Encyclopedia of Homeopathy

70 •MAJOR MINERAL REMEDIESAcidum nitricumNITRIC AC.KEY SYMPTOMS anxiety about health • splinterlike pains • cracksin mucous membranes at orifices • offensive-smelling discharges• irritability • oversensitivity • chilliness • dissatisfactionNitric acid was first developed by Arabian chemists in the 11th century.By the 18th century it was in use medicinally for burning off warts, andfor treating skin complaints, syphilis, chest infections, and fevers. It has manymodern commercial applications, being used in the manufacture of fertilizers,varnishes, nylon, lacquers, chemicals, and explosives. Nitric ac. was proved byHahnemann and published in his Chronic Diseases (1821–34). He used itchiefly for painful skin conditions, and for miasms such as Sycosis (see page 20).REMEDY PROFILEAn underlying discontent is evident in thosewho respond best to Nitric ac. This may bedue to the extreme discomfort of theirphysical symptoms. Their behavior is oftenbitter and unforgiving, and they tend to dwellin the past. They are typically selfish, badtempered,explosively angry, and critical.Hypersensitivity may cause these people toworry that they are offending others, to beeasily offended themselves, or to feel thatothers are trying to deceive them.Prolonged emotional and mental sufferingoften leads to ill-health in these individuals.They fear death and worry incessantly abouttheir health, often believing that their ownsuffering is much worse than others’ and musttherefore be treated immediately. Dischargessuch as urine and perspiration are typicallyoffensive-smelling. A tendency to feel the coldis common, as are cravings for fat and salt.Any jarring motion, such as that of a movingcar or train, usually makes them feel worse, asdoes drinking milk.Nitric ac. is used mainly for painful skinailments, especially where the mucousmembranes meet the skin of the mouth, nose,or anus. The conditions treated by thisremedy often manifest in the skin before goingon to affect the internal organs. It is also usedfor warts, hemorrhoids, anal fissures, mouthulcers, and catarrh.Skin conditionsSYMPTOMS Cracked, broken skin, and fissuresthat bleed slightly but easily. The nipples maybe sore and cracked. Severe acne maydevelop, as may boils, facial blackheads,pimples, and skin ulcers. The skin is prone toprofuse, foul-smelling sweat. Skin complaintsare accompanied by splinterlike, cutting painsthat appear and disappear suddenly.Symptoms better For warmth; for warmcompresses; for steady, even pressure on theaffected area.Symptoms worse For cold; for touch.WartsSYMPTOMS Big, jagged, moist warts on thehands, with sharp pain and possible bleeding.There may be anal warts with splinterlikepain, notably after passing stools (see below).Stools and urine often smell foul.Symptoms better For warm coverings.Symptoms worse For touch; for washing.HemorrhoidsSYMPTOMS Extremely painful hemorrhoids,possibly with bleeding and splinterlike pain, aburning sensation, and rectal ulcers. Passingstools may involve great strain and effort butlittle result. Agonizing pain may followstraining or passing a stool, possibly lastingfor hours. Hemorrhoids may be accompaniedby nausea, vomiting, constipation, and foulsmellinganal discharges.Symptoms better For warmth; for warmcompresses; for pressure on the hemorrhoids.Symptoms worse For touch; for the slightestjarring; for milk.Anal fissuresSYMPTOMS A cracked, sore rectum withsplinterlike pains and bleeding, due to tearingon passing a stool. Agonizing pain whenSOURCE DETAILSORIGINChemically prepared from sodium nitrate(a white, soluble mineral) and sulfuric acid(a corrosive liquid produced from sulfur).BACKGROUNDUsed in 18th-century Europe to burn off wartsand as a treatment for chest and bladdercomplaints, kidney stones, and fever.PREPARATIONMade by diluting one part nitric acid in nineparts pure alcohol. This mixture is thendiluted and succussed.COMMON NAMESNitric acid, aqua fortis.Stoppered jar prevents the escapeof toxic fumes given off by acidNITRIC ACID Producedcommercially from ammonia, thisacid is highly corrosive and givesoff fumes that are extremelyirritant and toxic if inhaled.passing stools may lead to constipation.Symptoms better For warm coverings; for hotcompresses.Symptoms worse For touch; for jarring movement.Mouth ulcersSYMPTOMS Sharp, splinterlike pain with ulcerson the tongue, or in the mouth or throat.There may be halitosis with bleeding gums.The gums may feel soft and spongy and theteeth may be loose.Symptoms better For hot compresses.Symptoms worse For touch; for swallowing;after eating.CatarrhSYMPTOMS Profuse, yellow burning catarrh,raw nostrils with splinterlike pain, and greencrusts on the nostrils on waking. Nosebleedsmay occur.Symptoms better For mild weather.Symptoms worse For winter; for cold, damp air;at night; for fatty foods; for milk.See also Candidiasis, page 200; Cancer, page 208