Magnesium Phos
Overview:
Magnesium Phosphoricum is a cornerstone homeopathic remedy, celebrated as the supreme anti-spasmodic for the body’s nerves and muscles. It is primarily indicated for sharp, shooting, or lightning-like neuralgic pains and intense, cramping spasms that appear and disappear suddenly. Clinically, it is a leading choice for conditions such as menstrual colic, intestinal cramps, sciatica, and facial neuralgia. The most reliable and defining characteristic guiding its use is the profound and rapid relief the patient experiences from the application of warmth—such as a hot water bottle—and firm pressure. Also known as one of the twelve essential Schuessler Cell Salts, it is considered vital for restoring rhythmic function and calming over-excited nerve and muscle fibers.
M
A
G
P
H
O
S
M
M – Menstrual Colic
Description: Magnesium Phosphoricum is a leading remedy for dysmenorrhea, especially when the pain precedes the menstrual flow. The pains are intensely cramping, compelling the patient to bend double and apply pressure. Unlike many remedies, the flow is often not clotted but may be dark and stringy. The suffering is characteristically neuralgic and spasmodic, radiating down the thighs or around the pelvis. Relief from the application of heat is a paramount guiding symptom for its use in these cases.
Reference: [Dictionary of Practical Materia Medica – Dr.J.H.Clarke]
A
A – Amel. by heat
Description: This is arguably the most crucial keynote of the remedy. Almost all complaints, from neuralgia to colic and cramps, are markedly relieved by warmth. The patient seeks relief through hot applications like a hot water bottle, warm compresses, or by drinking hot beverages. The soothing effect of heat is often rapid and significant, making this a primary verification symptom during case-taking. This modality is consistent across the majority of the remedy’s pains.
Reference: [William Boericke – Pocket Manual of Homoeopathic Materia Medica]
G
G – Grasping pains
Description: This describes a specific sensation experienced during colic. The pains in the abdomen are felt as if a hand were clutching or grasping the intestines tightly and then letting go. This gripping, constrictive sensation is a hallmark of its spasmodic action on the smooth muscles of the bowel. It is a violent, intermittent pain that forces the patient to seek relief through pressure and warmth.
Reference: [J.T. Kent – Lectures on Homoeopathic Materia Medica]
P
P – Pressure amels.
Description: Along with heat, firm pressure is a grand characteristic and a key modality for relief. The patient instinctively presses on the painful area, rubs it hard, or bends over to create pressure. This applies to abdominal colic, menstrual cramps, and even some neuralgias. The pressure needs to be firm and constant; light touch, in contrast, can aggravate the pain. This desire for hard pressure is a reliable guide to the remedy.
Reference: [Robin Murphy – Lotus Materia Medica]
H
H – Hiccoughs
Description: This remedy addresses hiccoughs that are spasmodic and persistent in nature. It arises from a spasm of the diaphragm and can be quite obstinate, continuing for hours. The hiccoughs are often forceful and can be tiring for the patient. This symptom perfectly illustrates the remedy’s sphere of action on involuntary muscular spasms.
Reference: [Lectures of materia medica – J.T.Kent]
O
O – Orbital pain
Description: Supra or Infra orbital , right side , intermittent , darting , cutting, agg. by touch,cold air , pressure, amel. by heat.
Reference: [James Compton Burnett – Diseases of the Ovaries]
S
S – Spasm
Description: Magnesium Phosphoricum is useful for coughs that are dry, tickling, and occur in violent, spasmodic fits. The cough can be convulsive, often with little to no expectoration. It can be exhausting for the patient and may be worse at night upon lying down. It is particularly indicated when the cough has a nervous or whooping character.
Reference: [Dictionary Of Practical Materia Medica (All 3 Vol.) By Clarke J. H.]
A
N
G
S
T
A
A – Aggression fear
Description: the fear that their aggression will take away the possibilities for contact.
Reference: [Minerals Of Homoeopathy By Jan Scholten]
N
N – Nervousness
Description: Restlessness and nervousness.
