a half-life of 1.28 billion years. Several radioactive isotopes have been artificially prepared. Potassium is essential for plant growth and found in most soils.
DISTRIBUTION Potassium's main mining areas are Germany, Spain, Canada, USA, Italy, and Mexico. It is also found in oceans, where, compared to sodium, it is present in small amounts only. It occurs in many minerals, with sylvite, carnallite, alunite, feldspar and orthoclase being its chief ores. Orthoclase is mined on a large scale for porcelain, ceramics, and glass.
PROPERTIES Potassium is one of the most reactive and electropositive of metals. It reacts vigorously with oxygen, and with water even at minus 100o C. It reacts also with acids, and with the halogens, igniting with bromine and iodine. Except for lithium, it is the lightest known metal. It is soft, easily cut with a knife, and is silvery in appearance immediately after a fresh surface is exposed. It rapidly oxidizes in air and should be preserved in a mineral oil. As with other metals of the alkali group, it decomposes in water with the evolution of hydrogen. It catches fire spontaneously on water. Potassium and its salts impart a violet colour to flames. 1
USES The greatest demand for potassium is in its use for fertilizers [usually provided as potassium carbonate]. Total annual production of potassium fertilizers is in excess of 25 million tons, with Canada as the leading producer, followed by Russia, Belarus, Germany, and the U.S. Other uses include synthesis of inorganic potassium compounds; organic syntheses involving condensation, dehalogenation, reduction, and polymerisation reactions; manufacture of photoelectric cells; heat transfer medium together with sodium.
CARBONATE Potassium carbonate, also termed salt of tartar or pearl ash, is a hygroscopic, odourless, caustic granular powder that readily dissolves in water. When it contains the full amount of water [16.36%] it is not hygroscopic. Used in the manufacture of soap, glass, pottery, smalts and many potassium salts; in process engraving and lithography; tanning and finishing leather; liquid shampoos; for removal of water from organic liquids; in analytical chemistry. 2 Also used in freckle lotions, vanishing creams, setting lotions, and permanent-wave lotions. In the food industry used in confections and cocoa products [E 501].
PHYSIOLOGY The third most abundant in the human body, after calcium and phosphorus, potassium constitutes 5% of the total mineral content of the body. An adult weighing 65 kg has a body potassium content of about 140 g. Of this, only 3 g is present in the extracellular fluid; the remaining 137 g occurs inside body cells and of this, four-fifths is present in skeletal muscles. Together with sodium, potassium regulates the sodium-potassium balance which affects water retention and stimulates kidney function. Potassium is involved in nerve transmission and muscle contraction and is essential for protein synthesis and for the conversion of blood sugar into glycogen. It activates a number of enzymes, particularly those connected with energy production. In addition, it promotes the disposal of the body's wastes. Absorption of dietary potassium takes place in the small intestine; absorption is insufficient when food moves rapidly through the bowel. The kidneys are the main regulators of body potassium, maintaining blood levels by controlling excretion. Some potassium is excreted in sweat. Digestive juices contain significant amounts of potassium but most of this is re-absorbed in the lower intestine. Potassium depletion causes the body to retain more fluid in response to a large dose of salt. High levels of potassium may enhance the excretion of sodium, thus decreasing blood volume and blood pressure.
