Homeopathy For Coughs And Colds

At this time of year, everyone needs a natural way to fight off the coughs and colds. We tell you the best approach.

Our most common homeopathic medicines used for coughs, colds and 'flu.

The homeopathic medicine to try is the one that most closely matches your symptoms. Since homeopathic medicines are tested as individual medicines it is best to only try one at a time. I usually go for the 30c potency and take one tablet every 3 hours until there is improvement. If there's no change after about 3 tablets I'll try a different homeopathic medicine. Ideally, if you want to take a homeopathic medicine, follow the directions on the bottle.

REMEDIES

Aconite

The rapid onset of a cold that's been brought on by exposure to cold wind, producing a burning throat and intense thirst may respond well to Aconite. There may also be a fever.

Belladonna

Is indicated where there is a sudden onset of symptoms including a high fever, throbbing pulse and a flushed appearance. It's easy to remember what Belladonna is used for by remembering the '3 R's': Red, Rapid and Rage.

Bryonia

The most striking symptoms are dryness and the aversion to motion. The onset is also slower. The dryness manifests most prominently in the cough and the lips. As a result the person will usually be thirsty for large quantities of water. They hate movement and will even hold their head or chest when they cough. Another aspect of this aversion to movement is that they will prefer to be left alone and not fussed over.

Drosera

The person who could benefit from Drosera has a violent, spasmodic cough; deep and barking. They have the sensation of a feather or a crumb in the larynx that initiates the spasms. Often, the cough is worse after midnight.

Ipecac

Is worth trying for a suffocative, spasmodic cough with rattling of mucus in the chest that leads to vomiting, especially if there is constant salivation with a lack of thirst.

Pulsatilla

The most striking characteristic of the cough that responds to Pulsatilla is that it's dry in the evening but loose in the morning with thick, bland, yellow/green discharge. There is little or no thirst and the person feels much better in fresh air and therefore feels much worse in a stuffy atmosphere. Getting wet may have brought it on. They tend to prefer people around them and to be fussed over.

Wednesday, 4 April 2001

© 2001 Bromley Health Management