Find a Drug
Advanced Search

Argentum Nitricum

font size
Argentum Nitricum (Silver Nitrate)

What does Argentum Nitricum do?

Argentum Nitricum is a homeopathic treatment for digestive problems brought on by nervousness or eating foods that are high in sugar. These gastrointestinal complaints may take the form of indigestion, gas, diarrhea, and vomiting. They are usually accompanied with a slowly manifesting pulsating headache. Pain that is aggravated by talking or movement but relieved with pressure and fresh air is often treated with Argentum Nitricum. A good example of this type of condition would be laryngitis brought on by too much singing, talking, or shouting. Also, women suffering from a prolapsed uterus or menstruation which leads to a bearing down sensation are sometimes given this remedy. Another main focus for Argentum Nitricum usage is in treating fears and anxiety that may be accompanied with sweating and palpitations. These fears are often derived from an over active imagination that may manifest in numerous ways s.c. as claustrophobia, stage fright, and/or a fear that something awful is about to happen.

Should my health care professional be advised before I take Argentum Nitricum?

It is always good to keep your health care practitioner updated on medications, herbals, supplements or other therapies you may be participating in. They should be consulted first if you have any of these: A tendency towards allergic reactions to other medicines, herbs, foods, lactose, dyes, or preservatives.

Are there other times my health care professional needs to be advised before I take Argentum Nitricum?

As a homeopathic remedy, Argentum Nitricum is considered safe however it is always good to inform your health care professional if you are: Pregnant or trying to get pregnant Breast-feeding

How should I take this product?

Argentum Nitricum is derived by extracting Acanthite Silver Nitrate from the mineral ore acanthite which produces silver nitrate crystals that are then used to make the preparation Homeopathic Argentum Nitricum remedies are taken by mouth and usually come in the following formats: - lactose tablets, pillules, powder, granules, and as a liquid. Generally, for most homeopathic remedies the following apply: Do not take more than one homeopathic remedy at a time unless otherwise recommended by a qualified homeopathic practitioner. Do not take with food or liquids. Allow 30 minutes before or after eating before taking. Do not handle the preparation with your hands (may cause contamination), rather use a clean spoon to administer the preparation.

What should the dosage be?

Dosages and lengths of administration are usually based on the individual, problem, symptoms, cause and its onset. See a qualified homeopathic practitioner for more information. The following are general dosages for some of the applications of a homeopathic Argentum Nitricum preparation where c = a centesimal (dilution factor 1:100). This is by no means supposed to take the place of a qualified diagnosis and treatment. Generally: Fear - 6c every 30 minutes for up to 10 hours, then 4x day for up to 14 days. Anxiety - - 6c every 30 minutes for up to 10 hours, then 4x day for up to 14 days. Diarrhea - 6c every 30 minutes for up to10 doses. Laryngitis- 6c 4x daily up to 6 days.

What other medicines may interact with a Homeopathic Argentum Nitricum preparation?

Unknown

What are side effects of Homeopathic Argentum Nitricum usage?

If you experience any uncomfortable side effects, stop usage immediately and report them to your health care professional. It should be understood that in homeopathic medicine a patient under treatment may experience an "aggravation" or in other words, their symptoms may seem to worsen during treatment. If you experience an aggravation it is usually thought that your body's "vital force" has been stimulated and the remedy is working. Generally, the worsening of the symptoms will only last several hours and it is recommended that you stop taking the remedy at this point and let your b.d. take over in the healing process.

I have heard that Silver Nitrate is poisonous. In taking Silver Nitrate as a Homeopathic remedy, shouldn't I be concerned about this?

Silver Nitrate is considered highly poisonous in large quantities. Due to the dilution process used in homeopathy the contents of Silver Nitrate in a preparation are so small that it is not considered a risk. Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (stop usage and report it to your health care professional if they are continuing or bothersome): Allergic response to lactose (stop using and switch to a lactose free liquid product)

What do I need to watch out for with Argentum Nitricum?

Generally, for most homeopathic remedies the following apply: It is usually recommended that usage of caffeine, coffee, alcohol, spicy foods, tobacco and mint (including mint toothpaste and gum) be avoided during treatments. It is usually recommended that usage of strong perfumes, soaps, and cleaning supplies be avoided during treatments. It is usually recommended that usage of some essential oils s.c. as rosemary, thyme, camphor, mint, eucalyptus, and lavender (solution > than 2%) be avoided during treatments.

What else should I be aware of?

As with herbs, care should be taken with purchasing. Incorrectly labeled products and/or the presence of contaminants, adulterations, or substitutions have all been reported in conjunction with alternative medicines.

Where can I keep my homeopathic product?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open. Store in a cool, dark, dry place preferably in an airtight, dry, and light resistant container. Also, homeopathic remedies should never be stored where anything with a strong smell s.c. as certain foods, perfumes, deodorants, etc. reside. The life of a properly handled and stored homeopathic remedy is usually several years however if there is an expiration date listed on the product, throw away the unused portion after the expiration date.

Can you tell me a little more about Argentum Nitricum?

General information: Silver Nitrate was at one time utilized medicinally for it's antibacterial and caustic effects. It was used for cauterizing and therefore stanching the flow of blood and also as a treatment for epilepsy, eye infections of newborn infants, and warts. It is considered highly toxic in large amounts. Side effects of overdose are skin damage, breathing difficulties and damage to the heart, kidneys, liver, and spleen. Therefore this mineral should only be utilized with the awareness and monitoring of an experienced health care professional. Argentum Nitricum or by it's common name, Silver Nitrate, is a mineral that has been found in South American, Norway, and the United States. It is also sometimes referred to as Hellstone or devil's stone. Homeopathic Argentum Nitricum: In homeopathic medicine, remedies are usually associated with a certain "constitutional type". A persons "constitutional" typing is based on their emotional, physical, and mental make-up. Individuals that fall within a certain constitutional type will usually benefit from using the associated herb. This does not mean that you must always know your constitutional type before taking a homeopathic remedy. Acute illnesses (like colds, flu, etc) may be treated based on the symptoms only and not the individuals constitution. However, in treating chronic illness, the knowledge of the individuals constitutional type is vital to treating the symptoms and the cause. Adults and children who fall into the category of Argentum Nitricum constitutional types usually have the following characteristics: They tend to look prematurely old, developing facial lines, wrinkles, and sunken features early on. Quick in action and thought, they tend be extroverted, with high energy and usually a positive, cheerful attitude. They are impressionable and tend towards high emotions and mood swings. They may occasionally demonstrate uncontrolled reckless behavior that they fear and regret later. They are prone to anxiety, apprehensiveness, and worry. Physically this may manifest into nervous sweating and heart palpitations. Their anxiety sometimes leads to irrational fears or superstitions. Generally they dislike or fear crowds, enclosed places, lose of self-control, being alone, and career failure. When this constitutional type becomes ill they may fear they have an incurable disease that will lead to death. They tend to prefer salty and sweet food though sweet foods tend to cause them gastrointestinal problems. They respond best to cool environments with fresh air. When illness or acute conditions occur they tend to manifest on the left side of the body.

Copyright 1999 RxList



Weight Loss Wisdom

Get tips, recipes and inspiration.

Learn to Recognize the Symptoms of Depression - Start Here

Fast-Food SurvivalFast-Food Survival
You really can eat healthy in today's fat-filled, fast-food world. Find out how. See more WebMD Videos »