Zincum Metallicum

Metallic zinc, traditionally used in homoeopathy for a tired, overtaxed brain, restless fidgety feet and nervous exhaustion.

Zinc is a bluish-white metal used to galvanise iron and to make brass. In small amounts it is a vital trace nutrient, needed for growth, the skin and the body's defences, and found in pulses, nuts and grains. Homoeopathy prepares the metal by long grinding with milk sugar.

The word fag, meaning a tired brain, sums up much of its homoeopathic picture. Homoeopaths traditionally associate it with mental exhaustion and a weak memory, headaches in overtaxed schoolchildren, restless legs and feet that must keep moving, twitching, and great sensitivity to noise. Even a little wine may bring on a headache.

• Brain fag
• Restless, fidgety feet
• Nervous exhaustion
• Weak memory
• Sensitivity to noise