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.
Source
Graphite, the soft form of carbon used in pencil lead
Kingdom
Mineral
Abbreviation
Graph.
Home acute kit
Usually prescribed by a homeopath
The classic picture
(a remedy is chosen when the whole picture fits the person, not from a single symptom)
Eruptions behind the ears, in skin folds and around the mouth that ooze a sticky, honey-like fluid
Cracks in the fingertips, nipples and corners of the mouth; thick, crumbling nails
Chilly, tends toward weight gain and constipation with large, knotty stools
Timid and indecisive, easily moved to tears by music
Tends to feel better
Darkness
Wrapping up warmly
Eating (for stomach pain)
Tends to feel worse
Warmth
Night
During and after periods
How it compares
(remedies that are often confused with Graphites)
-
Petroleum
(Petroleum)
Both have deep cracks; Petroleum's skin is dry, bleeding and worse in winter, while Graphites oozes a sticky fluid.
Read moreCompare side by side -
Pulsatilla
(Pulsatilla pratensis)
"What Pulsatilla is at puberty, Graphites is at the climacteric": both mild and weepy, but Graphites is chillier, more hesitant and constipated.
Read more -
Calcarea carbonica
(Calcarea carbonica)
Both chilly, heavier and cautious; Calcarea sweats on the head and craves eggs, Graphites has sticky, cracking eruptions.
Read more
Side-by-side comparisons
Free printable guide
12 remedies to keep at home
When to think of each one, how to tell them apart, when to call a doctor instead and a printable home remedy guide.
Get the free guide
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.”
“Unhealthy skin; every injury suppurates (Hep.); old cicatrices break open again; eruptions upon the ears, between fingers and toes and on various parts of body, from which oozes a watery, transparent sticky fluid.”
Articles that mention Graphites
Looking for more than a quick remedy?
Acute remedies can be a starting point for short-term complaints. Ongoing or recurring issues call for a full case: a detailed conversation about your physical, mental and emotional symptoms, so the remedy fits you as a whole person.
Book free intro callThis 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.

