Arsenicum Album

White arsenic, one of homoeopathy's most widely used remedies, traditionally chosen for restless anxiety, burning pains, chilliness and stomach upsets.

Arsenicum album is arsenic trioxide, the white powder long known simply as white arsenic. It is made by roasting arsenic-bearing ores and was once notorious as a poison. In its raw state it is highly toxic; homoeopathy uses it only in specially prepared form.

Its homoeopathic picture is restless anxiety with exhaustion out of proportion to the illness, chilliness, and burning pains that feel better for warmth. Homoeopaths traditionally use it for stomach upsets from spoilt food or watery fruit, with vomiting and loose stools, and for a thirst for frequent small sips. Complaints are often worse after midnight.

• Restless anxiety
• Burning pains
• Food-related upsets
• Exhaustion
• Chilliness