Zeus Soft

Tag: Chronic Conditions

  • Ferrum metallicum — The Iron Willed Soldier

    Ferrum metallicum — The Iron Willed Soldier

    Category: Minerals. Class: Metal. Periodic Table: Group 8, Series 4

    In this blog, Luke Norland  pulls together classical and modern sources to synthesise a Materia Medica portrait of Ferrum metallicum – an important homeopathic remedy, particularly in Anemia.

    Affinities of Ferrum (Boger)

    • VASO MOTORS
    • CIRCULATION.
    • Blood-vessels.
    • Blood.
    • Spleen.
    • Digestion.
    • Left Deltoid.

    The Genius according to Boger is:

    The strain which runs through every pathogenetic symptom complex… To give this its proper place in the prescription should be the ideal of every prescriber. Only changes of proven value in coordinating and assembling the significant features of seemingly disassociated symptom groups, have been made. Upon these depends almost wholly the final choice of the simillimum. They should reflect a speaking image, as it were, of the correctly indicated remedy. The symptom features of many remedies have been clarified in order to increase their usefulness, especially in precisionizing differentiations. The repertory is only intended to orient the searcher.

    Cyrus Boger

    Terminology

    • Synoptic means to be able to take in all the information with one sweep of the eye.
    • The Gestalt pattern is the established remedy picture of a certain remedy.
    • The Genius is the clinically confirmed essence or nucleus of the overall gestalt picture which has been established for many remedies over decades or even centuries.

    Clinical conditions addressed by Ferrum (Clarke)

    ANAEMIA / aphonia / biliousness / catalepsy / chlorosis / cramp / enuresis – diurnal / exophthalmic goitre / fever – intermittent / goitre – exophthalmic / heart – palpitation / hectic fever / hydrocephalus / kidneys – affections of / lienteria / MENSTRUATION – disorders of / paralysis – viscera , of / pregnancy – disorders of / rectum – prolapse of / shoulder – affections of / SPASMS / urine – incontinence of

    Did you know?

    • One use of Clarke’s Clinical Repertory is to compare lesser known remedies with the polycrests following a conventional repertorisation
      • For example, one can compare similar clinical rubrics from Synthesis with those found in Clarke to help provide some nuance to a repertorisation that would otherwise contain over 100 remedies.
      • This technique is particularly useful when the case lacks defining characteristics and there is not much to go on other than knowing the nature of the clinical condition.
      • It is also helpful when using the clinical condition as an entry point into studying Keynotes or Materia Medica rather than making a full classical repertorisation.

    Temperaments associated with Ferrum (Clarke)

    ANAEMIA – young persons subject to / anaemic – persons / blood – irregular distribution of / breathlessness and FATIGUE, with flushed cheeks / cheeks, flushed, in young persons / chlorosis with erethism / chlorotics / chronic – sufferers from diarrhoea / constipation – extreme, in girls / delicate / DELICATE – GIRLS, FEARFULLY CONSTIPATED, WITH LOW SPIRITS / diarrhoea – chronic, sufferers from / erethism, chlorosis with / exertion – least, red face from / face – red – from least exertion / fat – persons / FATIGUE – GREAT, AND BREATHLESSNESS IN GIRLS WITH FLUSHED CHEEKS / flushed cheeks – young persons with – fatigue and breathlessness / girls or women – delicate, fearfully constipated, with low spirits / girls or women – flushed cheeks, fatigue, and breathlessness, with / irregular – distributions of blood / lips, pallor of / low – spirits, anaemic girls with / motion – symptoms set up by / mucous – membranes – pallor of / PALLOR – lips of / pallor – mucous membranes, of / PLETHORIC / red – face (also in hectic) – from least exertion / SANGUINE / WEAKLY

    Frans Vermeulen’s ‘plus group’ of Ferrum

    Weak and strong; reactive and resistant; reinforced, alloyed strength

    • Desire for solitude; intolerance of noise and contradiction
    • Irregular and changeable: moods and circulation
    • Congestion from least pain, motion, emotion, exertion
    • Desire for motion, slow motion; restlessness
    • Eggs, sour, tomatoes and fat – digestive disorders

    Keynotes of Ferrum (Lippe)