Reference: [Nature’s Materia Medica By Robin Murphy, Md]
G
G – Grieving mood
Description: sobbing, crying, lamenting all the time about pain in affected parts.
Reference: [Dictionary Of Practical Materia Medica (All 3 Vol.) By Clarke J. H.]
S
S – Study can not
Description: Indisposition to study, to mental work. Mental dullness and inability to think clearly. Learning is difficult.. Ailments from mental work. Drowsiness on every attempt to study.
Reference: [Nature’s Materia Medica By Robin Murphy, Md]
T
T – Timid
Description: So they are very careful. They quickly have the feeling that their ideas might offend someone. They become more and more tense, almost spastic. Eventually it becomes such an effort to have a normal contact that they start to avoid it altogether. They even develop a fear of people.
Reference: [Minerals Of Homoeopathy By Jan Scholten]
Introduction
Constitution
Clinical
Mental Symptoms
Guiding Symptoms
Characteristic
Therapeutic Value
Modality
Remedy Relationship
Dose
Terminologies
Reference
Also Search As
Introduction
Introduction of Magnesium Phosphoricum
Common name:
Phosphate of magnesia[1]
Synonyms
Magnesium phosphoricum[2]
Family / Group / Class / Order
Mineral kingdom
Habit and habitat / Description
It is made by mixing phosphate of soda with sulphate of magnesia. The crystals resulting are six sided and needle-like. They have a cooling, sweetish
taste. They are sparingly soluble in water; 2 parts of magnesium sulphate are dissolved in 32 parts of water and mixed with a solution prepared by mixing
3 parts of sodium phosphate in 32 parts of water. This solution is set aside to crystallize, which takes about 24 hours. Boiling decomposes it. It exists in grains of cereals, and can be detected in a considerable quantity in beer.
Formula / Symbols
MgHPO4. 7H2O
Name of prover
Dr W. H. Schussler, Dr W. P. Wesselhoeft, J. A. Gann
Introduction and history
It is a great antineuralgic and antispasmodic remedy. Magnesium Phosphoricum is a very precious and important tissue remedy. It occupies an important place amongst some of the best neuralgic remedies.
Magnesia phosphorica is found in blood corpuscles, muscles, brain, spinal marrow and in various other tissues of the human body. Magnesium Phosphoricum is a very good remedy for pain especially for crampy, spasmodic, griping, digging, boring, cutting,
stitching, gnawing pains, which are mostly neuralgic in type. It is a right sided, polychrest remedy of the highest order.
Preparation
This salt is triturated with sugar of milk to prepare decimal
triturations, according to the rules of homeopathic pharmacy.
Constitution
Constitution of Magnesium Phosphoricum
Physical make up
It is especially suited to thin, emaciated, highly nervous, chilly persons of dark complexion
Temperament
Nervous
Diathesis
Lithiasis and rickety
Relation with heat & cold
Chilly
Miasm
Clinical
Clinical conditions of Magnesium Phosphoricum
Catheterism. Chorea. Colic. Convulsions. Cough. Cracks. Cramps. Dentition. Dysmenorrhoea. Headache. Intercostal neuralgia. Locomotor ataxy. Membranous dysmenorrhoea. Meningitis. Menstruation, painful. Neuralgia. Rectum, prolapse of. School- headache. Sciatica. Stomach, cancer of. Sobbing, spasmodic. Tic- douloureux. Toothache. Vaginismus. Whooping-cough. Writer’s cramp.[3]
Sites of action / Pharmacodynamics
Nerves, muscles, right side, face,head, brain, uterus, intestines, etc.
