This was a case where, although the primary complaint was stuttering, we did not emphasize stuttering in making the prescription, since Calcarea carbonica fit the essence, totality, and keynotes so well. However, here is some more useful information about other homeopathic remedies to consider for stuttering:

Mercurius is considered a very important remedy for a stuttering which comes out of hesitancy. Often there is a trembing of the mouth and tongue. The person may feel quite agitated at being asked a question and become overly excited, hurried, and embarrassed. This may be associated with an overall hesitancy, lack of confidence, and shyness.

Stramonium is more appropriate for a violent, choppy type of stammering, where the words seems to shoot out with harshness. The individual may have to exert him or herslf a long time before uttering even a word. There may also be facial contortions, grimaces, and tics and a generally violent nature.

Causticum is another common remedy for stammering after excitement or nervousness. This may be seen with hoarseness, chronic clearing of the throat, and twitches of the face, particularly of the right side. There may even be a paralysis of the vocal chords.

Belladonna is used in rapid, interrupted speech, which may be accompanied by a kind of intoxication, and indistinct speech with difficulty breathing and great tiredness.

Nux vomica is likely to be needed in a case of stuttering after overwork or overindulgence.

There may be a considerable amount of irritability and frustration.

Selenium can be useful for a kind of stammering where the person makes mistakes in talking, says the wrong syllables, and cannot articulate some words at all. This may be seen in Alzheimer's.

Aconite should be the first remedy to consider when a person is speechless from fright.

There is often little allopathic medicine has to offer in cases of stuttering. As you can see, homeopathy may be a very effective answer in such cases.

Dr. Judyth Reichenberg-Ullman and Dr. Robert Ullman are licensed naturopathic physicians and are board certified in homeopathy. They are President and Vice President of the International Foundation for Homeopathy where they teach homeopathy to licensed health care professionals. They practice in Edmonds, WA at 131 3rd Ave., N., Edmonds, WA 98020 and can be reached at (206) 774-5599. Their new book, The Patient's Guide to Homeopathic Medicine, is now available.