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Top 9 Homeopathic Remedies for Colds
Learn how homeopathy can help alleviate the symptoms of colds with this comprehensive guide featuring nine commonly used remedies. From Aconite to Pulsatilla, discover each remedy’s keynotes and how to identify which one is best suited for your specific cold symptoms.
Marcus Fernandez RSHom FSHom
30 year Homeopathic practitioner & Founder of CHE
We all know the common cold is no fun, but there’s no need to suffer! Most people recover from a cold within a week or 10 days and there are plenty of natural remedies that can help ease your symptoms and make you feel better fast, you don’t need to reach for the medicine cabinet right away.
Firstly make sure you drink plenty of fluids. This is becoming a staple statement for our blogs, but it really is so important to help the body do what it needs to do to get better. This is especially important when you have a cold. Your body needs extra fluid to help clear congestion and replace fluid lost from fever, sweating and runny noses. Aim for eight to ten cups of fluid per day. Water, herbal tea, soup and fruit juice are all good options. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can dehydrate you.
Next REST! It is so easy to say “oh it’s just a cold, I’ll get on with it”, but here’s the thing, your body needs you to help it, not work against it. Your body needs rest to heal, so take it easy when you have a cold. Get plenty of sleep, and take naps during the day if you can. The sooner you rest and let your body deal with that cold, the sooner you will be back on your feet!
Next remember you are an individual so do whatever it is that makes YOU feel better! Some people feel better when they are out in cool fresh air or have the window open. Some feel better in a warm room snuggled up with a hot water bottle. Listen to your body and give it what it needs, then it’s time to dig out your homeopathic remedy kit for that extra supportive boost.
What Are Some Common Cold Symptoms?
We’ve all experienced them at some point, but not everyone experiences the same symptoms or to the same degree.
Symptoms can include a blocked or runny nose, sore throat, headache, muscle aches, coughs, sneezing, a raised temperature, and even pressure in the ears and face. Some people may also experience a loss of taste and smell. It’s important to note that different individuals require different remedies based on their unique characteristic symptoms.
In homeopathy, there is no one remedy that works for all colds, coughs, or sore throats. Instead, we need to look at each individual’s specific symptoms and differentiate between remedies accordingly.
If you want to learn more about how to prescribe remedies, be sure to check out my video on the Top 10 Tips for Prescribing. It covers important information, such as how to prescribe potency and how to do CLAMS. Remember, these symptoms can occur in both adults and children, and sometimes they may last longer in children. So, let’s take a closer look at some of the most effective homeopathic remedies.
Top 9 Homeopathic Remedies For Colds
Aconite (An Absolute Must In Any Homeopathic First Aid Kit!)
Let’s take a closer look at one of the most popular homeopathic remedies – Aconite.
Aconite is typically used to address the very first signs of an illness, which often involves a sudden chill and onset of symptoms. When taken for a cold, Aconite can help alleviate symptoms like shivering, fever, and a runny or blocked nose, particularly if they’re brought on by exposure to dry, cold winds. These symptoms may also be triggered by an emotional shock or fright, which can lead to both physical and mental restlessness.
When taking Aconite, it’s important to pay attention to any accompanying mental or emotional symptoms, such as anxiety or a sense of foreboding. This remedy is often recommended for individuals who experience a pain at the root of the nose, with either dryness or a slight discharge. Sneezing may also occur, with alternating bouts of watery discharge and dryness. Symptoms tend to worsen in the evening, around midnight, or upon rising from a lying position. Open air and large quantities of cold water can provide relief.
While Aconite can be an effective remedy, it’s important to note that it’s best suited for sudden onset symptoms, such as those that may occur within half an hour of exposure to cold air. It’s also characterised by four keynotes – Fear, Fright, Fast, and Fevers – which can help differentiate it from other remedies.
