Bismuthum metallicum

Bismuth is a brittle, crystalline metal (symbol Bi, atomic number 83), often found in nature in ores or as a by-product of lead and copper smelting. It has a pearlescent sheen and is chemically stable. Homeopathically, it is prepared by trituration of the pure metal, unlocking deep gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms.

Proved by Hahnemann and confirmed by Hughes, Allen, and Hering. Known for its action on the gastrointestinal tract, nervous system, and cardiac weakness.

Bismuthum reflects the collapse of inner support, both physically and emotionally. The remedy centres on dependency, the need for presence, and the inability to digest life alone. Physically, food is rejected immediately; emotionally, solitude is intolerable. The dual nature of the remedy—metallic hardness and emotional fragility—reveals its purpose in healing those whose vital energy has drained away, especially after digestive shock, grief, or abandonment. Bismuthum offers reconnection—to the body, to nourishment, and to others.

• Stomach and gastrointestinal tract – inflammation, vomiting, ulcers
• Heart and circulation – collapse, cyanosis
• Nervous system – neuralgia, restlessness, fear
• Mucous membranes – erosion, catarrh, violent inflammation
• Face and mouth – neuralgia, pale appearance, coated tongue
• Right side – symptoms often more right-sided
• Children and elderly – sensitive to gastric collapse and restlessness

Bismuthum’s mental picture is one of extreme restlessness, dependency, and terror of solitude. The patient experiences intense anxiety when alone, coupled with a child-like clinging and desire for constant reassurance. Fear of death, fear of being abandoned, and an overwhelming need to have someone nearby dominate the emotional state [Hering]. This fear is not rooted in delusion but in a visceral experience of inner collapse, especially after physical prostration from vomiting or weakness. Mental confusion appears suddenly, alternating with irritability or silent despair. The Bismuth patient may become demanding or panicky when unattended. In children, the mind is restless, capricious, and soothed only by presence and attention. During acute illness, delirium or apathy can develop.

Restless, unrefreshing sleep. Waking with anxiety or hunger. Sleep disturbed by vomiting or abdominal pain. Moaning in sleep. Children scream in sleep during fevers or digestive upset.

Dreams of drowning, solitude, or abandonment. Frightful dreams in children. Dreams of illness, vomiting, or being suffocated. Groaning and crying in sleep.

Bismuthum is a remedy of gastric collapse, vomiting, and emotional dependence. It suits cases where the patient is utterly intolerant of being alone, is restless, and vomits food as soon as it is eaten. Physical symptoms rapidly lead to weakness, cyanosis, and cold sweat. Useful in gastric ulcers, cancer, cholera morbus, food poisoning, and nervous breakdowns with GI involvement. It has special affinity for children, the elderly, and neurotic constitutions.

High fever with cold sweat and collapse. Chilliness with internal burning. Heat in face with cold extremities. Sudden alternations of heat and chill. Fever with vomiting and diarrhoea. Rapid pulse and cyanosis.

Chill with gastric symptoms. Heat localized in face and stomach. Cold sweat on face and limbs. Exhausting perspiration with vomiting. Fever followed by cold, clammy weakness.

Headache associated with gastric symptoms. Heaviness in forehead, sometimes throbbing. Vertigo on rising or with nausea. Headaches often come in waves, worse from mental exertion. Neuralgic pain extending to the face. Icy cold sensation in the occiput.

Glassy, sunken appearance. Pupils dilated. Eyes dull, expression of suffering. Photophobia in febrile states. Tearing or smarting pain, worse from light. Dark circles under the eyes. Visual fogginess during gastric crises.

Buzzing, ringing, and humming. Sudden deafness or transient hearing loss during fevers. Oversensitivity to noise during nervous complaints. Ears feel blocked or “full.” May hear voices or sounds in solitude, contributing to fear.

Bleeding from the nose during gastric congestion or collapse. Cold tip of nose in weakness. Coryza with acrid discharge. Nasal bones feel sore or pressive. Nasal catarrh in children with gastric disturbance.

Face pale, sunken, or bluish around lips. Expression of agony or fear. Cheeks red during vomiting episodes. Neuralgia of the right side of the face, with tearing pains extending to temple and jaw. Facial twitching in children with gastric ailments.

Tongue heavily coated white, thick, and pasty. Offensive breath, especially after vomiting. Dryness of mouth and throat. Burning in the tongue and palate. Speech slow and thick. Metallic taste. Ptyalism in fevers or during stomach complaints.

Toothache worse from warm drinks or touch. Pain extends to ear and temple. Gums swollen, bleed easily. Teeth feel loose or sensitive. Children grind teeth during fever or vomiting.

Dryness and burning. Difficulty swallowing solids. Sensation of a lump in throat during panic or fear. Catarrhal inflammation extending from the stomach. Mucus in throat not easily expectorated. Tonsils swollen, with gastric involvement.

