vs
Apis vs Urtica urens
(Apis mellifica · Urtica urens)
Both come up for hives, stings and red, burning, itchy skin.
In short
Apis is puffy, waterlogged swelling relieved by cold; Urtica urens is raised, itchy, nettle-like blotches made worse by cool water.
Side by side
(the classic distinctions homeopaths look for)
| Feature | Apis |
Urtica urens |
|---|---|---|
| Look of the skin | Rosy, puffy, shiny swelling | Raised, blotchy welts and hives |
| Main sensation | Stinging, burning, sore to the touch | Burning, prickling, violent itching |
| Water and cold | Better for cold bathing | Worse for water and cool, moist air |
| Other signs | Thirstless; can't bear hot, stuffy rooms | Itchy rash that may alternate with joint pain |
| Typical situation | Bee stings and sudden puffy swelling | Nettle stings, hives and minor surface burns |
Apis
Better
Cold applications and cold bathing, Open air, Uncovering
Worse
Heat in any form, Touch and pressure, Late afternoon, After sleeping
Urtica urens
Better
Worse
Cool, moist air, Water and bathing, Touch, Snowy air
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.”
“Itching blotches. Urticaria, burning heat, with formication; violent itching. Consequences of suppressed nettlerash. Rheumatism alternates with nettle-rash. Burn confined to skin.”
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 -
Urtica urens
(Urtica urens · Small stinging nettle)
The remedy of the nettle sting. In the materia medica, Urtica urens is associated with hives and blotchy, burning, stinging itch, minor burns that stay on the skin's surface, and changes in breast-milk supply.
Read more
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