Aconite Keynotes:
- Use at very first signs of a cold with sudden chill, shivering, fever – sudden onset
- Ailments from dry, cold winds or getting very cold, shock or fright
- Pain at root of nose, nose dry, feels blocked up or slight discharge
- Much sneezing with watery discharge- “hot water runs from nose”
- Great anxiety and Fear -sense of foreboding (think might die)
- Physical & mental restlessness
- Worse evening, midnight, rising from lying position
- Better open air
- Very thirsty for large quantity of cold water
- 4 keynotes of Aconite: Fear, Fright, Fast, Fevers
Allium Cepa
Now let’s take a closer look at another popular homeopathic remedy – Allium Cepa, also known as the red onion. This remedy follows the principle of “like cures like,” meaning that it is used to treat symptoms that are similar to those that would be caused by exposure to the substance itself. In the case of Allium Cepa, it is similar to the symptoms one might experience when chopping an onion – watery eyes and a runny nose.
This remedy is often recommended for individuals who experience cold symptoms brought on by exposure to cold or damp environments, particularly during transitional periods between seasons. This can include spring and autumn, as well as periods of wet weather. Symptoms may also be triggered by getting the feet wet.
Allium Cepa tends to affect the left side of the nose, with a profuse, watery, and bland nasal discharge that can feel like a tap. Sneezing is also common and can be relentless, with nasal discharge sometimes dripping from the end of the nose. The upper lip may burn, and the eyes may appear red and sensitive to light.
Individuals taking Allium Cepa may also experience a dullness in the head and may feel worse upon entering a warm room. Symptoms tend to worsen in the evening but improve with cool, open air. By paying attention to these sensations and modalities, it is possible to differentiate between Allium Cepa and other remedies.
Overall, Allium Cepa is a popular and effective remedy for treating cold symptoms, and its characteristic symptoms make it a go-to for many individuals.
Allium Cepa Keynotes
- Colds in cold , damp weather , springtime & from wet feet
- Predominantly affects the nose on the left side
- Profuse watery, bland nasal discharge “like a tap” with profuse sneezing
- Nasal discharge can drip on end of nose, acrid- burn the nose and upper lip
- Has a tissue with them at all time – nose can feel raw
- Eyes can be red and sensitive to light with watery profuse tears, burning
- Head feels dull and bunged up
- Worse from entering a warm room (sneezing) evening
- Better cool open air
Arsenicum Album
The next remedy on our list is Arsenicum Album, which is particularly effective for a streaming cold with nose and eye symptoms, typically on the right side. The person may experience sneezing with a thin, watery, acrid discharge that burns the skin around the nose, and may also develop sores inside the nose. The nose can feel itchy, burning, and congested.
One of the key characteristics of Arsenicum Album is the feeling of tiredness, weakness, and exhaustion. People who require this remedy are also incredibly fearful and difficult to reassure, seeking constant company but not finding relief even when around people. They may be restless and anxious, and have difficulty getting warm. They typically sip water and may have a burning sensation with coughs.
Key aggravating factors include cold air, and the symptoms may be worse around midnight. Arsenicum Album is effective for colds that move to the chest, and the presence of these keynotes is more important than every single symptom.
Arsenicum Album Keynotes:
- Streaming cold from nose and eyes, right sided
- Sneezing with thin, watery discharge, which is acrid and burns
- Nose constantly running with acrid watery discharge makes the skin around the nose sore and chapped- Sores in the nose
- Nose can feel bunged up can feel itchy and burning
- Sneezing in the morning on waking
- Tired, weak and exhausted
- Very fearful and difficult to reassure, don’t want to be left alone and desperate for company
- Restlessness tosses around or paces about, from anxiety or burning pains
- Very chilly, difficult to get warm, thirsty for sips of water
- Worse cold open air around midnight 11-2am
- Better indoors, sitting up, better heat
- Colds that go to the chest
Euphrasia
The next remedy to discuss is Euphrasia, also known as eye bright. This remedy is particularly effective for colds that affect the eyes. While Allium Cepa is more for the nose, Euphrasia focuses more on the eyes.
Symptoms include profuse tearing and a sensation of having sand in the eyes. The tears are acrid, irritating, and feel hot, causing the eyes to constantly water. Meanwhile, the nasal discharge is bland and not irritating. They may feel pressure in the forehead and experience headaches. The nose will have a watery discharge during the day, but become blocked at night.
The condition is better in open air and when blinking or wiping the eyes. It is worse in closed spaces, in the morning, in windy or sunny conditions. Euphrasia is an excellent remedy to consider for colds that mainly affect the eyes, even if a bland nasal discharge is present.
