Ferrum Picricum

Abstract

Ferrum picricum is mentioned in the homoeopathic literature for diseases/complaints like anaemia, malaria fever, impaired hearing, vertigo, epistaxis, tinnitus, loss of voice, indigestion, headache, tired feeling, sexual excesses, loss of blood, constipation, prostate enlargement, warts and corns2. These indications needs clarification. An open multicentric clinical study at various Institutes / Units under Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy was conducted to confirm the use of Ferrum picricum as mentioned in homoeopathic materia medica and to add to its drug picture. For this 3,465 patients were enrolled in the study. The study not only confirms the therapeutic use of the drug in headache, vertigo, epistaxis, tinnitus aurium, loss of voice, constipation, enlargement of prostate, cough, corns, warts and debility, as mentioned in the homoeopathic literature, but also delineates the characteristics which could help in differentiating Ferrum picricum from other similar remedies. Beside, a set of new symptoms also emerged as clinical symptoms increasing the scope of use of this medicine in clinical practice and suggest a comprehensive proving to get full picture of the drug.