Picric Acid

This is a comparatively new remedy, but has already developed some valuable therapeutic powers. In the first place, it attacks the vital force, as is manifested by an excessive languor or persistent tired feeling all over the body, which is generally accompanied with corresponding weakness of mind, indifference, and want of will power, and a desire to lie down. There is great heaviness of the legs, can hardly lift them from the ground, tired, aching feeling in the back with some burning (Phosphorus and Zinc. met.), at times low down. Even the brain is fagged and the slightest exertion or mental effort brings on headache. This headache is oftenest found in students, overworked business men, and in persons depressed by grief or other emotions.

It oftenest locates in occipito-cervical region (Nat. mur., Silicea). < especially by mental exertion. In short, this remedy presents a perfect picture of nervous prostration. I found this remedy very useful in apparent failure of brain power in an old man who had always been strong up to within a year or so of the time he called on me. He complained of heaviness in the occiput and inability to exert the mind to talk or think, and general tired “played-out” feeling. I feared brain softening but I gave him Picric acid 6th trit. and it promptly cured him. This remedy has strong points of resemblance to Phosphoric acid and Phosphorus in its effects upon the sexual organs, especially of the male. There is strong sexual desire with terrible erections, which is followed by corresponding weakness or complete impotence. There seems to be no doubt that it is destined to become one of our most valuable remedies for brain, spinal, and general nervous prostration, especially if connected with or arising from sexual excesses. It may be studied along with Gelsemium, Phosphoric acid, Phosphorus, Argentum nitricum, Sulphur, Alumina and Silicea and all those remedies affecting the brain, cord, and general nervous system.