Causation (Causes / Ailments from)
Exposure to cold winds, dentition, standing in cold water,
catheterization, prolonged exertion, suppressed diarrhoea, working in cold clay,
mental exertion
Physiological action
The physiological action of Magnesium Phosphoricum centers on its role as the body’s primary anti-spasmodic and nerve-calming agent. It directly targets the white fibers of both nerves and muscles, governing their ability to relax and function rhythmically. When its action is disturbed, it leads to over-excitability, producing the remedy’s keynote symptoms: sharp, shooting, lightning-like neuralgic pains and sudden, intense muscular cramps or spasms. This explains why its conditions are characteristically relieved by warmth and pressure, as these applications physically counteract the constrictive, spasmodic state of the tissues. From a biochemic perspective, it remedies a cellular-level imbalance, enabling the body to properly utilize magnesium for normal nerve and muscle function.
Patho-physiological changes / Pathogenesis
One of the Tissue Remedies. (A natural constituent of muscle, nerve, bone, brain and teeth.) Molecular disturbances produce cramps, darting, spasmodic, boring, lightning – like pains, accompanied by constriction; change location rapidly, are relieved by warmth and firm pressure.
Mental Symptoms
Characteristic Mental Symptoms (psychology) of Magnesium Phosphoricum
1. Weak memory, forgetful; dullness and inability to think clearly.
2. Illusions of the senses. Indisposition to physical exertion.
3. Carries things from place to place.
4. Talking to herself constantly or sitting still in moody silence.
5. Comments all the time about the pain, with hiccoughs.
6. Indisposition to mental efforts. Sobbing with lamenting.
Guiding Symptoms
Guiding Symptoms of Magnesium Phosphoricum
Generalities
The great anti-spasmodic remedy. Cramping of muscles with radiating pains. Neuralgic pains RELIEVED BY WARMTH. Especially suited to tired, languid, exhausted subjects. Indisposition for mental exertion. Goitre.
Head
Vertigo on moving, falls forward on closing eyes, better walking in open air. Aches after mental labor, with chilliness; always better warmth. [SIL.] Sensation as if contents were liquid, as if parts of brain were changing places, as of a cap on head.
Eye
Supraorbital pains; worse, right side; relieved by warmth applied externally. Increased lachrymation. Twitching of lids. Nystagmus, strabismus, ptosis. Eyes hot, tired, vision blurred, colored lights before eyes
Ears
SEVERE NEURALGIC PAIN; worse behind right ear; worse, by going into cold air, and WASHING FACE AND NECK WITH COLD WATER.
Nose
Face
Mouth
TOOTHACHE; BETTER BY HEAT AND HOT LIQUIDS. Ulceration of teeth, with swelling of glands of face, throat and neck, AND SWELLING of tongue. COMPLAINTS OF TEETHING CHILDREN. Spasms without febrile symptoms.
Throat
Soreness and stiffness, especially right side; parts seem puffy, WITH CHILLINESS, and aching all over.
Stomach
Hiccough, with retching day and night. Thirst for very cold drinks.
Abdomen
ENTERALGIA, relieved by pressure. FLATULENT COLIC, FORCING PATIENT TO BEND DOUBLE; RELIEVED BY RUBBING, WARMTH, PRESSURE; ACCOMPANIED WITH BELCHING OF GAS, WHICH GIVES NO RELIEF. BLOATED, FULL SENSATION IN ABDOMEN; MUST LOOSEN CLOTHING, WALK ABOUT, AND CONSTANTLY PASS FLATUS. Constipation in rheumatic subjects due to flatulence and indigestion.
Urinary Organ
Sexual Organ
MENSTRUAL COLIC. MEMBRANOUS DYSMENORRHOEA. Menses too early, dark, stringy. Swelling of external parts. Ovarian neuralgia. Vaginismus.
Respiratory System
Asthmatic oppression of chest. Dry, tickling cough. SPASMODIC COUGH, with difficulty in lying down. WHOOPING-COUGH. [CORALL.] Voice harsh, larynx sore and raw. Intercostal neuralgia.
Heart & Pulse
ANGINA PECTORIS. Nervous spasmodic palpitation. Constricting pains around heart.
Extremities
Involuntary shaking of hands. Paralysis agitans. Cramps in calves. Sciatica; feet very tender. Darting pains. Twitchings. CHORES. Writers’ and players’ cramp. Tetanic spasms. Weakness in arms and hands, finger-tips stiff and numb. General muscular weakness.