DEFICIENCY Symptoms of severe potassium deficiency - hypokalemia - include fatigue, vomiting, abdominal distension, acute muscular weakness, paralysis, pins and needles, loss of appetite, low blood pressure, intense thirst, drowsiness, confusion and eventually coma. Muscle spasms, tetany, heart arrhythmias and muscle weakness can also be caused by increased nerve excitability associated with inadequate intake of potassium. Causes of potassium deficiency include high sodium diets; excessive intake of liquorice; surgical operations involving the bowel; extensive burns and injuries; diabetes; Cushing's syndrome; excessive excretion of aldosterone; chronic diarrhoea which limits gut re-absorption of potassium; persistent vomiting; influenza; inflammatory bowel disease; anaemia; ulcerative colitis; kidney disease; heart disease; chronic respiratory failure; prolonged fasting; therapeutic starvation; anorexia nervosa; chronic laxative abuse or clay ingestion; alcoholism; cystic fibrosis [potassium losses in sweat]. The sudden death that can occur in fasting, anorexia nervosa or starvation is often a result of heart failure caused by potassium deficiency. High intakes of alcohol, coffee, tea, and sugar may lead to potassium deficiency. 3
EXCESS Potassium excess - hyperkalemia - may occur when acidosis [cellular potassium can be displaced by hydrogen ions; an excess of hydrogen ions results in acidity, low pH], hyperglycaemia [from insulin deficiency], moderately heavy exercise, digitalis intoxication, acute intravascular haemolysis, or hyperkalemic familial periodic paralysis produces a shift of potassium out of cells into the intracellular fluid; or as a consequence of potassium excess. Potassium excess is particularly common in acute oliguric states [especially acute renal failure] associated with severe crush injuries, burns, bleeding into soft tissues or the gastrointestinal tract, or adrenal insufficiency [but not when secondary to pituitary hypofunction]. If sufficient potassium chloride [e.g. as an electrolyte replenisher] is ingested orally, or rapidly given parenterally, severe hyperkalemia may result, even with normal renal function. Other drugs that may limit renal potassium output, thereby producing hyperkalemia, include cyclosporine, lithium, and heparin. 4 Excess of potassium causes effects first on the muscles of the skeleton and of the heart, giving rise to muscular weakness and mental apathy.
FAMILIAL PERIODIC PARALYSIS A rare group of autosomal dominant disorders of unknown cause characterised by episodes of flaccid paralysis with loss of deep tendon reflexes and failure of the muscle to respond to electrical stimulation. There is no alteration in consciousness. Three forms have been described: [a] hyperkalemic periodic paralysis, also known as adynamia episodica hereditaria; [b] hypokalemic periodic paralysis; [c] normokalemic periodic paralysis. The onset of the hyperkalemic form occurs in infancy; attacks are frequent but relatively mild, and myotonia is often present. In the hypokalemic variety, attacks usually begin between the ages of 7 and 21 years. The day after vigorous exercise, the patient often awakens with weakness, which may be mild and limited to certain muscle groups or involve all four limbs. Oropharyngeal and respiratory muscles are spared. The weakness lasts 24 to 48 hours. The attacks may also be precipitated by exposure to cold, high carbohydrate meal, or alcohol. The normokalemic form, sometimes considered as the same as the hyperkalemic form, has an onset that usually occurs between the ages of 2 and 5 years; there is often severe quadriplegia, which is usually improved by the administration of sodium salts. 5,6
OXYGEN Potassium is most abundant where oxygen is present, i.e. where the metabolism is very active and the breathing deep - thus, in fully active tissue. "It is necessary to keep in mind the reaction Na + O = K, in order to understand that endogenous potassium is possible only if it has access to oxygen for its formation. ... Broyer showed that a small amount of oxygen increases the potassium content in the roots of barley, tomatoes and rice. The same is true of man and animals, where the potassium content is directly proportional to breathing activity or to the activity of the tissues which require much oxygen. That is why cancerous tumours are richer in potassium, a fact having been verified in man and in the sarcoma of the chicken. An increase in potassium content leads to an elevation of arterial tension, to the activation of the vasomotor reactions. An increase of potassium from an injection in the cerebrospinal liquid provides an intense breathing stimulation. An animal is put to sleep with an injection of magnesium and awakened with potassium [by an injection in the infundilubary area, with no effect in other areas of the brain]. Oxygenation slows down during sleep or under the influence of narcotics. Potassium does the same. During sleep the metabolism is slowed down. There are less exchanges, less oxygen, and thus less potassium; this reduction of potassium at the end of the sleeping period can attain to 16.6% in the plasma."7
FOOD Potassium is found in highest amounts in fresh, unprocessed food. Good sources are fresh fruits [although dried fruits contain even more potassium], green leafy vegetables, potatoes, tomatoes, soy flour, shellfish, beans, nuts, cereals, cocoa powder, coffee, tea.
PLANTS Potassium is one of the three primary macronutrients for plants, along with nitrogen and phosphorus. It is required in large amounts by most plants, i.e. the 1999 U.S. corn crop removed more than 2 billion pounds of potassium from farmed fields. The mineral is essential for plant functions such as photosynthesis, respiration, protein formation, and water use. Movement of potassium ion is a principal factor in plant movements, such as opening and closure of stomata and the sleep movements, or daily changes in the orientation of leaves. Potassium is frequently deficient in sandy soils because of its high solubility and the ease with which potassium leaches out of sandy soils.