    • Great emaciation. WEAKNESS AMOUNTING TO PARALYSIS.
    • Restlessness in the affected limbs.
    • Cracking in the joints.
    • Disposition to languor and rest on account of internal weakness.
    • Varices. Chlorosis.
    • Congestions (not limited to any part of the body, but useful throughout).
    • Metrorrhagia with red face and swelled veins.
    • Impotence.
    • Catamenia (Menses) – too early and too profuse.
    • Aversion to fat food and vomiting of what has been eaten
    • Walking in the open air greatly affects him.
    • Bad effects from the abuse of tea – and from the abuse of quinine.
    • Color of the face yellow or else earthy.
    • Circumscribed red area on the cheeks.

    Keynotes of Ferrum (Allen)

    • Persons of sanguine temperament; pettish, QUARRELSOME, disputative, easily excited, least contradiction angers (Anac., Coc., Ign.); amel. from mental exertion.
    • Irritability: slight noises like cracking of paper, drive him to despair (Asar., Tar.).
    • Women who are weak, delicate, chlorotic, yet have a fiery red face.
    • Extreme paleness of the face, lips and mucous membranes which become red and flushed on the least pain, emotion or exertion. BLUSHING (Amyl., Coca).
    • Erethitic chlorosis, worse in winter Red parts become white; face, lips, tongue and mucous membrane of mouth.
    • Vertigo: with balancing sensation, as if on water; on seeing flowing water; when walking over water, as when crossing a bridge (Lys.); on descending (Bor., Sanic).
    • Headache: hammering, beating, pulsating pains must lie down; with aversion to eating or drinking. For two, three or four days every two or three weeks.

    Single remedy delusions of Ferrum (Synthesis Treasure Edition)

    • MIND – DELUSIONS – balancing – bridge; as if balancing over water when crossing a
    • MIND – DELUSIONS – large – surroundings seem too large
    • MIND – DELUSIONS – shoved forward; he is – closing the eyes
    • MIND – DELUSIONS – shoved forward; he is – lying down; when
    • MIND – DELUSIONS – surroundings – capacious; are
    • MIND – WEEPING – immoderately

    Modalities of Ferrum (Boericke)

    • Worse
      • While sweating; while sitting still.
      • After cold washing and overheating.
      • Midnight aggravation.
    • Better
      • Walking slowly about.
      • Better after rising

    Chronic application of Ferrum (Hering)

    Adapted to persons of sanguine, choleric temperament; pettish, quarrelsome, disputative, easily excited, least contradiction angers; women are weak, delicate, chlorotic, yet have a very red face.

    Very weak and thin.

    General hemorrhagic diathesis.

    Sensation and function of Ferrum (Hering)

    GIDDY, as if drunk; as if everything went around with her; as if balancing to and fro; STAGGERING as if intoxicated; as if head would constantly incline to right side; as if skull were PUSHED UPWARD; as if brain were rent asunder; as if grain of sand were in eyes; pressure in eyes as if they would protrude; face as if swollen or bloated; tongue as if burnt; as of a lump in left side of throat; throat as if swollen outside; as if a nerve was quivering in stomach; as if a valve rose in throat; as if viscera would drop; bowels as if bruised; bowels as if beaten, as if they had been acted upon by purgatives; bowels as though they were going to move; as if something was in larynx; as if throat was being squeezed; chest as if constricted; clavicles as if gone to sleep.

    Attacks and periodicity of Ferrum (Hering)

    • Frequent short shuddering.
    • Periodical headaches.
    • Quarter of an hour; headache in morning, grows agg.
    • 20 minutes : headaches changing to pressive pain from within outward.
    • Three quarters of an hour : chilliness.
    • Stools followed for hours by cramping pain in rectum

    Important rubrics of Ferrum (Synthesis Treasure)

    • ABSORBED – business matters; in
    • ANXIETY – perspiration – during
    • DETERMINATION
    • EXCITEMENT – contradiction, from slightest
    • IRRITABILITY – noise, from – crackling of newspapers; even from
    • PERIODICITY – day – other day; every
    • RESTLESSNESS – bed – driving out of
    • RESTLESSNESS – warm – bed

    Desires / aversions (Boger) 

    • Desires
      • APPETITE – Desire – fluid or liquid food, soups
      • APPETITE – Desire – warm or hot drinks – food
    • Aversions
      • APPETITE – Aversion – solids
      • APPETITE – Aversion – sour things, acids
      • Eggs

    Take a look at the gallery below for a more contemporary perspective from a diverse range of modern masters of Homeopathy

  • Chronic Kidney Disease and homeopathic remedies

    Chronic Kidney Disease and homeopathic remedies

    What is chronic kidney disease?

    Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a condition in which the kidneys are gradually damaged and become less able to filter out waste products from the blood. This leads to high levels of creatinine in your blood, which can lead to problems with other organs like your heart and liver. The term chronic also indicates that the damage done to the kidneys is long-lasting, and often cannot be repaired naturally.

    CKD can be caused by diabetes, excessive use of painkillers or certain medicines, heavy alcohol consumption or some autoimmune diseases. Treatment options include dialysis or transplantation.

    Treatment options vary depending on how severe your kidney damage is but often involve drugs that help preserve function until you need dialysis treatments for an extended period of time.

    What causes chronic kidney disease?

    Certain conditions and diseases can lead to the damage and failure of the kidneys. Diabetes and high blood pressure make up two-thirds of CKD cases.

    Diabetes results in high levels of sugar to damage the important organs in our bodies, with the heart and kidney facing the most damage. High blood pressure causes the walls of blood vessels to expand, leading to heart attacks, strokes and chronic kidney disease.

    • Polycystic kidney disease
    • Vesicoureteral reflux
    • Glomerulonephritis
    • Repeated urinary infections
    • Prolonged obstruction of the urinary tract
    • Lupus

    Chronic kidney disease stages

    There are five stages of chronic kidney disease, with each stage producing its own set of symptoms.

    Stage 1 refers to mild damage done to the kidneys, whereas stage 5 indicates severe damage that leads to kidney failure. In stage 1, symptoms may be so mild that a person doesn’t realise they have CKD, which often means that it can rapidly worsen until the condition is advanced.

    The advanced stage can lead to dangerous levels of fluids, electrolytes and wastes to build up in the body, resulting in gradual loss of kidney function.

    Chronic kidney disease symptoms

    Early detection and treatment are essential to maintain quality of life and extend life expectancy. Symptoms may not be apparent until advanced stages of the disease have developed. Knowing the signs and symptoms of chronic kidney disease can help you get treatment early if needed.

    Some common symptoms include:

    • Weakness
    • Swollen feet or ankles
    • Changes in urine output or colour
    • Shortness of breath
    • Nausea or vomiting
    • Poor appetite
    • Trouble sleeping
    • Dry, flaky, itchy skin
    • Fatigue and needing to sleep longer than usual
    • Cramping at night
    • Increased need to urinate

    Homoeopathic remedies for chronic kidney disease

    In recent years, there has been a growing interest in homoeopathy as an alternative treatment for chronic kidney disease (CKD). While there is no cure for chronic kidney disease, there are treatments available that can help slow its progression. Homoeopathic remedies are thought to be safe and effective for addressing the symptoms of CKD.

    Disclaimer – Homeopathy does not work by treating named conditions; that is the domain of Allopathic Medicine. Homeopathy employs natural remedies in potentised doses to encourage your own innate healing response – supporting your overall wellbeing. For the best results in helping your condition, we advise you to visit a professional Homeopath rather than rely on anything mentioned in this article. By consulting with a Homeopath, your individual treatment plan will help you gain a better understanding of yourself and what triggers your emotional or physical disease. When you develop an illness, the way you experience your symptoms is unique to you – therefore your Homeopathic prescription will be based on your subjective symptoms and individual reactions rather than your diagnosis. That being said, there are remedies which do have an elective affinity to certain organ systems, physiological and pathological processes. These are outlined below for cold sores. 

    Terebinthinae oleum

    This is a remedy made from Oil of turpentine. It has a specific affinity to the Kidneys, and is suitable for treatment of burning and drawing pains in the kidney region. It is indicated when there are proteins or blood found in the urine. There may also be constant tenesmus (straining at stool / having the urge to go but passing nothing).

