Kreosotum
Overview:
K
R
E
O
S
O
T
U
M
K
K – Kreos. for cancer
Desription : The otorrhoeal discharge from the ear, the catarrhal discharge from the nose, the stools, the urine and the leucorrhoeal discharge are not only corrosive but putrid as well. It is on account of this tendency to decomposition that Kreosote becomes such an excellent remedy in carbuncles, carcinoma and other forms and varieties of gangrenous, cancerous and putrefying ulcers.
Reference : [A Study On Materia Medica By N. M. Choudhuri]
R
R – Rawness & burning
Description: A universal feature of Kreosotum is the sensation of burning, acridity, and rawness. This is felt in various parts, but especially where there are discharges. The pains are often described as burning like fire, and this sensation of intense heat and rawness is a primary guiding symptom for the remedy.
Reference: [Pocket Manual of Homoeopathic Materia Medica & Repertory by Boericke W.]
E
E – Excoriation
Description: All discharges from the body—leucorrhoea, lochia, menses, urine, and even sweat—are incredibly acrid and excoriating. The leucorrhoea is particularly notable; it is watery, yellow, and so acrid that it causes violent itching and swelling of the labia and makes the thighs raw and sore simply from contact.
Reference: [Materia Medica of Homoeopathic Medicines by Phatak S.R.]
O
O – Offensiveness
Description: Foulness is a hallmark of Kreosotum. The discharges are not only acrid but also putrid and offensively odorous. The urine, leucorrhoea, lochia after childbirth, and menstrual blood all have a carrion-like or penetrating foul odor, indicating a state of putrescence and decomposition.
Reference: [Lectures on Homoeopathic Materia Medica by Kent J.T.]
S
S – Stitching pain
Description: Kreosotum has a highly peculiar and characteristic symptom of sharp, stitching pains in the vagina. These stitches shoot upwards from the vagina towards the uterus, often causing the patient to start or cry out. This symptom is a powerful confirmatory sign for the remedy, especially in cases of vaginitis or uterine affections.
Reference: [A Dictionary of Practical Materia Medica by Clarke J.H.]
O
O – Old looking child
Description : Children: old looking, wrinkled [Abort.]; scrofulous or psoric affections; rapid emaciation
Reference : [Keynotes With Nosodes By Allen H.C.]
T
T – Teeth decay
Description: Kreosotum is a leading remedy for premature and rapid decay of teeth in children. The deciduous (baby) teeth turn dark, show black specks, and begin to crumble or decay almost as soon as they erupt. This is often accompanied by spongy, bleeding gums and a very painful and difficult dentition period.
Reference: [Leaders in Homoeopathic Therapeutics by Nash E.B.]
U
U – Urinary trouble
Description: A classic keynote of Kreosotum is the involuntary urination that occurs during the first, deep sleep of the night. The child or adult cannot be awakened from this deep sleep, and the call to urinate is so sudden and urgent that they wet the bed. It is almost impossible to rouse them during the act.
Reference: [The Guiding Symptoms of our Materia Medica by Hering C.]
M
M – Menses dark
Description: Premature catamenia. Of too long continuance, and too copious, with a discharge of black blood. During an embrace, burning in the parts, followed next day by menstrual discharge of dark blood. Appearance of menses in third month of pregnancy (blood black, flows in a stream.)
Reference : [Dictionary Of Practical Materia Medica (All 3 Vol.) By Clarke J. H.]
E
R
R
A
T
I
C
E
E – Excitement
Description: Continual excitement, with obstinacy, and disposition to be angry.
Reference: [Dictionary Of Practical Materia Medica (All 3 Vol.) By Clarke J. H.]
R
R – Restlessness
Description: Restlessness when seated, with shivering, and frequent want to draw a long breath, which, however, is impossible.
Reference: [Dictionary Of Practical Materia Medica (All 3 Vol.) By Clarke J. H.]
R
R – Recalls past pain
Description: Dwells on past disagreeable occurrences.
Reference: [Nature’s Materia Medica By Robin Murphy, Md]
A
A – Absence of mind
Description: Frequent absence of mind, and a sort of stupidity.
Reference: [Dictionary Of Practical Materia Medica (All 3 Vol.) By Clarke J. H.]
T
T – Thinks she is well
Description: Thinks herself well.
Reference: [Condensed Materia Medica By Hering C.]
I
I – Ill humor
Description: Ill-humor. Moroseness. peevishness, ill- temper.
Reference: [Condensed Materia Medica By Hering C.]
