Boricum acidum

Boric acid (H₃BO₃) is a weak monobasic Lewis acid of boron, occurring naturally as the mineral sassolite, particularly in volcanic regions such as Tuscany, and in hot springs. It forms colourless crystals or a white powder, soluble in water. In crude form it has antiseptic, antifungal, and mild insecticidal properties. In homeopathy, the remedy is prepared by trituration of the pure crystalline acid [Clarke].

The main proving data come from Dr. W. Boericke and clinical observations, with toxicological records contributing additional symptomatology.

The essence of Boricum acidum is its mild yet persistent antiseptic influence, with an affinity for mucous membranes and skin, coupled with a tendency to cause or cure irritation, superficial inflammation, and slow-healing ulcerations. The patient’s general state is one of low vitality, languor, and mild febrile reaction to irritative processes.

• Mucous Membranes: Especially of eye, ear, throat, urinary tract.
• Skin: Particularly abrasions, burns, ulcerations.
• Gastrointestinal Tract: Irritation, nausea, vomiting from toxic exposure.
• Nervous System: Weakness, tremors in prolonged poisoning.
• Kidneys and Urinary Bladder: Irritation, frequency, and burning.

Mental dullness and lethargy, particularly during prolonged systemic absorption of boric acid [Clarke]. In toxic cases, confusion, apathy, and inability to focus. Restlessness and mild irritability may be present in acute mucous membrane inflammation.

Restless in acute irritation; drowsy in prolonged low-grade absorption.

Acts primarily on mucous membranes and skin; produces irritation, inflammation, and serous exudation. Systemic absorption leads to gastrointestinal, renal, and nervous symptoms. Known for antiseptic properties, but in homeopathy used to stimulate healing of inflamed or infected mucosa and skin without toxicity.

Fever with gastroenteritis symptoms; skin hot, dry, later clammy.

Chilliness alternating with heat; sweats profuse in collapse stages.

Fullness, heaviness, and throbbing in frontal region during febrile states caused by systemic absorption. Occasional dizziness on rising, linked to weakness and low vitality.

Highly characteristic action on conjunctiva, making it a valuable topical antiseptic. In proving, redness, smarting, and watering of eyes, with gritty sensation. Lids may be swollen, conjunctiva injected. Inflammatory states often accompanied by photophobia and blurred vision [Boericke].

Irritation, pain, and inflammation of external auditory canal. Burning or raw sensation. Purulent or watery discharges in chronic otitis; sensation of fullness in ear.

Dryness or irritation of nasal passages. Thin, acrid discharge in some cases.

Pale in chronic poisoning; flushed during acute febrile reaction.

Dryness and burning in mouth; aphthous spots on mucous membrane. Tongue coated white, edges red. Metallic or bitter taste reported in some toxicological accounts.

No strong proving symptoms; occasional toothache from mucosal inflammation.

Dryness and rawness; sensation of scraping, with desire to swallow to relieve irritation. Inflammation extends to pharynx and oesophagus in swallowed crude doses.

Oppression and tightness from weakness; occasional dry cough from mucosal irritation.

Palpitation in toxic weakness; no structural changes noted.

Slight shortness of breath in toxic states; otherwise unremarkable.

Nausea, retching, and vomiting are key toxic effects. Vomiting often persistent, sometimes with greenish or watery material. Sensation of weight and soreness in epigastrium [Hering].

Colicky pains from gastroenteritis induced by boric acid ingestion. Rumbling and distension.

Loose, watery stools in acute gastroenteritis; sometimes with tenesmus.

Frequent urging; burning during micturition; occasional haematuria in severe poisoning. In chronic low-level exposure, dull aching in renal region with scanty urine.

Loss of appetite; aversion to food during gastric irritation.

No proving-specific features recorded; irritation of urethra may occur.

In local use for vaginal antisepsis, crude boric acid may produce dryness and burning. No specific systemic symptoms recorded in proving.

Weakness and aching in lumbar region during urinary irritation.

General lassitude; muscular weakness, trembling in prolonged poisoning [Hughes].

Another major sphere of action. Crude boric acid produces erythema, itching, and in some cases exfoliation. In proving, sensitivity of skin with burning and smarting; useful clinically in erysipelas, burns, eczema, and ulcerations with serous oozing. In toxic cases, diffuse rash resembling scarlatina.

• Arsenicum album – More intense burning pains, profound restlessness, collapse.
• Apis mellifica – Stinging, oedematous swelling; boric acid more for superficial rawness and oozing.
• Calendula – Prominent in wounds and lacerations; boric acid for clean, antiseptic healing of inflamed mucosa and skin.

• Complementary: Calendula, Apis in skin healing; Mercurius in mucosal ulceration.
• Antidotes: Crude form antidoted by milk, egg white (protein binding).
• Follows well: After acute inflammation treated by Aconite or Belladonna, to complete healing phase.

• Indicated in chronic or subacute conjunctivitis where discharge is bland but healing is sluggish.
• Useful in ear canal eczema with watery exudation.
• Internally, may be indicated in chronic urinary irritation after acute cystitis.
• Low potencies (3x–6x) often used in mucosal and skin cases.

Mind:

• Indifference to surroundings.
• Mental dullness during illness.

Head:

• Heaviness of head with fever.
• Vertigo on rising.

Eyes:

• Conjunctiva, inflammation of.
• Burning, smarting eyes.
• Photophobia with redness.

Stomach:

• Nausea, persistent.
• Vomiting, greenish.

Skin:

• Eruption, erythematous.
• Ulcers, slow-healing.
• Burns, superficial.
• Eczema with serous discharge.

Extremities:

• Weakness of limbs.
• Trembling during fever.

Generalities:

• Irritation of mucous membranes.
• Weakness, exhaustion.
• Aggravation from warmth.

1. Clarke J.H. – A Dictionary of Practical Materia Medica: Source preparation, clinical uses, toxicology.
2. Boericke W. – Pocket Manual: Affinity for mucous membranes, skin.
3. Allen T.F. – Encyclopedia of Pure Materia Medica: Recorded proving symptoms.
4. Hering C. – Guiding Symptoms: Gastrointestinal and urinary effects.
5. Hughes R. – Manual of Pharmacodynamics: Toxicological notes, physiological action.
6. Kent J.T. – Lectures on Materia Medica: Generalities, mucosal affinity.
7. Farrington E.A. – Clinical Materia Medica: Use in chronic mucous membrane inflammation.
8. Lippe A. von – Keynotes: Irritation and slow healing tendencies.
9. Nash E.B. – Leaders in Therapeutics: Clinical examples in skin healing.
10. Dewey W.A. – Practical Homœopathic Therapeutics: Grouping under antiseptic remedies.