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 Bismuth
Salts of this common mineral are
still frequently used in indigestion remedies and are now also given in orthodox
medicine to encourage the healing of stomach ulcers.
Found worldwide, the silvery-white crystals of bismuth have a long history of medicinal use,
but poor results and side-effects such as anorexia and jaundice reduced bismuth's
traditional applications. Now, however, it has been rediscovered and many products containing bismuth salts are still available.
PARTS USED
Bismuth, to make bismuth salts.
ACTIVE INGREDIENTS
Bismuth.
ACTIONS
Antibacterial; protects the lining of the stomach.
MEDICINAL USE
In orthodox medicine, bismuth and certain bismuth salts used to be given for syphilis but have since been superseded by antibiotics.
Now, some salts such as bismuth subcitrate are being used in preparations for indigestion and, since the discovery that peptic ulcers may be
caused by the bacteria Helicobacter pylori, are being prescribed to treat peptic ulceration because they have antibacterial properties.
Other bismuth salts are still applied externally for piles.
PREPARATIONS
Liquid suspension, ointment, cream, suppositories, tablets.
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