Kali bicarbonicum has first appeared in the literature for its homoeopathic use in 1855. Following this report, its mention is also found in pharmacopoeia(s) and other reputed journals. However, it is not a fully proven drug. Its application in homoeopathy is mainly based on its action on cellular pathology and symptoms produced by it in large doses.
Role of potassium as the principal intracellular cation in many body tissues is well established. Potassium ions’ concentration in the body is essential for nerve conduction especially in specialized tissues like brain, heart and skeletal muscle. It helps to maintain normal renal function, acid-base balance, and cellular metabolic functions. Especially, Kali bicarbonate is helpful in the release of carbon dioxide. Due to this effect, this drug produces excessive eructation. This drug is also used as an antacid, electrolyte replenisher and potassium supplement in low doses. Many drug formulations contain it as an excipient. In low doses, it neutralizes gastric acid in a short timeframe after ingestion and the effect is soon overcome by meal-stimulated acid secretion.
Like all Potassium Salts, the weakness characteristic is also seen in this drug. It is characterized by soft pulse, coldness, general depression, and characteristic stitches felt in different parts of the body and different conditions. Characteristic sharp and cutting pain of all Kalis is also applicable for this drug, with nearly all these symptoms better by motion. As per T. F. Allen, Salts of Potash should never be used in fevers. Tenacious and slimy discharges are characteristics. Many of its symptoms resemble the symptoms of two Kali group drugs viz. Kali bichromicum and Kali carbonicum. A compilation of symptoms derived from these two drugs are systematically presented below:
Fear of people along with a disgust for mankind. Reserved and doesn’t want to talk
Violent headaches along with coryza. Headaches better by warmth especially by warm drinks and worse by stooping and by motion. Vertigo with headaches. Pulsating pains in the head. One sided headache. Violent pain in small spots.
Rhinitis and coryza of an acrid nature better by warmth. Dry feeling in the nose and throat on going out in open air which aggravates. Fetid smell of discharges. Discharges thick, ropy and tenacious in nature. Unable to smell efficiently. Violent sneezing.
Throat appears red and inflamed. Swollen appearance of the throat. Discharges tough and stringy in nature.
Aversion to meat and a craving for beer. Beer causes diarrhea. Digestion poor. Pressure in the abdomen after eating food. Pain in abdomen better after eating. Gastric troubles alternating with joint pains. Vomiting of yellow colour.
Pain in the back with red coloured urine. Continuous urging to urinate. Suppressed urine with pain in the back. Mucus accompanies urine. Pain in the back before urination, better by urinating. Sensation as if some urine still remained after passing urine which causes distress.
Flying pains from one part to another. Morning stiffness and wandering pains. Pains worse by cold and by motion, better by heat and rest. Sore feeling in the bones. Tenderness of parts.
Worse: In the morning, in summers and by undressing. Better by applying heat. Skin symptoms are better in winters.
- L’Art médical; journal de médecine générale et de médecine pratique, 1855, p. 470
- Pharmacopoea homoeopathica polyglotta, 1880, p. 206-207
- Leonard, W.M.: The potash salts – in general. The Hahnemannian Monthly, 1899, p. 454-455
- Gailliard, D.L.: L’homoeopathie vengée, 1869
- Allgemeine Homöopathische Zeitung. 1903; 146 (1-2): 6 – 10
- Drug Bank, information on Potassium bicarbonate. Available from: https://www.drugbank.ca/drugs/DB11098