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Hepar sulphuris vs Mercurius solubilis
(Hepar sulphuris calcareum · Mercurius solubilis Hahnemanni)
Both come up when a sore throat, swollen gland or spot is coming to a head with pus.
In short
Hepar sulphuris is chilly, touchy and oversensitive to every draft; Mercurius solubilis is sweaty, drooling and sensitive to both heat and cold, worse at night.
Side by side
(the classic distinctions homeopaths look for)
| Feature | Hepar sulphuris |
Mercurius solubilis |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | Very chilly; wants to be wrapped up, even the head | Sensitive to both heat and cold, like a thermometer |
| Type of pain | Sharp and splinter-like, as of a fish bone | Raw and aching, with swollen glands |
| Sweat and mouth | Sour-smelling sweat | Profuse, smelly sweat; much saliva and bad breath |
| Mood | Touchy and irritable over the slightest thing | Trembling, weak and hurried |
| Worse for | Cold dry wind, drafts and touch | Night, warmth of the bed and sweating |
Hepar sulphuris
Better
Warmth and wrapping up, Damp, wet weather, Covering the head
Worse
Dry, cold wind, The slightest draft or uncovering, Touch, Lying on the painful side
Mercurius solubilis
Better
Moderate temperatures, Rest
Worse
Night, Warmth of the bed, Damp, wet weather, Sweating
From the classic texts
“Chilliness, hypersensitiveness, splinter-like pains, craving for sour and strong things are very characteristic. Feeling as if wind were blowing on some part.”
“A human "thermometer". Sensitive to heat and cold. Parts are much swollen, with raw, sore feeling; the profuse, oily perspiration does not relieve.”
Read the full profiles
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Hepar sulphuris
(Hepar sulphuris calcareum · Calcium sulphide)
The remedy of extreme sensitivity. In the materia medica, Hepar sulphuris is associated with chilly, touchy states where cold air, touch and pain all feel like too much, with a strong tendency for spots and sore throats to come to a head.
Read more -
Mercurius solubilis
(Mercurius solubilis Hahnemanni · Quicksilver (mercury))
The human thermometer. In the materia medica, Mercurius solubilis is associated with sensitivity to both heat and cold, profuse sweat that brings no relief, heavy salivation and complaints that are worse at night.
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.