Cuprum aceticum

An inorganic copper salt, typically the cupric acetate monohydrate Cu(CH₃COO)₂·H₂O, formed by the action of acetic acid on copper. Historically, “verdigris” referred to basic copper acetates used as pigments and mordants. Toxicologically it is a gastro-enteric irritant and neurotoxin: produces violent vomiting, abdominal cramps, watery stools, salivation, metallic taste, prostration, muscular cramps and convulsions, cyanosis, and collapse—an arc that explains its homœopathic sphere in spasmodic and choleraic states [Toxicology—Hughes], [Allen], [Clarke]. In homœopathy, the substance is triturated to 3C from chemically pure crystals; higher potencies are prepared by centesimal dilution and succussion. Its clinical picture blends the spasmodic neuromuscular signature of copper with the corrosive/acid gastric action of the acetate radical, focusing on violent vomiting with cramps, spasms of flexors, whooping-cough type paroxysms, and cholera-like collapse [Hering], [Boericke], [Farrington].

Symptoms are drawn chiefly from toxicology and clinical observation, with limited formal proving; Hering, Allen and Clarke compile American experiences and poisonings, confirming violent gastro-enteric irritation with cramps, spasms, whooping-cough-like paroxysms, and choleraic collapse [Proving/Toxicology—Allen], [Hering], [Clarke]. Early clinical confirmations include summer cholera in children with cramps, spasmodic colic with incessant vomiting, spasmodic dysmenorrhœa, whooping cough with cyanosis and threatened arrest of breathing, and convulsions from suppressed eruptions [Clinical—Farrington], [Boericke], [Kent].

Cuprum aceticum condenses the copper story into a gastric–laryngeal–muscular storm: spasm in waves, collapse between. Copper’s neuromuscular irritability tightens flexors, locks thumbs, and narrows the throat; the acetate radical savages the stomach, adding violent retching and choleraic stools. The vagus nerve is the stagehand that pulls both scenes together: a cramp in the epigastrium tugs a thread upward to the larynx, and cough-fits tug it back to the stomach—paroxysms of retch-cough, cough-retch, culminating in cyanosis and clammy sweat [Hering], [Farrington], [Clarke]. The patient’s polarities are stark: hypersensitive to motion, touch, contradiction—yet flattened and apathetic after a fit; blue-cold surface with inner heat at the pit; wanting cold air on the face while the body shivers; desiring small cold sips though general chill predominates. Modality coherence is the clinician’s compass: better firm pressure and grasping (calves, abdomen, sternum), better doubling with colic, better small cold sips and cold to face/head during the storm; worse at night, in warm rooms, from emotions, from suppression (eruption or menses), and from the least jar [Kent], [Boger], [Clarke].
Miasmatically, the syphilitic colouring appears in the destructive, cyanotic, convulsive bias and in the danger of asphyxia; the sycotic thread shows in recurrent spasms and consequences of suppression; psora lends functional over-reactivity. Scholten’s mineral perspective sees “copper = control”: when control snaps, chaos bursts forth as spasm; Cupr. ac. adds acid’s corrosive push to precipitate the crisis [Scholten]. Vithoulkas notes the copper group’s child focus and nervous lability, which here magnifies into life-threatening paroxysms in infants and children (laryngismus, whoop) and choleraic adults [Vithoulkas]. Therapeutically, the essence is anti-spasm with anti-collapse: unlock the cramp and steady the circulation. Practical measures mirror the remedy: loosen clothing, admit cool air to the face, apply firm pressure to cramped muscles, allow small cold sips, enforce quiet. Micro-comparisons sharpen selection: Veratrum is icier, sweatier, more purgative; Arsenicum craves heat and is more mentally restless; Drosera coughs more and spasms less cyanotically; Mag-phos loves heat for cramp, while Cupr. ac. loves pressure and cold to the head; Cuprum metallicum is copper without the acetate’s violent gastric storm [Farrington], [Kent], [Clarke].

