The Role of External Application in Homoeopathy

Abstract:- Homoeopathy, a holistic system of medicine, primarily focuses on internal remedies tailored to an individual’s constitution. However, external applications have also been explored and utilized within the homeopathic framework, especially for dermatological conditions, musculoskeletal issues, and wound healing. This article aims to explore the diverse applications of external treatments in homoeopathy, highlighting their significant therapeutic value by drawing insights from the work of esteemed Homoeopathic pioneers like Dr. William Boericke.

Keywords :- External application, Topical application, Homoeopathy 

Introduction

The word topical derives from Greek τοπικός topikos, “of a place”. A topical medication is a medication that is applied to a particular place on or in the body. Most often topical medication means application to body surfaces such as the skin or mucous membranes to treat ailments via a large range of classes including creams, foams, gels, lotions, and ointments. Many topical medications are epicutaneous, meaning that they are applied directly to the skin. Topical medications may also be inhalational, such as asthma medications, or applied to the surface of tissues other than the skin, such as eye drops applied to the conjunctiva, or ear drops placed in the ear, or medications applied to the surface of a tooth. 

From time immemorial, local applications have been used among physicians from Aesculapius down to the present day. The use of external treatments in homeopathy, however, has been a subject of considerable debate.

Hahnemann, after his discovery of homoeopathy, proclaimed that local malady is nothing but the outward reflection of the internal derangement of the spiritual dynamic vital force which, when disturbed, expresses itself on the surface as signs. Diseases manifest by signs and symptoms, which are the sole guide of our homeopathic method of treatment. Dr. Hahnemann gave some arguments against the use of external applications in his Organon of Medicine (5th edition) from Sec. 196 to Sec. 203 but later  recognised their necessity. While advocating the administration of medicine per mouth, he felt that, oral route is not the only route for administration of medicine.

Dr. Hahnemann later in the 6th edition of Organon of Medicine, in Sec. 284 and Sec. 285 advocated for the use of external remedies in conjunction with internal curative medicines in homeopathy to enhance treatment efficacy. 

Here is the list of medicines as local applications, mentioned by Dr. William Boericke in his “Pocket Manual of Homeopathic Materia Medica” 

List of Common Medicines

1. Arnica:- Locally, the tincture, but should never be applied hot or at all when abrasions or cuts are present. 

1. Borax:- Locally in pruritus pudenda. 
2. Calendula Officinalis:- Locally. Aqueous calendula for all wounds, the greatest healing agent. For burns, sores, fissures and abrasions, etc., use calendula cerate. Calendula cream or ointment for chapped hands.
3. Cantharis:- Locally, in burns and eczema, 1x and 2x, in water, or as cerate.  
4. Carbo Animalis:- The third trituration for insufflation in aural polypi. 
5. Chrysarobinum:– Used externally in skin diseases especially in ringworm, psoriasis, herpes and acne rosacea.
6. Cineraria:– It is used externally, by instilling into the eye one drops four or five times a day. Has some reputation in the cure of cataract and corneal opacities.
7. Echinacea :- Locally, as a cleansing and antiseptic wash. 
8. Graphites :- Locally in eczema and as a cerate in sore nipples. 
9. Hamamelis virginica:– Distilled extract locally used in hemorrhages, varicose veins, and hæmorrhoids. 
10. Iodium:- Locally the most powerful, least harmful and easily managed microbicide. Ideal agent to keep wounds clean and disinfected. Bites of insects, reptiles, etc. Gunshot wounds and compound fracture, excellent. Great skin disinfectant. 
11. Kali muriaticum:- External use in skin affections with burning sensation. 
12. Oleum jecoris aselli:- Locally in ringworm. 
13. Phytolacca :- Externally for mastitis. 
14. Plantago major:- Tincture local use in toothache in hollow teeth, otorrhoea, pruritus, and poison- oak. Incised wounds. 
15. Ranunculus bulbosus :- Chronic sciatica, apply tincture to heel of affected leg. 
16. Ratanhia:- Locally, the cerate has proved invaluable in many rectal complaints. 
17. Ruta:- Locally the tincture for ganglia and as a lotion for the eyes.  
18. Symphytum:- Externally as addressing for sores and ulcers and pruritus ani.
19. Teucrium marum :- locally for polypi, dry powder. 
20. Thuja:- Locally, for warts and excrescences, tincture or cerate.
21. Verbascum (mullein) :- Mullein oil locally for earache and dry scaly condition of meatus