MEDICINE Potassium supplementation is recommended for prevention and treatment of hypertension. Numerous random, controlled trials focusing on the effect of potassium supplements have demonstrated that potassium is particularly effective among African Americans and people who ingest a lot of salt. Some participants in the trials suffered adverse effects from taking potassium in pill form, primarily abdominal pain, belching and flatulence, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
PROVINGS - •• [1] Hahnemann - 6 provers; method: unknown.
•• [2] Smith - 9 provers, 1978; method: unknown.
[1] Handbook of Chemistry and Physics. [2] Merck Index. [3-4] Merck Manual. [5] Stedman's Medical Dictionary. [6] Kervran, Biological Transmutations.
Affinity
Muscles, ligaments [HEART; uterus; LUMBAR].. Serous and mucous membranes [CHEST (right lower); joints]. Eyes. Blood. * Right side. Left side.
Modalities
Worse: COLD [AIR; water; drafts; changes; after overheating; after exertion; damp weather]. Time [2-3 A.M.; winter; before menses]. Lying [on painful or left side]. Loss of fluids. After labour. Coition. Suppressed menses.
Better: Warmth. Sitting with elbows on knees [> difficult respiration]. Open air. Eructations. Getting warm. Dry warm weather. While moving.
Main symptoms
Common traits of all Kali's: conservative, regular, proper, down to earth.
Kali-c. is the prototype, where the mind rules the emotions.
• "Their usual complaint is that they are heading for a breakdown." [Borland]
M Strong mental CONTROL.
Fear of LOSING CONTROL [weeping when telling of her sickness].
Dogmatic.
• "Since they are unemotional, unimaginative people, Kalis live in and through their intellect. They are the most rational of all people. Like a computer, Kali will calculate the logical way to live his life, the logical way to plan his day, even the logical thing to say in response to his wife's complaint that he is so unemotional. Kali tends to have a plan for everything, and they follow it to the last detail. Experimental scientists with their painstaking experimental designs are often Kalis, as are bank managers. Wherever cold logic and attention to detail is required, Kali will do well. ... Kalis have a very characteristic way of engaging in conversation. This involves considering the logic [or lack of logic] of whatever the other person says, and then analysing it out aloud." [Bailey]
M Strong sense of DUTY.
Doing what has to be done.
M Emotions felt in STOMACH [like a blow] [solar plexus], esp. fear and fright.
M Sensitive to and STARTING from TOUCH.
Cannot be touched at small of back and soles of feet.
M TALKING to THEMSELVES.
• "The subconscious picks up everything; it is very suppressed, and they start talking - probably the main remedy for talking to oneself." [Morrison]
M POSSESSIVE.
• "Very marked hoarding instinct. Essentially POSSESSIVE. Hold on to everything, to life [afraid of dying], to their partner [even when they appear to dislike him/her], to their children ]even when they appear to be nothing but a worry to them and when they treat them none too well], and to their money." [Borland]
Possessive of members of the family, yet are unpleasant to them and MAKE LIFE DIFFICULT for them [Desire for company, yet treats them outrageously].
M Company.
• "Is averse to solitude; wants company but not sympathy. At times may appear witty and whimsical, but is inclined to be at variance with everybody and everything. Is both uninterested and uninteresting, both weary and wearisome." [Gibson]
M Unassertive.
• "Surprising inability to stand up for themselves. They get very irritable, but if they themselves are attacked, particularly if they are unjustly accused, they tend to become silent and cannot make any reply. They feel miserable and hurt, but cannot fight back." [Borland]
M Emotional INSTABILITY, terrible mood swings BEFORE menses.
G VERY CHILLY.
Extremely sensitive to DRAFTS.
Very susceptible to catching cold after overheating [due to profuse perspiration].