• Neuromuscular system (spasms/convulsions) — Spasm of flexors, clonic and tonic cramps, clenched thumbs, opisthotonos; reflex excitability is high, a copper hallmark [Hering], [Allen]; see Extremities/Generalities/Mind.
  • Gastro-enteric mucosa — Violent, incessant vomiting with colic and rice-water stools; “stomach first, then bowels,” with collapse following fluid loss [Hughes], [Clarke]; see Stomach/Abdomen/Rectum.
  • Larynx & respiratory tract — Laryngospasm, whooping-cough paroxysms with cyanosis, gasping, and threatened asphyxia; spasm relieved by cold air or cold water sips in some cases [Hering], [Farrington]; see Respiration/Chest.
  • Cerebro-spinal centres — Convulsions of children; spasms from suppressed eruptions; aura of constriction mounting from stomach to throat [Kent], [Hering]; see Mind/Sleep.
  • Circulation & collapse — Coldness, blueness, weak pulse, surface chill with internal spasm; post-emetic syncope [Clarke], [Boericke]; see Fever/Chill/Generalities.
  • Female pelvis — Spasmodic dysmenorrhœa with cramps radiating to thighs and calves; vomiting with the pains; scanty flow during spasm [Farrington], [Boericke]; see Female.
  • Skin/Exanthem — Convulsions from sudden suppression of eruptions (e.g., scarlatina, measles); copper remedies are “anti-suppression” in spasmodic states [Hering], [Kent]; see Skin/Generalities.
  • Hands/Feet (cramps) — Cramps in calves and soles, toes flexed; hands clenched; better from hard pressure/grasping [Boger], [Allen]; see Extremities.
  • Vagus/solar plexus — Cramp radiations from epigastrium to chest and throat, provoking cough or laryngospasm; gut–lung axis key [Hering], [Farrington]; see Stomach/Respiration.

The mental state alternates between intense anxiety during paroxysms and dull prostration after them. There is fear of suffocation at the height of cough or laryngeal spasm, and fear of the next cramp in gastric or menstrual colic; even the thought of swallowing may renew retching—an anticipatory neurosis arising from the gut–brain axis typical of copper states [Kent], [Hering]. Children become rigid, thumbs clenched, eyes staring; between fits they are quiet, drowsy, and want to be left alone—a striking polarity of over-excitation and collapse [Hering], [Allen]. Sensitivity to noise, touch, and contradiction is high; the least contradiction or fright precipitates a spasm (this tallies with the modality “worse emotions,” and reappears under Respiration and Extremities) [Kent]. After vomiting or a convulsion the patient lies in a state of apathetic calm, then starts at the slightest stimulus—illustrating the copper “spring” compressed and released [Farrington]. Mini-case: “Child after suppressed rash—sudden rigid spasm on being scolded; Cupr. ac. relieved, and rash returned next day” [Clinical—Hering]. The mind is not elaborately perverse or melancholic; it is an instrument on which spasm plays its sharp notes, and quiet, coolness, and pressure are the musician’s remedies [Kent], [Clarke].

Sleep is broken by paroxysms: whooping fits at first sleep, retching towards midnight, convulsions after suppressed eruptions—clear “worse night” [Hering]. Between attacks, short heavy naps come, the child dropping like a stone, then starting with a jerk—contrasts of collapse and excitability [Hering]. Fear of the next attack prevents deeper sleep; mother keeps child upright or near open window (better cool air) [Farrington]. Dreams of choking or falling; waking with rigid spasm of calves or hands [Kent]. Night sweats cold; sheets clammy [Clarke]. After an exhausting night, day brings drowsiness, but any noise may rekindle twitching—quiet is part of treatment (better absolute rest) [Hering]. Lying on side may ease epigastric pull; turning provokes cramp (worse motion) [Allen]. Infants have head-rolling and cries before a laryngismus—premonitory [Hering]. When the rash returns, sleep deepens, a curative sign [Kent]. Small, cool sips before lying down have prevented a retching bout in some cases [Clarke].

Terrifying dreams of suffocation, of being bound or strangled; dreams of crowds and heat (stuffy room) that wake into cough spasm—life continues the dream [Farrington]. Children cry out and clasp throat; mothers notice clenched thumbs even in sleep [Hering]. After improvement, dreams become merely busy and non-suffocative—barometer of cure [Clinical]. Dreams of water (thirst for small sips) recur [Clarke].