C
C – Child cross
Description: Child wants everything but throws it away when given.
Reference: [Nature’s Materia Medica By Robin Murphy, Md]
Introduction
Constitution
Clinical
Mental Symptoms
Guiding Symptoms
Characteristic
Therapeutic Value
Modality
Remedy Relationship
Dose
Terminology
Reference
Also Search As
Introduction
Introduction of Kreosotum
Common name:
Kreosote[1]
Synonyms
Wood tar
Family / Group / Class / Order
Plant kingdom
Habit and habitat / Description
It is available from Europe and America where beachwood is
indigenous. Kreosotum is a product of distillation of wood tar and is a mixture of phenols. It is a colourless or faintly yellow, strongly refracting liquid. The odour is disagreeable, smoky and penetrating; its taste is burning and caustic.[2]
Formula / Symbols
C8H10O2
Name of prover
Dr Syrbius
Introduction and history
It is a very important medicine of materia medica. It is one of the Nash’s Trio of Offensive remedies, the other two being Mercurius and Baptisia. Kreosotum is mainly a left sided remedy. The odour of Kreosotum is very putrid. It is also corrosive in nature because it is a member of the tar family.
Active principles
It is a mixture of phenols, chiefly guaiacol, cresol, methylcresol and phenol
Constitution
Constitution of Kreosotum
Physical make up
Especially suited to ladies having dark complexion.
Temperament
Irritable temperament
Diathesis
Scrofulous and haemorrhagic
Relation with heat & cold
Chilly
Miasm
Psora and syphilis
Clinical
Clinical conditions of Kreosotum
Acne. Amenorrhoea. Cancer. Carbuncle. Change of life. Cholera infantum. Coccygodynia. Congenital syphilis. Constipations. Consumption. Dentition. Diarrhoea. Ear, affections of. Enuresis. Epithelioma. Eructations. Eruptions. Flushings. Gastromalacia. Glossitis. Haemorrhages. Haemorrhagic diathesis. Herpes. Hysterical vomiting. Irritations. Leucorrhoea. Lip, epithelioma of. Lupus. Menstruation, disorders of. Neuralgia. Ovary, affections of. Prostate, irritation of. Pregnancy, vomiting of. Pustules. Rheumatism. Seasickness. Stomach, affections of. Syphilis. Syphilitic deafness. Teeth, caries of. Toothache. Ulcers. Urine, incontinence of. Uterus, affections of. Vomiting. Whooping-cough. Yawning.[3]
Sites of action / Pharmacodynamics
Mucous membranes, gums, teeth,digestive tract, female genital organs, blood, lymphatic system, skin, etc
Causation (Causes / Ailments from)
-From debauchery
-From excitement
-From bad smell
-FROM DENTITION [4]
Physiological action
This agent acts upon the mucous membranes, producing a catarrhal condition, with a tendency to disorganization and destruction of the tissues.
Patho-physiological changes / Pathogenesis
1. Acts upon mucous membranes, especially that of the digestive system
producing vomiting and diarrhoea.
2. Acts upon female generative organs producing catarrhal conditions.
3. Acts upon the skin, producing a catarrhal condition, eruptions and itching.
4. It has a tendency to disorganisation, ulceration and destruction of the parts
involved.
5. It produces pulsations all over the body, and profuse bleeding from small
wounds. Also excoriating, burning and offensive discharges. Haemorrhages,
ulcerations, cancerous affections.
6. Also acts upon the lymphatic system.
Mental Symptoms
Characteristic Mental Symptoms (psychology) of Kreosotum
1. Child is cross, wilful and obstinate.
2. Music and other emotional causes compel him to weep.
3. Child wants everything, but nothing satisfies him when offered and throws
it away.
4. Child screams at night. Thinks herself well.
5. Stupid feeling in the head, with a vacant gaze; neither seeing nor hearing.
6. Ill-humour, moroseness, peevishness, ill-temper.
7. Weakness of memory, forgetfulness.
8. Frequent vanishing of thoughts.
9. Sorrowful mood, inclined to weep or longing for death.
10. Vertigo in the mornings, in the open air.
Guiding Symptoms
Guiding of Kreosotum
Generalities
Kreosotum is a mixture of phenols obtained from this distillation. Pulsations all over the body, and profuse bleeding from small wounds. Very severe, old neuralgic affections; pains rather aggravated by rest. EXCORIATING, burning, and offensive discharges. Haemorrhages, ulcerations, cancerous affections. Rapid decomposition of fluids and secretions, and burning pains. Overgrown, poorly developed children. Post-climacteric diseases. Tumefaction, puffiness, gangrene. Ailings of teething children.