Euphrasia Keynotes:
- Streaming from the eyes and nose – colds that affect the eyes
- Profuse watery tears eyes constantly water, sensation as if sand in the eyes, irritated (under eyelid)
- Tears sting, acrid, irritating and hot but the nasal discharge is bland (Allium Cepa opposite)
- Constant rubbing of eyes or blinking – can be bloodshot
- Pressive pain across the forehead, headache as if it would burst
- Nose profuse running or dripping during the day but blocked up at night
- Better better in open air, wiping the eyes, blinking, lying down
- Worse indoors, morning , wind, sunlight, evening
Ferrum Phos
Next on the list is Ferrum Phos, which can be used as both a tissue salt and a homeopathic remedy. It is typically given in the beginning stages of a cold, similar to Aconite but not as sudden or violent.
Ferrum Phos is good for non-specific colds, where there are no clear symptoms, and can be helpful for any form of inflammation. People may appear red and flushed, but their body is not hot to the touch like in Belladonna fever. They may feel tired, lethargic, and have a watery discharge that can go to the chest. Ferrum Phos can also help with nosebleeds from blowing the nose too much. Thirst for cold water is a common symptom, and they may complain of cold hands and feet.
This remedy is great to use at the beginning of a cold or inflammation, especially for children.
Ferrum Phos Keynotes:
- Beginning stages of cold, nondescript colds, inflammation
- Looks red, flushed can appear healthy, slow onset over a few days
- Weary and lethargic
- Tendency to colds, watery nasal discharge, colds that will often go to the chest
- Can have nose bleeds from the cold
- Thirst for cold water, cold hands & feet
Gelsemium
Gelsemium is a remedy that comes on slowly and is great for spring or summer colds. People who need it may feel chills up and down their spine and have a flu-like sense of soreness in their muscles and body. They may have sneezing, a stuffed up sensation in the nose, and irritating watery nasal discharge that feels like hot water coming out. They are lethargic, heavy, and have droopy eyelids. They want to be left alone and feel exhausted easily, especially by sneezing.
A dull headache with a tight sensation around the forehead is a keynote symptom for Gelsemium. They are worse in the slightest draft and sensitive, worse in the morning, and better for sweating and urination. They feel better in the open air as long as it’s not cold and generally feel better in the afternoon. Anticipation is a big cause for a Gelsemium state, as well as bad news. They are very thirsty but have no real desire to drink.
Gelsemium is a great remedy, but it’s important to differentiate between remedies with similar symptoms. It’s worse for cold, damp weather, change of weather, and anticipation. It’s a great remedy for people who want to be left alone, feel heavy, lethargic, and exhausted, and have a dull headache with a tight sensation around the forehead.
Gelsemium Keynotes:
- Gradual onset; sensation of heaviness throughout the body
- Spring & Summer colds
- Drooping eyelids; great fatigue, aching ,weakness and soreness
- Chills up and down spine
- Sneezing and stuffed up sensation in the nose despite irritating watery nasal discharge which feels like hot water flowing from the nose
- Exhaustion from constant sneezing
- Dull headache as if a band or tight sensation around the forehead
- Worse slightest draft, early morning (sneezing)
- Better for sweating, urination, and open air if not chilled, in afternoon
- Worse from cold, damp weather, anticipation (even of pleasurable events), change of weather (cold nights, warm days), bad news
- Thirstless
Natrum Mur
Natrum Mur is the next remedy. It’s common for colds to start with violent sneezing, particularly in the morning. Sunlight can aggravate the symptoms, and the nose starts with a watery or egg white discharge. Loss of taste and smell may also occur. A few days later, the nose may become stuffed and breathing can become difficult, potentially leading to sinusitis with post nasal drip.
This is why it’s important to take Natrum Mur early on. It’s a remedy for ailments from grief, and people who need it may feel let down and irritable. They don’t want sympathy and prefer to deal with it on their own. Natrum Mur is worse from 9 to 11 AM, in open air, wind, sunlight, and by the seashore, where it can bring on colds. Thirst for salty things is a big keynote for this remedy.
