vs
Hepar sulphuris vs Silica
(Hepar sulphuris calcareum · Silicea terra)
Both are chilly, want to be wrapped up, and are linked with small injuries that fester.
In short
Hepar sulphuris is acutely touchy and irritable with splinter-like pains; Silica is mild and yielding, with festering that is slow to come and go.
Side by side
(the classic distinctions homeopaths look for)
| Feature | Hepar sulphuris |
Silica |
|---|---|---|
| Mood | Touchy, irritable, easily set off | Gentle, yielding, quietly obstinate |
| Type of pain | Sharp, splinter-like, very sore to touch | Milder, slow, lingering soreness |
| Pace | Quick to fester and flare | Slow to come to a head and heal |
| Sweat | Sour-smelling sweat | Sweaty head and offensive foot sweat |
| Weather | Worse in dry, cold wind; better damp weather | Worse for cold and drafts; better in summer |
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
Silica
Better
Warmth, Wrapping up the head, Summer
Worse
Cold and drafts, Uncovering, especially the head, New moon, Lying down
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.”
“Silica patient is cold, chilly, hugs the fire, wants plenty warm clothing, hates drafts, hands and feet cold, worse in winter.”
Read the full profiles
-
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 -
Silica
(Silicea terra · Flint (silicon dioxide))
The remedy of slow healing and want of grit. In the materia medica, Silica is associated with chilly, delicate, yielding people who tire easily and take cold readily, and with small injuries that tend to fester and heal slowly.
Read more
Articles that discuss both
Hepar Sulphuricum: Homeopathy for Painful Infections and Hypersensitivity
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
Still not sure which fits?
That's what a consultation is for.
Book free intro call
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.