Radium is used in orthodox medicine in radiotherapy for the treatment of cancer. It was discovered in 1898 by Pierre and Marie Curie in the mineral uraninite. Pierre Curie identified the active disintegration property of radium when he put a little radium salt into a capsule and fastened it to his arm. When he took it off the skin was red, the resulting wound took months to heal, and left puckered skin around a white scar.

Radium brom. is used for skin complaints such as acne, moles, skin , cancer, ulcers, eczema, dermatitis, and acne rosacea (flushed face and acne like symptoms that occur in middle age). Symptoms include burning, itchy skin, with possible ulceration and an associated craving for cool air. Pain affects alternate sides of the body. This remedy is also used for bone cancer, lumbago, and arthritis with a dull aching pain in the bones and joints.