Credit: iStock.com/tonigenes
Homeopathic Magnesium phosphoricum may be the ultimate pain relief remedy. In fact, it is widely regarded as the “homeopathic aspirin.”
Traditional aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) is often the go-to pain reliever for immediate relief. The non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) is commonly used for muscle aches, toothaches, and headaches.
Unfortunately, these drugs cause all sorts of side effects, including leg swelling, high blood pressure, ringing in the ears, dizziness, stomach ulcers, heartburn, upset stomach, kidney or liver problems, allergic reactions, and funny enough, headaches.
On the other hand, Magnesium phosphoricum has the potential to relieve pretty much any type of pain. Studies have shown it to be effective, generally safe, and without side effects. It is used for everything from neuralgic and arthritic pain to abdominal, menstrual, and general cramping, and even earaches, toothaches, and headaches.
This article details everything you need to know about the homeopathic treatment, including its history, and its various health benefits and incredible uses.
Facts and History of Homeopathic Magnesium Phosphoricum
In the elderly population, muscle cramping and aches are very common. In fact, approximately one in three people over 60 suffer from leg cramps. Arthritis, mild stiffness, and other joint and muscle problems are other common issues with older adults.
Insufficient magnesium is often at the root of the problem. The mineral is known as a muscle and nerve relaxant that will also maintain a healthy cardiovascular system, and build and strengthen bones. Phosphorus also plays an important role in muscle function.
Magnesium phosphoricum is the homeopathic remedy made from magnesium phosphate, also called phosphate of magnesia, and magnesia phosphorica.
It is prepared carefully by taking sodium phosphate and magnesium sulfate, and combining them in water. The mixture is left to crystalize, and the crystals are then ground into a fine powder with lactose sugar.
Magnesium phosphoricum is one of the 12 tissue salts introduced by German physician and homeopath Dr. Wilhelm Schuessler in 1873. In his view, homeopathic remedies were excellent for nerve conditions that had an influence on the muscles and muscular tissues. Several researchers have confirmed Dr. Schuessler’s research, since magnesium deficiency in the body can lead to symptoms like muscle spasms and cramps.
Dr. W.P. Wessehoeft and Dr. J.A. Gunn re-proved the efficacy of Magnesium phosphoricum, and the results were later published in Dr. Henry C. Allen’s Medical Advances in 1889.
Tissue salts are considered specially formulated homeopathic micro-doses that are absorbed by the body in the mouth rather than the gastrointestinal tract and stomach. In other words, they can be directly transported to the cells and used when needed. The tissue salts are numbered 1 to 12, and are typically used in the decimal (X) scale of serial dilution, and often in the 6X potency; however, sometimes are 3X and 12X potencies are also used.
How Magnesium Phosphoricum Relieves Pain
What are the health benefits of Magnesium phosphoricum? As mentioned, it is a natural painkiller with analgesic and antispasmodic abilities. As a result, this remedy could be effective for most pain-related conditions, including arthritis and neuralgia.
Neuralgia is a burning, stabbing, and severe pain due to irritation or nerve damage. It is common in older adults, and can be caused by shingles, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, trauma from surgery, and certain medications.
Magnesium phosphoricum is very common for neuralgic pain that is often relieved from pressure and warmth. The person that requires the treatment would also often experience involuntary hand shaking.
A recent study published in the Indian Journal of Research in Homeopathy found that it exhibits anti-arthritic activity. The remedy showed similar results to the NSAID diclofenac on acute inflammation in rats.
Let’s take a look at the various other ways it could relieve your pain.
1. Headaches
Magnesium phosphoricum may also be an appropriate homeopathic remedy for intense and painful headaches. Additional symptoms of migraine headaches may include nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, and vision disturbances. It could help relieve headaches with a shooting, spasmodic pain. The pain is often on the back of the neck or right side of the head, and can spread around the right eye. The person may also experience a throbbing red pain along the face.
2. Toothaches
Is there anything more painful than a toothache? You experience a sharp, throbbing pain, and it even hurts to eat when pressure is applied to your sore tooth. It may also last for several days. The person that requires Magnesium phosphoricum often experiences dull and painful toothaches. Cold drafts and touch make the toothache worse, and warmth will alleviate the pain.
3. Earaches
Magnesium phosphoricum is common with an intense spasmodic pain, especially after exposure to the cold. Fluid and infection is often absent when it is the required homeopathic remedy. The person’s symptoms may fell better from pressure and warmth; however, the cold and head movements will worsen earaches.
