Petroleum – Remedy for Skin Disorders,
Sensitivity, and Chronic Conditions
What is Petroleum?
Petroleum, derived from crude oil, is a unique and potent homeopathic
remedy primarily used for chronic skin conditions, hypersensitivity, and complaints
aggravated by cold weather or dampness. It is especially suitable for
individuals with marked dryness, cracking, or irritation of the skin, coupled
with nervous irritability and a tendency to feel disoriented or confused.
When is Petroleum Used?
1. Skin Disorders
- Severe dryness
and cracking of the skin, often leading to bleeding.
- Eczema,
psoriasis, or dermatitis, especially in winter or cold climates.
- Deep fissures
in the hands and feet that worsen with exposure to cold or washing.
2. Digestive Complaints
- Nausea, often
accompanied by dizziness, especially while traveling or on an empty
stomach.
- Burning or
cramping pain in the stomach, relieved by eating.
- Chronic
constipation with dry, hard stools.
3. Neurological Symptoms
- Vertigo,
particularly when riding in a vehicle or moving quickly.
- Sensations of
confusion or forgetfulness, often linked to physical exhaustion or cold.
4. Weather Sensitivity
- Conditions
worsen in cold, damp, or stormy weather.
- Symptoms
aggravated by cold air, especially dry or windy conditions.
5. General Sensitivity
- Hypersensitivity
to external stimuli, such as noise, odors, or touch.
- Symptoms of
fatigue or irritability, often linked to environmental changes.
Key Symptoms
- Skin
Complaints: Cracking, bleeding, or ulcerated skin, particularly in winter.
- Nausea and
Vertigo: Motion sickness or dizziness that improves with warmth or rest.
- Worse in Cold
Weather: Symptoms worsen in winter, with noticeable sensitivity to cold air.
- Better with
Warmth: Relief with warm applications, clothing, or environments.
- Neurological
Confusion: Disorientation, forgetfulness, or mental fog, often aggravated by
fatigue.
Personal Profile
- Physical
Appearance: Dry, cracked skin with a tendency toward fissures or ulceration.
- Temperament: Nervous and
irritable, often with low tolerance for discomfort or cold.
- General
Sensitivity: Overwhelmed by external stimuli, including environmental factors
like cold or dampness.
Differences from Other Remedies
1. Petroleum vs. Sulphur
- Petroleum: Cracking and
bleeding skin, worse in winter, better with warmth.
- Sulphur: Itching and
burning skin complaints, aggravated by heat and bathing.
2. Petroleum vs. Graphites
- Petroleum: Deep cracks in
the skin, especially on hands and feet, aggravated by cold.
- Graphites: Thickened,
oozing skin conditions, with sticky or honey-like discharges.
3. Petroleum vs. Psorinum
- Petroleum: Marked dryness
and cracks, with a strong aggravation from cold weather.
- Psorinum: Profound
weakness and sensitivity, with constant coldness despite warm clothing.
4. Petroleum vs. Rhus Toxicodendron
- Petroleum: Skin dryness
and fissures, worse in cold and damp weather.
- Rhus Tox: Joint
stiffness and skin eruptions, better with movement and warmth.
Quick Reference for Acute Uses
- Skin Cracks: Deep fissures
on hands, feet, or other exposed areas, worse in cold weather.
- Motion
Sickness: Nausea and vertigo during travel or rapid motion.
- Chronic
Dermatitis: Winter eczema or psoriasis, with unbearable dryness and itching.
- Digestive
Upset: Burning stomach pain or nausea relieved by eating warm food.
- Weather
Sensitivity: Symptoms worsen with cold, damp, or windy conditions.
Petroleum is a highly effective remedy for individuals whose complaints
are centered around skin dryness, cold sensitivity, and vertigo. It is
particularly useful in addressing winter-related exacerbations of chronic skin
and digestive conditions.