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May 22, 2013

Homeopathic Remedies for Common Cold

Aconite
Common cold affects both adults and children and though it is prevalent all through the year, it is more likely to occur as the seasons change from cold to warm or warm to cold. Common cold is medically diagnosed as upper respiratory tract infection, and symptoms last for seven to ten days. If symptoms last longer than that, it is usually an indication of secondary illness and it is no longer just a cold.

According to homeopathic principles, the real cause of disease is a disturbance in the vital force of the organism (or a disposition to disease) which creates a susceptibility to the virus, resulting in symptoms of disease. This is the reason why not everyone gets a cold at the same time, and also why some people recover faster from illnesses than others. The factors that alter susceptibility could be nutritional, environmental, emotional, genetic etc. 



Some factors that increase susceptibility to cold:

  • Cold weather - reduces the body's ability to resist pathogens
  • Air planes, enclosed areas like childcare centers
  • Smoking
  • Pollution
  • Long-term use of orthodox medical drugs 
  • Corticosteroids
  • Stress
  • Pre-existing illness

Symptoms of common cold:

  • Watery eyes
  • Stuffy nose
  • Runny nose
  • Sneezing
  • Sore throat
  • Cough
  • Fever
  • Chills and sweats
  • Fatigue
  • Body ache


Homeopathic remedies for common cold:

 

1. Aconite: This remedy is useful when a cold starts suddenly and progresses rapidly, accompanied by fever and chills. Symptoms begin after being out in cold dry air or after a shock. Symptoms are very distressing and the patient is anxious about his health and recovery. 

2. Arsenicum album: Arsenicum is the remedy for colds that start in the middle of the night with chilliness and restlessness. The person who needs Arsenicum feels chilly and likes to cover up for warmth.

3. Belladonna: The person who needs Belladonna has a red face, the cheeks or the head feel hot and the hands and feet are cold. The cold symptoms may be accompanied by a throbbing headache.

4. Bryonia: This is the remedy for colds that are accompanied by a dull headache and constipation.

5. Nux vomica: Anyone who needs Nux vomica feels extremely chilly, with a stuffy nose. Symptoms are worse especially in the evenings and may be associated with nausea or other digestive complaints.

6. Merc sol: This remedy is useful for those lingering colds that don't seem to go away, along with constant runny noses. Symptoms may be associated with a sore throat.


These are just some of the remedies that may be indicated for symptoms of common cold. There are many other remedies like Ferrum phos, Hepar sulph, Kali mur, Kali bich, Gelsimium, Dulcamara, Phosphorus, Pulsatilla, Zincum met etc. which may be indicated based on your symptoms. Your homeopath will be able to suggest the best remedy for you after evaluating your condition.



Image courtesy: jenny downing/Flickr CC

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