Arsenic is a trace element. It is found in several foods including seafood, poultry, grains (especially rice), bread, cereal products, mushrooms, and dairy products. Some forms of arsenic are used as medicine.
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Uses
Although this substance was used as a homeopathic remedy for tuberculosis during the 19th and the initial period of the 20th centuries, there is no recognized conventional medical utility of Arsenicum iodatum (also known as Arsen. iod.). There was a time when this remedy was also used for lymphatic cancer.
Benefits
Arsenicum iodatum is an effective homeopathic remedy for hyperactive (restless) children who have a propensity to become extremely hot, while some are also cold. In addition, this remedy is also employed to cure psoriasis as well as problems related to the chest, for instance bronchitis. All nasal discharges by such children are accompanied by a burning sensation, which is very obvious when they suffer from allergic rhinitis or hay fever, wherein the upper lips turn raw or hurtful. In some instances, the hay fever may also be accompanied by asthma. Arsen. iod. is also prescribed for patients suffering from hard/ firm lymph glands owing to eczema and psoriasis.
Arsen. iod. is a proven remedy that is frequently prescribed for people who have a propensity to become irritated and restive; hyperactive; or even impulsive and intolerant accompanied by sudden flare-ups. This remedy is also employed to help balance when there is any temper flare-up. However, it also has the aptitude in assisting in holding back exasperation when the individual has to face up to difficult as well as frustrating situations.
Besides the above mentioned uses of Arsenicum iodatum, this homeopathic remedy is also useful for the health of the respiratory system, vigorous open chests as well as effortless breathing and is also helpful for individuals who have the tendency to develop fever and become very hot.
Using a Freudian theory, in order to comprehend the individual belonging to the Arsenicum type, it is essential to identify with the ‘anal-retentive type’. (However, it is not a very insignificant happenstance that pure arsenic is a very potent purgative). Going by the Freudian term, the anal-retentive type usually becomes emotionally fixed at the very initial stage of their life – in fact, during their early childhood when the baby has just come to know saying ‘no’, and he/ she reproves their parents by declining to cooperate, particularly by holding back his/ her stool disobediently. Similarly, the adult anal type is constantly saying no, refusing to accept, and withholding his/ her anger. Again, quoting Sigmund Freud, the anal type turns out to be methodical, economical and also stubborn. In fact, the thriftiness or parsimony in the adult anal type is likely to come out in the overstated form of materialism, while stubbornness may reach the extent of insubordination, which is easily joined by anger and vengeance. Freud has summed up the negative attributes of the Arsenicum personality using only a few words.
Cautions
Arsenic is LIKELY SAFE when eaten in normal food amounts. The form of arsenic found naturally in foods (organic arsenic) does not seem to cause any harm.at a level of 50 mcg/L has been linked to reduced scores on intelligence tests in children.
Also, arsenic trioxide (Trisenox) is LIKELY SAFE when given intravenously (by IV) to adults by a healthcare provider. It is an FDA-approved prescription drug.
Other forms of arsenic (inorganic arsenic) are LIKELY UNSAFE when taken by mouth. These forms can be very poisonous, even in small doses. Don’t take arsenic supplements. Taking 10 mcg/kg/day over a period of time can produce symptoms of arsenic poisoning. Taking 5 mg of arsenic, or sometimes less, can cause digestive tract symptoms. Higher doses can cause severe poisoning and death. Inorganic arsenic is classified as a human cancer-causing agent.
Laws have been made to regulate the amount of arsenic that is allowed in the water supply. The maximum permissible level of arsenic in drinking water is 10 mcg/L. Long-term exposure to arsenic in drinking water at a level of 50 mcg/L has been linked to reduced scores on intelligence tests in children.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Children: Arsenic is LIKELY SAFE when eaten by children in normal food amounts. The form of arsenic found naturally in foods (organic arsenic) does not seem to cause any harm. Other forms of arsenic (inorganic arsenic) areLIKELY UNSAFE for children when taken by mouth. Long-term exposure to arsenic in drinking water at a level of 50 mcg/L has been linked to reduced scores on intelligence tests in children.
Interactions
Medications that can cause an irregular heartbeat (QT interval-prolonging drugs) interacts with ARSENIC
Some forms of arsenic might cause an abnormal heart beat. Taking arsenic along with other medications that can cause an irregular heartbeat might cause serious side effects including heart arrhythmias.
Some medications that can cause an irregular heartbeat include amiodarone (Cordarone), disopyramide (Norpace), dofetilide (Tikosyn), ibutilide (Corvert), procainamide (Pronestyl), quinidine, sotalol (Betapace), thioridazine (Mellaril), and many others.
Other names
Arsenate, Arsenic Pentoxide, Arsenic Trichloride, Arsenic Trioxide, Arsénico, Arsenicum Album, Arsenicum Iodatum, Arsenite, Arsénite, Arsénite de Sodium, As, Atomic Number 33, Fowler’s Solution, Numéro Atomique 33, Pentoxyde d’Arsenic, Sodium Arsenite, Solution de Fowler, Trichlorure d’Arsenic
References
Source: WebMD, http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-1226-arsenic.aspx?activeingredientid=1226&activeingredientname=arsenic
Herbs2000, http://www.herbs2000.com/homeopathy/arsenicum.htm