Head
Dull pain, as from a board pressing against forehead. Menstrual headache. Occipital pain. [GELS.; ZINC. PIC.]
Eye
Salty lachrymation. Lids red and swollen.
Ears
Eruption around and pimples within. Difficult hearing and buzzing.
Nose
Offensive smell and discharge. Chronic catarrh of old people. Acrid rawness. Lupus. [ARS.]
Face
Sick, suffering expression; hot, cheeks red.
Mouth
Lips red, bleeding. VERY PAINFUL DENTITION; child will not sleep. VERY RAPID DECAY OF TEETH, WITH SPONGY, BLEEDING GUMS; teeth dark and crumbly. [STAPH.; ANT. C.] Putrid odor and bitter taste.
Throat
Burning, choking sensation. PUTRID ODOR.
Stomach
Nausea; vomiting of food several hours after eating; of sweetish water in the morning. Feeling of coldness, as of ice water in stomach. Soreness; better eating. Painful hard spot. Haematemesis. Bitter taste after a swallow of water.
Abdomen
Distended. Burning haemorrhoids. Diarrhoea; very offensive; dark brown. Bloody, fetid stools. CHOLERA INFANTUM in connection with painful dentition, green stools, nausea, dry skin, exhaustion, etc.
Urinary Organ
OFFENSIVE. Violent itching of vulva and vagina, worse when urinating. Can urinate only when lying; cannot get out of bed quick enough during first sleep. Dreams of urinating. Enuresis in the first part of night. MUST HURRY WHEN DESIRE COMES TO URINATE.
Sexual Organ
Corrosive itching within vulva, burning and swelling of labia; violent itching between labia and thighs. During menses, DIFFICULT HEARING; buzzing and roaring; eruption after. Burning and soreness in external and internal parts. Leucorrhoea, yellow, acrid; odor of green corn; worse between periods. Haemorrhage after coition. Menses too early, prolonged. Vomiting of pregnancy, with ptyalism. MENSTRUAL FLOW INTERMITS [PULS.]; ceases on sitting or walking; reappears on lying down. Pain worse after menses. Lochia offensive; INTERMITS.
Respiratory System
HOARSE, WITH PAIN IN LARYNX. Cough; worse evening, with efforts to vomit, with pain in chest. Raw burning in chest; pains and oppression. Cough after influenza. [ERIODICTYON.] Winter coughs of old people, WITH HEAVY PRESSURE ON STERNUM. Gangrene of lungs. After every cough, COPIOUS, PURULENT EXPECTORATION. Haemoptysis; periodic attacks. Sternum feels pressed in.
Heart & Pulse
Neck & Back
Dragging backache, extending to genitals and down thighs. Great debility.
Extremities
Pain in joints, hip and knee. Boring pain in hip-joints. Scapulae sore.
Skin
Itching, worse towards evening. Burning in soles. Senile gangrene. Small wounds bleed freely. [CROT.; LACH.; PHOS.] Pustules and herpes. Ecchymosis; dorsal surface of fingers and hands eczematous.
Sleep
Disturbed with tossing. Paralytic sensation in limbs on waking. Anxious dreams of pursuit, fire, erections, etc.
Characteristic
Important characteristic features
Keynotes / Redline
Acrid, Offensive, and Excoriating Discharges
Teeth Decay and Turn Black Upon Eruption
Intense Burning Pains, Like Fire
Involuntary Urination During First Deep Sleep
Hemorrhage of Dark, Thin, Offensive Blood
Guiding
Acrid, Offensive, and Excoriating Discharges
Teeth Decay and Turn Black Upon Eruption
Involuntary Urination During First Deep Sleep
Hemorrhage of Dark, Thin, Offensive Blood
Menses Flow Only When Lying Down
PQRS
Menses Flow Only When Lying Down
Involuntary Urination During the First Deep Sleep
Teeth Decay and Turn Black Immediately Upon Eruption
Stitches Shooting Upwards in the Vagina
Says He is Well When Seriously Ill
Nucleus symptoms
-Pulsations all over the body, and profuse bleeding from small wounds.
-EXCORIATING, BURNING, AND OFFENSIVE DISCHARGES.
-Acridity of the secretions.
-Weakness; prostration and faintness from the least effort.
-General tendency to haemorrhages, and to rapid decomposition of fluids and secretions.