The essence is spasm with collapse: neuromuscular over-excitability discharging in waves—gastric, intestinal, laryngeal, skeletal—followed by exhaustion, coldness, and cyanosis [Hering], [Clarke]. Modalities are coherent across systems: better firm pressure, grasping, doubling; better cool air/cold to head and small cold sips; worse night, motion, touch, emotions, warm rooms, suppression of natural outlets (eruption, menses, sweat) [Kent], [Boger], [Farrington]. Copper’s polarity is visible: constriction/rigidity ↔ relaxation/collapse; blue/cold surface ↔ inner heat; over-stimulation ↔ post-paroxysmal apathy. Pathophysiologically, copper’s action at the neuromuscular junction explains flexor spasm and tetanic features, while the acetate’s gastric irritation accounts for the violent vomiting; vagal overdrive links stomach and larynx, yielding cough-retching couples [Hughes], [Farrington]. The case is often a child, or a spasmodic adult, thin, pale or livid in attacks, with clenched thumbs and staring eyes; but it is also the choleraic adult with calves knotted in pain, lips blue, and sweat cold [Hering], [Clarke]. When a suppressed eruption returns, or when small cold sips and firm pressure master the neuromuscular storm, cure declares itself [Kent].

Fever is not a high, specific pattern; it is intermittent with paroxysms. Heat flushes the face in the effort of vomiting or coughing, but the skin elsewhere is cold and damp (internal heat with peripheral chill) [Clarke]. Pulse runs small and rapid; temperature may be subnormal in collapse despite subjective burning at pit of stomach [Hughes]. Chill precedes cramps; a brief hot phase follows, then sweat, then exhaustion—choleric rhythm [Allen]. In whooping cough, slight evening heats, then night fits; no steady pyrexia [Hering].

Chill predominates—surface cold, blueness, clammy sweat, especially forehead and sternum [Clarke]. Heat is local (face during effort; epigastric burning), not general; warm rooms aggravate spasm and cough [Farrington]. Sweat is cold, exhausting, and appears during or after paroxysms; suppression of sweat by a draft may precipitate a spasm later (anti-suppression theme) [Boger]. Cold air to face may relieve larynx while the body shivers—case management must separate local relief from general chill [Farrington]. After diarrhœa and vomiting cease, sweat diminishes and warmth returns to extremities—a positive sign [Hughes].

Head suffers during gastric and respiratory storms: pallor or lividity of the face, cold sweat on the forehead, eyes sunken with dark rings; pain is cramping, drawing, rather than throbbing, and often accompanies violent retching [Allen], [Clarke]. Vertigo with nausea appears on the least motion; the head feels lighter in cool air, yet the general body may chill—a mixed thermal behaviour that echoes the modalities [Hering]. During convulsions the head is drawn back (opisthotonos) or to one side; cold applications to the head have given relief in cases—mirroring “better cold to head” [Hering], [Farrington]. After paroxysms, a bruised ache remains over the orbits and at the occiput, with extreme sensitiveness to light and noise [Allen]. Children’s heads roll restlessly between attacks, then drop into short, exhausted naps—cross-linked to Sleep [Hering]. The scalp is cool and clammy during collapse; hair stands damp with sweat [Clarke].

Eyeballs turn upward or stare fixedly in spasms; pupils may contract, then dilate in the post-fit stasis [Hering]. Lids twitch; blepharospasm echoes the general neuromuscular irritability (see Extremities) [Allen]. Lachrymation accompanies paroxysmal cough or vomiting; cold air to the face eases the ocular tension—repeating “better cool air” [Farrington]. Conjunctivæ congest in whooping spells; cyanotic tinge seen at canthi when asphyxial [Hering]. After collapse, eyes look sunken, encircled by dark rings; vision dim, with black motes on rising [Clarke]. Photophobia is slight but noise hypersensitivity is marked, and a low light, quiet room is preferred [Hering].

Noise precipitates spasm; startling sounds may set off cough or retching, consistent with the copper hyper-excitability [Kent]. Ringing or rushing sounds accompany collapse states; hearing feels distant after prolonged vomiting [Hughes]. Earaches are spasmodic, darting, more in children at night; they settle as the general convulsive tendency abates [Hering]. The ears are cold to touch during chill; lobes look bluish in asphyxial whoop [Clarke]. Treading softly and keeping the room quiet belong to case management—echoing “rest and quiet ameliorate” [Hering].

Nostrils dilate violently in whooping paroxysms; epistaxis may occur from strain, thin bright blood [Farrington]. Sneezing may precede a fit of cough in sensitive children—trivial stimuli unlocking spasm [Hering]. Coryza is not central, but the nasal tip turns bluish-white in collapse [Clarke]. Odours (smoke, perfumes) excite laryngeal spasm—mirrors “worse odours/smoke” [Farrington]. Acrid nasal mucus when the stomach is very irritable suggests upward reflex irritation [Hughes].

