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What is Kreosotum?

Dee Saale
Dee Saale
Dee Saale
Dee Saale

Kreosotum, or creosote, is made from distilled beechwood tar. It has been used for centuries as a wood preservative and was first used for medical purposes in the 1800s. It is currently used to treat a wide range of conditions, such as bed-wetting, bleeding between menstrual cycles, ailments affecting the mucus membranes, and nausea due to pregnancy.

To make a solution of kreosotum, creosote is typically dissolved in alcohol and distilled water. Next, it is strained through a filter until the liquid is extracted, making a mother tincture. One drop of the mother tincture can be diluted further in a mixture of alcohol and distilled water. This new, diluted mixture is then vigorously shaken. It can be diluted further, if necessary, or added to tablets, granules, or powder, and stored.

Kreosotum has been used to treat nausea during pregnancy.
Kreosotum has been used to treat nausea during pregnancy.

People who practice homeopathic medicine claim that kreosotum works best on certain types of patients. For example, they claim that people who are consistently in a temperamental state are ideal for the drug. It is also believed to work well on people who are forgetful, restless at night, and irritable. Other characteristics that are common among patients who use kreosotum include a penchant to live in the past and experience repeated dreams that are sexual in nature.

Kreosotum is sometimes recommended for women who have heavy menstrual cycles.
Kreosotum is sometimes recommended for women who have heavy menstrual cycles.

It is often used to treat candidiasis as well. Candidiasis is a fungal infection that usually affects the vagina. Kreosotum is usually recommended for people who have an offensive, foul-smelling discharge coming from the vaginal area. The odor is usually accompanied with soreness and burning, especially when urinating. It can also be used to treat discharge and bleeding from the cervix and uterus.

Kreosotum is often used to treat candidiasis, a fungal infection that affects the vagina.
Kreosotum is often used to treat candidiasis, a fungal infection that affects the vagina.

Some homeopathic medicine practitioners recommend kreosotum if a woman has bleeding on the days between her menstrual cycles. It is sometimes recommended for women who have heavy menstrual cycles or an odiferous flow that is accompanied by a burning sensation. There are also claims that it can be used to treat nausea due to pregnancy.

Bed-wetting, or nocturnal enuresis, is a common problem, especially in young children. By the time many children are three years old, they have the ability to control their bladders. Many children still have problems controlling their bladder at night, however, even when they are six or seven years old. Kreosotum is often recommended to help a child who wets the bed when in a deep sleep. Usually a practitioner will recommend the child ingests the mixture before bed for two weeks in the hopes of having a dry bed in the morning.

People may experience burning when urinating if they are suffering with candidiasis.
People may experience burning when urinating if they are suffering with candidiasis.

Although side effects are rare, most people should consult a professional before using kreosotum. A professional opinion is especially important for children, women who are pregnant, and women who are breastfeeding. If any concerns arise, it is best to stop using the drug.

Dee Saale
Dee Saale

Dee is a freelance writer based in Colorado. She has a B.A. in English Literature, as well as a law degree. Dee is especially interested in topics relating to medicine, legal issues, and home improvement, which are her specialty when contributing to TheHealthBoard.

Learn more...
Dee Saale
Dee Saale

Dee is a freelance writer based in Colorado. She has a B.A. in English Literature, as well as a law degree. Dee is especially interested in topics relating to medicine, legal issues, and home improvement, which are her specialty when contributing to TheHealthBoard.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

Glasis
Creosote can be found in chimneys of homes that burn wood or coal. When wood or coal burns there is a certain amount of the fuel that doesn't burn away completely. This can cause soot and black smoke in the chimney.

The flavor in various smoked meats comes from burning wood and exposing the meat to smoke. Meat can be flavored differently by using various types of woods and cooking methods. Recipes for curing meats can be very prized and may be held in utmost secrecy.

Creosote can also contain amounts of toxic chemicals depending on what a person burns, so caution is necessary near some fires. Since creosote also has bits of unburned material, too much build up can lead to chimney fires.

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    • Kreosotum has been used to treat nausea during pregnancy.
      By: CandyBox Images
      Kreosotum has been used to treat nausea during pregnancy.
    • Kreosotum is sometimes recommended for women who have heavy menstrual cycles.
      By: blueringmedia
      Kreosotum is sometimes recommended for women who have heavy menstrual cycles.
    • Kreosotum is often used to treat candidiasis, a fungal infection that affects the vagina.
      By: reineg
      Kreosotum is often used to treat candidiasis, a fungal infection that affects the vagina.
    • People may experience burning when urinating if they are suffering with candidiasis.
      By: mitev
      People may experience burning when urinating if they are suffering with candidiasis.
    • Kreosotum may be used to treat bed-wetting.
      By: robyelo357
      Kreosotum may be used to treat bed-wetting.
    • Kreosotum may be helpful in treating restlessness at night.
      By: Monkey Business
      Kreosotum may be helpful in treating restlessness at night.
    • Pregnant women should check with a doctor prior to taking kreosotum.
      By: adam121
      Pregnant women should check with a doctor prior to taking kreosotum.
    • Breastfeeding women should consult with a doctor before taking kreosotum.
      By: Claudio Divizia
      Breastfeeding women should consult with a doctor before taking kreosotum.