Arsenicum album

English patient information. Some clinical wording may still reflect the German source text. Not for self-prescription.

In general, the patient who needs arsenic is notable for his restlessness and anxiety. The fear is very distressing and can escalate into fear of death. He is restless and constantly wants to change positions. He is usually very thirsty, which he then quenches with many small sips. The time of aggravation is at night, especially after midnight. The pain is burning, as if from glowing coals or hot needles, and yet the patient finds relief from hot drinks or hot applications, for example a hot water bottle.

Arsenic is particularly useful for colds that occur in winter. A watery cold develops that makes the upper lip and nose sore. Despite the nasal discharge, the nose is blocked. The patient also has to sneeze, but this does not bring any relief. He feels worse in the fresh air and often only starts to sneeze when he is outside. In general, Ars. is suitable for patients who often have colds (usually in winter). Patients are generally very cold and do not tolerate drafts very well. They never get enough heat and in the cold it can feel as if there is ice water in their veins instead of blood (in the heat of a fever it feels like boiling water is flowing in their veins).

If the flu occurs, the following characteristics become apparent: The sick person is noticeable because of his restlessness and anxiety. He often feels a real fear of death. He is usually very thirsty, which he then quenches with many small sips. However, this water is often vomited up again immediately after drinking. He is very weak, but that doesn't stop him from constantly changing places in his anxious restlessness. If he can no longer do this because of his increasing weakness, he will at least move back and forth in bed constantly.

Arsenic diarrhea occurs especially after eating cold food (ice cream or ice water) if the patient has previously been heated. It is also suitable for meat poisoning or a spoiled stomach after eating other spoiled foods. Diarrhea after eating fruits, especially those with a high water content, such as melons. There is relatively little bowel movement, but it still exhausts the patient. The stool is characterized by the small amount, the dark color, it can be mucous, bloody, undigested or dark green and in general it has a strong odor. Vomiting often occurs, which can also occur at the same time as diarrhea.

Ars. can also be the remedy for other diseases if the key symptoms listed above are present.