Fever
CHILLINESS after dinner, in evening. CHILLS RUN UP AND DOWN THE BACK, WITH SHIVERING, followed by a suffocating sensation.
Characteristic
Important characteristic features of Magnesium Phosphoricum
Keynotes / Redline
-Pains-sharp, cutting, shooting, lightning-like, rapidly changing place, causing restlessness, and prostration
> warmth or heat, pressure < cold.
-Enuresis after catheterization.[4]
Guiding
Spasmodic and Cramping Pains
Amelioration from Warmth/Heat
Amelioration from Hard Pressure
Aggravation from Cold
Neuralgic, Shooting Pains appeared and disappeared suddenly
PQRS
Pains relieved by sipping very hot water
Neuralgic pains that shoot like lightning
Amelioration from hard pressure and bending double
Pains appear and disappear suddenly
Right-sided neuralgias (especially facial)
Confirmatory
-Pains > warmth, < cold.
-Pains cramping, shooting, spasmodic, sharp, cutting, stabbing, come and go suddenly
Nucleus symptoms
-persons subject to violent, sudden, unendurable, tearing neuralgias, colics and cramps.
-Right sided pains > warmth < cold.
-Women with membranous dysmenorrhoea and dark, tarry menses staining fast.
Therapeutic Value
Modality
Modality of Magnesium Phosphoricum
Aggravation
Cold air
Draft of cold air
Cold bathing or washing
Motion
Touch
Right side
Amelioration
Warmth
Heat
Pressure
Bending double
Remedy Relationship
Remedy Relationship of Magnesium Phosphoricum
Antidoted By
Bell, Gels, Lach
Comparison
Cham, Coloc, Bell, Lac-c, Lyc, Caul
Dose
Dose of Magnesium Phosphoricum
6X,30X.
Potency
3x, 6x, 12x, 30, 200, 1000.
Duration of Action
40 to 50 day
Terminologies
Terminologies of Magnesium Phosphoricum
Core Concepts in Homeopathy
1. Materia Medica:
Meaning: A collection of "drug pictures" or the recorded symptoms and signs produced by a substance through ‘provings’ on healthy individuals. It is the comprehensive encyclopedia of homeopathic remedies. The information on Magnesium Phosphoricum’s effects on the body is detailed in various materia medicas.
2. Proving:
Meaning: A systematic process where a substance is administered to healthy volunteers to ascertain the symptoms it produces. These recorded symptoms form the basis of the remedy’s profile in the materia medica. The characteristic cramping pains and neuralgias of Magnesium Phosphoricum were identified through provings.
3. Sphere of Action:
Meaning: This refers to the specific organs, tissues, or systems of the body where a remedy has its most pronounced effect.
In Magnesium Phosphoricum: The primary sphere of action is on the nerves and muscles. It has a strong affinity for the white fibers of the muscles and nerves, making it a chief remedy for conditions arising from disturbances in these areas.
4. Constitution:
Meaning: An individual’s overall makeup, including their physical build, inherited predispositions, and general way of reacting to environmental and emotional stressors. A constitutional remedy is chosen to match this entire picture, aiming for a deep and long-lasting cure.
In Magnesium Phosphoricum: It is often suited to individuals who are languid, tired, and easily exhausted. They may be thin, sensitive, nervous, and highly strung, often intellectual or academic types who are prone to overwork.
5. Temperament:
Meaning: This refers to an individual’s emotional and mental disposition—their characteristic mood and way of reacting emotionally.
In Magnesium Phosphoricum: The temperament is typically nervous and sensitive. These individuals may be prone to anxiety, dread, and listlessness, with an aversion to mental effort due to fatigue.
6. Keynote Symptom:
Meaning: A highly characteristic, peculiar, or unique symptom that strongly points towards a specific remedy. While homeopaths consider the totality of symptoms, a keynote can be a significant guide.
