Common colds affect all of us. In children it accounts for more time lost from school than any other cause. Many treatments are offered in the pharmacy for colds, but none are curative. They only give temporary relief of the symptoms. Homeopaths believe that colds should be allowed to run their course. Discharges are the body’s way of expelling toxins and should not be suppressed. Only if it is severe is treatment really necessary to aid recovery. The symptoms vary in intensity, but generally start with a runny nose, malaise, sneezing and often a sore throat and coughing. As colds progress the “stuffed up feeling” passes and the runny nose and discharge may become thickened, possibly green or yellow. In some people it may develop into a chest complaint or be associated with ear problems. Some people seem to get colds often or have constant colds with runny noses. They should be treated constitutionally by a qualified homeopath. The following four remedies can be used for colds. For the best success, match the symptoms as well as you can with the remedy. This and other information on remedies for acute colds, coughs, chest complaints, sore throats and tonsillitis is available in the homeopathy section of our store for your reference.

Aconite

At the beginning. Sudden intense onset. From exposure to dry, cold wind. Extreme restlessness, anxiety and fear. High fever. Chest may be affected and croup is common. Rapid hard pulse. Choking cough.

At the beginning. Sudden, intense onset. Flushed, hot, bright red face. High fever. Sensitive to light. Hot head with cold feet and hands. Often affects throat or glands. Delirium.

Ferrum Phosphoricum

At the beginning of colds with fever when there are no other symptoms. Flushed cheeks. Use 6DH tissue salts, one dose every 30 minutes for 3 doses. If it doesn’t work within three doses, it is not the right remedy.

Often caused by or is worse from warm, wet weather. Slow onset. Low fever. Heaviness, weakness, tiredness, dizziness. Keeps still. Wants no one around. Drooping eyelids, can hardly keep them open. Thirstless. Aching of back and limbs. Shivers with the chills. Slow, weak pulse.

The above four remedies usually work best at the beginning of colds or inflammations. Aconite and Belladonna are very intense in their onset and the symptom picture they present. Gelsemium is very slow and weak, while Ferrum Phos. is somewhere in the middle. Give one dose of 12C or 30C according to the intensity every 15 to 30 minutes for a few doses. Gelsemium doesn’t usually need repetition as rapidly as Belladonna and Aconite.

The following three remedies can be used during labour according to need. A full remedy kit for childbirth is at least 18, but this trio covers a great deal. If using pillules, three is one dose. As with every homeopathic remedy, they are non-toxic and cannot harm mother or child, nor do they interact with medications or supplements.

We have seen hundreds of Moms successfully get their labour started with the first in this trio, Caulophyllum, when they have gone past dates and would prefer to avoid induction. In homeopathic form, this plant remedy, also known as Blue Cohosh, is beneficial for the tone of the uterus. It can be continued once labour has started if the labour pains are erratic or weak to keep things going and get that baby born! It also helps to stave off exhaustion. Use if the cervix fails to dilate. To start post-dates labour, take it at the 30CH or 200CH once every 30 minutes. If it is needed to keep labour progressing, continue or resume at 15 minutes between doses. Other indications for it are pains down the thighs or around the groin, if you are feverish, or for trembling.

This can be used if Caulophyllum fails to produce strong contractions. This is also for a paralyzed feeling from exhaustion or “stage fright.” Use for chilliness, weakness or a stupefied feeling and possibly shivers up and down the spine. 200CH every 10 to 30 minutes as needed.

Chamomilla is great for the feeling that the pains are unbearable and when you’d like to slug someone! This relieves when nothing else is helping. 200CH every 10 to 30 minutes as needed.

Arnica is the first remedy once the baby is born. It is for trauma and bruising and can be given to baby as well if needed. It helps to prevent infection and assists the body in the healing process. It is excellent pain relief. Use Arnica 200CH every hour for the first two days. If the birth has been by caesarean section, continue for another 5 days 4 times a day.

This is excellent if there are incisions to heal. Alternate with Arnica on the half hour for 4 or 5 doses then as needed if the incision site is not healing well. Use 200CH for use right after labour, 30CH if needed for a longer period.

This can be added to the washing bottle, 20 – 40 drops, to speed healing of the perineum. It can be diluted and dabbed as well. It is wonderful to heal tears or cuts in tissue. It is in alcohol, so be sure to dilute it in water.

This trio of remedies has been in use for nearly 200 years, originated by one of the original doctors of homeopathy. It is best known by homeopaths as the “Croup Trio” and is extremely effective for children prone to croup. However, it can also be used in any cold or respiratory challenge, whether it tends to go to croup, bronchitis, or pneumonia. It is also very effective if a cold tends to become an ear or sinus infection. The key is to have these remedies on hand and start them at the first sign of a sore throat, fever, or sniffles.

#1 – Aconitum napellus 30CH or 200CH– this is the one to start with. Even one dose if given immediately at the onset will prevent the need to take anything else.

#2 – Spongia tosta 30CH or 200CH – the second one in the trio. Give it 30 minutes after the Aconite if the symptoms are still present and very intense. If symptoms are mild, move to this remedy 1 to 2 hours following the Aconite.

#3 – Hepar sulphuris calcareum 30CH or 200CH– the third one in the trio to be given after Spongia tosta 30 minutes to two hours depending upon intensity of symptoms as above.

• Three pillules is one dose. Allow them to dissolve under the tongue when the mouth is clear of food or drink.

• Rotate through the three remedies one at a time. You may find that you only need a single dose of Aconite, or that you don’t get to the Hepar sulph. Stop giving remedies when the symptoms are gone.

• As symptoms abate, increase the time between doses and then stop. If symptoms return, resume dosing for a couple more rounds.

• Avoid strong-smelling medicaments such as Vicks, camphor, eucalyptus, tea tree and peppermint during homeopathic treatment.

• Either potency can be used for children and adults.