Why Hepar Sulph Should Be in Your Medicine Cabinet

Last updated on January 12th, 2024 at 02:47 pm

If you’ve built up your own homeopathic medicine cabinet, chances are Hepar sulphuris calcareum is one remedy you have on hand. But if you haven’t, there’s good reason to include it. Hepar sulph, as it’s commonly known, pulls double duty addressing dry coughs, as well as skin conditions like acne making it a popular choice among Boiron’s Top 84 single medicines.

Made from Oyster Shells? Tell Me More!

Hepar sulphuris calcareum is a mineral compound prepared from the inner layer of calcium-rich oyster shells that are mixed with flowers of sulfur and heated. Samuel Hahnemann created it to combine the effects of two other homeopathic medicines you may already know: Sulphur and Calcarea carbonica. Its name in Latin means “liver of sulfur” which is a phrase used by old chemists to describe a number of sulfur compounds whose color resembled that of the liver. As with many substances that contain sulfur, this powder has an odor similar to rotten eggs.

Before the advent of homeopathy, liver of sulfur was used to counteract metal poisoning.

Homeopathically Speaking 

In a homeopathic preparation, Hepar sulphuris calcareum is useful for several ailments. Hepar sulph 30C relieves painful and hoarse dry cough that’s worsened by cold air and cold drinks.* A 6C dilution can be used to speed up the maturation of boils or acne that tend to ooze.* Caution should be used when taking low dilutions for closed abscesses, as it will increase the discharge of pus. Skilled homeopaths will also prescribe Hepar sulph for other conditions that can cause inflammation or discharge like tonsillitis and bronchitis with hoarse coughing, dental infections, and even pink eye.*

Learn more about Boiron Hepar sulphuris calcareum in this video featuring pharmacist Gary Kracoff, NMD, RPh.

*Claims based on traditional homeopathic practice, not accepted medical evidence. Not FDA evaluated.

References

  1. Demarque D, Jouanny J, Poitevin B, Saint-Jean Y. Pharmacology and Homeopathic Materia Medica. 3rd ed. Sainte-Foy-lès-Lyon: CEDH; 2007.
  2. https://www.homeopathycenter.org/remedy/hepar
  3. https://books.google.com/books?id=KoFZAAAAcAAJ&pg=PA182#v=onepage&q&f=false

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64 thoughts on “Why Hepar Sulph Should Be in Your Medicine Cabinet”

    1. Hi Jordan, since symptoms and diseases are different between humans and animals, we recommend consulting a veterinarian skilled in homeopathy about the best options for your chihuahua’s anal gland problem. You can find practitioners in your area by contacting the National Center for Homeopathy at (856) 437- 4752 or visit https://www.homeopathycenter.org. (The NCH online directory including listings of homeopaths with animal consultation services.) Hope that helps!

    2. I successfully use silicea for my cats. Use over several days. If the glands are infected, use hepar sulphurus first and alone for several days. Then switch.

  1. In this article Hepar sulf is recommended to be in Home medicine cabinet. What are uses and in which dosage?

    1. Hello Asif, Hepar sulph has a number of uses including coughs, boils, and abscesses, which is why it makes a good medicine cabinet essential. We offer this medicine in both 6C and 30C, which are the most common dilutions you should have on-hand.

  2. Jeannie McConkey

    My friend has blistery psuusy boils all over his hands up his arms and all over his body.It started on his backSeems like hepar sulph is the best remedy that I can determine. any advice/

    1. Hello Jeannie, yes Hepar sulph can help at the onset of boils. Calcarea sulphurica 30C is indicated when the boils ooze yellow pus or form a crust. You can also use our free Boiron Medicine Finder app to help select which medicine is best for you or your friend’s symptoms. Look in the First Aid – Skin section. Here’s the link: BoironUSA.com/app

  3. Hello, I am a bit confused if I should try:
    1. Hepar Sulphuris Calcareum 30c or 200ck for a sticky hard to remove, rust colored phlegm that has to be coughed out once a day. It has been around for a few months now
    2. Or should I try Bryonia 30c
    3. Or should I try a combination of HSC and Bryonia?
    Any advice would be great.

    1. Hi Rabs, it’s best to try one medicine at a time and wait to see how you respond. If your symptoms don’t improve with Hepar Sulph, move onto a different one. If Hepar Sulph does help, but you have other symptoms like a dry cough you want to relieve with Bryonia, you can safely take them together. You may want to consult a health care professional for conditions that persist like yours, as brown or pink mucus may indicate an infection or other problem.