In Magnesium Phosphoricum: The cardinal keynote is cramping, shooting, or spasmodic pains that are rapidly relieved by warmth and pressure.
7. Modalities:
Meaning: These are the circumstances, conditions, or factors that make a person’s symptoms better (amelioration) or worse (aggravation). Modalities are crucial for differentiating between remedies.
In Magnesium Phosphoricum:
Aggravation (<): Symptoms are worse from cold (cold air, cold water), touch, night, and motion. The right side of the body is often more affected.
Amelioration (>): Symptoms are better from warmth (hot drinks, warm applications), pressure (firm rubbing), and bending double (especially for abdominal colic).
8. Miasm:
Meaning: A concept introduced by Hahnemann, a miasm is an inherited or acquired predisposition to chronic disease. It’s seen as an underlying disease-producing influence that, if not addressed, can obstruct cure. The three primary miasms are Psora, Sycosis, and Syphilis.
In Magnesium Phosphoricum: While not strictly defined by a single miasm, its symptoms often relate to the Psoric miasm, which is associated with functional disturbances, hypersensitivity, and deficiency.
Descriptive Terms for Pains and Conditions
9. Spasmodic:
Meaning: Relating to or characterized by spasms—sudden, involuntary muscular contractions.
In Magnesium Phosphoricum: This is a hallmark of the remedy. It addresses spasmodic coughs, spasmodic hiccoughs, and violent, cramping pains that appear and disappear suddenly.
10. Neuralgic Pain (Neuralgia):
Meaning: Sharp, shocking, stabbing, or shooting pain that follows the path of a nerve. It results from nerve irritation or damage.
In Magnesium Phosphoricum: It is a primary remedy for various neuralgias, such as facial neuralgia (trigeminal neuralgia), sciatica, and toothaches, especially when the pain is sharp, darting, and relieved by heat.
11. Colic:
Meaning: Severe, often fluctuating pain in the abdomen caused by intestinal gas or obstruction in the intestines.
In Magnesium Phosphoricum: It is famously known as a great remedy for colic, particularly in infants. The pain causes the person to bend double and is significantly relieved by warm applications and gentle pressure on the abdomen.
Reference
Reference of Magnesium Phosphoricum
[1] Materia Medica By Boericke W.
[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 Magnesium Phosphoricum
1. Start with Foundational Homeopathic Texts (Materia Medica)
Before diving into complex articles, the best starting point is the classical Materia Medica, which provides the foundational "drug picture" of a remedy.
What to Search For: Use search terms like "Magnesium Phosphoricum materia medica", "Mag Phos remedy profile", or "Boericke on Magnesium Phosphoricum".
Key Online Resources:
Homeopathy Books Online: Websites like homeobook.com and materiamedica.info offer free access to classic texts.
Digital Libraries: Websites such as HathiTrust Digital Library and Internet Archive often have scanned versions of old, invaluable Materia Medicas by authors like William Boericke, J.T. Kent, and H.C. Allen. Simply search the remedy name within these platforms.
2. Utilize Homeopathic Journals and Periodicals
For more contemporary discussions, case studies, and comparative analyses, homeopathic journals are the ideal source.
What to Search For: Use specific phrases like "Magnesium Phosphoricum clinical cases", "Mag Phos in dysmenorrhea journal", or "homeopathic research Magnesium Phosphoricum".
Key Online Resources:
American Journal of Homeopathic Medicine (AJHM): Published by the American Institute of Homeopathy, its archives can be a source of peer-reviewed articles.
Faculty of Homeopathy: The journal Homeopathy, which is MEDLINE-listed, can be accessed through this organization’s website. It publishes high-quality original research.
International Journal of High Dilution Research (IJRHD): A good source for scientific papers on the fundamental and clinical aspects of homeopathy.
3. Explore Academic and Research Databases
For those seeking scientific validation, clinical trials, and in-depth research, academic databases are indispensable.
