The preparation of Ferrum Phos., which plays such an important part in the therapy
of Schüssler, has so far overshadowed the ordinary "Phosphate of Iron" in homœopathic
practice, that I have retained the simple designation, "Ferrum Phosphoricum," for
this preparation as less likely to create confusion. The ordinary phosphate, which has been
proved separately, I shall describe next as Ferrum Phosphoricum
Hydricum. Our chief knowledge of Fer. Phos.
is from Schüssler's work and the clinical experience of those who have used it on his
indications. But it has also been proved under Dr. John L. Moffat (C.
D. P.).
In Schüssler's therapy Fer. Phos.
takes the place filled by Acon., Bell., Gels., Verat. viride,
Arnica, and other remedies which correspond to disturbed states of circulation,
irritation, and relaxation of tissue. "Painless irritability of fibre" is Cooper's
keynote as exemplified in diurnal enuresis. It also retains the leading features of the
other Iron preparations: anæmia, hæmorrhages, and disorders of the veins. Inflammation,
induration and enlargement of blood-vessels; great physical and mental lassitude; indisposed
to physical exertion; nervousness, prostration, rheumatic paralysis. Acute inflammatory
rheumatisms. The right shoulder is affected as in Fer. mur.
The right-sideness of Fe. p. is as marked as that of the
other Ferrum preparations. Nimier and Parenteau have
cured several cases of right-supraorbital neuralgia with morning aggravation with Fe. p. 6x. The morning aggravation appears to be the distinctive
indication. Nash says the hæmorrhages are bright red, but occur, not in the plethoric
subjects of Acon., but rather in pale, anæmic subjects
liable to sudden local congestions. Cooper cured with Fe. p.
a case of phthisis in a patient "of the transparent-skin type, the hæmoglobin shining
through." Schüssler's own account of Fer. phos.,
taken from the final edition of his work, translated by L. H. Tafel, is as follows:
"Iron and its salts possess the property of attracting Oxygen. The iron contained in
the blood corpuscles takes up the inhaled oxygen, thereby supplying with it all the tissues
of the organism. The sulphur contained in the blood corpuscles and in other cells, in the
form of sulphate of potassa, assists in transferring oxygen to all the cells containing iron
and the sulphate of potassa. [1] When the molecules of
iron contained in the muscle-cells have suffered a disturbance in their motion through some
foreign irritation, then the cells affected grow flaccid. If this affection takes place in
the annular fibres of the blood-vessels, these are dilated; and as a consequence the blood
contained in them is augmented. Such a state is called hyperæmia from irritation; such a
hyperæmia forms the first stage of inflammation. But when the cells affected have been
brought back to the normal state by the therapeutic effect of iron (Phosphate
of Iron) then the cells are enabled to cast off the causative agents of this
hyperæmia, which are then received by the lymphatics in order that they may be eliminated
from the organism. [2] When the muscular cells of the
intestinal villi have lost molecules of iron, then these villi become unable to perform
their functions: diarrhœa ensues. [3] When the muscular
cells of the intestinal walls have lost molecules of iron, then the peristaltic motion of
the intestinal canal is retarded, resulting in an inertia with respect to the evacuation of
the fæces."
From the above Schüssler deduces the following indications for Iron:
"When the muscular cells which have grown flaccid through loss of iron receive a
compensation for their loss, the normal tensional relation is restored; the annular fibres
of the blood-vessels are shortened to their proper measure, the capacity of these vessels
again becomes normal, and the hyperæmia disappears, and in consequence the inflammatory
fever ceases. Iron will cure:
1. The first stage of all inflammations.
2. Pains caused by hyperæmia.
3. Hæmorrhages caused by hyperæmia.
4. Fresh wounds, contusions, sprains, &c., as it removes the
hyperæmia.
The pains which correspond to iron are increased by motion, but relieved
by cold. In the muscle-cells iron is found in the form of a phosphate; we should therefore
in therapeutics use Ferrum phosphoricum."
Schüssler generally used the 12x trituration. As an instance of hyperæmia of a low order
may be mentioned a case of Raynaud's disease of the fingers and toes, in which amputation
seemed inevitable. Halbert effected a complete cure with Fe. p.
6x trit. Fe. p. is suited to the leuco-phlegmatic
temperament; to young persons with varicose veins. Pains go from below upward. Great
emaciation. Takes cold easily. Results of checked perspiration on a warm summer day
(peritonitis): Open air < cough; and there is
sensitiveness to cold air. Warm drinks <, cold and
cold drinks > toothache. Aversion to meat and milk.
While eating at table, chill. < By eating. < From meat, herring, coffee, cake. <
From tea. Rest >, motion <;
gentle motion > pain in upper arms and shoulders. < At night, and 4 to 6 a.m. Sensitive to touch and every jar.