4 WAYS TO CATCH A COLD

4 WAYS TO CATCH A COLD: Why there’s a choice of homeopathic remedies for colds

Homeopathy and conventional Western medicine are very different when it comes to explaining why you get sick, and how best to manage symptoms. In Western medicine a cold’s a cold; thinking homeopathically a cold can take many forms: There’s the

“is it a cold or is it hay fever?”

type of cold: lots of sneezing, watery eyes, runny nose, feeling a bit weak and struggling to keep your eyes open; feeling much better when sitting quietly and doing something easy.  The remedy Gelsemium matches this symptom picture and might therefore provide symptomatic relief. Gelsemium is a major shock remedy and other aspects which fit its picture are that the symptoms often come on after getting bad news, or when there’s anticipation of a big event. Exams can be a major trigger for Gelsemium symptoms, either preparing to take them or getting disappointing results, so you can see how this type of cold can be confused with hay fever as summer’s the main season for both! There’s the,

“I’ve been so careful not to mix with anyone who’s even slightly unwell and someone’s still managed to infect me”

type of cold: Thin mucus irritates your skin, causing red tramlines from nostril to lip, and often burning tears from eyes down cheeks.  The snotty nose rapidly shifts to a chesty cough as the mucus settles on your chest.  And you’re SO weak and exhausted you can’t help wondering if it’s something more serious than a common cold as you shiver, wrapped up in your blanket, desperate not to be left alone to suffer.  The remedy Arsenicum matches this symptom picture, and Arsenicum is likely to relieve these symptoms.  Such colds are also likely to be worse in the cold and damp, making it a good fit for our British winter weather too. There’s the

“I haven’t got time to be ill.  Why couldn’t that inconsiderate person sneezing on the train keep their germs to themselves!”

type of cold: feeling very irritable, rasping sore throat, unable to get warm, with a hammering head, and a nose which is runny when you’re up and inside, stopping abruptly when you lie down or go outside.  These colds often happen when there’s a looming deadline and you’re working flat out – or paradoxically it starts just after you’ve met the deadline, when you stop for a rest!  The remedy Nux vomica matches this symptom picture, and Nux vomica is likely to relieve these symptoms. It’s a great remedy for conditions which happen when you’re burning the candle at both ends, pushing yourself hard. There’s the

“I’m poorly, look after me and give me sympathy”

type of cold: it’s the ‘man flu’ and snotty nosed youngster kind, but anyone can get it.  The cold symptoms stay in the head and involve the sinuses above and below the eyes; there’s often lots of slimy yellow mucus and a really full head which feels much worse in the morning. hey cling to mum. Symptoms are often much better during the day then get worse again in the evening. The patient feels hot and rubbish in a warm house and is much happier outdoors, or at least with the window open, and is inclined to mope and cling. The remedy Pulsatilla matches this symptom picture, and Pulsatilla is likely to relieve these symptoms. It’s one of the main remedies for fear of abandonment, so it can support the child-like part of all of us and is particularly relevant for young children just starting school/nursery. Do you recognise these 4 different cold ‘personalities’?  That’s the key to thinking like a homeopath and prescribing for your own and your family’s everyday health issues.  Taking the homeopathic remedy which is the closest match to your symptoms will help support your body as it shrugs off the cold and balances itself out again – our bodies don’t want to be sick, they want to be well and are amazingly self-healing. Your body would love you to have a go 😊 Are you ready to get started?  I’m so excited for you!  There’s never been a better time. The 4 remedies I’ve described above can all be found in any self-help homeopathic remedy kit. The Helios Basic 18 remedy kit is a fantastic place to start and I’ve made this video as a quick introduction to what’s inside. (Other homeopathic pharmacies produce their own basic kits too). Would you like to know more about homeopathy before you make this step? I’d love to share my knowledge with you: my monthly newsletter contains topical articles and tips to support you on your wellness journey. If you’re interested you can sign up here.

Introducing the author, Dorothy Watt

I’m a transformational homeopath and holistic wellness advocate with a busy online homeopathic practice based in Oxford, UK. I work with individuals who are stuck with chronic symptoms, supporting them to release their symptoms, get out of their rut and move forwards with life! I’m passionate about increasing awareness of homeopathy and encouraging people to incorporate self-help homeopathy into their routines. Please contact me if you’re interested in exploring how I can help you. 07434 690496 / https://dorothywatt.com/contact/