List of Uncommon Remedies

1. Alstonia Scholaris:- Locally, for ulcers and rheumatic pains. 
2. Argemone Mexicana:- Fresh juice is applied to ulcers and warts. 
3. Balsamum Peruvianum:- Locally as a stimulant to raw surfaces in indolent ulcers, scabies, cracked nipples, rhagades, itch. Promotes granulation, removes fetor. 
4. Carboneum Sulphuratum:– Locally in facial neuralgia and sciatica. 
5. Ceanothus :- Locally as hair tonic. 
6. Chloralum hydratum:- Locally, in offensive foot-sweat, bathe with one percent solution. 
7. Cinnamon:- Oil of cinnamon in aqueous solution, best local disinfectant. 3-4 drops in two quarts of water as a douche, wherever a germicide and disinfectant is needed. 
8. Cistus Canadensis:- Locally as a wash to arrest fetid discharges.
9. Cochlearia Armoracia:- Used as a gargle in scorbutic gums and sore throat. Locally to cure dandruff.
10. Eupatorium Aromaticum:- Tincture, locally, in sore mouth and sore nipples.
11. Methylium salicylicum:- An artificial gaultheria oil for rheumatism, especially when the salicylates cannot be used. Pruritus and epididymitis, locally.
12. Geranium maculatum:- Locally, in ulcers, it will destroy the pyogenic membrane. 
13. Helianthus :- Externally, as vulnerary like arnica and calendula. 
14. Ichthyolum :- Externally, it is used as an ointment, with lanoline 20-50 percent, for chronic eczema and psoriasis, also acne rosacea and gouty joints. 
15. Magnesia sulphurica:- Locally 1:4 in water in septic conditions, erysipelas, orchitis, boils.
16. Mentha piperita:- Tincture locally, in pruritus vaginae.
17. Mentholum:- Externally for itching, use 1 percent solution or ointment.
18. Momordica balsamina:- Used externally as a liniment and poultice for burns, chapped hands.
19. Rhus Glabra:- Used locally to soften spongy gums, aphthae and pharyngitis.
20. Rumex acetosa:- Used locally for epithelioma of face.
21. Sabina:- Locally for warts, use tincture.
22. Sempervivum tectorum:- Tincture locally for bites of insects, stings of bees, and poisoned wounds, warts.
23. Sulphurous acid:- As a spray in tonsillitis.
24. Ustilago maydis :- Psoriasis (internally and externally). 

Conclusion:

External applications are vital in modern medical practice, enhancing treatment and patient satisfaction. In homeopathy, they effectively address localized symptoms, especially when patients continue to experience discomfort after other treatments. Remedies like eye drops, ear drops, and ointments provide quick relief, improving patient well-being. In cases of severe pain where prescribed medicine isn’t helping, a suitable external application can be considered as additional support. However, external applications should be used selectively, not routinely. Instead of turning to other medical systems, we should fully utilize the resources within homeopathy by prioritizing the patient’s needs.

References

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Topical_medication#cite_note-University_of_Maryland-1
2. Roberts HA. The Principles and Art of Cure by Homoeopathy. 3rd ed. New Delhi: B Jain Publishers; 1996. Pg. 174.
3. Mandal PK, Mandal S. A Textbook of Homoeopathic Pharmacy. 3rd ed. New Delhi: B Jain Publishers; 2010.
4. Organon of medicine by Dr Samual Hahnemann 5th & 6th edition combined. Presented by R.E. Dudgeon, William Boericke, B. Jain publisher Pvt. Ltd.
5. Boericke W. Pocket Manual of Homeopathic Materia Medica and Repertory. 9th ed. New Delhi: B Jain Publishers; 2002.

About the Author: 

1. Dr. Bhawna, PG scholar, Dept. of Materia Medica, Dr. B. R. Sur Homoeopathic Medical College, Hospital and research centre, Motibagh, Nanakpura, New Delhi -110021.

2. Dr. Manisha Gairola, PG scholar, Dept. of Materia Medica Dr. B.R. Sur Homoeopathic Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre, New Delhi