Winter Remedies - Causticum

Causticum is derived from potassium hydrate and offers a range of benefits for farm animals facing cold weather challenges, especially during the harsh winter months.

Causticum can be effective in treating moist coughing in cattle. George Macleod, in his book 'The Treatment of Cattle by Homeopathy', recommends Causticum 30c three times daily for three days. His view is that it can help alleviate symptoms of pneumonia and other respiratory complications that may arise due to stress brought on by cold weather. Interestingly, the Causticum patient can be BETTER for mild, damp days which seems contradictory. Another remedy, for comparison in pneumonia, would be Pulsatilla especially for calves who have just been weaned.

Causticum is also well-known for its efficacy in treating urinary complaints such as stress incontinence or urine retention issues, particularly where you notice symptoms are worse for cold temperatures. If you observe deep coughing with urine spurting then you can be fairly confident of prescribing Causticum.

You may be more familiar with Causticum and its beneficial effects on the musculoskeletal system. It has a reputation for alleviating stiffness and joint pain in animals, which can worsen during cold weather. This can be especially beneficial for older livestock or those prone to arthritis. You might compare Causticum with Rhus Tox which is worse for cold, damp, and worse initial movement. Causticum is also considered to be one of 'the chronics' of Ruta Gravs (the other being Calc Fluor).

Using homeopathy as part of your Whole Health plan will contribute towards the overall health of your animals and contribute to stronger resilience.

Some keynotes for Causticum:

Generals

Chilly and worse from cold, aggravations from draughts.

Better cold drinks

Better for mild damp days

Throat and Chest

Constant desire to clear the throat. Hoarseness.

Cough becomes deeper and deeper, very difficult to expel mucous.

Bronchitis with hard, racking cough.

Extremeties

Rheumatic complaints which are worse cold, worse over-use but strangely can be better on mild damp days

Particular discomfort in the small bones - hoof/paw- hand/finger equivalent.

Slow, progressive paralysis.

Contractures of tendons. Hard, indurated tendons.

Remedies to compare

Calc F, Calc-P, Phosphorus, Sepia, Staphisagria, Ruta G,

References:

George Macleod 'The Homeopathic Treatment of Cattle'

Roger Morrison MD 'Desktop Guide - Keynotes and Confirmatory Symptoms'

Further Information:

Visit the WHAg Learning Centre for a range of webinars and downloadable documents on complementary and alternative health modalities for the farm. You can access a little more if you sign up as a free member and pro members get EVEN more!