    1. Hello Ava, it’s usually taken every 2 hours until the abscess drains or pain subsides. Dental infections can be very serious, so see your dentist is the pain is severe.

  4. My cat seems to have chronic catarrh with sneezing. She may be herpes positive. Would hepar sulphur be a good remedy for her ?

    1. Unfortunately we can’t advise how to use homeopathic medicines for pets because pathologies and symptoms are different between humans and animals, but there are veterinarians skilled in homeopathy that can help. Find one in your area by contacting the National Center for Homeopathy at (856) 437- 4752 or https://www.homeopathycenter.org/.

      1. Kelly Olsen-Stanko

        Hi Rosalee, according to our pharmacist, Sulfa (or sulfonamide drugs) are complex molecules and can be allergenic. Sulfur in homeopathic form and doesn’t cause allergies; however, it could trigger reactive dermatitis when taken in low dilutions in people who are sensitive. It’s recommended that those with sulfa allergies use homeopathic Sulphur only in the 30C dilution.

  5. 1. How many pills are in a bottle of Hepar sulphuris calcareum?

    2. How long can I continue taking Hepar sulphuris calcareum for a gum blister that was caused by a Novacaine injection?

    1. Hi Karen, there are approximately 80 pellets in each tube. We recommend you stop use and ask a health professional about your condition if symptoms persist for more than 3 days or worsen.

    1. Georgette, the standard dosage is 5 pellets, regardless of 6C or 30C dilution. Always read and follow the directions on the label.

  6. Due to a falut in preparation of dil solution,i have consumed 15 ml of hepar sulfur without dilution (it was prescribed 2ml in 30 ml water).
    1.What should I do?
    2.Is there any harmful effect of overdose of heparsulfur 200?

    1. Bhavika, given the small amounts of highly diluted active ingredients, you will not suffer a drug overdose from ingesting an amount of homeopathic medicine larger than the recommended dosage. However if you are concerned, you can always contact a Poison Control Center right away in case of overdose.

  7. If you are allergic to sulfa drugs, would you have a problem taking this…..is there a connection to sulfa and sulphur?

    1. Hi Linda, according to our pharmacist, Sulfa (or sulfonamide drugs) are complex molecules and can be allergenic. Sulfur in homeopathic Hepar sulph is elementary sulfur and doesn’t cause allergies, however, it could trigger reactive dermatitis when taken in low dilutions in people who are sensitive. It’s recommended that those with sulfa allergies use Hepar sulph only to treat coughs with the 30C dilution.

      1. Hi Bina,
        Boiron’s indication for Hepar sulphuris calcareum is painful and hoarse dry cough worsened by cold weather. This indication is based on the existing literature on homeopathy which lists the conditions and symptoms that can be relieved using the medicine. It is also known to speed up the maturation of boils and acne that tend to ooze but caution should be used when taking low dilutions for abscesses because it will increase the discharge of pus. However, when using Hepar sulphuris calcareum for anything other than what it is indicated for, we recommend talking to your health care professional before starting use.
        Thanks!

  8. can a person who has had allergy to sulphur ( earliar in case of allopathic meds ) take hypar sulph OR sulphur 200 CH ?? Sulphur 200 CH is advised as patient has pneumonia patches in lungs

    1. Homeopathic treatments for chronic conditions are very specific to each patient. There may be a homeopathic treatment that addresses that condition, but we recommend consulting a practitioner knowledgeable in homeopathy. If you do not have a practitioner, please contact the National Center for Homeopathy at (856) 437-4752 or visit http://www.homeopathycenter.org.

  9. Hi, just heard about this product to help my dog’s yeast infection.
    My question is, can this help with a stye on your eye?

    1. Hi Maria, there are other medicines better suited to relieving styes, including Staphysagria and Silicea, but usage will depend on other related symptoms and where they occur. You can browse homeopathic eye care treatments for styes when you download our free Medicine Finder app at https://boironusa.com/app

    1. Hi Catherine, most people with shellfish allergies react to a protein found in the muscle called tropomyosin. Because Hepar sulph is prepared from the shell which doesn’t contain that protein, it’s unlikely to trigger an allergic reaction. However, if you are concerned, we recommend you don’t use this product.

