Ferrum metallicum

Prepared by triturating pure metallic iron. Iron is a fundamental element in human physiology, essential in haemoglobin and oxygen transport.

Widely used in allopathic medicine to treat anaemia (particularly iron-deficiency anaemia); also found in metallurgy, construction, and industrial applications.

First proved by Hahnemann and published in Materia Medica Pura. Also verified clinically by Hering, Kent, and Clarke.

• Circulatory system – blood, arteries, haemoglobin
• Muscles and connective tissue – fatigue, soreness, weakness
• Face and mucous membranes – congestion, flushing
• Gastrointestinal system – vomiting, weakness after food
• Female reproductive system – uterine bleeding, anaemia-related symptoms

• Gentle motion (but not exertion)
• Bleeding (temporarily relieves congestive headaches or pains)
• Rest after prolonged activity
• Cold applications to head
• Fresh, cool air

• Night, particularly after midnight
• Sudden exertion or movement
• Sitting still (paradoxically increases restlessness)
• Touch or pressure
• Warmth of bed
• High altitudes (aggravates circulatory weakness)

• China officinalis – Also suited to anaemia after loss of fluids; more sensitive to touch and has flatulence
• Phosphorus – Tall, thin, and anaemic; but more emotional, worse lying on left side, and craves cold drinks
• Calcarea carbonica – Pale and weak, but more sluggish, with cold sweats and fear
• Pulsatilla – Anaemic and gentle, but < heat and rich food; Ferrum has more restlessness and flushing
• Sepia – Flushes and weakness with female complaints, but more emotionally flat and indifferent

• Complementary: China, Phosphorus, Arsenicum
• Antidotes: Pulsatilla, Belladonna
• Follows well: China, Calcarea, Lycopodium
• Precedes well: Sulphur, Sepia

Ferrum metallicum embodies the paradox of strength and collapse. The iron-willed individual—conscientious, diligent, and generous—pushes past their limits until the body rebels. They flush with passion or pain, then collapse into pallor and weakness. It is a remedy of contradiction: pale yet red, strong yet frail, active yet exhausted. It revives vitality in those who have bled themselves dry, physically or emotionally, and restores balance to the circulatory and muscular systems.

• Use in anaemic women with heavy menses and flushing
• First remedy to think of in alternate paleness and flushing
• Great for vomiting food undigested after meals
• Very useful in congestive headaches relieved by bleeding
• Helpful in children who are pale, weak, but restless

Mind

• Sadness, after exertion
• Easily offended
• Mental exertion aggravates
• Restlessness, physical and mental

Head

• Congestion, with red face
• Headaches, from noise, motion
• Vertigo, on rising or walking

Female Genitalia

• Menses, too profuse, bright red
• Leucorrhoea, after menses
• Prolapse, from exertion

Extremities

• Weakness, legs
• Cramping, calves, at night
• Cold feet, hot head

Stomach

• Vomiting, food, immediately after eating
• Eructations, with relief
• Aversion, meat, milk

Generalities

• Anaemia, from haemorrhage
• Flushing, alternating with paleness
• Motion, gentle ameliorates

Samuel Hahnemann – Materia Medica Pura: Original proving, vomiting and circulatory themes

James Kent – Lectures on Homoeopathic Materia Medica: Detailed mental and female complaints

William Boericke – Pocket Manual of Homoeopathic Materia Medica: Clinical tips and modalities

John Henry Clarke – Dictionary of Practical Materia Medica: Expanded symptomatology for circulation, digestion, and paradoxical traits

C. Hering – Guiding Symptoms: Congestive headaches, weakness, and skin conditions