Hepar sulphuris calcareum

English patient information. Some clinical wording may still reflect the German source text. Not for self-prescription.

The symptoms that follow Hep. require, develop through exposure to dry, cold air (like Acon., Hep. but less commonly indicated at the beginning of colds). Among the conditions it is effective against are colds, flu, coughs (especially croup), and ear infections. In addition, this medicine has a marked tendency to suppuration, and when the general characteristics are present, it cures boils, abscesses, festering wounds, and other ailments associated with the formation of pus (especially when the pus is yellow, thick, and smells like old cheese).

If the disease occurs, the following characteristics become apparent: The patient is very sensitive to cold and cannot tolerate drafts. He even feels uncomfortable when the blanket is moved (like Nux-v.) or when he sticks his hand or foot out from under the blanket. This makes all his problems worse. The symptoms improve in damp, warm weather. In fever the patient sweats all night long, but this brings him no relief (compare Merc.).

Colds begin with sneezing and a clear runny nose, which soon becomes thick, yellow and smells bad (like old cheese).

The patient must sneeze when he exposes himself, even if he only puts his hands out from under the blanket, or he must sneeze every time he goes outside.

If a sore throat occurs, this is worse with any form of cold (see above) and is improved by warm drinks (like Ars.). The pain can be splinter-like (as with Nit-ac.).

Cough occurs like Acon. through dry cold. He is dry, may bark, and becomes worse when any part of the body is covered and also when cold air is inhaled. Also with Hep. the cough may end with sneezing (Bell., Bry.). Children cry before coughing (Bell., Bry.), but this symptom is a special indication of hep. It also happens that they cry while coughing.

Hep. fits well for croup cough if Acon. (see there) did not help sufficiently and coughing attacks occur again after midnight. It can also cure the tendency to repeated attacks of croup.

Patients who need Hepar are very sensitive to pain and even faint from the pain. They are dissatisfied, unruly and angry. Like Merc. The desire to kill occurs, even for a minor insult.