Alumina.

Pure Clay. (Al2O3.)

Adapted to persons who suffer from chronic diseases; "the Aconite of chronic diseases.". Constitutions deficient in animal heat (Cal., Sil.). Spare, dry, thin subjects; dark complexion; mild, cheerful disposition; hypochondriacs; dry, tettery, itching eruption, worse in winter (Petr.); intolerable itching of whole body when getting warm in bed (Sulph.); scratches until bleeds, then becomes painful. Time passes too slowly; an hour seems half a day (Can. Ind.). Inability to walk, except with the eyes open, and in the daytime; tottering and falling when closing eyes (Arg. n., Gels.). Abnormal appetite; craving for starch, chalk, charcoal, cloves, coffee or tea grounds, acids and indigestible things (Cic., Psor.); potatoes disagree. Chronic eructations for years; worse in evening. All irritating things - salt, wine, vinegar, pepper - immediately produce cough. Constipation: no desire for and no ability to pass stool until there is a large accumulation (Melil.); great straining, must grasp the seat of closet tightly; stool hard, knotty, like laurel berries, covered with mucus; of soft, clayey, adhering to parts (Plat.). Inactivity of rectum, even soft stool requires great straining (Anac., Plat., Sil., Ver.). Constipation: of nursing children, from artificial food; bottle-fed babies; of old people (Lyc., Op.); of pregnancy, from inactive rectum (Sep.). Diarrhoea when she urinates. Has to strain at stool in order to urinate. Leucorrhoea: acrid and profuse, running down to the heels (Syph.); worse during the daytime; > by cold bathing. After menses: exhausted physically and mentally, scarcely able to speak (Carbo an., Coc.). Talking fatigues; faint and tired, must sit down.

Relationship

. - Complementary: to Bryonia. Follows: Bry., Lach., Sulph. Alumina is the chronic of Bryonia. Similar: to Bar. c., Con., in ailments of old people.

Aggravation

. - In cold air; during winter; while sitting; from eating potatoes; after eating soups; on alternate days; at new and full moon.

Amelioration

. - Mild summer weather; form warm drinks; while eating (Psor.); in wet weather (Caust.). Alumina is one of the chief antidotes for lead poisoning; painter's colic; ailments from lead.