vs
Graphites vs Petroleum
(Graphites · Petroleum)
Both are reached for when skin becomes rough, dry and cracked, especially on the hands.
In short
Graphites is cracked skin that oozes a sticky, honey-like fluid; Petroleum is dry, deeply fissured skin that bleeds and worsens every winter.
Side by side
(the classic distinctions homeopaths look for)
| Feature | Graphites |
Petroleum |
|---|---|---|
| Skin | Cracks that ooze sticky, honey-like fluid | Dry, rough cracks that may bleed |
| Where | Behind the ears, skin folds, around the mouth | Fingertips and hands |
| Season | Worse for warmth | Worse in winter and damp weather |
| Mood | Timid and indecisive; music brings tears | Irritable and easily offended |
| Also seen | Chilly; slow digestion and constipation | Travel sickness; empty-stomach hunger |
Graphites
Better
Darkness, Wrapping up warmly, Eating (for stomach pain)
Worse
Warmth, Night, During and after periods
Petroleum
Better
Warm air, Dry weather, Lying with head high, Eating
Worse
Winter, Riding in vehicles, Damp weather, Before and during a thunderstorm
From the classic texts
“Great tendency to start. Timid. Unable to decide. Want of disposition to work. Fidgety while sitting at work. Music makes her weep.”
“Very marked skin symptoms, acting on sweat and oil glands; Ailments are worse during the winter season. Ailments from riding in cars, carriages, or ships…”
Read the full profiles
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Graphites
(Graphites · Graphite (black lead))
The remedy of cracks and sticky oozing. In the materia medica, Graphites is associated with rough, dry skin that cracks and weeps a honey-like fluid, alongside chilliness, sluggish digestion and a cautious, hesitant nature.
Read more -
Petroleum
(Petroleum · Crude rock oil)
The remedy of cracked winter skin and travel sickness. In the materia medica, Petroleum is associated with rough, deeply cracked skin that worsens every winter, and with nausea from riding in cars, trains or boats.
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.