Hepar Sulphuris Calcareum (Hepar sulph.)
Common name: Calcium sulphide (Sulphurated lime)
Source: It is prepared by combining the inner layer of oyster shell (Calcarea) with flowers of sulphur, then triturated according to homeopathic pharmacopoeia.
Family: Mineral kingdom
Constitutional type: Oversensitive, chilly, irritable, unhealthy skin, suppurative tendency.
1. Mind:
- Hypersensitive in every way — mentally and physically.
- Very irritable, touchy, and angry at trifles.
- Fearful and anxious, especially of being alone, of the dark, of being poisoned.
- Wants to hurt others, even violent tendencies when provoked.
- Cries easily, impatient and despairing of recovery.
Example: A patient with a small boil becomes extremely irritable and lashes out if you touch it.
2. Physical Generals:
- Extreme sensitivity to pain – cannot tolerate the slightest touch.
- Feels very chilly, always wants to be wrapped up, even in warm rooms.
- Profuse, offensive sweat, especially on the head, feet, and axilla.
- Complaints worse from cold, exposure, touch, and drafts.
- Suppuration (pus formation) is the hallmark — boils, abscesses, sinus infections.
Think of Hepar sulph when pus is forming or already formed.
3. Head:
- Pain in the scalp from the slightest touch.
- Scalp eruptions with foul-smelling discharges.
4. Respiratory:
- Croupy, barking cough, worse in cold air or at night.
- Suffocative attacks, must sit up and bend forward to breathe.
- Throat feels like a splinter, raw and painful on swallowing.
5. Skin:
- Skin is very unhealthy – small injuries suppurate quickly.
- Acne, abscesses, boils, carbuncles, with painful, sensitive skin.
- Skin is sensitive to touch and cold, ulcers bleed easily.
6. Modalities (What makes them better/worse):
- Worse: Cold, touch, night, dry cold wind, uncovering.
- Better: Warmth, wrapping up, damp weather.
7. Keynote Symptoms:
| Key Feature | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Extreme hypersensitivity | Both to pain and emotions |
| Tendency to suppuration | All discharges are offensive and thick |
| Chilliness | Wants to be covered all the time |
| “Splinter-like” throat pain | Classic in respiratory conditions |
| Easily irritable and violent | Quick to anger, spiteful when unwell |
| Better by warmth | Whether mental or physical discomfort |
Clinical Applications (Therapeutics):
Used in cases like:
- Boils, abscesses, acne with pus
- Tonsillitis and quinsy (peritonsillar abscess)
- Otitis media (ear infections with pus)
- Croup, bronchitis with hoarse, barking cough
- Suppurative skin conditions
- Fistula, infected wounds
Comparison with Related Remedies:
| Remedy | Similarities | Differences |
|---|---|---|
| Silicea | Promotes suppuration, chilly, sensitive | Silicea is slower, deeper acting; lacks the irritable violence of Hepar sulph. |
| Mercurius sol. | Offensive discharges, suppuration, sensitive | Mercurius has more salivation, glandular involvement, and is not as chilly. |
| Belladonna | Sudden inflammation, throat issues | Belladonna is dry, hot, and has violent onset — no pus or discharges. |
| Psorinum | Offensive discharges, chilly, dirty-looking skin | Psorinum has extreme debility and filthiness; Hepar is more acute and irritable. |
| Graphites | Skin eruptions, suppuration | Graphites is more suited to chronic eczema with oozing; less aggressive pus. |
| Lachesis | Throat symptoms, hypersensitivity | Lachesis is hot-blooded, talkative, symptoms better from discharges. |
| Chamomilla | Irritable, sensitive to pain | Chamomilla is especially suited to children; Hepar is more suppurative. |
| Calcarea carb. | Chilly, sweats, suppuration tendency | Calcarea is slower, more phlegmatic; Hepar has sharp sensitivity. |
Mnemonic for Quick Recall:
“Hepar the Hypersensitive Hothead Hates Cold.”
- Hypersensitive to pain
- Hot-headed (irritable)
- Hates Cold (chilly)
- Leads to Healing via suppuration
