In Mercurius solubilis the ptyalism (“salivation”) has a very characteristic picture:

1. Profuse, viscid salivary flow
• Excessive, continuous dribbling of saliva—often so copious it soils the pillow or bedding.
• The saliva is thick, ropy or stringy rather than watery.

2. Fetid, metallic or “coppery” taste and odor
• Saliva smells offensively sour or putrid.
• Patients describe a metallic or copper-like taste in the mouth.

3. Worse at night and in bed
• Ptyalism is most marked when lying down, especially during sleep.
• Heat of the bed aggravates the flow; patients wake with their pillows soaked.

4. Accompanied by other oral symptoms
• Tongue often heavily coated or ulcerated; mouth ulcers bleed easily.
• Accompanying bad breath, inflamed gums and a continual need to swallow or expectorate saliva.

5. Indicative remedy personality
• The relentless, offensive salivation mirrors the underlying Mercurius solubilis picture: foul discharges, glandular swelling, night-sweats and marked sensitivity to heat and cold.

In practice, when you see thick, offensive, metallic-tasting saliva—especially worsening at night in bed—Mercurius solubilis is strongly indicated.