Encyclopedia of Homeopathy

MAJOR MINERAL REMEDIES• 93Petroleum rectificatum syn. Oleum petraePETROLEUMKEY SYMPTOMS cracked skin • chilliness • aversion to fatty foods • irritability• offensive-smelling perspiration • person tends to feel worse in winterPetroleum (from the Latin petra, or “rock,” and oleum, “oil”) is formed by thedecomposition of plant and animal matter in rock sediment deposits on the seabed. Over time, heat and pressure transform this organic material into petroleum,or crude oil. It is used in the manufacture of many goods, from fertilizers to paintsand plastics to explosives. Proved by Hahnemann and published in his ChronicDiseases (1821–34), the remedy is prescribed mainly for skin complaints and nausea.REMEDY PROFILEThose who are best suited to Petroleum canbe irritable and argumentative, and maylose their tempers easily. Known for theirinability to make decisions, they tend alsoto be forgetful, which may lead to confusionand disorientation, to the point of losing theirway even in familiar streets. A strange senseof physical duality may be experienced, as iftheir bodies are divided, or not entirelytheir own.Symptoms are usually worse during the dayand in winter. These individuals generally feelchilly, and prone to offensive-smellingperspiration from the feet and armpits even incold weather. An aversion to rich, fatty foodsis also common. Inhaling petrochemical fumesmay aggravate symptoms and cause weaknessand irritability.Petroleum is often given for skin problemssuch as eczema, psoriasis, and chilblains. It isalso used for complaints such as diarrhea,nausea, travel sickness, morning sickness,halitosis, and migraines.Eczema & psoriasisSYMPTOMS The skin is dry and leathery withdeep cracks, especially on the palms of thehands, the tips of the fingers, and in the foldsof the skin—for example, behind the ears orthe knees. Extreme itchiness may provokescratching that causes bleeding and possibleinfection. The itching tends to be worse at night.There may be psoriasis, with thick patches ofscaly, inflamed skin causing great discomfort.In addition, the skin may be prone to cold sores,boils, and chilblains (see right). Petroleum isespecially appropriate if the symptoms are dueto hard manual labor or regular exposureto chemicals.Symptoms better For warm weather; after eating.Symptoms worse For the heat of the bed;in winter.ChilblainsSYMPTOMS Intensely itching, burning skin,especially on the hands, feet, and toes. Theskin may be scratched raw, causing a weepydischarge to develop and possibly infectionto set in.Symptoms better For dry weather; for warm air.Symptoms worse For cold, damp weather;for touch.Diarrhea & nauseaSYMPTOMS Diarrhea that is present onlyduring the day. Constant, ravenous hungermay even lead to getting out of bed to eatsnacks during the night. Hunger increasesafter a bowel movement, but there is acutting pain in the abdomen that is worsefor eating. An aversion to cabbage, peas,beans, meat, and fatty foods ischaracteristic. There may be nauseaaccompanied by vomiting, dizziness, andpressing head pain at the back of the skull(see right). Another associated symptom maybe halitosis with a strong odor of garlic.Symptoms may be linked to morningsickness, travel sickness (see below), oreating disorders such as bulimia nervosa,anorexia nervosa, or other psychologicalconditions that cause long-term bingeing.Symptoms better Temporarily after eating; forpassing stools; for bending double.Symptoms worse For cold weather; formovement; in the morning; when eating.Travel sicknessSYMPTOMS Nausea and vomiting whentraveling, often with a severe headachePETROLEUM This major mineral resourceis used to fuel machinery and vehicles, andin road- and ship-building.SOURCE DETAILSORIGINExtracted from deposits, mainlyconcentrated in the North Sea, the PersianGulf, and parts of North and South America.BACKGROUNDUsed as fuel in the form of gasoline,kerosene, and diesel. Petroleum jelly isused in conventional medicine as anemollient and protective dressing.PREPARATIONThe remedy is made by distilling purifiedcrude oil or petroleum. This solution is thendiluted using sulfuric acid, and succussed.COMMON NAMESPetroleum, crude oil, rock oil.(see below). Nausea may develop upon theslightest movement, with increased salivation.Symptoms better Temporarily after eating.Symptoms worse For cold weather; for freshair; for movement.MigrainesSYMPTOMS Severe headache, with a sensationof great heaviness at the back of the head. Thescalp is sensitive to the cold and to touch. Thehead may feel sensitive, as if a cold breeze isblowing on it, or numb and wooden. A degreeof temporary deafness is a possible associatedsymptom, and there may be an accompanyingfeeling of nausea (see above).Symptoms better For pressure on the temples.Symptoms worse For cold; for touch; for shakingwhen coughing.See also Psoriasis, page 195