    Cantharis vesicatoria

    Cantharis (Spanish fly) is famous for its burning pains and for urinary tract infections. It can be a useful remedy in CKD where there are violent cutting or burning pains extending from the kidneys down either ureter to the bladder.

    Apis mellifica

    This remedy is made from the Honey bee. One of the main characteristics is the tendency to produce swelling – hot and red and of course reminiscent of a bee sting. As well as being suited to Kidney disorders, it is suited to people who are worse from heat and better for cold applications or being out of doors. The type is usually very industrious, busy fruitlessly and suffer from angry outbursts, jealousy and shock.

    Arsenicum and compunds

    Arsenicum is another useful remedy for CKD, particularly when accompanied by restlessness, nervousness and a great deal of fears and anxieties of any origin. Typically, the pains (usually burning in nature) bring about a despairing condition where the person paces up and down relentlessly, worrying about their condition. This is all despite being very exhausted and weak.

    Formica rufa

    This remedy made from the formic acid of a Red ant, has an affinity for the kidneys and in particular for chronic nephritis (inflammation of the kidneys). It is also a remedy often used in the treatment of gout and other rheumatic conditions, such as stiffness in the joints. Typically, the pains are rapidly shifting and there is swelling of the joints.

    Hepar sulphur

    A remedy made by Dr Hahnemann by burning flowers of Sulphur and Oyster shell together at a very high heat. The main feature of this remedy is extreme sensitivity and a feeling of vulnerability. They feel that anything can penetrate their defences and are therefore very oversensitive to pain. It is also an important remedy for suppurations – where the wound forms pus. In terms of kidney problems, there is a constant urging to urinate, with purulent sediment found in the urine.

    Note: If you would like to use RadarOpus and practise homoeopathy, take a look at our beginner’s course.

  • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

    Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

    What is chronic fatigue syndrome?

    Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a debilitating condition that significantly impacts the lives of those who suffer from it. Also known as ME (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis), the condition is characterised by extreme fatigue, which makes even the simplest tasks impossible.

    This extreme fatigue and tiredness don’t seem to go away, no matter how many hours of sleep you receive a night.

    CFS was once seen as a controversial illness, but today, it is widely accepted as a medical condition. However, it is very difficult to diagnose, because there is no official test for CFS. Your doctor will rule out other causes of fatigue and ensure that there are no underlying conditions that result in extreme fatigue.

    Chronic fatigue syndrome causes

    The precise causes of chronic fatigue syndrome are unknown, and it can be difficult to diagnose because other conditions can result in similar symptoms. Many individuals can be born with a predisposition for the disorder which can be triggered by a number of the following causes:

    1. Viruses: Many individuals develop CFS after recovering from a viral infection. Possible viruses include Epstein-Barr virus, Ross River virus (RRV) and human herpes virus – which often results in cold sores .
    2. Stress: Stress occurring because of physical and emotional trauma can result in extreme fatigue. Research indicates that after an injury, surgery and emotional trauma, those with CFS started experiencing symptoms.
    3. Weakened immune system: People who suffer from CFS also seem to have underlying immune system issues, although there isn’t an indication of whether compromised immune systems result in the condition.
    4. Hormonal imbalances: Abnormal hormone levels may cause people to experience the symptoms associated with chronic fatigue syndrome. The specific hormones refer to those produced in the hypothalamus, pituitary glands or adrenal glands.

    Chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms

    Chronic fatigue syndrome is diagnosed on the basis of extreme fatigue lasting at least 6 months, with no indications of underlying causes or explanations. This fatigue often worsens with physical activity, yet no amount of sleep can leave a person feeling well-rested.

    • Difficulty with memory and inability to concentrate
    • Dizziness that worsens with physical activity
    • Sore throats
    • Headaches
    • Unrefreshing sleep
    • Orthostatic intolerance 
    • Chronic insomnia
    • Unexplained muscle or joint pain


    Homoeopathic remedies for chronic fatigue syndrome

    Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a debilitating condition that can significantly reduce the quality of life for those affected. While conventional treatments options are available, many people find them unsatisfactory. Some patients may therefore be interested in exploring alternative therapies, such as homoeopathy.

    Note: If you would like to use RadarOpus and practise homoeopathy, take a look at our beginner’s course.