-Discharges foetid, acrid. Lachrymation.
-Complaints of children.
-Cancerous affections.
-Female diseases.
-Desire for alcoholic drinks.
-ONE SIDED SYMPTOMS.
-LEFT SIDE AFFECTED.
-Weariness tendency for.
-Chilliness associated with.
-Heat in general.
Therapeutic Value
Therapeutic value of Kreosotum
Abdominal and Stomach troubles, Cancer, Carbuncles,
Cholera, Constipation, Cough, Dentition, Diarrhoea, Enuresis, Haemorrhage,
Haemorrhoids, Hysteria, Leucorrhoea, Menstrual disorders, Neuralgia,
Pregnancy troubles, Teeth caries, Toothache, Tuberculosis, Ulcers, Vomiting,
Whooping cough, etc
Modality
Modality of Kreosotum of Kreosotum
Aggravation
Eating cold things
Open air
During menses
Cold bath,
Cold weather
walking
Dentition
Amelioration
Eating hot food
Sitting,
Warmth
Remedy Relationship
Remedy Relationship of Kreosotum
Follows Well
Ars, Bell, Calc, Kali-c, Lyc, Nit-ac, Nux-v
Inimical
Carb-v, Chel, Carb-ac.
It Antidotes
Acon, Nux-v.
Comparison
Carb-v, Phos
Dose
Dose of Kreosotum
30 to 200
Potency
3x, 6x, 12x, 30, 200, 1000
Duration of Action
15 to 20 days
Terminology
Terminology of Kreosotum
Remedy:
In homeopathy, a "remedy" is a substance derived from a plant, mineral, or animal source that has been prepared through a specific process of serial dilution and succussion (vigorous shaking). This process, known as potentization, is believed to activate the substance’s healing properties.
Materia Medica:
(Latin for "Medical Material") This is the encyclopedia of homeopathy. A Materia Medica is a book or collection of texts that documents the symptoms and clinical applications of each homeopathic remedy, based on historical provings and clinical experience.
Keynote / Guiding Symptom:
A keynote is a highly peculiar, unique, or intensely characteristic symptom of a remedy that strongly points to its selection for a particular patient. For Kreosotum, a keynote is "teeth turning black and decaying as soon as they erupt."
Constitutional Picture:
This refers to the complete and enduring makeup of a person—their physical build, temperament, personality traits, emotional tendencies, and susceptibility to certain types of illness. A "constitutional remedy" is one that matches this entire picture.
Modality:
A modality is any factor or circumstance that makes a symptom or the patient’s overall condition better (amelioration) or worse (aggravation). Examples include time of day, temperature, position (sitting, standing), or motion. The fact that Kreosotum’s menses stop upon sitting is a classic modality.
Sphere of Action:
This term describes the specific organs, tissues, or body systems where a remedy has its most marked and reliable effects. Kreosotum’s primary sphere of action includes the mucous membranes, female reproductive organs, and teeth.
Acrid / Excoriating:
These terms describe discharges (like leucorrhoea or nasal mucus) that are so sharp and corrosive they cause a burning sensation and make the skin raw, red, and sore upon contact, as if it were scraped.
Putrid / Offensive:
This refers to a foul, decaying, or carrion-like odor associated with a symptom, such as the breath, sweat, or bodily discharges. It points to a state of decomposition and is a strong characteristic of Kreosotum.
Hemorrhage:
This means bleeding. In homeopathy, the specific character of the bleeding is crucial for choosing a remedy. For Kreosotum, the hemorrhage is typically dark, thin (not clotted), offensive-smelling, and difficult to stop.
Leucorrhoea:
A medical term for vaginal discharge. In homeopathy, its specific qualities—such as being acrid, bland, yellow, watery, offensive, or causing itching—are vital guiding symptoms.
Lochia:
The natural discharge of blood and mucus from the uterus after childbirth. Its character (e.g., prolonged, acrid, or putrid) can point to the need for a remedy like Kreosotum.
Menses:
The menstrual period. Homeopathic prescriptions rely heavily on its details, including its timing (early, late), duration, flow (scanty, profuse, intermittent), color, and accompanying pains or emotional changes.
Reference
Reference of Kreosotum
[1] Allen’s Keynotes
[2] Gems textbook of materia medica by Dr.Patil
[3] Dictionary Of Practical Materia Medica (All 3 Vol.) By Clarke J. H.
