Antimonium Crudum is a homeopathic remedy prepared from black antimony sulphide, a grey mineral. In homeopathic practice it is traditionally associated with digestive upsets from overeating, a characteristically thickly white-coated tongue, and thickened or cracked skin, often in irritable people who dislike being looked at or touched.
This page looks at where Antimonium Crudum comes from, the complaints it has traditionally been linked to, the symptom picture that points to it, and the forms and potencies you are likely to meet.
The short version: A mineral remedy classically reached for after overindulgence, with a white-coated tongue and a touchy, sentimental mood.
What is Antimonium Crudum and where does it come from?
Antimonium Crudum is made from crude antimony sulphide (stibnite), a naturally occurring metallic mineral. In its raw form it is toxic, so homeopathy uses it only after repeated dilution and succussion, which is how the material is prepared for gentle use.
It was proved and popularised in the classical materia medica by Hahnemann and later writers, who noted its strong affinity for the stomach, the skin and the mood.
What is Antimonium Crudum traditionally used for?
In homeopathy, remedy choice follows the whole picture rather than a diagnosis. Antimonium Crudum is traditionally associated with:
- Digestive upset after overeating, especially rich, fatty or acidic food, with belching and a heavy stomach.
- A thick, milky-white coated tongue, often considered its keynote sign.
- Thickened, horny or cracked skin and hard nails, and corns or calluses on the feet.
- Irritability and sentimentality, with a child or adult who is cross when touched or looked at.
- Complaints made worse by heat, sun and cold bathing.
Who typically reaches for it?
The classic Antimonium Crudum picture is someone out of sorts after indulging at the table, tongue coated white, feeling gloomy or unusually sentimental, and distinctly touchy about being handled or observed. Children who cry when looked at, and people whose skin turns thick and callused, are often described in the old materia medica.
Symptoms tend to feel worse from heat and the sun, and better in the open air and at rest.
Where does it fit in a home kit?
This remedy is one of the classical single remedies many households like to keep on hand for acute, self-limiting complaints. It is often chosen when the overall symptom picture matches, rather than for a named condition.
You can explore the wider range of homeopathic remedies and combination formulas across our full collection to see what fits your kit.
Common questions
What is Antimonium Crudum made from?
It is prepared homeopathically from crude antimony sulphide, a grey-black mineral, which is diluted and succussed before use.
What is its best-known keynote?
Traditionally, a thick, milky-white coated tongue together with digestive upset after overeating and a touchy, sentimental mood.
What potency is commonly used?
For home self-care it is often used in low to medium potencies such as 6C or 30C. An experienced homeopath may suggest otherwise.
Note: This page is for general education and is not medical advice. Homeopathic remedies are used within a long tradition of self-care; they are not a substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment. If symptoms are severe, persistent or worsening, or if you are unsure, please speak to a qualified health professional.