This remedy, also called Ars alb by homeopathic practitioners, is an extremely dilute form of arsenic, a metallic poison derived from the chemical element of the same name. Weak preparations of arsenic have had a history of medicinal use; but slow accumulation of the element in body tissues can cause chronic poisoning, leading to gastrointestinal disorders, nausea, dehydration, and even paralysis and death. In step with the homeopathic theory that like cures like, Ars alb is preferred by practitioners to treat patients with various digestive complaints that are accompanied by signs of dehydration and burning pains, the same symptoms that are induced by arsenic. In its homeopathic form, arsenic is separated from other metals like iron, cobalt, and nickel by baking at high temperatures. The extracted powder is then finely ground and weakened by mixing successively greater amounts of lactose (milk sugar) with the poison. Arsen. alb. is given for anxiety and fear caused by an underlying insecurity and oversensitivity. Arsenicum remedy is effective for a range of digestive disorders including: food poisoning that causes burning vomiting; indigestion; diarrhea; and gastroenteritis from eating too much ripe fruit and vegetables, iced foods, and drinking too much alcohol. Children suffering from fever and diarrhea that causes severe dehydration are also helped by this remedy. Arsen. alb. is effective for asthma with severe breathlessness; stinging mouth ulcers; cracked, dry lips from a burning nasal discharge; tiredness due to a physical illness, such as anemia or asthma, or mental strain, eye inflammation with watery, stinging eyes; headaches with dizziness and vomiting; and fluid retention, especially around the ankles. When ill, those who need Arsen. alb. feel chilly, despite the burning pain that characterizes their symptoms. They are better with warmth but prefer their heads to be cool. This remedy is given for fever where the person is either hot to the touch but feels cold inside or is cold to the touch but feels burning hot inside.