• "Kali carbonicum belongs to the cold remedies which seems to be characteristic for all compounds with cation preponderance. The Kali-c. patient is especially sensitive to cold, perceives the slightest draft, seeks the warm room. He feels the cold to a certain extent in the nerves, they pain in the cold. He also complains about cold in single parts, especially neuralgias which shoot here and there with pain in the cold parts; by the application of heat they move to other parts. ... The head is sensitive to cold: headache on walking in cold wind, desire to cover the head outside of warm rooms, headache on forced inspiration through the nose with burning pain in the region of the frontal sinus. In cold wind the nose opens, dries and burns and headache develops. On re-entering a warm room the nasal secretion from nasal and postnasal catarrh recurs and the headache ceases and the patient feels better." [Leeser]
G Weakness before menses.
G Important remedy for FLUID RETENTION.
G Flushes of HEAT when eating WARM FOOD.
Flushes of heat and palpitation.
G PERSPIRES easily; on slight exertion.
G Craving for SWEETS.
G < 2-4 A.M. G < At BEGINNING of and DURING menses. > During menses.
G < At BEGINNING of SLEEP. G < Lying on RIGHT side. G STITCHING, sharp pains. P Swollen UPPER eyelids. P Excessive FLATULENCE. [stomach - everything seems to be converted into gas -, abdomen] P Backache drives the patient out of bed in the morning. Backache extending to nates and lower limbs, < LEFT. Everything affects the small of the back, or pains start there. Backache [lumbar region] since parturition or abortion. Rubrics Mind Antagonism with herself [2]. Anxiety, when hungry [2]. Closing eyes > [1]. Desire for company, yet treats those who approach him outrageously [2/1]. Delusions, of an abyss behind him [2/1], whole body is hollow [2]. Dulness, > closing eyes [1/1], while speaking [1]. Too much sense of duty [1]. Fear, of death, when alone in evening in bed [1]. Frightened easily, from touch [2]. Indifference, while in company [1]. Quarrelsome, with her family [1]. Weeping, when telling of her sickness [2].
Vertigo
When hungry [2]. Proceeding from stomach [2/1]. Walking sideways [1/1].
Eye
Swelling, lids, during menses [1]; under the lids [3]; of upper lids [3]. Weak, after coition [3].
Vision
Floating balls [1/1]. Colours, black points while reading [2]; white falling drops on looking at snow [2/1]; yellow shiny tremulous mist [1/1]. Dim, after washing in water [1/1]. Objects seem inverted [1].
Ear
Noises, after cold drinks [1/1]. Pain, stitching, > shaking head [1/1].
Hearing
Acute, in evening in bed [2/1].
Nose
Obstruction, > cold air [1/1], > walking in open air [2].
Face
Swelling, above eyes [3], around eyes [3], under eyes [3].
Mouth
Taste, putrid, during menses [2/1]; sweetish, morning on waking [1; Kali-bi.*].
Stomach
Eructations, sour, before menses [2/1]. Loathing of food, after emotions [2/1]. Pain, pressing, > bending backward [1/1]. Vomiting, after fried fish [1/1]. Sensation as if stomach were full of water [3].
Female
Pain, labour pains, weak, but pain in the back [1/1].
Respiration
Asthmatic, during menses [1/1], > rocking [1/1].
Chest
Palpitation, during hunger [2/1].
Dreams
Amorous, after coition [1/1], before menses [2]. Prophetic, prophesying death [1/1]. Quarrels with dead relatives [1/1].
Skin
Eruptions, urticaria, before menses [2], during menses [2].
* Repertory addition [Hughes].
Food
Aversion: [2]: Bread; bread, brown; meat; sweets. [1]: Cabbage; fat; milk; rye bread; soup.
Desire: [2]: Sour; sugar; sweets. [1]: Delicacies; warm drinks.
Worse: [2]: Bread, black; cold drinks when heated; cold drinks during hot weather; cold food; milk; pancakes; pastry; vegetables; warm food. [1]: Beans and peas; bread; cabbage; coffee; cold drinks; corn; farinaceous; fat; fish; flatulent food; food, sight of; hot food; ice; meat, fresh; soup.
Better: [1]: Cold drinks; hot food; soup.
 |
| Kalium carbonicum |
Right is right, even if everyone is against it;
and wrong is wrong, even if everyone is for it.
[William Penn]
Signs
Potassium carbonate. Kalium carbonate.
