Homeopathy Topical Applications

Topical homeopathic remedies are those which are applied directly to the skin surface. They are often used in conjunction with oral remedies, however they can also be used in their own right or as a first aid treatment.

Topical applications typically come in five forms; creams, ointments, tinctures, massage balms and sprays:

Creams are quickly and easily absorbed by the skin.

Ointments tend to be thicker and greasier than creams, and are best used when larger areas of the body are affected, or you want the remedy to remain on the skin for slower absorption or metabolism.

Tinctures are those liquid remedy agents that are used with a dilution of water as specified by the remedy instructions. They are most often used on abrasions or cuts in the skin.

Massage balms are generally in a vegetable oil base, and can be used in a variety of consistencies. They are used during massage treatments.

Sprays are liquids which have been pre-mixed and placed in a container with a spray nozzle for application as a mist of liquid. This form of application is often used in the treatment of insect bites and stings.

Following is a listing of the most common homeopathic substances used in topical applications, and the maladies they are most commonly used for:

Arnica: Joint pain, aching extremities, stiffness of body parts after repetitive movement exertion, sprains and strains. Also to alleviate sunburn, care should be taken to not apply to an area where the skin has been broken through abrasion or cut.

Calendula: Skin inflammation and irritation from conditions of acne, eczems, dermatitis, rash, sunburn, or herpes simplex sores. This can be used on infants and babies for treatment of diaper rash, crusty scalp areas, and abrasions. Also used as a soothing aftershave balm treatment and as a facial moisturizer.

Graphites: Skin conditions that present as dry, thin, highly iritated areas, such as eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis. Also useful to treat herpes simplex sores and irritation of the skin around the nose when nasal secretions are an irritant. Useful in treating the aftereffects of contact dermatitis, or an allergic reaction to facial cosmetics.

Hamamelis: Swelling of the veins resulting in phlebitis, varicose and hemorrhoid conditions. Useful in trement of persons who experience heaviness and aching of legs after prolonged standing. Care should be taken to gently apply around inflamed vein, and should not be applied to areas with broken skin from lesions, cuts and abrasions

Hypericum: Cuts, skin lesions and sores, abrasions, herpes simplex sores, cracked or chapped lips and hands, nail bed irritation, blisters and hemorrhoids.

Rhus tox. : Muscle and joint aches and soreness resulting from over exertion and repetitive movement, arthritis, sciatica, rheumatism, knee and racket game injuries to elbows  and shoulders. Care should be taken to not apply to broken skin sustained by a cut or abrasion. Often used in conjunction with calendula as an adjunct treatment.

Ruta grav. : Tendon, ligament, muscle and joint pain specifically when with complaints of deep aching that was brought on by over exertion or repetitive exercise or strain. Useful in treatment of rib and chest soreness associated with coughs. Care should be taken to not apply to broken skin sustained by a cut or abrasion.

Thuja: Skin lesions, such as warts. Nail problems that are characterized as weak or brittle.