Homoeopathy — Page 79
Argentum Nitricum 79 Argentum Nitricum (Nitrate of silver) Argentum Nitricum has previously been used in treating epilepsy. It relieves epileptic fits but causes itching of the skin. Traditionally, it has been used in eye diseases. People who wear silver jewellery may develop symptoms of silver poisoning. Similarly, prolonged allopathic use of silver can have a negative effect on mental faculties. When the mind becomes slow and creative skills decline , Argentum Nitricum must be kept in mind. The memory is weak , and reasoning is flawed. Superstitions, visual hallucinations and delusions prevail. The patient is afraid of visiting some particular places. Such children should be accompanied to such spots and told that there is nothing to be afraid of. Argentum Nitricum is not only capable of curing these symptoms, but is also effective against some other deep-seated illnesses. The Argentum Nitricum patient is afraid of heights lest he may leap off. Argentum Nitricum patients are afraid of even looking up at a very tall building or a building with a high ceiling, in case it may fall on them. Most homoeopaths have not stressed these symptoms: they have only mentioned fear of heights and epileptic fit. However, when I personally analysed the symptoms of my patients after closely observing them, the above mentioned symptoms became clearly evident. Such a patient is afraid of jumping into the river while crossing a bridge. In advanced illness, there is a strong desire to jump from the bridge. Such patient trembles with fear and also feels weak. Some people have loose motions prior to an exam or an important interview. Some may feel agitated and angry. Extraordinary mental fatigue and gastric hyperacidity adversely affect the memory. Transient loss of recent memory can also occur as a result of narrowing of the arteries going to the brain (due to arterial thickening or just because of spasms of the artery). If the tendency to spasm is frequent, the patient loses his memory permanently. This is not related to transient stomach upset or mental fatigue. Argentum Nitricum also shows these signs, however, loss of