CLASSIFICATION Potassium is a member of group 1 [formerly IA] of the periodic table, along with Lithium, Sodium, Rubidium, Caesium, and Francium. The Latin name kalium comes from Arabic qali, alkali. Potassium is never found free in nature. The element was long thought to be of organic origin for potash, potassium carbonate, was obtained by leaching wood ashes and evaporating the solution for dryness. Since the process was carried out in iron pots, the name of the element came from 'pot' and 'ashes'.
OCCURRENCE Discovered in 1807 by the British chemist Davy, who obtained it from caustic potash, this was the first metal isolated by electrolysis. It is the seventh most abundant and makes up about 2,5% by weight of the earth's crust. Most potassium minerals are insoluble and the metal is obtained from them only with great difficulty. Potassium exists in three natural isotopes, with mass numbers 39, 40, and 41. Potassium-40 is radioactive and has a half-life of 1.28 billion years. Several radioactive isotopes have been artificially prepared. Potassium is essential for plant growth and found in most soils.
DISTRIBUTION Potassium's main mining areas are Germany, Spain, Canada, USA, Italy, and Mexico. It is also found in oceans, where, compared to sodium, it is present in small amounts only. It occurs in many minerals, with sylvite, carnallite, alunite, feldspar and orthoclase being its chief ores. Orthoclase is mined on a large scale for porcelain, ceramics, and glass.
 |
| Kalium carbonicum |
USES The greatest demand for potassium is in its use for fertilizers [usually provided as potassium carbonate]. Total annual production of potassium fertilizers is in excess of 25 million tons, with Canada as the leading producer, followed by Russia, Belarus, Germany, and the U.S. Other uses include synthesis of inorganic potassium compounds; organic syntheses involving condensation, dehalogenation, reduction, and polymerisation reactions; manufacture of photoelectric cells; heat transfer medium together with sodium.
CARBONATE Potassium carbonate, also termed salt of tartar or pearl ash, is a hygroscopic, odourless, caustic granular powder that readily dissolves in water. When it contains the full amount of water [16.36%] it is not hygroscopic. Used in the manufacture of soap, glass, pottery, smalts and many potassium salts; in process engraving and lithography; tanning and finishing leather; liquid shampoos; for removal of water from organic liquids; in analytical chemistry. 2 Also used in freckle lotions, vanishing creams, setting lotions, and permanent-wave lotions. In the food industry used in confections and cocoa products [E 501].
PHYSIOLOGY The third most abundant in the human body, after calcium and phosphorus, potassium constitutes 5% of the total mineral content of the body. An adult weighing 65 kg has a body potassium content of about 140 g. Of this, only 3 g is present in the extracellular fluid; the remaining 137 g occurs inside body cells and of this, four-fifths is present in skeletal muscles. Together with sodium, potassium regulates the sodium-potassium balance which affects water retention and stimulates kidney function. Potassium is involved in nerve transmission and muscle contraction and is essential for protein synthesis and for the conversion of blood sugar into glycogen. It activates a number of enzymes, particularly those connected with energy production. In addition, it promotes the disposal of the body's wastes. Absorption of dietary potassium takes place in the small intestine; absorption is insufficient when food moves rapidly through the bowel. The kidneys are the main regulators of body potassium, maintaining blood levels by controlling excretion. Some potassium is excreted in sweat. Digestive juices contain significant amounts of potassium but most of this is re-absorbed in the lower intestine. Potassium depletion causes the body to retain more fluid in response to a large dose of salt. High levels of potassium may enhance the excretion of sodium, thus decreasing blood volume and blood pressure.