Face turns pale → bluish → ashen in the course of a paroxysm; lips are livid; cold sweat beads on the brow [Hering], [Clarke]. Trismus or masseter spasm clenches the jaw in convulsions; after the fit, the mouth hangs open, saliva dribbles [Allen]. The expression is anxious, beseeching during suffocative spells, then blank and prostrate afterwards [Farrington]. Heat of face alternates with general chill, a paradox seen often in copper collapse [Clarke]. Pressure of a cool cloth to the face soothes—restating “better cold to face/head” [Hering]. Cheeks twitch in premonitory aura before cramps of the limbs [Allen].

Tongue cold, coated white or bluish; taste metallic, coppery; salivation with retching [Allen], [Clarke]. The mouth is dry between vomiting bouts, then floods with saliva just before the next wave—paroxysmal secretion mirroring the spasmodic theme [Hughes]. Cramps seize the tongue; it is forcibly protruded in fits (especially children) [Hering]. Thirst is for small quantities; cold water, sipped, may momentarily abate retching (echoes “better small cold sips”) [Clarke]. Teeth chatter with chill; jaw clenches in spasm; biting on a cloth sometimes helps—equivalent of hard pressure for cranio-facial muscles [Boger]. After paroxysm, aphonia or husky voice from laryngeal spasm remains—bridge to Throat/Respiration [Farrington].

No structural tooth picture; however, grinding of teeth in febrile children, especially before a convulsion, is noted [Hering]. Biting hard on an object aborts a facial twitch—pressure amelioration repeated [Boger]. Toothache is spasmodic, drawing, and accompanies gastric storm; warmth aggravates (room), while cool external air relieves the head/face [Clarke]. Retching shakes tender teeth; gums pale after collapse [Allen]. Teeth-clenching during pain of menses is common—connects to Female.

Spasm constricts throat; laryngismus stridulus in children; choking, with crowing inspiration and cyanosis—an archetypal copper spasm [Hering]. Swallowing triggers retching; liquids taken hastily excite cough; better small sips slowly—precise restatement of modalities [Clarke]. Sensation of a tight cord from epigastrium to larynx—“nervous cable” pulling upward, provoking cough or suffocative fits [Farrington]. Hoarseness after a storm; voice weak, broken [Hering]. Cooling the external throat or exposing to cool air at a window may abort a paroxysm (while general chill may worsen) [Farrington]. Post-emetic burning extends upward, but erosions are not primary—function (spasm) over inflammation [Hughes].

Chest feels constricted in paroxysms; ribs barely move; cyanosis threatens [Hering]. Precordial spasm accompanies retching; pulse rapidly thready; cold sweat at sternum [Clarke]. The least motion or attempt to speak renews the fit—“don’t move me,” copper’s cry [Allen]. Pressure of hand to sternum gives subjective support, echoing the pressure modality [Boger]. Post-fit soreness and stitch pains occur but are secondary [Hering]. Warm, close rooms aggravate; window air gives relief to spasm while the body shivers—mixed thermal response re-emphasised [Farrington].

Pulse small, rapid, compressible in collapse; temporarily intermits in whooping spells [Clarke]. Palpitation is reflex, more from fear and dyspnœa than primary cardiac disease [Hering]. Angor in the pit of stomach radiates upward—vagus storm rather than coronary pain in the typical Cupr. ac. case [Farrington]. Cyanosis with cold sweat is the heart’s visible signature in paroxysm [Clarke]. Recovery of pulse follows cessation of vomiting—the gut leads the heart [Hughes].

Whooping-cough paroxysms with long crowing inspiration, fits threatening asphyxia; child stiffens, face blue, thumbs clenched; after a few minutes, a gush of mucus and exhaustion [Hering], [Farrington]. Laryngismus stridulus in infants; cold air to the face or a sip of cold water may unlock the spasm—precise echo of “better cold to head/air/sips” [Farrington], [Clarke]. Cough is spasmodic, worse at night and in warm rooms, worse odours and smoke, worse touch; better absolute quiet [Hering]. Retching often couples with cough—gut–lung loop; treating stomach eases cough [Hughes]. After paroxysm, a hollow, husky cough lingers, with tender epigastrium [Farrington]. Mini-case: “Child cyanosed in whoop, cold air at window, Cupr. ac. 200—paroxysms halved in severity” [Clinical—Farrington].

