CERIUM OXALICUM

SOURCE INFORMATION

Scientific Classification

• Chemical Formula: Ce₂(C₂O₄)₃
• Common Name: Cerium Oxalate
• Type: Inorganic salt

Origin

• Cerium Oxalicum is derived from the rare-earth metal Cerium, combined with oxalic acid to form an oxalate compound.
• Cerium was discovered in 1803 and was used for medicinal purposes before becoming part of homeopathic practice, especially in treating gastric disturbances and vomiting.

Historical Facts

• Historically, Cerium Oxalate was used in conventional medicine in the 19th century to treat gastric irritability and vomiting, particularly during pregnancy.
• It was later incorporated into homeopathy due to its efficacy in controlling reflex vomiting and spasmodic cough.

DRUG PATHOGENESIS

• Cerium Oxalicum primarily acts on the digestive system and respiratory tract, particularly where there is reflexive irritation leading to vomiting and spasms.
• Its therapeutic effect is observed in conditions where vomiting and coughing are prominent, often accompanied by nervous system involvement or reflexive spasms.

PHYSICAL CONSTITUTION

• Suited for robust, fleshy women who suffer from dysmenorrhea.
• Predominantly used in cases where vomiting is violent and reflexive, especially during pregnancy or whooping cough.

DIATHESIS

• Patients may have a tendency toward gastric disturbances, particularly vomiting due to nervous irritation or reflex mechanisms.

TEMPERAMENT

• Often indicated in women who are emotionally strong but suffer physically from violent spasms, vomiting, or menstrual discomfort.

KEY CHARACTERISTICS

• Spasmodic reflex vomiting: Especially in cases of pregnancy or after consuming food.
• Whooping cough with vomiting and haemorrhage: Coughing leads to expulsion of food and even blood in severe cases.
• Dysmenorrhea: Painful menstruation in fleshy women, where symptoms improve after the onset of flow.
• Better when flow is established: Conditions improve after the menstrual cycle begins.

DETAILED ORGAN SYMPTOMS

STOMACH

• Spasmodic vomiting: Especially during pregnancy or after consuming food.
• Vomiting of half-digested food: Occurs frequently in reflex vomiting.
• Gastric irritability: Particularly in nervous individuals.

RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

• Spasmodic cough: Often reflexive, leading to vomiting.
• Whooping cough: Accompanied by vomiting and, in severe cases, haemorrhage.

FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

• Dysmenorrhea: Painful menstruation in women with robust constitutions, with pain easing once the menstrual flow starts.
• Menstrual pain: Associated with nausea or vomiting.

MODALITIES

Worse

• During the initial stages of menstruation.
• During pregnancy, particularly in the early months.

Better

• Once menstrual flow is fully established.

RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHER DRUGS

Compare,

• Ingluvin: For vomiting during pregnancy and gastric neurasthenia.
• Amygdalus: For reflex vomiting.
• Lactic Acid, Ipecac: For vomiting and digestive disturbances, particularly in children and during pregnancy.

DOSE

• Typically prescribed in the First Trituration (1x) potency.
• It is especially useful in repeated doses during the early stages of vomiting or spasmodic cough.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cerium Oxalicum used for?

• It is used to treat spasmodic reflex vomiting, particularly in pregnancy, and spasmodic cough, such as in whooping cough.
• It is also used for painful menstruation in robust women.

Is it safe during pregnancy?

• Yes, Cerium Oxalicum is specifically recommended for treating vomiting during pregnancy, especially when the vomit consists of half-digested food.

What is the typical dose?

• The usual dose is in the First Trituration (1x) potency, repeated as needed, especially during the onset of symptoms.

Can it be used for children?

• Yes, it can be used in children, especially for treating whooping cough with vomiting.