4. Cramps
The treatment is also very common for any type of cramps, including menstrual and abdominal cramps. It might also be appropriate for people with cramps in the hands, wrists, fingers, legs, and arms. Magnesium phosphoricum is also often necessary when irritable bowel syndrome is associated with sharp and painful cramps. Restlessness, severe bloating, and right-sided pain are other cramping symptoms associated with the person that benefits from it.
Women may experience sudden cramps in the lower abdomen from menstruation. Heat and pressure will often improve the cramps, but the cold will worsen symptoms.
The remedy is often needed for people that double over in bed with a heating pad pressed into the abdomen. Magnesium phosphoricum often will not cure menstrual cramps, but they will provide some relief.
The Homeopathic Profile and Other Uses and Health Benefits of Magnesium Phosphoricum
In homeopathy, the remedy profile is significant for determining whether Magnesium phosphoricum is the right fit for your emotional, mental, and physical symptoms. The remedy is considered most suitable for outgoing individuals that are prone to restlessness and impulsiveness. They are also often sensitive, intellectual, and artistic; however, at times they may forget and be unable to concentrate. They are also prone to moodiness, exhaustion, nervousness, and irritability.
Magnesium phosphoricum is also common for people that fear confrontation, thunderstorms, or the dark. They also worry about health on a regular basis, and can be described as a hypochondriac. The person generally feels better from warmth; however, cold will lead to worsened symptoms. They may also be crave sugar and dislike coffee. People often have the best results with the remedy when they take it with warm water.
What are other uses and health benefits of this remedy? It could also treat spasms, twitches, sore throats, vertigo, asthma, whooping cough, angina, fevers, and seizures.
Final Thoughts on Magnesium Phosphoricum
Where do you find homeopathic Magnesium phosphoricum? The homeopathic remedy can be found online or at the supplement section of a health food store. You will find it in pellet or liquid form. You will also be able to get it from your homeopath if they feel the remedy best matches your emotional, mental, and physical symptom picture.
Your homeopath will likely have some on hand to help the concerns you came to them to treat. As mentioned, it is primarily used for pain, including neuralgia, arthritis, headaches, cramps, earaches, and toothaches.
The general dose of dose is one pellet or five drops every 10 minutes for intense symptoms or every two hours for mild symptoms. Once there is improvement, stop taking the treatment, and only start taking it again once the symptoms have returned.
If you observe no symptoms after three doses, consult with your homeopath. They will be able to recommend the best dosage and potency. At a follow-up appointment, your homeopath will also be able to tell you whether it is necessary to change your dosage, potency, or even the remedy.
Sources:
Lockie, A., Encyclopedia of Homeopathy: The Definitive Home Reference Guide to Homeopathic Remedies and Treatments for Common Ailments (New York: DK Publishing, Inc., 2000), 90-91.
Balch, J., et al., Prescription for Natural Cures: A Self-Care Guide for Treating Health Problems with Natural Remedies Including Diet, Nutrition, Supplements, and Other Holistic Methods (Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2004), 221-222, 304, 409.
Hershoff, A., N.D., Homeopathic Remedies: A Quick and Easy Guide to Common Disorders and Their Homeopathic Treatments (New York: Penguin Putnam Inc., 1999), 139.
“Magnesia Phosphorica,” Home Remedy Central; http://www.homeremedycentral.com/en/homeopathic-remedies/homeopathy/mag-phos.html, last accessed Aug. 16, 2017.
“Know Your Remedies: Magnesium phosphoricum (Mag-p.),” Homeopathy Plus; http://homeopathyplus.com/know-your-remedies-magnesium-phosphoricum-mag-p/, last accessed Aug. 16, 2017.
“Magnesium,” herbs2000.com; http://www.herbs2000.com/homeopathy/mag.htm, last accessed Aug. 16, 2017.
Shah, R., et al., “Preclinical evaluation of antiartheritic activity of ultra-diluted preparations of capsaicin, alkaloids (CP-10), tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and Magnesium phosphoricum wistar rats,” Indian Journal of Research in Homeopathy, 2017; 11(1); 34-40, doi: 10.4103/0974-7168.200848.
“What Are NSAIDs for Arthritis?” WebMD; http://www.webmd.com/osteoarthritis/guide/anti-inflammatory-drugs#1, last accessed Aug. 16, 2017.