Argentum Nitricum

Silver nitrate, a classic homoeopathic remedy for anticipatory nerves, hurried restlessness, a craving for sweets and loud, windy belching.

Argentum nitricum is silver nitrate, a colourless crystalline salt of silver once known as lunar caustic. It darkens in light, which made it a key chemical in early photography, and it has long been used to burn away warts. The raw salt is caustic; homoeopathy uses it only in specially prepared form.

Homoeopaths traditionally turn to it for anxiety that builds before an exam, interview or journey, with hurry, impulsiveness and loose stools from nerves. A strong craving for sweets that then disagree, bloating and loud, explosive belching are typical. It is also associated with mental strain, a weak memory and giddiness.

• Exam and event nerves
• Hurry and restlessness
• Belching and wind
• Sweet cravings
• Mental strain