Encyclopedia of Homeopathy

MAJOR MINERAL REMEDIES• 81Ferrum metallicumFERRUM MET.KEY SYMPTOMS chilliness • intolerance of noise and contradiction • intolerance of eggsand fatty foods • tendency to flush easily • person feels better for gentle movementIron is essential in the body for the formation of hemoglobin, theoxygen-carrying substance in red blood cells. A diet deficient in iron oran inability to absorb iron into the body can lead to anemia, fatigue,and breathlessness. Ferrum met. was probably proved and published byHahnemann between 1821 and 1834. It is prescribed to help the body copewith anemia caused by blood loss, and is thought by some to help the bodyabsorb iron more efficiently.Hematite oftenforms as kidneyore, so calledbecause ofits shapeREMEDY PROFILEEmotional traits that indicate a need forFerrum met. include moodiness, nervousirritability, sensitivity, and an intolerance ofcontradiction. A compulsion to do certaintasks may lead to feelings of failure,restlessness, and neglected duty. This sense ofcompulsion easily turns into its opposite:extreme fatigue, weakness, and depression.Typical physical symptoms include pale lipsand face, a tendency to flush easily, and a rosylook that suggests good health but is actuallycaused by poor circulation. Perspiration maybe cold, clammy, and profuse. Bouts ofdizziness may occur, as well as sensitivity tocold and to noise. Mental and physical activityare subject to weakness and severe fatigue.Circulatory and digestive problems frequentlyoccur, possibly with marked appetite loss.Movement may be painful and difficult due toback, joint, and head pain.AnemiaSYMPTOMS Pale face that flushes easily, and palelips, with great fatigue (see below). Ferrummet. is given for anemia from blood loss,often due to heavy periods or problemsin pregnancy.Symptoms better In summer; for gentlemovement.Symptoms worse For violent exertion; duringmenstruation.Severe fatigueSYMPTOMS Extreme physical and mental fatigue,the latter causing great sensitivity to noise. Thereis no desire to work, but a need to lie down.Symptoms better For walking slowly in fresh air.Symptoms worse At night; for violent exertion; foremotional stress; for loss of bodily fluids.Circulatory problemsSYMPTOMS Painful varicose veins, particularly inpregnancy. There may be hemorrhages such asnosebleeds, especially in children. Throbbingblood vessels with headaches are also possible,as are neuralgic pains (see right), hot flashes,fever, or palpitations, aggravated by heat.Symptoms better For gentle movement.Symptoms worse For heat; at night; for lyingdown; for loss of bodily fluids.Digestive disordersSYMPTOMS Nausea brought on by eating, whichcauses a reluctance to eat. There may be suddenvomiting, either while eating or hours later, ataround midnight. Typical symptoms includeconstipation or cramping pains in the stomachor abdomen. The digestion is weak, with anintolerance of eggs and fatty foods. Teethingchildren may develop diarrhea while eating.Ferrum met. can also be used to treat postoperativenausea.Symptoms better For gentle movement.Symptoms worse At night; for eating; for eggs;for fatty foods.Back & joint painSYMPTOMS Stiffness of the lower backand neck, sciatica, arthritis, especiallyin the shoulders, and painful daytimecramps and coldness in the feet. Despitefatigue and an aversion to brisk movement,pain or restlessness causes a compulsionto keep moving.Symptoms better For gentle movement; forwalking slowly.HAEMATITE This opaque mineral is the mostimportant source of iron ore, containing up to70 percent iron.SOURCE DETAILSORIGINFrom iron ores such as hematite, found inCanada, the US, and Venezuela. Iron is thesecond most common metal on Earth.BACKGROUNDSo prominent in history that it gave itsname to the Iron Age, and also a highlyimportant trace element for the workingof the human body.PREPARATIONPowdered iron is ground with lactose sugarto triturate it. It is then dissolved in water,and repeatedly diluted and succussed.COMMON NAMEIron.Symptoms worse At night; for beginningto move.HeadachesSYMPTOMS Throbbing pains in the forehead,often lasting for several days, with possibledizziness and scalp pain.Symptoms better For lying down; for firmpressure on the affected part of the head.Symptoms worse For going down steps;for writing; prior to menstruation;for stooping.See also Chronic fatigue syndrome, page 204; Headaches, page 218; Varicose veins, page 230; Nausea & vomiting, page 236