  10. Is this a preferred remedy for mastitis? I’m concerned it may not be since it’s essentially a closed wound? If it is correct, is 6C dilution best?

    1. Hi Jess, Hepar sulph is used for mastitis when an abscess forms. Please consult with a health practitioner about your condition as these kinds of infections can be serious when accompanied by fever or vomiting.

    1. Hi Nicole, 6C works the best for boils, but you can try 30C if that’s what you have on hand. If you do not get the results you are looking for with 30C, we recommend switching dilutions.

  11. Hi,
    I have been suffering for Hidradenitis suppurativa( glands flammability)on my both side armpit ! it`s too much pain and fever too. please advise your consultation. thanks

    1. Hi Enamul, Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic skin disease, and we offer no specific over-the-counter treatment for it currently. However, a homeopathic practitioner will be able to work with you and recommend or prescribe the best homeopathic medicine suited to your symptoms. To find a homeopath in your area, please contact the National Center for Homeopathy at info@homeopathycenter.org or visit http://www.homeopathycenter.org.

    1. Hi Judy, to dispense the pellets from the tube, turn the tube upside down and twist the cap. As you twist, the pellets will fall into the cap. Continue twisting until the required number of pellets is in the cap. Slide the cap off the tube, and pour the pellets under your tongue. Watch this video to see how to open.

  12. Could you please tell me what to take for boil or cyst. I’ve had one for over 1 year now that came back the root of it was still remaining after I been to hospital they cut it open and it was still there under skin between my breast on my chest. It recently inflamed again. They gave me antibiotics and it didn’t work.

    1. Yes, Hepar sulph is a shorter way of referring to Hepar sulphuris calcareum. This medicine is indicated for the relief of painful and hoarse dry cough. Please speak with a health care professional for use regarding UTIs, thank you.

    1. Hi Amy,

      Boiron’s Hepar sulphuris calcareum is indicated for painful and hoarse dry cough worsened by cold weather. We do not recommend it for ingrown toenails or Paroncychia infection. To the best of our knowledge, homeopathic medicines have no direct antibiotic properties. Some homeopathic medicines were used before the discovery of antibiotics to stimulate the patient’s reaction against infection, but the safest way to fight a bacterial infection is to utilize an antibiotic drug. Always check with your physician if you think you have an infection. Do not attempt to treat yourself with antibiotics.

      Thanks!

        1. Hi Bhupendra,

          Boiron’s indication for Hepar sulph is painful and hoarse dry cough worsened by cold weather. For piles, or hemorrhoids, we recommend using our HemCalm line, which has meltaway tablets, ointment, and suppositories for internal and external relief.

          However, as a manufacturer, we offer over-the-medicines with clear indications for acute conditions that can be safely relieved with self-medication. Health care professionals may instruct their patients to use medicine for other conditions not listed on the label. So, for a condition such as fistulas, there may be a homeopathic treatment that addresses your condition, but we recommend consulting a practitioner knowledgeable in homeopathy. If you do not have a practitioner, please contact the National Center for Homeopathy at info@homeopathycenter.org or visit http://www.homeopathycenter.org.

          Thanks!

  13. My husband has a hoarse dry cough & im unsure of the correct dosage. I started with 2 pellets, 30 c, per hr for 2 hrs then maintenance every 5 because I wasn’t sure. He doesn’t seem to be getting better. Could you advise dosage?

    1. Hi Jaclyn,

      You can take 5 pellets every 15 minutes for the first hour. Then switch to 5 pellets 3 times a day. Decrease frequency as symptoms ease.

      If Hepar sulph doesn’t seem to be working, we recommend trying a different homeopathic medicine. You could try Boiron Spongia tosta 6C, which is indicated for croupy, barking cough, especially after a chill or cold. Another option is Boiron Rumex crispus 6C, which is indicated for dry cough triggered by breathing cold air, with a feeling of scratchy throat, and a tickling above the sternum. Sambucus nigra 6C, which is indicated for cold symptoms such as painful cough, nasal congestion, hoarseness, and loss of voice, could also be helpful. Or you could try Chestal Honey Cough Syrup which is indicated for dry cough due to minor throat and bronchial irritation as may occur with a cold.

      You can also try using the Boiron Medicine Finder to discover the correct medicine for your husband’s symptoms.

      Thanks!

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