Plumbum

Where are studies of Plumbum found ?

Hartlaub and Trink's Materia Medica ; British Journal of Homoeopathy ; Allen's Encyclopaedia ...

How is it prepared ?

The precipitated head is triturated.

Give the general action of Plumbum.

Lead causes constriction of muscular fibre, both voluntary and involuntary. Lead colic. The walls of the abdomen become retracted ; obstinate constipation from constriction of the intestinal muscular fibres.

What are the indications for its use in colic ?

Horrible griping pain in the abdomen, with retraction of the abdominal walls ; the pains radiate in all directions, following the course of the nerves.

Name some remedies useful as antidotes to lead colic.

Nux vomica, Alumina, Platina, Opium, Alum and Belladonna .

What are the paralytic symptoms of Plumbum ?

Paralysis of the extensor muscles of the wrist, wrist drop ; the paralysis is accompanied by atrophy of the affected parts, or they suffer from fatty degeneration.

Give a few general symptoms of Plumbum.

There is a blue line along the border of the gums ; the patient's complexion is waxy, pallid and greasy, or shiny looking ; there is a sweetish taste in the mouth and everything tastes sweet.

It has also many hysterical symptoms.

What are the characteristics of the Plumbum constipation ?

There is a marked retraction of the abdomen, and a spasm or contraction of the sphincter ani ; there is urging to stool, and the stool is passed in little round balls, which are black and hard ; they are passed with great difficulty, and are often accompanied by colic or a sensation of a string pulling the anus up into the rectum.