Oppression and tightness with sighing. Palpitation after vomiting. Cramp-like pain in diaphragm. Children may cry and grasp chest during gastric spasm. Suffocative sensation with cyanosis. Rattling in bronchial tubes during exhaustion.

Collapse with weak, irregular pulse. Cyanosis of lips and fingers. Palpitation from fear or vomiting. Heart feels heavy and painful. Fainting from gastric disturbance. Pulse rapid, feeble, or irregular. Useful in gastric origin of heart weakness.

Collapse with weak, irregular pulse. Cyanosis of lips and fingers. Palpitation from fear or vomiting. Heart feels heavy and painful. Fainting from gastric disturbance. Pulse rapid, feeble, or irregular. Useful in gastric origin of heart weakness.

The grand sphere of Bismuthum. Terrific pain in the stomach immediately after eating, with violent vomiting of food as soon as it enters the stomach [Hering]. The vomit may contain undigested food, mucus, or bile. Desire for cold drinks, which may be retained longer than solids. Emptiness in stomach despite eating. Burning pain, pressure, and cramping relieved by bending forward or applying pressure. Ulcerative processes in gastric mucosa. Gastralgia alternating with diarrhoea or collapse. Great thirst, yet little relief. Vomiting leads to collapse with cyanosis and cold sweat. Suitable in gastric cancer, ulcers, and food poisoning when the patient is restless, clinging, and vomiting continuously.

Distension, bloating, and tenderness. Colicky pains, worse after eating. Loud rumbling and flatulence. In children, diarrhoea alternates with vomiting. Sensation of weight or dragging. Gurgling or “washing” feeling in bowels. Hepatic region tender in fevers.

Loose stools, watery or slimy, with offensive odour. Diarrhoea alternates with constipation. Tenesmus before and after stool. Involuntary stool during vomiting or collapse. Burning in anus after stool. Rectal prolapse in children after exhaustion.

Scanty, dark urine. Urination suppressed during vomiting episodes. Burning in urethra. Albuminuria in gastric collapse. Urine offensive, high-coloured, with red sediment. Incontinence during collapse in children or elderly.

Vomits immediately after eating, especially solids. Craves cold drinks, which may stay down longer. Aversion to all food. Desire for juicy fruits or milk. Gastric ulceration from rich food. Food lies in stomach like a stone.

Testicular pain with gastroenteritis. Genital coldness in collapse. Loss of libido after severe illness. Seminal emissions during fevers. Glands may feel tender. Occasional neuralgia in groin radiating to abdomen.

Menstrual flow suppressed during vomiting or collapse. Menorrhagia with weakness and gastric symptoms. Leucorrhoea white, acrid, and offensive. Nausea during pregnancy. Suitable for gastric complications during menses or after childbirth.

Coldness along spine. Weakness and trembling. Pain in lumbar region with digestive distress. Neuralgia in interscapular region. Better from lying flat. Spasms in lower back in gastroenteritis.

Trembling, coldness, and weakness. Cramping in calves during vomiting. Numbness in fingers. Cyanosis during collapse. Restless limbs in children. Twitching of muscles, worse when alone.

Cold, clammy, and bluish in collapse. Pale or mottled appearance. Rash during vomiting episodes. Urticaria after indigestion. Skin hot to touch but internally cold. Slow healing of cuts or ulcers in debility.

• Arsenicum album – Similar vomiting and restlessness, but more burning and fear of death
• Ipecacuanha – Nausea and vomiting, but with clean tongue and lack of thirst
• Phosphorus – Vomits as soon as water warms in stomach; also needy and affectionate
• Nux vomica – Gastric troubles with irritability, not fear of being alone
• Antimonium crudum – Vomiting after overeating; thick white coating on tongue
• Kreosotum – Vomits undigested food hours after eating

• Complementary: Arsenicum, Phosphorus
• Antidotes: Nux vomica, Pulsatilla
• Follows well: Antimonium crudum, Ipecacuanha
• Inimical: None specifically known

• Top remedy in gastric ulcer or cancer with vomiting of all food
• Useful in infants with regurgitation and restlessness
• Consider in food poisoning, gastritis, gastroenteritis
• When patient clings, panics when alone, and vomits food immediately after eating
• Vomiting relieves temporarily, but exhaustion follows rapidly

• Top remedy in gastric ulcer or cancer with vomiting of all food
• Useful in infants with regurgitation and restlessness
• Consider in food poisoning, gastritis, gastroenteritis
• When patient clings, panics when alone, and vomits food immediately after eating
• Vomiting relieves temporarily, but exhaustion follows rapidly

• Samuel Hahnemann – Materia Medica Pura: Original proving with emphasis on gastric symptoms and vomiting
• C. Hering – Guiding Symptoms: Restlessness, vomiting, and mind-body connection
• James Kent – Lectures on Homoeopathic Materia Medica: Core mental and gastric themes
• William Boericke – Pocket Manual: Clinical notes on vomiting and collapse
• John Henry Clarke – Dictionary of Practical Materia Medica: Differential diagnosis and gastrointestinal depth