DEFICIENCY Symptoms of severe potassium deficiency - hypokalemia - include fatigue, vomiting, abdominal distension, acute muscular weakness, paralysis, pins and needles, loss of appetite, low blood pressure, intense thirst, drowsiness, confusion and eventually coma. Muscle spasms, tetany, heart arrhythmias and muscle weakness can also be caused by increased nerve excitability associated with inadequate intake of potassium. Causes of potassium deficiency include high sodium diets; excessive intake of liquorice; surgical operations involving the bowel; extensive burns and injuries; diabetes; Cushing's syndrome; excessive excretion of aldosterone; chronic diarrhoea which limits gut re-absorption of potassium; persistent vomiting; influenza; inflammatory bowel disease; anaemia; ulcerative colitis; kidney disease; heart disease; chronic respiratory failure; prolonged fasting; therapeutic starvation; anorexia nervosa; chronic laxative abuse or clay ingestion; alcoholism; cystic fibrosis [potassium losses in sweat]. The sudden death that can occur in fasting, anorexia nervosa or starvation is often a result of heart failure caused by potassium deficiency. High intakes of alcohol, coffee, tea, and sugar may lead to potassium deficiency. 3
EXCESS Potassium excess - hyperkalemia - may occur when acidosis [cellular potassium can be displaced by hydrogen ions; an excess of hydrogen ions results in acidity, low pH], hyperglycaemia [from insulin deficiency], moderately heavy exercise, digitalis intoxication, acute intravascular haemolysis, or hyperkalemic familial periodic paralysis produces a shift of potassium out of cells into the intracellular fluid; or as a consequence of potassium excess. Potassium excess is particularly common in acute oliguric states [especially acute renal failure] associated with severe crush injuries, burns, bleeding into soft tissues or the gastrointestinal tract, or adrenal insufficiency [but not when secondary to pituitary hypofunction]. If sufficient potassium chloride [e.g. as an electrolyte replenisher] is ingested orally, or rapidly given parenterally, severe hyperkalemia may result, even with normal renal function. Other drugs that may limit renal potassium output, thereby producing hyperkalemia, include cyclosporine, lithium, and heparin. 4 Excess of potassium causes effects first on the muscles of the skeleton and of the heart, giving rise to muscular weakness and mental apathy.
FAMILIAL PERIODIC PARALYSIS A rare group of autosomal dominant disorders of unknown cause characterised by episodes of flaccid paralysis with loss of deep tendon reflexes and failure of the muscle to respond to electrical stimulation. There is no alteration in consciousness. Three forms have been described: [a] hyperkalemic periodic paralysis, also known as adynamia episodica hereditaria; [b] hypokalemic periodic paralysis; [c] normokalemic periodic paralysis. The onset of the hyperkalemic form occurs in infancy; attacks are frequent but relatively mild, and myotonia is often present. In the hypokalemic variety, attacks usually begin between the ages of 7 and 21 years. The day after vigorous exercise, the patient often awakens with weakness, which may be mild and limited to certain muscle groups or involve all four limbs. Oropharyngeal and respiratory muscles are spared. The weakness lasts 24 to 48 hours. The attacks may also be precipitated by exposure to cold, high carbohydrate meal, or alcohol. The normokalemic form, sometimes considered as the same as the hyperkalemic form, has an onset that usually occurs between the ages of 2 and 5 years; there is often severe quadriplegia, which is usually improved by the administration of sodium salts. 5,6
OXYGEN Potassium is most abundant where oxygen is present, i.e. where the metabolism is very active and the breathing deep - thus, in fully active tissue. "It is necessary to keep in mind the reaction Na + O = K, in order to understand that endogenous potassium is possible only if it has access to oxygen for its formation. ... Broyer showed that a small amount of oxygen increases the potassium content in the roots of barley, tomatoes and rice. The same is true of man and animals, where the potassium content is directly proportional to breathing activity or to the activity of the tissues which require much oxygen. That is why cancerous tumours are richer in potassium, a fact having been verified in man and in the sarcoma of the chicken. An increase in potassium content leads to an elevation of arterial tension, to the activation of the vasomotor reactions. An increase of potassium from an injection in the cerebrospinal liquid provides an intense breathing stimulation. An animal is put to sleep with an injection of magnesium and awakened with potassium [by an injection in the infundilubary area, with no effect in other areas of the brain]. Oxygenation slows down during sleep or under the influence of narcotics. Potassium does the same. During sleep the metabolism is slowed down. There are less exchanges, less oxygen, and thus less potassium; this reduction of potassium at the end of the sleeping period can attain to 16.6% in the plasma."7
FOOD Potassium is found in highest amounts in fresh, unprocessed food. Good sources are fresh fruits [although dried fruits contain even more potassium], green leafy vegetables, potatoes, tomatoes, soy flour, shellfish, beans, nuts, cereals, cocoa powder, coffee, tea.