    Disclaimer: Homeopathy does not work by treating named conditions; that is the domain of Allopathic Medicine. Homeopathy employs natural remedies in potentised doses to encourage your own innate healing response – supporting your overall wellbeing. For the best results in helping your condition, we advise you to visit a professional Homeopath rather than rely on anything mentioned in this article. By consulting with a Homeopath, your individual treatment plan will help you gain a better understanding of yourself and what triggers your emotional or physical disease. When you develop an illness, the way you experience your symptoms is unique to you – therefore your Homeopathic prescription will be based on your subjective symptoms and individual reactions rather than your diagnosis. That being said, there are remedies which do have an elective affinity to certain organ systems, physiological and pathological processes. These are outlined below for chronic fatigue syndrome.

    The acids

    The Acid group of remedies is a very important one when helping patients with chronic fatigue via the homeopathic approach. There are several important themes for individuals requiring remedies from this group – namely, and most importantly, exhaustion from overdoing it in a particular area (each acid has a domain in which they tend to over-exert themselves). It could be the overworked businessman or student (Picric acid), the self-sacrificing carer (Muriatic acid) or someone worn-out from painful long-lasting grief (Phosphoric acid).

    Another important factor is the opposite state that precedes the eventual burn-out; where there used to be excessive liveliness, extroversion and industry in all their endeavours, there is now lethargy and indifference. There can be marked self-destructive tendencies over perceived failures to come up to their own impeccably high standards, as well as an inability to set limits for themselves, which only leads them into further broken-down states. Typically the state of fatigue is brought on by shocks, grief or prolonged mental exertion, such as when facing a pressurised work deadline.

    Contemporary Homeopath and medical Doctor, Massimo Mangialavori (whose Suggesta repertory is available in RadarOpus) says the following about Acid remedies:

    One of the compensation strategies of the Acids is to over-work, mainly for the family. You can see how much they are able to do, but how little it has to do with what they really would have liked to achieve in their life… Most Acid patients present with diseases of the digestive tract. Severe problems with their digestive system is often a representation that they cannot be properly nourished… The inability to “take in” is not just on a physical level either. It seems Acids live in this negative state because they were unable to integrate any nourishment or nurturing from their early family environment.

    Picric acid

    This remedy has gained its laurels in the treatment of chronic fatigue. It is a remedy par excellence for breakdowns following prolonged periods of study or mental exertion at work. These individuals feel much, much worse after trying to apply themselves mentally to their usual tasks or study. The body feels tired and heavy and there may be burning sensations along the spine which seem to emanate from an occipital headache. Understandably, the best relief for such patients comes from sleeping, resting or lying down. There is complete indifference and exhaustion, even reading for pleasure becomes a chore.

    Muriatic acid

    In this remedy the weakness is expressed more physically then in Picric acid (more mentally) – all the joints may feel bruised with drawing or tearing pains in the limbs while resting. This leads them to want to move about, which of course eventually results in even lower energy levels. The feeling in the body is like a kind of inertia coming over them – they may even slide down in bed from the weakness. Another guiding symptom for the Homeopath is the feeling of emptiness or all-gone sensation in the stomach. These individuals can come across as rather introverted, suffering in silence over their tendency to self-sacrifice to accomodate other’s wishes.

    Phosphoric acid

    In this remedy the weakness is expressed more through the emotional level owing to the draining effects of long-lasting grief. Slowly but surely, the patient loses their vitality – becoming softer and more withdrawn, eventually leading to indifference and apathy towards loved ones. The emotions become ‘frozen down‘ and they can end up just lying and looking at the wall to avoid contact. There can be a desire for refreshing cold drinks or fruit which can momentarily enliven the senses. It is also a useful remedy where there has been hair-loss, and in children it can be helpful in the treatment of growing pains. It is also indicated when there is debility from loss of fluids, such as after an influenza, heavy menses or even intercourse.

    Kali phosphoricum

    This is an important remedy where there is nervousness, weakness and insomnia from work worries. It is also very useful when there is exhaustion following operations. There are problems focusing the mind and forgetfulness when trying to remember names of people or things. Everything gets on top of them and they become irritable. Unlike the other remedies mentioned so far, these types tend to try and keep up their extroverted exterior and excitability despite their worn-out condition.

