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Apis vs Cantharis
(Apis mellifica · Cantharis vesicatoria)
Both are reached for when the skin or the bladder burns and stings intensely.
In short
Apis is puffy, rosy, stinging swelling with little thirst; Cantharis is a fierce, raw burning with desperate urgency.
Side by side
(the classic distinctions homeopaths look for)
| Feature | Apis |
Cantharis |
|---|---|---|
| Sensation | Burning, stinging, sore to the touch | Raw, scalding, cutting burning |
| Appearance | Rosy, puffy, waterlogged swelling | Blistering, raw, smarting skin |
| Urination | Scanty urine with stinging and burning | Constant urge, passing scalding drops before, during and after |
| Thirst | Usually thirstless, even when hot | Burning thirst, yet put off by drinks |
| Better for | Cold applications and open air | Rubbing; cold applications to burns |
Apis
Better
Cold applications and cold bathing, Open air, Uncovering
Worse
Heat in any form, Touch and pressure, Late afternoon, After sleeping
Cantharis
Better
Rubbing, Cold applications to burns
Worse
Touch, Urinating, Drinking cold water or coffee
From the classic texts
“Swelling or puffing up of various parts, oedema, red rosy hue, stinging pains, soreness, intolerance of heat, and slightest touch, and afternoon aggravation are some of the general guiding symptoms.”
“Intolerable tenesmus; cutting before, during, and after urine. Urine scalds him, and is passed drop by drop. Constant desire to urinate.”
Read the full profiles
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Apis
(Apis mellifica · Honeybee)
The remedy of puffy, stinging swelling. In the materia medica, Apis is associated with the picture of a bee sting: rosy, puffy swelling with burning, stinging pain, sensitivity to touch and a strong aversion to heat.
Read more -
Cantharis
(Cantharis vesicatoria · Spanish fly)
The remedy of raw, burning pain. In the materia medica, Cantharis is associated with intense burning and urgency when passing urine, and with burns, scalds and blistering skin that smart and sting.
Read more
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This page is for education only and is not medical advice. Homeopathy is complementary care, not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment by a licensed medical provider. Seek medical care for severe, worsening or emergency symptoms. Please view our Disclaimer.