Homeopathic Remedies for Everyday Ailments

If you suffer from everyday ailments like headaches, indigestion, coughs, colds, or cuts and scratches, try homeopathic remedies. Homeopathy is an alternative way of treating illness using minute quantities of medicine made from animal, plant, and mineral substances. By providing remedies that in healthy people would cause the same ill symptoms, homeopathic treatments can reduce illness and physical discomfort. This is called treating "like with like" or using the "law of similars".

Headaches
Many people suffer from a wide variety of headaches. Depending on symptoms, several homeopathic remedies may help. If your headache came on suddenly accompanied by thirst and a congested feeling, try aconite. This is best used when symptoms first appear and are related to getting a cold. For throbbing headaches accompanied by a flushed face, try belladonna, known for helping the circulatory system. If your headache is caused by a hangover and includes severe pain and nausea, try the homeopathic remedy nux vomica. It helps with the after-effects of overindulgence in rich food and alcohol. And really, doesn't the homeopathic name truly fit your average hangover symptoms?

Indigestion
Indigestion seems to be a common ailment. Nux vomica is also excellent for indigestion accompanied by heartburn, constipation, and bloating. For stress-related indigestion that may include gas and cramps, chamomilla is an excellent choice. It has the added benefit of soothing and calming properties that reduce stress. Another homeopathic remedy, known as pulsatilla, may help with heaviness an hour after eating, dry mouth, and indigestion. Pulsatilla is one of the most frequently used remedies for infant and childhood health concerns, and commonly used for women (www.elixirs.com).

Coughs
Having a cough is uncomfortable, making it hard to sleep and annoying those around you. Two homeopathic remedies already mentioned may be helpful for your cough: aconite and pulsatilla. Aconite is best for a sudden dry cough, and pulsatilla helps when your cough is accompanied by thick yellow mucous. Also consider hepar sulphuris for your cough, especially if you are hoarse, wheezing, or have a rattling cough. One other homeopathic remedy to try is bryonia alba. This remedy is best when your cough comes with a headache, thirst, fever, chest pains, and stiff aching joints.

Colds
All symptoms listed above are often part of the common cold. Several homeopathic remedies already listed can be used to treat your cold: aconite, belladonna, bryonia alba, nux vomica, and pulsatilla. One other homeopathic remedy, ferrum phosphoricum, may be useful for treating a cold. It helps with fever, fatigue, congestion, and muscular strains, and is best used when onset is gradual. As mentioned under headaches, aconite is preferred when onset is sudden.

Cuts and scratches
To treat minor scrapes, try the homeopathic remedy calendula officinalis. You can buy this in spray or ointment form and apply directly to the abrasion. It prevents the spread of bacteria and is high in antioxidants. For a deeper wound or to treat an insect bite, try ledum. It can help lessen swelling and itching. To reduce infection, hypericum is a good homeopathic remedy. Available in tablet or lotion form, it has been shown to have anti-viral properties, and is best for wounds accompanied by sharp pain.

A word about safety
Though homeopathic remedies are highly diluted, they can still interact with other medications or treatments. Homeopathy is not a replacement for medical treatment of serious conditions, and so this is one time you really do need to check with your doctor if you have any concerns at all.

It may be best to consult a homeopathic practitioner about treatment. Homeopathy is practiced by a wide variety of health-care professionals such as acupuncturists, osteopaths, nurse midwives, and medical doctors. It can be difficult to find a qualified and competent homeopathic practitioner, so you may want to research whether someone has been certified in homeopathy. Homeopathic credentials include CCH, Certified Classical Homeopath; DHt, Diplomate in Homeotherapeutics; and DHANP, Diplomate of the Homeopathic Academy of Naturopathic Physicians. The National Center of Homeopathy is an excellent resource for finding a practitioner in your area, and can be found online.

For common everyday ailments, homeopathic remedies may be just what you need. There are many more choices than those listed here. Check out your local health food store to find all of these homeopathic remedies and more.

Sources: Homeopathy Quick Reference Guide, 1998; www.elixirs.com; www.homeopathic.com; www.wikipedia.com