Stannum Metallicum, stannum, or more commonly known as tin, is a soft, flexible, silvery-white metal. Tin does not rust easily and resists corrosion because it is protected by an oxide film. Tin resists corrosion from distilled sea and tap water, and can be attacked by strong acids, alkalis, and acid salts. It is insoluble in both water and alcohol, but slowly soluble in cold dilute hydrochloric acid, dilute nitric acid, and hot sulfuric acid. It dissolves easily with concentrated hydrochloric acid.

When ingested, it acts mainly on the cerebrospinal system, causing profound fatigue, as well as paralysis and convulsions, and in the nervous sphere, neuralgic pain. It also acts prominently on the respiratory mucosa, producing catarrhal inflammation and profuse catarrhal discharge, with dilatation of the bronchi, together with excessive prostration of the respiratory nerves.

As a homeopathic remedy, Stannum Metallicum is indicated for many respiratory problems, especially when the chest side is predominantly affected. Patients who report an empty feeling in the chest with profound weakness and chest pain will respond to homeopathic Stannum Metallicum. It can also help people who experience shooting type pain with shortness of breath and tightness. If there is a violent dry cough (often 3 coughs at a time) which is of a deep, hollow, gut-wrenching or strangling nature. Likewise, where there is rawness and pain in the larynx and windpipe with a burning sensation all the way down on coughing, this remedy is indicated. Look for a buildup of large amounts of mucus in the windpipe that is easily discharged by coughing. Often it will be like the white of an egg. Regarding the modalities, the cough is usually made worse by talking, singing, laughing, lying on the right side and drinking something warm. Stannum can help hoarse people.

It has also proven to be excellent in treating symptoms often experienced by people with parasitic worms in their digestive system.

Stannum is especially suitable for people who have been debilitating for a long time where there is a growing sign of constitutional weakness. Cachexia, catarrhal conditions, and neuralgia dating back years will often be present. This will often be accompanied by increased sensitivity to pain with a growing aversion to doing any work.

Look for people who are becoming increasingly pale, with a waxy, haggard appearance.

Any pain will often begin with sunrise, build up until noon, and gradually subside and cease with sunset.

Stannum Metallicum is also useful in menstrual disorders. This is especially the case when menstruation starts too soon and is too profuse. During menstruation there is often a pain in the vagina that shoots up with great weakness. The pain is worse when dressing in the morning when the patient wants to sit down several times to rest. Stannum Metallicum is also indicated for vaginal discharge that is transparent, yellowish with considerable weakness.

In summary, there are symptoms to watch out for in patients who may benefit from Stannum Metallicum:

Mind – Sad, despondent, anxious and averse to seeing people.

Head Headache in temples and forehead. There will be a stubborn acute flu with a cough. Pain that is worse on movement that gradually increases and decreases as if constrained by a band; forehead feels pressed in. There are often head jerks when walking.

Throat: profuse sticky mucus that is difficult to dislodge; sometimes the efforts to detach cause nausea. The throat is dry and itchy.

Stomach – there is hunger but the Smell of cooking makes people vomit. There is often a bitter taste. The pain in the stomach is relieved by pressure, but it hurts to touch it. There will be a feeling of emptiness in the stomach.

Abdomen: There will be cramps around the navel with a feeling of emptiness. the colic will be relieved with strong pressure.

Feminine: In women, look for a tearing sensation with a weak feeling in the stomach. Menstruation will begin early and will be profuse. Rising pain in the vagina that is felt in the back and spine. Frequently there is a clear discharge with great weakness.

Respiratory Hoarseness with mucus expelled by a forced cough. The cough will be dry at night until midnight. The cough will be triggered by laughing or singing. It will be worse if you lie on your right side. The chest will feel weak and sore.

Sleep: Be aware of people who tend to sleep with one leg raised and the other straight.

Tips: Beware of people who are weak and tend to drop things. Often the ankles will swell and the limbs may suddenly give out when trying to sit up. There is often dizziness and weakness on descent. Spasmodic contractions of the muscles of the forearm and hand are another indication. Fingers may jerk when holding the pen.

Fever – if there is a fever, note those that occur at night. There may be exhausting night sweats, especially towards the morning. Perspiration will be mostly on the forehead and back of the neck and may smell musty or be unpleasant.