    Scutellaria

    An important remedy to help regain strength after enduring an episode of influenza. There is usually restlessness at night with sudden waking from nightmares. The headaches can be very intense, primarily in the forehead with a feeling as though the eyeballs were being forced out. It has also been used to bring relief during teething where the child also has spasms.

    Stannum metallicum

    It is a useful remedy for chronic exhaustion, especially when this is related to the respiratory system. The weakness is so deep-seated it feels as though it is flowing through their very veins. A strong keynote is that they are much worse when having to use the voice, so it can be a helpful remedy for laryngitis. Like many remedies for chronic fatigue, they are much worse from exertion. There is difficulty breathing, especially after only a small amount of physical exertion. The sensations are typically of emptiness and trembling which are aggravated by rest. The pains tend to come and go gradually over the course of the day.

  • Acne — causes and treatment options

    Acne — causes and treatment options

    What is acne?

    Acne occurs when hair follicles are clogged with oil and dead skin cells, leading to inflammation and pimples. The condition can be identified by blackheads, whiteheads, papules, nodules, or cysts, with outbreaks of pimples occurring on the face, back, chest, and shoulders.

    Acne is one of the most common skin conditions in the world, with 95% of people aged 11 to 30 affected, ranging in severity. While there are conventional treatments for acne, they tend to be short-term, and acne is a condition that persists over time.

    Depending on the severity, acne can result in scarring of the face or back; it can also result in emotional distress and insecurity.

    Cystic acne

    Cystic acne is a type of acne that shows up as large, deep and painful bumps in and under the skin. It is very different from common types of acne such as blackheads and whiteheads because cysts are not caused by clogged pores. Cystic acne can show up on your cheeks, chin, chest or back and can last for weeks if left untreated.

    If you have this type of acne it’s important to know that there are treatments available that include prescription topical medications like Retin-A, Differin cream or antibiotic pills like doxycycline. These medications of course involve side effects, so each individual needs to inform themselves and weigh up the options before embarking upon a course of treatment. Suppressing skin conditions with topical medications can help achieve short term gains, but also deprive the body of its chosen ‘outlet’ for symptom expression. From the homeopathic point of view, the long-term suppression of skin eruptions can have a detrimental effect on your overall health and wellbeing, predisposing some towards chronic complaints at a deeper level of the organism. The skin is the outermost organ, and if symptoms there are suppressed, this can have the long-term effect of driving symptom expression to a more internal organ system, such as the mucous membranes.

    Fungal acne

    Acne is a common skin condition that affects people of all ages. There are many different types of acne, but one type that is often overlooked is fungal acne. Fungal acne is caused by a fungus called Pityrosporum ovale or Malassezia folliculitis, and it can be difficult to treat because it isn’t caused by an oil or bacterial build-up in your pores. The yeast infection results in clusters of itchy whiteheads that are usually all the same size.

    What causes acne?

    There are many things that can cause acne but not all of them have been pinpointed by scientists yet. What we do know is that hormones, stress levels, genetics, certain medications or medical conditions may be factors in causing acne breakouts.

    We also know some other contributing factors – such as diet or excessive exposure to sunlight – which make it difficult for your body to fight off bacteria on the surface of your skin, resulting in an increased chance of breakouts.

    Issues relating to sebum (oil), which can clog your pores and skin, results in issues with the lubrication of your skin. Issues that affect oil production include:

    1. Follicles producing too much oil
    2. Bacterial infection or build up in pores
    3. Dead skin accumulating in pores and creating a build-up

    Risk factors for developing acne

    For some people, acne is a problem that comes and goes. For others, it’s something they live with every day. Acne can be frustrating to deal with because it often affects one’s self-esteem and quality of life. It also takes time to treat conventionally – sometimes up to six weeks for maximum results.

    The below are risk factors related to acne:

    • Hormonal changes due to menstrual cycle or period
    • Genetics and having parents who had/have acne
    • High sugar and carbohydrate diet
    • Certain medications like birth control pills and corticosteroids

    Homoeopathic acne treatment

    Acne can be treated with topical medications, oral antibiotics and other systemic treatments, but there are also many natural remedies to try before resorting to these more aggressive methods. One such option is using homeopathic acne treatment .