This is a leading sphere. Vomiting is violent, persistent, with cramps knotting the epigastrium; any swallow provokes a new bout, especially warm fluids (worse warm drinks), while cold sips cautiously taken may palliate (better cold sips) [Clarke], [Allen]. Retching empties stomach, yet spasms continue—“dry heaves with cramp,” the very phrase of copper [Hering]. Pain is cramping, constrictive, with the feeling of a tight band; patients bend forward, press with hands, tighten a belt (better pressure, better bending double)—explicit modality echoes [Allen], [Boger]. Hiccoughs, eructations, and salivation alternate with retching; after the storm, deadly sinking and chill spread, presaging collapse (see Chill/Generalities) [Hughes]. Mini-case: “Choleraic vomiting, calf cramps, livid lips; small iced sips, Cupr. ac. 6x every 15 minutes—vomiting abated, pulse rose” [Clinical—Clarke]. Appetite is nil; tongue chilled; the sight of warm food nauseates [Allen].

Colic is spasmodic, griping, radiating to groins and thighs, with retracted, board-like abdominal wall in severe cases [Hering]. The pain compels doubling and strong pressure of hands or binder (better pressure/doubling), and the least motion renews cramps (worse motion)—modalities repeated [Allen], [Boger]. Stools may be rice-water in choleraic attacks (see Rectum); before each stool, umbilical cramp and cutting [Hughes]. Abdomen cold to touch in collapse; internal burning may alternate paradoxically with surface chill [Clarke]. Gas expulsions bring momentary relief, then the colic returns in waves—paroxysmal patterning [Allen]. Soreness remains after the storm—bruised belly resisting touch [Hering].

Stools watery, profuse, often colourless (rice-water), with flakes—classic choleraic discharge; each stool is preceded by griping and accompanied or followed by severe cramps of calves and feet [Hughes], [Allen]. Tenesmus is not prominent; the spasm is in muscles rather than rectal sphincter. After stool, transient lull—then a new wave; this “interval” is clinically useful (take medicine, rest) [Clarke]. Anus is cold and contracted; sphincter may spasm during collapse [Hering]. Exhaustion and faintness accompany evacuation; pulse small, skin clammy [Clarke]. In some, stool alternates with retching; the “see-saw” of stomach and bowel captures Cupr. ac.’s axis [Hughes].

Suppressed or scanty urine during collapse; dark, concentrated when it returns [Clarke]. Cramps may seize bladder neck, causing painful urging with little passed—spasm without inflammation [Hering]. Enuresis during convulsions in children is occasional [Allen]. Renal pain is not typical; the urinary picture reflects general vasomotor failure and spasm [Hughes]. Chilling aggravates suppression; warmth to loins helps post-storm, though general warm room may worsen cough—nuanced thermal management [Clinical].

Aversion to warm drinks/foods (excite retching); desire for small, cold sips, sometimes iced water in teaspoonfuls—if gulped, they are vomited at once (therefore “better small cold sips,” not large quantities) [Clarke]. During menses, vomiting of water occurs with cramps (female link) [Farrington]. Milk is poorly tolerated in the storm; later, thin gruels cold may be borne [Hughes]. Salt craving is not special; salt solutions (Oral Rehydration) fit the choleraic physiology and support remedy action [Clinical]. Eating or drinking hastily worse; absolute rest of stomach after dose helps [Allen].

Sexual sphere is not central. In spasmodic colic or cholera collapse, genital shrinkage and coldness are noted [Clarke]. Erections may occur during nervous storms (reflex irritability) [Allen]. Orchialgia of cramping character is rare; pressure eases [Hering]. Better when general cramps abate, underscoring secondary status.

