External Homeopathic Applications: Advantages and Drawbacks in Practice

Abstract

Homeopathy traditionally emphasizes internal remedies, but external treatments like creams and gels have also been used for a long time. This article looks at the benefits and drawbacks of using these external homeopathic treatments, with real-life examples, and discusses their practical use in today’s homeopathic practice.

Keywords

Homoeopathy, External Applications, Internal Remedies, Advantages, Drawbacks

Introduction

Homeopathy is associated with internal remedies prescribed on the basis of the principle of “like cures like”. However, in homoeopathy external applications, such as ointments, mother tinctures and creams have been used for centuries. While internal remedies work on the whole system, external applications target specific, localized symptoms directly. Using both methods together can be sometimes necessary to achieve holistic healing, but it has its own set of advantages and drawbacks.

Advantages of External Application in Homeopathy-

• • Localized Symptom Relief: External applications are popular because they provide direct relief for localized symptoms. For example, Calendula officinalis, commonly known as marigold, is a well established remedy in homeopathy medicine, its ointment is more frequently used for the wound healing, due to its antiseptic properties. By applying calendula officinalis, directly to the affected area, it reduces itching and swelling from insect bites or stings and  gives quicker pain relief and faster healing to the patient as compared to internal remedies alone.

• External applications is widely appreciated for its ease of use: Patients may find external applications easier to incorporate into their daily routines, especially when dealing with chronic skin diseases conditions like eczema or psoriasis, its application is very simple- a small amount is gently rubbed onto the affected area, typically two to three times a day, which can be more convenient than other methods. 

• External application is complementary to Internal Treatment: External applications can be used with internal remedies to support the healing process. For example, an internal remedy such as Hamamelis in cases of varicose veins can be complemented by an external application of Hamamelis mother tincture to reduce the discomfort and swelling more rapidly.

• It reduces the risk of Aggravation: External homeopathic applications, which are often diluted and applied directly to the skin, usually have a lower risk of causing aggravations compared to internal remedies. This makes them especially useful for treating acute conditions, where patients might be concerned about experiencing initial side effects.

Drawbacks of External Application in Homeopathy- 

• Risk of Suppression: The main issue with using external applications is that they might only hide symptoms instead of truly healing the problem. For instance, applying Thuja cream to warts might remove the warts themselves, but if the root cause isn’t treated internally, the problem might come back or get worse in another part of the body.

• Limited Scope of Action: External homeopathic applications, like gels or creams, are designed to help with issues in a specific area of the body. For instance, Rhus toxicodendron  gel can relieve joint pain where it’s applied, but it might not tackle the overall rheumatic condition causing the pain. To address the root of the problem and achieve full healing, internal treatments might still be needed.

• Patient Perception and Expectations: Patients often see external applications, like creams or gels, as quick fixes and expect fast relief. They might get frustrated if these treatments don’t work as quickly as hoped, especially if deeper, internal remedies are needed for lasting results. This misunderstanding can lead to unrealistic expectations and may cause some patients to not follow the full treatment plan.

Clinical Example –

Eczema in a Middle-Aged Woman

 A 42-year-old man presented with chronic eczema. Internal treatment with Sulphur provided partial relief to the patient, but the addition of Graphites ointment significantly improved the condition, reducing itching and inflammation. However, ongoing internal treatment was necessary to maintain results and prevent recurrence of symptoms and diseases.

External Homoeopathic Remedies and Their Use-

Euphrasia officinalis: Used as eye drops or eyewashes, eye irritations marked by burning and watering.

Symphytum officinale: Applied in healing injuries or trauma to the eyes, alleviating pain and promoting recovery.

Calendula officinalis: Used in ointments or in creams, Calendula is valued for its anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties. It helps to heal minor cuts, abrasions, and skin irritations, reducing inflammation and promoting recovery.

Arnica montana: it is more commonly applied as a gel or cream, Arnica is effective for bruising, muscle soreness, and joint pain. It helps decrease pain and swelling associated with minor trauma and contusions.

Belladonna: A diluted Belladonna solution is used for acute inflammation or congestion, often in cases where the skin feels hot and red.

Rhus toxicodendron: Use for joint and muscle stiffness, a compress with Rhus tox is applied for conditions like rheumatic pain or stiffness, especially when symptoms improve with movement.

Hypericum perforatum: Applied as an ointment, Hypericum helps with wounds involving nerve damage, such as cuts or punctures, relieving pain.

Ledum palustre: Effective for puncture wounds or insect bites, Ledum reduces pain, swelling, and helps prevent infection.

Conclusion

External homeopathic treatments, like creams or gels, can be helpful for relieving symptoms in specific areas and work well with internal remedies. However, it’s important for practitioners to be aware of their limits and the risk of only masking problems. The best results often come from using these external treatments carefully along with internal ones, providing a balanced approach to patients.

References

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Authors

Dr. Kavita1, Dr. Deepti Yadav1

M.D (Hom.) Part -1, Department of Case Taking and Repertory, Bakson Homoeopathic Medical College & Hospital, U.P