Natrum Mur Keynotes:
- Colds begin with violent sneezing, early in the morning
- Streaming nose and watery eyes, sneezing especially in sunlight
- Nose starts with fluent watery or egg-white discharge – Loss of smell and taste
- Few days later gets stuffed up making breathing difficult and may develop sinusitis with post nasal drip
- Little sores/ulcers inside nose, fever blisters on wings of nose
- Blinding headaches with heaviness or bursting pain
- Irritable people don’t want to be fussed over
- Ailments from grief, disappointment, feeling let down
- Worse 9-11am, open air, wind, sunlight, seashore, emotions
- Thirsty, desires salty things
Nux Vomica
Nux Vomica is a remedy that can cause a fluent discharge from the nose in the morning, often accompanied by violent sneezing. These colds tend to be stuffy and related to exposure to dry, cold environments such as air conditioning or cold outdoor temperatures.
Nux Vomica is a chilly remedy and people who need it may experience a blocked nose on one or both sides, and they can be hypersensitive and easily irritated by external stimuli such as noise and lights. They are worse in the morning, on waking, and in draughty or cold environments. Nux Vomica is a good remedy for newborns with snuffles, as well.
Nux Vomica Keynotes:
- Fluent discharge of nose in the morning on rising from bed with violent sneezing
- Stuffy colds, snuffles worse from exposure to cold, dry air
- Nose runs when indoors and daytime, stuffed up when outdoors and at night
- Blocked nose on one side
- Hypersensitive and irritated by everything
- Very chilly and shivery
- Worse in the morning on waking and for cold- open air, drafts, airconditioning, noise, lights
- Better for discharges, better rest, better warmth, eating
- Good for snuffles of newborns
Pulsatilla
Pulsatilla, also known as the Windflower, can be used in the final stages of a cold when there is a bland yellow discharge, sometimes green. Symptoms are often worse in the morning, with one-sided symptoms, usually on the right side. There may be a pressing pain at the root of the nose, loss of taste and smell, and appetite. Thirst is decreased, and frequent sneezing may occur even during sleep. They may have a changeable mood, being weepy and clingy for affection one minute, and wanting to be left alone the next.
Pulsatilla is worse in the evening, especially around twilight, and doesn’t like being overheated. They prefer open fresh air, company, and cold drinks, despite being chilly and thirstless. They are worse in stuffy rooms and indoors without airflow, and also worse when their feet get wet. They desire consolation and sympathy and want someone to look after them.
Pulsatilla Keynotes:
- Later stages of cold, with bland, yellow discharge on waking in morning
- One-sided symptoms, right side nostril blocked, pressing pain at root of nose
- Loss of taste, smell and appetite
- Frequent sneezing, sneezes in sleep
- Changeable symptoms or mood – weepy, clingy for affection, attention, and sympathy
- Thirstless & chilly
- Worse in the evenings and for being overheated, indoors, left alone, getting feet wet
- Better for open, fresh air and from company, cold drinks, consolation
Homeopathy Remedies for Colds - Final Thoughts
As a home prescriber, you can use a 6C or 30C potency, which can be found at health food stores or in homeopathic remedy kits. Take one dose every hour for three or four doses, or until your symptoms improve. Remember that homeopathy works by stimulating your own vital force, so give the remedy some time to work and observe how you react. If there’s no improvement after two doses, try another remedy.
These nine remedies are the ones I think will be most useful, as they are commonly used for colds in homeopathy. Keep in mind that there are more remedies for colds in the Materia Medica, but these top nine are a good place to start. If you’re unsure which remedy to take, try to find the three major keynotes that fit your symptoms, and choose the remedy that matches them.
If you’re still unsure or your cold persists, consult a qualified homeopathic practitioner or pharmacist for further guidance. Remember, homeopathy is a personalised medicine, so the remedy that works for you may not work for someone else. Trust your body’s response and follow its cues.
Disclaimer
The information contained herein should not be used as a substitute for the advice of an appropriately qualified and licensed healthcare physician or other healthcare providers. The information provided here is for informational purposes only. The views, positions and opinions expressed in this presentation are those of the presenter and do not necessarily reflect the views of CHE or affiliated organisations.
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