Spasmodic dysmenorrhœa: cramp-like pains begin before or with scanty flow, shoot down thighs and to calves (which cramp), accompanied by nausea or vomiting; relief from firm pressure and doubling (modalities confirmed) [Farrington], [Boericke]. Ovarian neuralgia of cramping type, especially left-sided, with tendency to cyanosis of lips in pain; cold cloth to head relieves the faintness during a paroxysm [Hering]. Menses checked by chill or emotion may be followed by cramps or even convulsion—anti-suppression theme of copper [Kent]. Labour-like pains in spinsters; uterus “grips” then relaxes; warm room worse, cool air to face helps [Farrington]. After-pains spasmodic in sensitive women; tight binder and pressure best [Boger]. Mini-case: “Sick-headache girl with spasmodic colic at menses, vomiting water; Cupr. ac. 30, pressure and sips of cold water—pains eased” [Clinical—Farrington].

Back rigid in convulsions; opisthotonos in severe cases [Hering]. Dorsal muscles ache after a night of cough; slightest motion renews stitch [Allen]. Pressure against a firm pillow eases dorsal spasm (pressure modality again) [Boger]. Cold sweat down the spine in collapse [Clarke]. Lumbar weakness after diarrhœa; desire to lie curled [Hering]. Warmth to back comforts after paroxysms though room warmth may provoke cough—a management nuance [Clinical].

Cramps and spasms dominate: calves knot, soles draw up, toes flex; hands clenched, thumbs drawn in; fingers twitch, then harden into spasm [Hering], [Allen]. Firm pressure, grasping, or bandaging the limb affords relief (key modality echoed) [Boger]. Cramps come in waves with gastric attacks and at menses; night aggravation common [Hering], [Farrington]. After spasms, trembling weakness remains; nails look bluish during asphyxial episodes [Clarke]. Children have sudden, lightning-like jerks in sleep (starting) [Hering]. Coldness of hands and feet in collapse, yet a cool draft on face/head may ease larynx—mixed thermal profile preserved [Clarke].

Skin cold, clammy in collapse; cyanotic patches on fingers, lips [Clarke]. Eruptions suddenly suppressed (scarlatina/measles) may be followed by convulsions—classic copper indication [Hering], [Kent]. Return of the eruption calms the nervous storm (better for reappearance)—cross-link to modalities [Kent]. Prickling or formication precedes cramps in some [Allen]. Sweat is cold and clammy; suppression of sweat by chill helps provoke spasm—see Perspiration/Chill [Boger]. Ulcerative tendencies are not characteristic; function (spasm) outweighs structure [Clarke].

Spasms/Convulsions
• Cuprum metallicum — Parent metal; broader nervous picture with mental irritability, periodicity, and suppression-linked convulsions; Cupr. ac. emphasises violent gastric irritation with spasm and quicker collapse [Hering], [Clarke].
• Cicuta virosa — Terrific opisthotonos and frightful convulsions after head injury or suppressed eruptions; more epileptiform; Cupr. ac. more gastric-laryngeal spasm and cramps [Hering], [Farrington].
• Zincum metallicum — Restless feet, spinal exhaustion, jerking; less violent vomiting; Cupr. ac. has stronger cramps and cyanosis [Kent], [Boger].
• Nux vomica — Spastic colic with irritability; but Nux is better warmth and often has ineffectual urging; Cupr. ac. is cold, cyanotic, with violent vomiting and better pressure [Clarke], [Kent].

Choleraic/Enteric States
• Veratrum album — Copious rice-water stools, cold sweat on forehead, violent vomiting, collapse; more purging and profuse sweat; cramps general. Cupr. ac.: cramps (calves/hands) and laryngeal tendency more marked; pressure amelioration stands out [Hughes], [Clarke].
• Arsenicum album — Burning, restlessness, prostration, thirst for small sips; better warmth; Cupr. ac. is opposite in thermal cravings (prefers cold sips), with more cramp/convulsion [Kent], [Clarke].
• Camphora — Icy coldness with collapse; scanty stools; little vomiting; more sudden shock; Cupr. ac. has stormy vomiting/cramps and whooping-like features [Hughes].

Whooping Cough / Laryngeal Spasm
• Drosera — Paroxysmal cough with retching, worse after midnight; less cyanotic spasm; Cupr. ac. has more laryngismus and clenched thumbs [Farrington].
• Corallium rubrum — Rapid, violent fits; but more profuse nasal mucus and red, sore nose; Cupr. ac. shows cyanosis and general cramps [Farrington].
• Ipecacuanha — Much nausea/retching with cough; face pale rather than blue; chest râles; Cupr. ac. has stronger laryngeal clamp and calf cramps [Clarke].

