Kali carbonicum, also known as potassium carbonate, potash, Kali. carb., or Kalium carbonicum, is a metallic compound that is easy to create either naturally or chemically. It is highly caustic, so it is rarely recommended for internal consumption, unless it is quite diluted. For medical purposes, it is most often applied to the body externally, as an ointment or lotion. Homeopathic medicine practitioners believe that it can treat the symptoms of joint pain, back pain, kidney disorders, insomnia, and even asthma.
Originally, this compound was prepared from the ashes that resulted from burning wood and then boiling it in iron pots. Now, potash can be made synthetically. While potash is black, kali carbonicum is white. It is also odorless and often ground up repeatedly with lactose sugar. The lactose sugar gives it the white color and also makes it water soluble.
People who suffer from frequent coughs, asthma, or other respiratory ailments may take kali carbonicum. It is specifically believed to work best if the respiratory issues are worse in the early morning hours. The compound is also thought to help people suffering from lower back pain. Many homeopathic medicine practitioners claim that it is among the best remedies for women who are suffering from lower back pain due to pregnancy, for example.
Other uses of this compound include pain relief for people with kidney stones or kidney disease, and it is often used to relieve the shooting pains due to those ailments. In addition, many people believe that it can help a person affected with insomnia fall asleep and stay asleep. Many practitioners claim that it has a calming effect the helps battle insomnia and other sleep disorders.
Although it is most commonly used as an ointment or as a tincture that is applied to the body, kali carbonicum can also be used in capsule form. Since it can be caustic, a medical professional should be consulted, especially if it is going to be consumed. Most practitioners recommend it in small doses. In addition, many practitioners believe that it should never be given to people with fever, gout, or who are weak, as it can be particularly damaging to their bodies or even fatal.
For those individuals who do not want to use the compound for medical purposes, it also is used in the manufacturing of a wide array of products. It is most commonly used to make glass and soap, although some people use it as a water softener, as well.
By Deanna Baranyi