Kreosotum is a homeopathic remedy prepared from beechwood creosote, a distillate of wood tar. In homeopathic practice it is traditionally associated with burning, acrid discharges that irritate the skin they touch, rapid decay of the teeth, difficult teething in children, and a bleeding, raw tendency in the tissues.
This page covers where Kreosotum comes from, its classic homeopathic indications, the characteristic acrid picture, and the forms and potencies it appears in.
The short version: A wood-tar remedy traditionally linked with burning, acrid discharges and rapid dental decay.
What is Kreosotum and where does it come from?
Kreosotum is prepared from beechwood creosote, an oily distillate obtained from the tar of beechwood. In its raw form it is caustic, so the homeopathic remedy is made by potentising the substance through repeated dilution and succussion, leaving only a trace or no material amount of the original creosote in finished remedies.
What is Kreosotum traditionally used for in homeopathy?
Its keynote in homeopathic literature is acridity, a burning quality to discharges and secretions. Traditional associations include:
- Burning, acrid discharges that irritate or redden the skin they touch.
- Rapid decay of the teeth, with teeth that darken and crumble early.
- Difficult, painful teething in restless, unhappy infants.
- A raw, bleeding tendency in the tissues, with easily irritated surfaces.
- Symptoms better for warmth and worse for cold in the classic picture.
Who typically reaches for Kreosotum?
The characteristic picture is one of burning and irritation, where secretions feel hot and acrid and leave soreness behind. In children the remedy is classically linked with hard, painful teething and early dental decay, along with fretfulness and a desire to be carried. There is often an easily irritated, raw quality to the tissues, with a general tendency to feel worse from cold and better from warmth.
Kreosotum is one of many single remedies kept in a home collection. You can explore the full range at our complete collection.
What forms and potencies does it come in?
Kreosotum is generally available as tablets, pillules or liquid drops. For general self-care it is commonly used in low potencies such as 6C or 30C, with higher potencies usually chosen alongside a practitioner.
Common questions
What is Kreosotum used for in homeopathy?
It is traditionally associated with burning, acrid discharges that irritate the skin, rapid decay of the teeth, difficult teething and a raw, bleeding tendency in the tissues.
What is Kreosotum made from?
It is prepared from beechwood creosote, an oily distillate of beechwood tar, which is then potentised.
What potency of Kreosotum is commonly used?
Low potencies such as 6C or 30C are common for self-care; higher potencies are usually chosen with professional guidance.
Note: This page is for general education and is not medical advice. Homeopathic remedies are used within a tradition of self-care and are not a substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment. If symptoms are severe, persistent or worsening, please speak to a qualified health professional.