AMMONIUM CARBONICUM

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Ammonium carb is a highly effective remedy derived from the pure salt-carbonate of ammonium, commonly known as smelling salt. Hahnemann’s deep understanding of chemistry led him to recognize the healing properties of this potent irritant.

Source: Smelling Salt

Prover: Hahnemann

CHEMICAL FORMULA: NH₄HCO₃ (Ammonium Bicarbonate)

Table of Contents

CLINICAL INDICATIONS

The clinical applications of Ammonium carb encompass a broad spectrum of ailments, including asthma, bronchitis, cough, epistaxis, emphysema, hemorrhages, headache, heart conditions, leucorrhoea, menstrual disorders, nose afflictions, skin issues, tonsillitis, and more.

SPHERES OF ACTION

Ammonium Carb acts on various systems within the body, including the blood, cardiovascular system, respiratory and gastrointestinal tract, female genital organs, nerves, and bones.

PATHOGENESIS

Ammonium Carb induces degeneration of the blood and haemolysis, reducing its tendency to coagulate and carry oxygen.

It affects blood vessels, leading to hemorrhages, and irritates the mucous membranes of the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts, causing catarrhal conditions.

It can manifest as nasal congestion (snuffles), symptoms resembling cholera, and profuse menstruation.

Additionally, it influences nerves, leading to increased activity in blood vessels and the heart.

CONSTITUTION

Special Suitability: Ammonium Carb is particularly well-suited for women and children.

Physical Characteristics: It is beneficial for stout, fleshy, and delicate women who lead a sedentary lifestyle. These individuals are often seen with a “smelling-bottle” in hand.

WHAT IS CONSTITUTION IN HOMOEOPATHY?

Response to Temperature: The patient is highly sensitive to cold and feels very chilly.

Underlying Factors: The background miasm is Psora, and there is often a predisposition towards a haemorrhagic diathesis.

WHAT IS DIATHESIS IN HOMOEOPATHY?

GUIDING SYMPTOMS

Right-sided remedy.
Haemorrhagic Tendency: Blood becomes fluid, leading to haemolysis and degeneration of red blood cells (RBCs). This results in reduced coagulation tendency and diminished oxygen-carrying capacity. Blood appears dark, degenerated, watery, offensive, and does not coagulate easily.
Ulcerations Tend towards Gangrene.
Palpitations and faintness in a fat patient with a weak heart.
Heaviness felt in all organs.
Children have an aversion to washing.
Epistaxis occurs when washing the face, especially in the morning or after eating, typically from the left nostril.
Nasal blockage, primarily at night, necessitating mouth breathing (Hepar sulph., Nux vom., Sambucus, Lyco.).
Dry cough triggered by throat tickling, resembling dust irritation. Asthmatic oppression accompanies the cough between 3 to 4 a.m. Cough may persist post-influenza, unresponsive to other treatments.
Cholera-like symptoms at the onset of menstruation.
Desire to lie on the abdomen for relief.
Mood affected negatively during wet and stormy weather.
Ailments from leading a sedentary lifestyle, exposure to cold, and stormy, wet weather.

PARTICULARS

HEADACHE

Pulsating sensation in the forehead; alleviated by pressure and in a warm room.

Shock-like sensations through the head.

Causation: Exposure to cold, wet, stormy weather.

Location: Mainly in the forehead.

Sensation: Feeling of fullness as if the forehead would burst.

Modalities

Aggravation: From exposure to cold, cold washing, and during menstruation.
Amelioration: By applying pressure and lying on the painful side.

NOSE

Nosebleed occurs when washing the face and hands, especially in the morning and after eating. Bleeding is from the left nostril.
Blood rushes to the tip of the nose when stooping.
Ozaena present; blowing the nose results in frequent discharge of bloody mucous.
Stooping of the nose, mostly at night, necessitating breathing through the mouth.
Persistent coryza; common in infants (“snuffles”) and may resemble symptoms found in Hepar, Nux vomica, Sambucus, Lyco, and Lachesis.
In diphtheria, nasal congestion prevents sleep due to difficulty breathing.
Relief from these nasal troubles is experienced in dry weather.

RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

Ammonium Carb is notably effective for emphysema.

Symptoms include significant breathing oppression and a sensation of fatigue or tiredness in the chest.

Throat

Putrid sore throat is present.
Engorgement of tonsils and glands is observed.
Tendency toward gangrenous ulceration of the tonsils.
Diphtheritic attacks may occur, accompanied by nasal congestion.

Cough

Severe morning cough, particularly between 3 to 4 a.m.
Dry cough, feels like tickling in the throat as if from dust.
Aggravation of cough in cold conditions; relief experienced in dry weather.

HEART

Pronounced dyspnea accompanied by palpitations and faintness.

Dyspnea worsens with exertion or ascending steps and is particularly worse in a warm room.