PLANTS Potassium is one of the three primary macronutrients for plants, along with nitrogen and phosphorus. It is required in large amounts by most plants, i.e. the 1999 U.S. corn crop removed more than 2 billion pounds of potassium from farmed fields. The mineral is essential for plant functions such as photosynthesis, respiration, protein formation, and water use. Movement of potassium ion is a principal factor in plant movements, such as opening and closure of stomata and the sleep movements, or daily changes in the orientation of leaves. Potassium is frequently deficient in sandy soils because of its high solubility and the ease with which potassium leaches out of sandy soils.
MEDICINE Potassium supplementation is recommended for prevention and treatment of hypertension. Numerous random, controlled trials focusing on the effect of potassium supplements have demonstrated that potassium is particularly effective among African Americans and people who ingest a lot of salt. Some participants in the trials suffered adverse effects from taking potassium in pill form, primarily abdominal pain, belching and flatulence, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
PROVINGS - •• [1] Hahnemann - 6 provers; method: unknown.
•• [2] Smith - 9 provers, 1978; method: unknown.
[1] Handbook of Chemistry and Physics. [2] Merck Index. [3-4] Merck Manual. [5] Stedman's Medical Dictionary. [6] Kervran, Biological Transmutations.
Affinity
Muscles, ligaments [HEART; uterus; LUMBAR].. Serous and mucous membranes [CHEST (right lower); joints]. Eyes. Blood. * Right side. Left side.
Modalities
Worse: COLD [AIR; water; drafts; changes; after overheating; after exertion; damp weather]. Time [2-3 A.M.; winter; before menses]. Lying [on painful or left side]. Loss of fluids. After labour. Coition. Suppressed menses.
Better: Warmth. Sitting with elbows on knees [> difficult respiration]. Open air. Eructations. Getting warm. Dry warm weather. While moving.
Main symptoms
Common traits of all Kali's: conservative, regular, proper, down to earth.
Kali-c. is the prototype, where the mind rules the emotions.
• "Their usual complaint is that they are heading for a breakdown." [Borland]
M Strong mental CONTROL.
Fear of LOSING CONTROL [weeping when telling of her sickness].
Dogmatic.
• "Since they are unemotional, unimaginative people, Kalis live in and through their intellect. They are the most rational of all people. Like a computer, Kali will calculate the logical way to live his life, the logical way to plan his day, even the logical thing to say in response to his wife's complaint that he is so unemotional. Kali tends to have a plan for everything, and they follow it to the last detail. Experimental scientists with their painstaking experimental designs are often Kalis, as are bank managers. Wherever cold logic and attention to detail is required, Kali will do well. ... Kalis have a very characteristic way of engaging in conversation. This involves considering the logic [or lack of logic] of whatever the other person says, and then analysing it out aloud." [Bailey]
M Strong sense of DUTY.
Doing what has to be done.
M Emotions felt in STOMACH [like a blow] [solar plexus], esp. fear and fright.
M Sensitive to and STARTING from TOUCH.
Cannot be touched at small of back and soles of feet.
M TALKING to THEMSELVES.
• "The subconscious picks up everything; it is very suppressed, and they start talking - probably the main remedy for talking to oneself." [Morrison]
M POSSESSIVE.
• "Very marked hoarding instinct. Essentially POSSESSIVE. Hold on to everything, to life [afraid of dying], to their partner [even when they appear to dislike him/her], to their children ]even when they appear to be nothing but a worry to them and when they treat them none too well], and to their money." [Borland]
Possessive of members of the family, yet are unpleasant to them and MAKE LIFE DIFFICULT for them [Desire for company, yet treats them outrageously].
M Company.
• "Is averse to solitude; wants company but not sympathy. At times may appear witty and whimsical, but is inclined to be at variance with everybody and everything. Is both uninterested and uninteresting, both weary and wearisome." [Gibson]
M Unassertive.
• "Surprising inability to stand up for themselves. They get very irritable, but if they themselves are attacked, particularly if they are unjustly accused, they tend to become silent and cannot make any reply. They feel miserable and hurt, but cannot fight back." [Borland]
M Emotional INSTABILITY, terrible mood swings BEFORE menses.
G VERY CHILLY.
Extremely sensitive to DRAFTS.
Very susceptible to catching cold after overheating [due to profuse perspiration].