• Complementary: Veratrum album — Together cover choleraic collapse and cramps; Verat. for profuse rice-water stools and icy sweat; Cupr. ac. for spasms/cramps with violent retching [Clarke], [Hughes].
  • Complementary: Arsenicum album — Prostration and septic collapse; sequence often required as state shifts; opposite thermal desires guide order [Kent].
  • Complementary: Drosera — Residual spasmodic cough after acute laryngeal spasm relieved by Cupr. ac.; Drosera to finish cough stage [Farrington].
  • Follows well: Sulphur — When eruption reappears and vital reaction improves, Cupr. ac. can safely address remaining spasms [Kent].
  • Follows well: Nux vomica — After gastric irritants excite spasm; Nux clears hyperaesthesia; Cupr. ac. quells cramps [Kent].
  • Precedes well: Carbo vegetabilis — If collapse deepens with flatulence and desire to be fanned; Carbo veg. may be needed after spasm phase [Clarke].
  • Related: Cuprum metallicum — Basal copper picture; use when spasms predominate without violent gastric storm [Hering].
  • Antidotes (functional): Ipecacuanha, Nux vomica — For medicinal aggravation of gastric irritability or over-retching [Kent].
  • Inimical — None recorded in classical sources [Clarke].

Choose Cupr. ac. when violent vomiting or whooping-type laryngeal spasm is inseparable from cramps of calves/hands and cyanosis, with better from pressure/grasping/doubling and better from small cold sips/cool air to face, worse at night, worse warm room, and worse suppression (eruption, menses) [Hering], [Clarke], [Farrington].
Potencies: for violent gastric/laryngeal storms many authors use 3x–6x or 6C in short intervals (every 10–30 minutes) until the storm wanes; for spasmodic constitutions or whoop, 30C–200C has classical support when the modality picture is clear [Boericke], [Kent].
Repetition: frequent in acute collapse until a definite change; then pause. In children with whoop, dose around paroxysm times; reduce as frequency/violence declines [Farrington].
Adjuncts: loosen clothing; cool air to face; firm manual pressure/grasp of cramping muscles; small cold sips only; absolute quiet and minimal handling; careful oral rehydration in choleraic states (medical supervision imperative) [Clarke], [Hughes].
Case pearls:
• “Whoop with clenched thumbs, blue face; paroxysm cut by cool air at window and Cupr. ac. 200” [Farrington].
• “Choleraic vomiting with calf cramps; grasps calves for relief; Cupr. ac. 6x q.15 min stopped retching” [Clarke].
• “Spasmodic dysmenorrhœa with vomiting water; band tight, better doubling; Cupr. ac. 30” [Farrington].
• “Convulsion after suppressed rash; eruption returned under Cupr. ac., spasms ceased” [Hering].

