Episode 171: Exploring Mercurius Solubilis with Lisa Robbins

Description

In this Homeopathy 247 episode, host Mary welcomes back Lisa Robbins, who explores the fascinating remedy Mercurius, also known as Merxol, Merc Viv, or Quicksilver. Lisa explains its different names and why it is one of her favourite remedies, describing it as a "human thermometer" – extremely sensitive to every change in the environment.

Why Mercurius is Called the Human Thermometer

Mercurius is remembered easily because mercury itself is liquid at room temperature and used in thermometers. People who may need this remedy are highly sensitive to shifts in heat, cold, dampness, or drafts. Whatever the condition, they are rarely comfortable.

Physical Symptoms and Keynotes

Excess saliva – Patients often feel they must spit constantly.
Sore throats and mouth infections – Pain may spread to the ear, making swallowing difficult and speech strained.
Glands and lymphatic system – Inflammation, swelling, and infection are common.
Blood purifier – Helps detoxify the circulatory and lymphatic systems, useful in cases of pus, ulcers, or inflamed tissues.
Digestive changes – Alternating diarrhoea and constipation, with a "never done" feeling after bowel movements.
Skin issues and children's ailments – Effective for conditions like hand, foot, and mouth disease, quickly soothing mouth sores and blisters.

Emotional and Mental Picture

Beyond physical complaints, Mercurius has a distinct emotional profile:

Irritable and impulsive – Easily upset, strongly adverse to contradiction.
Mentally unsettled – Shifts between slowness and inner agitation.
Conservative yet conflicted – Desires order but resists routine.
Fears – Worries about health, illness, mental decline, darkness, ghosts, and open spaces.
Children – Often precocious, sometimes shy, often irritable with low immunity.

The famous Mad Hatter from Alice in Wonderland reflects mercury's historic use in hat-making, which caused tremors and mental disturbance in real-life hatters.