Homeopathic Remedies for the Winter

The most wonderful time of the year is here!

However, this amazing season also brings with it sneezes, coughs, flu, sore throat, stuffy noses, drippy noses, dry skin, breathing issues, allergies and the like. Winter can indeed be a difficult time for children and adults alike who have a weak immune system. The sweet pills of Homoeopathy are the answer to treating these issues in a safe, gentle and holistic manner bringing about a permanent cure.

Homeopathy is a unique science as the perfect remedy prescribed, is based on the unique individuality of a person. The physical manifestation of the illness as well as the emotional state of the person is taken into consideration. This individualistic approach in treating an illness brings about a balance in the mental, emotional, spiritual and physical levels.

Let us dive into understanding a few Homeopathic remedies that are commonly indicated during the winter season.

1.Aconite Napellus

Suddenness is the characteristic of this remedy. There is a sudden onset of all the symptoms after exposure to dry cold or a draft of cold air. There is soreness of the throat with a high fever. Restlessness, anxiety, terror and fright underlie all the symptoms. All the complaints are worse at night.

2. Arsenicum Album

A person who has frequent colds, sore throats, and chest problems—with burning pain and feelings of weakness, restlessness, and anxiety—may benefit from this remedy. Problems can be worse near midnight. The person feels insecure and experiences anxiety. Symptoms in winter are usually brought on after having cold fruits, watery fruits.

3.Belladonna

There is a high temperature of sudden onset with dryness in the throat. There is burning heat, congestion of nose and throat, violent headache, profuse sweating, restlessness and a flushed (red looking) face. An individual needing the remedy Belladonna will have a lot of fears. Ailments are usually brought on by walking in wind and being exposed to drafts of air.

4.Bryonia alba

This remedy is commonly prescribed for coughs

during the winter season. Symptoms include cough which is dry with mucus that is very difficult to cough out. The patient experiences severe chest pain during coughing. Bryonia helps in inflammatory rheumatism that is aggravated in the winter. Movement aggravates symptoms. The complaints are usually brought on after exposure to cold winds and after having cold foods and drinks.

5.Gelsemium

Gelsemium is indicated for flu symptoms during the winter season. There is running nose, which is bland and sneezing accompanied by pain in eyes and head. The patient may also experience weakness, dizziness, and drowsiness with aching pain in the muscles. Severe headache with dizziness and weakness is a leading symptom which calls for this remedy.

6. Hepar Sulphuricum

Hepar sulph is indicated for loss of voice and cough in winter or when exposed to dry, cold wind. Cough is aggravated when any part of the body gets cold or is uncovered. There is a lot of sneezing with a thin irritating yellow to yellow-green color nasal discharge.

7. Petroleum

Petroleum is a well indicated remedy for skin complaints during the winter season where deep cracks appear in folds, nipples, finger tips etc. It acts well for eczema during the winter where there is poor healing of the skin.

8.Pulsatilla

This remedy relieves non-irritant bland, thick yellowish-green nasal discharge with a dry nose at night that becomes runny during the day, and where there is loss of smell and taste. The person needing this remedy is very sensitive and their complaints are always relieved in the open air.

9. Phosphorus

A person whose colds go easily to the chest often responds to this remedy. One nostril may be blocked while the other runs. Hoarseness, laryngitis, and nosebleeds are other likely symptoms. The person often is thirsty for cold drinks and feels better from massage. People who need this remedy often feel weak, "spaced out," and anxious or fearful when ill.

10. Rhus toxicodendron

If a cold begins with stiffness and body aches, especially during cool damp weather or weather changes, and leads to nasal congestion or sore throat, this remedy should come to mind. The person feels extremely restless and often paces or fidgets. Warmth and motion bring relief, both physically and mentally.

Remedy selection in Homoeopathy is purely individualistic. Hence, it is important to connect with a good Homeopath in order to get the best results! I once read a quote by Kellie Mox which says, “What happens in the body happens in the mind. What happens in the mind happens in the body. YOU ARE ONE WHOLE BEING!”

Here is to deeper, holistic healing during the holiday season! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

About the Author: Dr. Denise Rodrigues is a dedicated Homeopath, Paediatric Nutritionist and Guidance Counsellor. A Gold Medallist from Goa University, she currently serves as the Secretary for the Homoeopathic Medical Association of India (HMAI) - Goa Branch. She practices at her own set up - Evolve Homoeopathic Clinic at Raia, South Goa. Every Friday, she consults at Menezes Polyclinic, Panaji.

She can be contacted on: Email: drdenise.evolve@gmail.com Call 0832-2776965 for appointments.