Silver nitrate - silver nitrate, or, as it is also called, lapis, has the form of transparent, completely colorless crystals. In shape, they resemble small sticks that dissolve well in water, and just as easily in alcohol. It is worth noting that the substance darkens under the influence of light, and with iodides, bromides, organic substances and chlorides is not compatible at all.
Silver nitrate in medicine
Silver nitrate has found its application in medicine in the form of a lapis pencil for cauterizing various wounds, erosions, warts and other things. It is sometimes used in homeopathy. Silver nitrate is used in small amounts for anti-inflammatory and bactericidal effects, but you should be careful with silver, as direct contact with silver leaves black spots on the skin and burns after prolonged contact.
Silver nitrate is most commonly used in the treatment of warts. Although the best results can be achieved in the case of small warts. Sometimes, of course, they try to burn with lapis and large ones, but this process is not always effective - relapses often occur.
Silver nitrate can also be used as a solution. In this case, it can be useful in the treatment of gastric ulcer, sometimes gastritis. Another solution of 2% silver nitrate is used to instill eyes in newborns (for washing) and adults (treatment, prevention of conjunctivitis).
Buy or make at home
Having purchased a pharmacy or make silver nitrate yourself? It’s certainly better to buy a ready-made substance that meets all quality standards. You will be sure of the received product for which you will receive a guarantee. As for whether it is possible to prepare lapis at home, the answer will be - of course it is possible. But as elsewhere, there are "buts." First, you must have nitric acid (HNO3) and a silver item. From silver, spoons, forks, chains, rings and other products are suitable. The process is simple next. You must place the selected silver item in a glass of nitric acid. The reaction will follow instantly. Silver immediately begins to darken under the influence of acid, small gas bubbles begin to form. Perhaps, during the oxidation process, the color of the liquid itself will change - this suggests that there were some impurities in the silver. If you want the reaction to happen faster, then place the solution cup in hot water.
Now we take out the silver item, and put the remaining solution in the refrigerator for half an hour to precipitate. After the allotted time, we get the formed crystals of silver nitrates, filter and leave them to dry. That’s the whole process of preparing silver nitrate.
It’s up to you to buy or make lapis yourself, remember that if the dosage is incorrect, you can negatively affect your health: get burns or poisoning. Do not forget that only specialists are able to make such a medicine that will help you with any disease and at the same time will not harm your health.