Relieve headache, stomach upset, flu, even anxiety

Homeopathy is a type of treatment that can be used for a wide range of ailments. It uses minute doses of natural substances to stimulate the body’s self-healing response. There is controversy within the medical community about whether homeopathy works, but I have found that it can quickly resolve a health issue when the correct remedy is matched to a specific set of symptoms.

The right homeopathic remedy can shorten the duration of symptoms, with relief often beginning in as little as 15 minutes. It also can help prevent relatively benign conditions from evolving into more dangerous ones. It can reduce the dosage of conventional medication required to manage some chronic diseases or eliminate the need for medication altogether. Unlike conventional drugs, which have the potential to produce unpleasant side effects, homeopathic remedies are exceedingly safe.

Important dosage information: For the following remedies, a dose is three pills (pellets) of 30C concentration unless otherwise noted. Allow the pills to dissolve under your tongue. Also, unless otherwise noted, follow these instructions…

  • If you don’t notice any change in symptoms after 30 minutes, don’t repeat the dose. Try another homeopathic remedy or conventional medicine.
  • If you feel somewhat better after 30 minutes but not completely better, repeat the dose.
  • If your symptoms have improved dramatically, don’t take another dose unless the problem comes back.

    • The rule of thumb is to take no more than three doses at 30-minute intervals over two hours— if that doesn’t work, talk to your doctor. Also, talk to your doctor before taking any medication or supplement.

    All remedies mentioned here are available at most health-food stores and many pharmacies.

    COLD OR FLU

  • Oscillococcinum. A remedy produced by Boiron. Use at the first sign of a cold or flu. Instructions are printed on the package.

    • DIARRHEA

    If the remedy is working, episodes become progressively less frequent. Take after each episode of diarrhea.

  • Arsenicum album. For any case of diarrhea, including from food poisoning.

  • Podophyllum. For explosive diarrhea that leaves you weak after each stool.

    • HEADACHE

  • Iris versicolor. Frequently indicated for classic migraine headaches that begin with visual aura and end with vomiting. It also is for blurry vision, and sometimes even blindness during headache. Take every 15 minutes, a maximum of three times. Stop if there is a significant improvement earlier.

    • HERPES ZOSTER (SHINGLES)

    Take one of these remedies twice a day for three days. If there is no effect or you feel worse, discontinue.

  • Apis mellifica. For shingles lesions on the face.

  • Arsenicum album. For burning pain.

  • Ranunculus bulbosus. The remedy of choice for shingles on the left side of the chest.

    • INDIGESTION

    Take either of the following three times a day for one day. Stop if the condition improves earlier. Also, discontinue if there is no effect after three doses.

  • Nux vomica. For indigestion from overeating in general, along with irritability and cramping pains.

  • Arsenicum album. For indigestion from eating too much fruit.

    • INSECT BITES AND STINGS

    Take either remedy below every 15 minutes for a total of three times.

  • Apis mellifica. For stings and bites from bees and other small insects, such as spiders. The site of the bite is typically hot to the touch, red and swollen.

  • Ledum palustre. For stings and bites by large insects (wasps, for example). The site of the bite is cold to the touch and has a bluish tinge.

    • MOTION SICKNESS

    Take either remedy below a maximum of three times, at 15 to 20 minute intervals.

  • Cocculus indicus. Works best if your symptoms are worse in open air.

  • Tabacum. Useful if you turn pale (almost green) or if you feel better in fresh air.

    • POISON IVY/POISON OAK

  • Poison Ivy Pills. This product is made by Washington Homeopathic Products. Follow label directions. Most patients find it effective if started at the first sign of trouble.

    • SPRAINS AND STRAINS

    Take any of the remedies listed below three times a day for two to three days. Discontinue after three days.

  • Arnica montana. For a sore, bruised feeling. Often indicated for people who have overexercised after a long break.

  • Bryonia alba. For ankle sprains and strains.

  • Rhus toxicodendron. The most frequently recommended remedy for these conditions. You also can apply Rhus tox ointment twice a day.

    • WRIST CONDITIONS

  • Ruta graveolens. A specific remedy for wrist problems. Take three times a day for three days. For long-standing wrist strain, take three 12C pellets once a day every day for a month.

    • HOMEOPATHY FOR MENTAL STRAIN

    If a person is under mental strain, the best treatment is to deal with the initial cause. As a temporary measure, try the following…

    STRESS

  • Nux vomica. For overworked, stressed-out, career-oriented people. Also for anger in people who work many hours in a row and are on edge and whose nerves feel raw. Take the dose. Repeat after 15 minutes, then again after another 15 minutes.

    • ANXIETY

  • Aconitum napellus. For panic.

  • Argentum nitricum. For restless anxiety.

  • Gelsemium sempervirens. For the patient who feels paralyzed from anxiety, wants to be left alone.

    • GRIEF

  • Ignatia amara. Take three 200C pellets immediately after the bad news. On the first day, it can be repeated two more times. Then one dose a day for three more days.

    • MENTAL FATIGUE/EXHAUSTION

  • Picricum acidum. For exhaustion after long studies, such as cramming for exams or other intellectual strain. Take once a day for three days.