Silicea, also called Silica, is a homeopathic remedy prepared from pure flint or quartz (silicon dioxide). In homeopathic practice it is traditionally associated with helping the body expel splinters and other foreign matter, slow-to-heal skin, weak nails and hair, chilliness and a refined, sensitive but easily worn-down constitution.
This page covers the source of Silicea, its classic homeopathic indications, the characteristic picture homeopaths recognise, and its usual forms and potencies.
The short version: Silicea is the classic homeopathic remedy for slow healing, weak nails and hair, and expelling splinters, in a chilly, sensitive person.
What is Silicea and where does it come from?
Silicea is prepared from silicon dioxide, the mineral of flint, quartz and sand. Through homeopathic potentisation the mineral is triturated and diluted in stages into a gentle remedy. It is one of the great constitutional remedies of the homeopathic materia medica and also one of the tissue salts.
What is Silicea traditionally used for in homeopathy?
Silicea is linked with structure, strength and the body's ability to push things out. Traditional homeopathic associations include:
- Helping the body expel splinters and other small foreign bodies.
- Slow-to-heal skin with a tendency to linger.
- Weak, brittle nails and thin, lifeless hair.
- Marked chilliness with cold, clammy hands and feet.
- Low stamina and a lack of grit, feeling easily worn down.
Who typically reaches for Silicea?
The Silicea picture is refined, sensitive and chilly, often with a mild, yielding nature and an underlying lack of self-confidence, yet a stubborn streak when it matters. There is a tendency to feel cold, to tire easily and to be slow to bounce back. Symptoms are usually worse for cold and draughts and better for warmth and wrapping up.
What forms and potencies does it come in?
Silicea is commonly used in low potencies such as 6C or 30C, and also in the 6X tissue-salt strength, usually as pilules or tablets. It also appears in liquid ampoule preparations. Higher potencies are generally chosen with guidance from an experienced homeopath.
Your natural toolkit — and which to reach for
You'll find Silicea in preparations such as this single-remedy ampoule, chosen when that chilly, slow-healing picture is to the fore.
Silicea Injeel Ampoules — reach for this if you want Silicea in a single-remedy ampoule form.
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Common questions
What is Silicea used for?
Traditionally it is associated with slow healing, weak nails and hair, expelling splinters and a chilly, easily tired constitution. It is used within self-care and is not a treatment for any diagnosed condition.
Is Silicea the same as Silica?
Yes. Silicea and Silica are two names for the same remedy, prepared from silicon dioxide (flint or quartz).
Which potency is typical?
Low potencies such as 6C, or the 6X tissue-salt strength, are the most common for general self-care. Ongoing concerns should be reviewed by a qualified professional.
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, and seek urgent care for any serious or emergency symptoms.