Kali phosphoricum is commonly known as potassium phosphate or potash. This cell salt is recommended by homeopathic doctors as a possible cure for mental or physical exhaustion among other conditions. In the process of producing this homeopathic remedy, kali phosphoricum is diluted so that no measurable amount of the original potassium phosphorus solution is in the final product; homeopaths teach that the essence of the solution remains behind and does the healing. The effectiveness of this remedy has not been tested in double-blind laboratory research, and there is no peer-reviewed scientific evidence that supports claims about its efficacy.
To make kali phosphoricum, diluted phosphoric acid is added to potassium carbonate, which is then mixed with lactose or diluted further with distilled water or alcohol. One part of the resulting compound is again diluted with more lactose, distilled water, or alcohol. One commonly sold dosage is 30x. This means that the original substance has been diluted 1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000, or one nonillion, times. Once the compound is diluted to the desired level, it is made into tiny white pills that dissolve into the bloodstream when placed under the tongue.
Homeopathic practitioners prescribe kali phos to people who are under a great deal of stress and manifesting symptoms of mental or physical exhaustion. According to homeopathic texts, symptoms of this condition include a yellow-coated tongue, cold sensitivity, muscular weakness or waking up in the early morning hours hungry with a gnawing pain. Other indications are if the patient gets hunger headaches, perspires from excitement or after eating, dislikes bread, and has a tendency to eat a lot of sweets. The exact dosage depends on the needs of each patient.
In addition to nervous conditions, this remedy is taken when one has restless feet, legs, or sciatic pain. Children with bed-wetting or sleepwalking tendencies may also be given this remedy. In cases of nervous excitement or worry that results in insomnia, it may help to calm the mind and promote sleep. Hair loss, asthma, gangrene, receding gums, and a host of other symptoms are indicators for which a person may be advised take this over-the-counter medication.
Despite its many advocates, there is no reliable research that clearly demonstrates the effectiveness of kali phosphoricum. In fact, most conventional doctors and scientists are skeptical of homeopathic remedies in general. These doctors say that people successfully treated with this and other homeopathic remedies are simply experiencing the placebo effect. Whether or not the results are placebo effect or something else, people should consult with their doctor prior to self-medicating.