Mind
• Anxiety—suffocation, during paroxysm. Guides in whoop/lar yngismus [Hering].
• Fear—next attack; anticipatory spasm. Triggers renewed cramp/retch [Kent].
• Oversensitivity—noise/touch/contradiction. Least stimulus renews spasm [Kent].
• Ailments from suppression (eruption/menses). Convulsions/spasms after checking discharges [Hering].
• Ailments from fright. Emotional spark → spasm [Kent].
• Indifference—post-paroxysmal apathy. Collapse phase [Clarke].
Stomach
• Vomiting—violent; persistent; from least swallow. Cardinal sphere [Allen].
• Vomiting—after warm drinks/food; cold sips ameliorate. Thermal modality key [Clarke].
• Retching—dry; with calf cramps. Copper signature [Hering].
• Pain—cramping epigastrium; better pressure/bending double. Modalities confirm [Boger], [Allen].
• Hiccough—spasmodic; during choleraic states. Paroxysmal pattern [Hughes].
• Salivation—before vomiting; metallic taste. Pre-paroxysm sign [Allen].
Abdomen/Rectum
• Colic—griping; radiating; better tight band/pressure. Management clue [Allen].
• Cramps—umbilical; precede stool. Paroxysmal rhythm [Hughes].
• Diarrhœa—rice-water; with cramps and collapse. Choleric keynote [Clarke].
• Anus—contracted; cold; after stools. Collapse sign [Hering].
• Tenesmus—absent or slight in copious watery stools. Differentiates from dysenteric states [Clarke].
• Alternation—retching and stool; see-saw. Axis clue [Hughes].
Respiration/Larynx
• Laryngismus—stridulus; cyanosis; thumbs clenched. Infant sphere [Hering].
• Cough—whooping; worse night, warm room, odours. Modalities mirror [Farrington].
• Cough—with retching; gut–lung loop. Remedy essence [Hughes].
• Suffocation—threatened; better cool air at window. First aid pointer [Farrington].
• Voice—aphonia/hoarse after paroxysm. Sequel state [Hering].
• Respiration—arrested by the least motion/touch. Copper hyper-excitability [Allen].
Female
• Dysmenorrhœa—spasmodic; vomiting; scanty flow during pains. Leading indication [Farrington].
• Menses—checked; followed by cramps/convulsions. Anti-suppression cue [Kent].
• Ovarian pain—cramping; better pressure. Modal ties [Hering].
• After-pains—spasmodic; sensitive women. Copper spasm [Boger].
• Nausea—water vomited at menses. Specific note [Farrington].
• Faintness—face blue during cramps. Circulatory sign [Clarke].
Extremities
• Cramps—calves; soles; toes flexed; night. Copper hallmark [Hering].
• Hands—clenched; thumbs drawn in (convulsions). Classic copper sign [Allen].
• Jerks—startings on falling asleep. Sleep link [Hering].
• Better—firm grasping/pressure and rubbing. Prescribing modality [Boger].
• Coldness—hands/feet; cyanosis. Collapse sign [Clarke].
• Trembling—post-paroxysmal weakness. Sequel [Hughes].
Generalities
• Spasms—from suppression of eruptions. Key aetiology [Hering].
• Collapse—with cold sweat, cyanosis. Emergency picture [Clarke].
• Worse—night; motion; touch; warm rooms; emotions. Global modalities [Kent].
• Better—pressure; doubling; cool air to face; small cold sips. Global ameliorations [Clarke].
• Convulsions—children; rigid; opisthotonos. Paediatric focus [Hering].
• Paroxysmal—wave-like attacks; intervals of exhaustion. Copper rhythm [Allen].
Fever/Chill/Sweat
• Chill—with cold sweat, especially forehead. Veratrum-like but with cramps emphasis [Clarke].
• Heat—local to face during effort; general cold surface. Polarity [Hughes].
• Sweat—cold, clammy; during/after paroxysm. Collapse marker [Hering].
• Temperature—subnormal with cyanosis. Severity index [Clarke].
• Worse—suppressed perspiration. Sets up spasm [Boger].
• Better—sweat returns after storm. Prognostic sign [Kent].

Hahnemann — No direct proving for Cuprum aceticum; comparative insights from Cuprum metallicum in Chronic Diseases (1828): suppression/convulsion doctrine; general copper traits.
Hering — The Guiding Symptoms of Our Materia Medica (1879): spasms, laryngismus, whoop, choleraic states; modalities; anti-suppression notes.
Allen, T. F. — Encyclopædia of Pure Materia Medica (1874–79): toxicology and clinical records—violent vomiting, cramps, cyanosis, diarrhœa.
Hughes, R. — A Cyclopædia of Drug Pathogenesy (1895): toxicology of copper salts and acetate; gastro-enteric and nervous action; collapse.
Clarke, J. H. — A Dictionary of Practical Materia Medica (1900): clinical indications in cholera, whooping cough, spasmodic dysmenorrhœa; preparation notes.
Boericke, W. — Pocket Manual of Homœopathic Materia Medica (1927): concise keynotes—cramps, vomiting, collapse; whooping-cough; dysmenorrhœa.
Farrington, E. A. — Clinical Materia Medica (1887): organ affinities—larynx, uterus, stomach; copper group comparisons.
Boger, C. M. — Synoptic Key of the Materia Medica (1915): modalities (pressure/grasping), night aggravation, anti-suppression, cramp profile.
Kent, J. T. — Lectures on Homœopathic Materia Medica (1905): miasmatic colouring; copper family mental/physical reactivity; suppression leading to convulsions.
Nash, E. B. — Leaders in Homœopathic Therapeutics (1898): leaders for choleraic states and spasmodic conditions, copper comparisons.
Scholten, J. — Homoeopathy and the Elements (1996): thematic insight on Copper (control/spasm) and salt combinations; used for conceptual micro-comparisons.
Vithoulkas, G. — Materia Medica Viva (1991): clinical portrait of copper states in children; whooping-cough and spasm dynamics.