MENSTRUAL TROUBLES

Ammonium Carb is highly effective for addressing menstrual issues such as:

- Timing: Menstruation occurs too early.
- Quantity: Excessive flow, especially copious at night and while sitting.
- Duration: Prolonged menstruation.
- Blood Character: Acrid blood causing soreness.

Concomitant symptoms include cholera-like symptoms at the onset of menses, griping colic, thigh fatigue with sadness (similar to Nitric acid, Stannum), intense yawning, and chilliness during menstruation.

Toothache may also manifest during this time.

LEUCORRHOEA

Leucorrhoea is characterized by a watery, profuse, and acrid discharge that causes a burning sensation from the uterus and excoriation of the vulva.

FEVER

During fever, whether eruptive or non-eruptive, the body takes on a red appearance similar to scarlatina.
Accompanied by deep sleep and stertorous (heavy and laboured) breathing.
Miliary rashes or faintly developed eruptions may occur due to compromised vitality, posing a risk of brain paralysis.

EXTREMITIES

Tearing pain in joints, alleviated by the heat of the bed; inclination to stretch limbs.
Hands are cold and blue, with distended veins.
Swelling of fingers when the arm is hanging down.
Deep-seated periosteal pain, especially in the beginning of felons.
Cramps in calves and soles of the feet.
Painful and swollen big toe.
Heel is painful on standing.
Tearing sensation in the ankle and bones of the feet, improved when warm in bed.

GENERAL MODALITIES

Aggravation

Cold and wet weather exacerbate symptoms.
Poultices worsen the condition.
Aggravation occurs during washing and menses.

Amelioration

Relief is experienced by lying on the abdomen or on the painful side.
Dry weather and warmth provide improvement.

WHAT ARE MODALITIES IN HOMOEOPATHY?

RELATIONSHIP

Ammonium Carb serves as an antidote to poisoning with Rhus tox. and insect stings.
Inimical (incompatible) with Lachesis.

Antidoted by

Arnica and Camphor act as antidotes to Ammonium Carb.

DOSE

Lower potencies deteriorate with age.
The sixth potency is considered the best for general use.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the source of Ammonium Carb, and who proved it?

Ammonium Carb is derived from the pure salt-carbonate of ammonium, known as smelling salt. It was proved by Hahnemann.

What are the clinical indications of Ammonium Carb?

Ammonium Carb is clinically indicated for various ailments, including asthma, bronchitis, cough, epistaxis, emphysema, hemorrhages, headache, heart conditions, leucorrhoea, menstrual disorders, nose afflictions, skin issues, tonsillitis, and more.

On which systems does Ammonium Carb act?

Ammonium Carb acts on the blood, cardiovascular system, respiratory and gastrointestinal tract, female genital organs, nerves, and bones.

What constitutional types does Ammonium Carb suit?

Ammonium Carb is especially suited for stout, fleshy, and delicate women who lead a sedentary lifestyle.
These individuals are often seen with a “smelling-bottle” in hand. They are highly sensitive to cold and tend to have a haemorrhagic diathesis with a background of Psora.

What are the key guiding symptoms of Ammonium Carb?

Some guiding symptoms include its right-sided action, haemorrhagic tendency, ulcerations tending towards gangrene, palpitation, and faintness in a fat patient with a weak heart, aversion to washing in children, and epistaxis when washing the face.

How does Ammonium Carb affect the respiratory system?

Ammonium Carb is notably effective for emphysema, characterized by significant breathing oppression and a sensation of fatigue or tiredness in the chest.
It is also indicated for putrid sore throat, engorgement of tonsils, and tendency toward gangrenous ulceration of the tonsils.

What menstrual troubles can Ammonium Carb address?

Ammonium Carb is beneficial for menstrual issues such as early menstruation, profuse flow (especially at night and while sitting), prolonged duration, and acrid blood causing soreness.
It may be accompanied by cholera-like symptoms, colic, thigh fatigue with sadness, yawning, chilliness, and toothache.

How does Ammonium Carb affect the extremities?

In the extremities, Ammonium Carb causes tearing pain in joints relieved by the heat of the bed, inclination to stretch limbs, cold and blue hands with distended veins, swelling of fingers when the arm is hanging down, deep-seated periosteal pain, cramps in calves and soles, painful and swollen big toe, and heel pain relieved by warmth.

What are the general modalities for Ammonium Carb?

Aggravations include cold and wet weather, poultices, washing, and during menses. Ameliorations are observed by lying on the abdomen or on the painful side, in dry weather, and with warmth.

Are there any specific relationships or antidotes for Ammonium Carb?

Ammonium Carb serves as an antidote to poisoning with Rhus tox. and insect stings.
It is considered incompatible with Lachesis. Arnica and Camphor act as antidotes for Ammonium Carb.