External Applications for Abdominal Pain

Doris Rapp, Caroline Weiss

Last update: 12.02.2021

Abdominal compress

  • For cramp-like stomach pain:
    abdominal compress with Melissa oil WALA
    Melissa (lemon balm) has a calming and relaxing effect.
    For instruction, see https://www.pflege-vademecum.de/melissenoel_bauchwickel.php?locale=en. 

  • For spasmodic abdominal pain with strong meteorism (gas and bloating):
    abdominal compress with carraway oil WALA
    Caraway has a relieving, antispasmodic and stimulating effect on the formation of gastric juice.

  • In case of intolerance to essential oils, a good alternative is an:
    abdominal compress with olive oil
    Olive oil has a warming and relaxing effect.

  • If there is a tendency to blockages and cramps:
    Oxalis e planta tota W 10%, Oleum WALA
    For instruction, see https://www.pflege-vademecum.de/oxalis_essenz_bauchwickel.php?locale=en. 

  • To harmonize and warm the gastrointestinal tract:
    hot moist compresses with yarrow tea

  • For abdominal cramps and flatulence
    Cuprum/Nicotiana WALA ointment compress
    Copper has a warming and antispasmodic effect, Nicotiana also has an antispasmodic effect.

Rhythmical embrocation of the abdomen

In addition to abdominal compresses, we can also treat the abdomen with rhythmical embrocation, using the substances mentioned above.

  • In case of intolerance to essential oils, a good alternative is:
    Red Copper Ointment WALA (also available as Kupfersalbe rot WALA) with olive oil

Research news

Phase IV trial: Kalium phosphoricum comp. versus placebo in irritability and nervousness 
In a new clinical study, Kalium phosphoricum comp. (KPC) versus placebo was tested in 77 patients per group. In a post-hoc analysis of intra-individual differences after 6 weeks treatment, a significant advantage of KPC vs. placebo was shown for characteristic symptoms of nervous exhaustion and nervousness (p = 0.020, p = 0.045 respectively). In both groups six adverse events (AE) were assessed as causally related to treatment (severity mild or moderate). No AE resulted in discontinuation in treatment. KPC could therefore be a beneficial treatment option for symptomatic relief of neurasthenia. The study has been published open access in Current Medical Research and Opinion: 
https://doi.org/10.1080/03007995.2023.2291169.


Further information on Anthroposophic Medicine