Mercurius iodatus ruber
(Mercurius iodatus ruber · Red iodide of mercury)
A remedy of left-sided sore throats. In the materia medica, Mercurius iodatus ruber is associated with dark red, painful throats worse on the left, swollen glands and a stiff neck.
Source
Mercuric iodide (bin-iodide of mercury), a red mercury salt
Kingdom
Mineral
Abbreviation
Merc-i-r.
Home acute kit
Usually prescribed by a homeopath
The classic picture
(a remedy is chosen when the whole picture fits the person, not from a single symptom)
Throat dark red and painful to swallow, worse on the left side
Swollen glands under the jaw; stiffness of the throat and neck muscles
Sensation of a lump in the throat with constant hawking of phlegm
Stuffy, boggy nose with dull hearing, sometimes in the early stage of a cold
Tends to feel better
Cool drinks
Tends to feel worse
Left side
Swallowing
Night
How it compares
(remedies that are often confused with Mercurius iodatus ruber)
-
Mercurius iodatus flavus
(Mercurius iodatus flavus)
The yellow iodide is the right-sided counterpart, with a thick yellow coating at the base of the tongue.
Read more -
Lachesis
(Lachesis mutus)
Also left-sided, but Lachesis is worse for warm drinks and cannot bear anything tight around the neck.
Read more -
Phytolacca
(Phytolacca decandra)
Phytolacca's throat is dark red too, with pain shooting to the ears and aching all over.
Read more
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From the classic texts
“Fauces dark red; swallowing painful. Phlegm in nose and throat. Disposition to hawk, with sensation of a lump in throat. Stiffness of muscles of throat and neck.”
“fauces dark red; solids or liquids painful when swallowing; exudation slight, easily detached… glands enlarged; greenish tough lumps from pharynx or posterior nares.”
Looking for more than a quick remedy?
Acute remedies can be a starting point for short-term complaints. Ongoing or recurring issues call for a full case: a detailed conversation about your physical, mental and emotional symptoms, so the remedy fits you as a whole person.
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