    Note: If you would like to use RadarOpus and practise homeopathy, take a look at our beginner’s course.

    Disclaimer: Homeopathy does not work by treating named conditions; that is the domain of Allopathic Medicine. Homeopathy employs natural remedies in potentised doses to encourage your own innate healing response – supporting your overall wellbeing. For the best results in helping your condition, we advise you to visit a professional Homeopath rather than rely on anything mentioned in this article. By consulting with a Homeopath, your individual treatment plan will help you gain a better understanding of yourself and what triggers your emotional or physical disease. When you develop an illness, the way you experience your symptoms is unique to you – therefore your Homeopathic prescription will be based on your subjective symptoms and individual reactions rather than your diagnosis. That being said, there are remedies which do have an elective affinity to certain organ systems, physiological and pathological processes. These are outlined below for the treatment of acne.

    Leading Homeopathic remedies indicated in acne

    Sulphur

    Applicable in persistent cases of Acne with pimply eruptions and discharge – typically infected and very tender. A keynote for Sulphur patients is that water or bathing aggravates their condition. Another guiding symptom is early morning diarrhoea which drives them out of bed. Sulphur types tend to run hot, dislike standing for any length of time, and are blissfully unaware of the mess strewn around them whilst they are lost in the clouds; reading, following creative pursuits, or going down YouTube wormholes!

    Hepar Sulph

    A good choice where there are many sensitive, painful red spots and boils which suppurate (discharge pus). The pains are sharp or splinter-like and extremely sensitive. The patient is much worse for drafts of cold air, cold drinks and eating in general. Swollen glands are also common. These types feel very vulnerable to the world around them, fearing they have no way of protecting themselves. This leads to an oversensitivity to pain, even intolerance of it. This might eventually lead to angry, abrupt and rude outbursts – the emotional counterpart of the red, angry eruptions on the skin.

    Silica

    A deep-rooted remedy for purulent conditions (discharge of pus). Silica is a good choice of remedy when the skin also develops scarring. It is well-suited to delicate and refined constitutional types who, whilst being conscientious and bookish, are prone to suffer from anticipatory anxiety. In such types, there can be an unusual combination of obstinacy and mildness – going along easily with others of a stronger opinion, yet internally refusing to change their own mind.

    Pulsatilla

    If the Acne is related to menstrual problems or puberty, Pulsatilla is one of the go-to remedies. It is also useful if the Acne is accompanied by digestive problems. These patients are typically weepy, thirstless, aggravated by fatty foods and worse for heat. It is often a good remedy for children, particularly in Conjunctivitis and Otitis and where problems are brought on by separation – e.g., starting school. There are flushes of heat, blushing and a great deal of changeability – shifting emotions and wandering pains are characteristic.

    Less common Homeopathic remedies indicated in acne

    Kali bromatum

    Another first-rate remedy for chronic acne – particularly during puberty where it is primarily located on the upper body and face. The spots are sore and itching. These are restless patients, suffering from poor sleep, nightmares and fear of being alone. The problems can be triggered by grief, excessive anxiety and can even lead to states of extreme paranoia and OCD-type thoughts; where they cannot pass a certain point or imagine they are going to be poisoned.

    Psorinum

    A valuable remedy for acne where itching and scratching has led to infection with offensive-smelling discharges. The patient will be worse for heat, having rough skin which is scabby and greasy in appearance. In a deep-seated Psorinum state, the patient is very pessimistic, fearing they will become impoverished – they might even be under the impression that they will never get well again. One of the contradictory things about Psorinum patients is that they can feel very well just before they get sick – one of those strange, rare and peculiar symptoms so valuable in Homeopathy!

    Gunpowder

    Finally, there is actually a Homeopathic remedy prepared from Gunpowder(!), which is chiefly of service for acne where the spots are infected, red, painful, angry and inflamed. Chemically speaking, it is a mixture of potassium nitrate [saltpetre], carbon [charcoal], and sulphur. It is a good remedy for wounds that refuse to heal. As the 19th century British Homeopath, John Henry Clarke puts it, “in the old days of ‘black powder’, gunpowder was recognized by soldiers as a remedy for certain forms of suppuration”.

    If you would like to use RadarOpus and practise homeopathy, take a look at our beginner’s course.