Petroleum is a homeopathic remedy prepared from purified rock oil (crude mineral oil). In homeopathic practice it is best known for the skin — traditionally associated with dry, cracked, deeply fissured skin that worsens in winter — and also with a marked tendency to motion sickness.
This page explains where Petroleum comes from, its classic homeopathic indications, the characteristic picture, and the forms and potencies you may find.
The short version: Petroleum is the homeopathic remedy for dry, deeply cracked winter skin and for stubborn motion sickness.
What is homeopathic Petroleum made from?
Homeopathic Petroleum is prepared from purified rock oil — crude mineral oil drawn from the earth. In its raw form it is an oily, insoluble substance, so it is brought into remedy form through trituration and dilution. Despite the industrial origins of the raw material, the finished remedy is highly diluted and used only homeopathically.
What is Petroleum traditionally used for in homeopathy?
Petroleum's picture centres on the skin and the stomach. It is associated with:
- Dry, rough, cracked skin with deep, painful fissures, classically on the fingertips, hands and behind the ears.
- Skin that is much worse in cold, dry winter weather and better in summer.
- Itchy, easily broken skin that can weep or bleed in the cracks.
- Motion sickness — nausea in cars, boats and trains, sometimes with a ravenous, empty feeling.
- Nausea relieved by eating in some pictures.
Who reaches for Petroleum? The typical picture
The Petroleum picture is a chapped, cracked, wintry one — hands that split and roughen as the weather turns cold. Skin complaints are strongly worse in winter and from cold and better in warm weather. The travel-sickness side of the remedy is equally characteristic, often with the person feeling worse from the smell or motion of a vehicle.
What forms and potencies does Petroleum come in?
Petroleum is available as pillules, tablets and liquid drops, and is commonly used in low potencies such as 6C or 30C. You can browse single remedies and skin-focused combinations across the full United Remedies range. Follow the pack directions or practitioner advice.
Common questions
What is Petroleum used for in homeopathy?
It is traditionally associated with dry, cracked, deeply fissured skin that worsens in winter, and with motion sickness. It is educational information, not a treatment or cure for any skin condition.
Is homeopathic Petroleum the same as the fuel?
It is prepared from purified rock oil, but the homeopathic remedy is highly diluted and triturated, so the finished product does not contain a material dose of crude oil.
What is the keynote of Petroleum?
Deeply cracked, fissured skin that is markedly worse in cold, dry winter weather, often on the fingertips and hands.
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.