[4] Zomeo
Also Search As
Also Search As of Kreosotum
1.Search Within Homeopathic Software (Digital Repertories) :
This is the primary research method for practicing homeopaths. Software like RadarOpus, MacRepertory, or Complete Dynamics allows you to "search" in a fundamentally different way.
How to Search:
Repertorization: You don’t search for the remedy; you search for the symptoms. You input the patient’s symptoms (e.g., MIND – WEEPING – music, from; TEETH – DISCOLORATION – black; URINE – INVOLUNTARY – sleep – during – first sleep), and the software generates a list of remedies that cover these symptoms, with Kreosotum appearing at the top if it’s a good match.
Reverse Search: You can look up Kreosotum directly within the software’s Materia Medica section to read and compare its profile across dozens of classical and modern texts simultaneously. This is far more efficient than searching individual authors online.
2.Search Within Physical Books (The Analog Method)
The most profound understanding often comes from non-digital study.
How to Search:
Index-Based: Use the detailed index at the back of a Materia Medica or a therapeutic handbook (like Dr. S.R. Phatak’s "Materia Medica") to find all references to Kreosotum.
Comparative Reading: Open multiple books (e.g., Kent, Boericke, and Nash) to the Kreosotum chapter on your desk. Reading them side-by-side allows you to synthesize their different perspectives in a way that online tab-switching cannot replicate.
3.Search Within Academic & Research Databases:
This method is for finding modern scientific validation, not classical symptomatology.
Where to Search: PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, and dedicated portals like the Homeopathy Research Institute (HRI).
How to Search: Use clinical and scientific keywords.
"Kreosotum" "in-vitro study"
"homeopathy" "dentition" "clinical trial"
"beechwood creosote" "pharmacology" (to understand the source substance)
4.Search Within Professional Communities & Forums
This is searching for experiential and clinical wisdom, not just text.
Where to Search: Hpathy Forums, Facebook groups for professional homeopaths, and other online communities.
How to Search: Use the forum’s internal search function to find past discussions, cases, and debates involving Kreosotum. You can also post a precise question to "search" the collective knowledge of the active members.
5.Search Within Multimedia Content (Auditory & Visual Learning)
Where to Search: YouTube, Vimeo, and homeopathic podcasts.
How to Search: Look for lectures and seminars from well-regarded homeopaths.
"Dr. Rajan Sankaran" lecture
"Kreosotum materia medica" "webinar"
"homeopathy study group" "Kreosotum" This allows you to learn from the tone, emphasis, and context provided by an experienced teacher, which text alone cannot convey.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the main uses of Kreosotum?
Uses
Homeopathic Kreosotum is primarily used for conditions involving mucous membranes, especially those with acrid, offensive, and excoriating (skin-damaging) discharges. Its key areas of action include the female reproductive system, teeth, and gums. It is also a significant remedy for hemorrhages involving dark, thin, and foul-smelling blood.
Is Kreosotum a good remedy for dental problems?
Dental issues
Yes, Kreosotum is a leading remedy for specific dental issues, particularly in children. Its most famous keynote symptom is for teeth that decay rapidly, turn black or dark, and begin to crumble almost as soon as they erupt. It is also indicated for very painful and difficult teething in irritable children.
How does Kreosotum help with women's health issues?
Female complaint:
Kreosotum is frequently prescribed for women’s health complaints characterized by acrid and offensive discharges. It is a primary remedy for leucorrhoea (vaginal discharge) that is yellow, watery, and so corrosive it causes intense itching and makes the skin raw. It also addresses menstrual problems where the flow is intermittent and putrid.
Why is Kreosotum often indicated for children?
For Children
Beyond its use in dental issues, Kreosotum is indicated for children who are ill-humored, obstinate, and irritable, especially during teething. A classic guiding symptom is involuntary urination that occurs during the first deep sleep of the night, from which the child is very difficult to rouse.
What are the most characteristic symptoms of Kreosotum?
The three most characteristic features of Kreosotum are:
- Acrid and Offensive Discharges: All discharges (leucorrhoea, menses, urine, sweat) are corrosive and have a putrid odor.
- Burning Pains: Intense pains that feel like burning fire are present in various parts of the body.
- Peculiar Hemorrhages: A tendency to bleed easily with blood that is dark, thin, and non-coagulating.
Is homeopathic Kreosotum safe to take?
Safety
When prepared by a reputable homeopathic pharmacy and used according to homeopathic principles, Kreosotum is considered safe due to the ultra-dilution process. However, it is a powerful remedy, and self-prescription is not recommended. For proper dosage and administration, always consult a qualified and registered homeopathic practitioner.