What to Search For: Combine homeopathic terms with scientific search strings: "Magnesium Phosphoricum clinical trial", "efficacy of homeopathic Magnesium Phosphoricum", or "Mag Phos AND neuralgia research".
Key Databases:
PubMed/MEDLINE: A primary database for biomedical and life sciences literature. A search here can reveal studies, case reports, and systematic reviews published in various medical journals.
Google Scholar: This provides a broad search of scholarly literature across many disciplines and sources, including articles, theses, books, and court opinions.
Cochrane Library: A collection of databases in medicine and other healthcare specialties that contains high-quality, independent evidence to inform healthcare decision-making. You may find systematic reviews or clinical trial data here.
CORE-Hom: A specialized database containing clinical outcome studies in homeopathy, from randomized controlled trials to observational studies.
4. Consult Reputable Homeopathic Websites and Blogs
Many experienced homeopaths and reputable organizations share valuable insights, articles, and case studies on their websites. These are often easier to understand for beginners.
What to Search For: Use queries like "Magnesium Phosphoricum for cramps blog", "Dr. Schussler cell salts Magnesium Phosphoricum", or "homeopathy for nerve pain Mag Phos".
Key Websites:
National Center for Homeopathy (NCH): Offers articles and resources for both professionals and the public.
Homeopathy Research Institute (HRI): Provides easy-to-understand summaries of key research findings.
Websites of renowned homeopaths: Many internationally recognized practitioners maintain blogs with educational content and case studies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Magnesium Phosphoricum?
Magnesium Phosphoricum
often abbreviated as Mag Phos, is a homeopathic remedy and one of the 12 Schuessler cell salts (tissue salts). It is renowned for its powerful action on the nerves and muscles, acting as a primary remedy for spasms, cramps, and sharp, shooting pains.
What is Magnesium Phosphoricum used for in homeopathy?
Uses
Magnesium Phosphoricum is primarily used for a variety of spasmodic conditions, including:
Menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea)
Sudden muscle spasms and writer’s cramp
Infant colic with gas and bloating
Sciatica and other sharp, shooting nerve pains (neuralgia)
Spasmodic coughs
Tension headaches and migraines
What are the key indications for taking Magnesium Phosphoricum?
Indication
The most crucial sign that Magnesium Phosphoricum is needed is the character of the pain and its "modalities" (what makes it better or worse). Pains are typically sharp, shooting, cramping, or spasmodic, and appear and disappear suddenly. The key indication is that the symptoms are significantly and rapidly relieved by warmth (like a hot water bottle), firm pressure, and bending double. They are generally worse from cold and light touch.
How is Magnesium Phosphoricum typically taken?
How to take ?
As a Schuessler cell salt, Magnesium Phosphoricum is famous for its "hot water method." The tablets are often dissolved in a cup of warm or hot water and sipped slowly. This method is believed to enhance its anti-spasmodic effect. For other homeopathic uses, it may be taken as dry pellets. It’s always best to consult a qualified homeopath for proper dosage and guidance.
How is Magnesium Phosphoricum different from Colocynthis for cramps?
Difference
This is an excellent and common point of confusion. While both remedies are famous for abdominal cramps that feel better from bending double and applying firm pressure, you can differentiate them by looking at the cause and the precise nature of the pain. Colocynthis pains are often extremely intense and cutting, and they are typically triggered by a specific emotional event, like suppressed anger or indignation. In contrast, the pain of Magnesium Phosphoricum is more neuralgic—sharp, shooting, and lightning-like—without a strong emotional trigger.
Beyond physical pain, can Mag Phos help with anxiety or stage fright?
For Anxiety
Absolutely. Because of its strong affinity for the nervous system, Magnesium Phosphoricum is an excellent remedy for performance anxiety or stage fright, particularly when the anxiety manifests physically. For instance, it is well-suited for a person experiencing trembling hands, a quavering voice, muscle cramps from nervousness, or even mental paralysis before an exam or public speaking event. It helps calm the over-excited nerves that lead to these physical complaints.