• "Kali carbonicum belongs to the cold remedies which seems to be characteristic for all compounds with cation preponderance. The Kali-c. patient is especially sensitive to cold, perceives the slightest draft, seeks the warm room. He feels the cold to a certain extent in the nerves, they pain in the cold. He also complains about cold in single parts, especially neuralgias which shoot here and there with pain in the cold parts; by the application of heat they move to other parts. ... The head is sensitive to cold: headache on walking in cold wind, desire to cover the head outside of warm rooms, headache on forced inspiration through the nose with burning pain in the region of the frontal sinus. In cold wind the nose opens, dries and burns and headache develops. On re-entering a warm room the nasal secretion from nasal and postnasal catarrh recurs and the headache ceases and the patient feels better." [Leeser]
G Weakness before menses.
G Important remedy for FLUID RETENTION.
G Flushes of HEAT when eating WARM FOOD.
Flushes of heat and palpitation.
G PERSPIRES easily; on slight exertion.
G Craving for SWEETS.
G < 2-4 A.M. G < At BEGINNING of and DURING menses. > During menses.
G < At BEGINNING of SLEEP. G < Lying on RIGHT side. G STITCHING, sharp pains. P Swollen UPPER eyelids. P Excessive FLATULENCE. [stomach - everything seems to be converted into gas -, abdomen] P Backache drives the patient out of bed in the morning. Backache extending to nates and lower limbs, < LEFT. Everything affects the small of the back, or pains start there. Backache [lumbar region] since parturition or abortion. Rubrics Mind Antagonism with herself [2]. Anxiety, when hungry [2]. Closing eyes > [1]. Desire for company, yet treats those who approach him outrageously [2/1]. Delusions, of an abyss behind him [2/1], whole body is hollow [2]. Dulness, > closing eyes [1/1], while speaking [1]. Too much sense of duty [1]. Fear, of death, when alone in evening in bed [1]. Frightened easily, from touch [2]. Indifference, while in company [1]. Quarrelsome, with her family [1]. Weeping, when telling of her sickness [2].
Vertigo
When hungry [2]. Proceeding from stomach [2/1]. Walking sideways [1/1].
Eye
Swelling, lids, during menses [1]; under the lids [3]; of upper lids [3]. Weak, after coition [3].
Vision
Floating balls [1/1]. Colours, black points while reading [2]; white falling drops on looking at snow [2/1]; yellow shiny tremulous mist [1/1]. Dim, after washing in water [1/1]. Objects seem inverted [1].
Ear
Noises, after cold drinks [1/1]. Pain, stitching, > shaking head [1/1].
Hearing
Acute, in evening in bed [2/1].
Nose
Obstruction, > cold air [1/1], > walking in open air [2].
Face
Swelling, above eyes [3], around eyes [3], under eyes [3].
Mouth
Taste, putrid, during menses [2/1]; sweetish, morning on waking [1; Kali-bi.*].
Stomach
Eructations, sour, before menses [2/1]. Loathing of food, after emotions [2/1]. Pain, pressing, > bending backward [1/1]. Vomiting, after fried fish [1/1]. Sensation as if stomach were full of water [3].
Female
Pain, labour pains, weak, but pain in the back [1/1].
Respiration
Asthmatic, during menses [1/1], > rocking [1/1].
Chest
Palpitation, during hunger [2/1].
Dreams
Amorous, after coition [1/1], before menses [2]. Prophetic, prophesying death [1/1]. Quarrels with dead relatives [1/1].
Skin
Eruptions, urticaria, before menses [2], during menses [2].
* Repertory addition [Hughes].
Food
Aversion: [2]: Bread; bread, brown; meat; sweets. [1]: Cabbage; fat; milk; rye bread; soup.
Desire: [2]: Sour; sugar; sweets. [1]: Delicacies; warm drinks.
Worse: [2]: Bread, black; cold drinks when heated; cold drinks during hot weather; cold food; milk; pancakes; pastry; vegetables; warm food. [1]: Beans and peas; bread; cabbage; coffee; cold drinks; corn; farinaceous; fat; fish; flatulent food; food, sight of; hot food; ice; meat, fresh; soup.
Better: [1]: Cold drinks; hot food; soup.
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