Synonym:
Hydroxides.
IntroductionCausticum is a collective name for the hydroxides or alkaline compounds.
We have ‘caustic soda’ for instance, which is
Natrium hydroxide. When we use the word causticum homoeopathically we actually mean one particular substance, specially prepared by Hahnemann. This preparation is alkaline in nature and although it also contains Ammonium it is different from
Ammonium causticum (Leeser).
Causticums are alkaline, i.e. compounds of oxygen and hydrogen in the form of
OH-. Together with an acid (H+) they will form water and salt. The causticums are very similar to the Oxydatums. They both feel they are being used and abused. But
Causticum has high ideals: they actually want to fight the injustice and the abuse, to stop it happening in the rest of the world. The Oxydatums only feel that great wrong has been done to them personally and while they are very indignant about it they are not prepared to do much about it. They are demanding without wanting to make an effort to improve the situation.