Kate’s free guide to 12 key acute homeopathic remedies

1) Aconite

Complaints will come on extremely suddenly and quickly, and be quite aggressive. Onset can be triggered by exposure to cold wind or catching cold. The patient may struggle to get warm, will be restless with a feeling that they might die. An excellent shock remedy where the individual has been frightened - there may be shaking from fear. This remedy works best at onset, quickly after symptoms appear.

2) Arnica

For any soft tissue injury or trauma which may result in bruising, post-surgery, or after a physical or emotional shock. Typically the individual will brush off consolation saying “I’m fine!”. Also very useful for jet lag.

3) Argent nit

Individuals become increasingly anxious about a forthcoming event, eg exam, appointment, social occasion, which can lead to diarrhoea. There is a weakness in the stomach area and they can have an upset stomach from sweets, leading to diarrhoea, nausea and gas.

4) Arsenicum album

Individuals will have great restlessness and are extremely anxious, and are difficult to reassure. They are extremely fastidious and like everything to be ‘just so’. An excellent remedy for diarrhoea, particularly when travelling. Pains and discharges will be burning, although individuals may feel chilly and struggle to get warm no matter how many layers they wear. There will be great thirst, although drinks will only be taken in small sips.

5) Belladona

There is a very rapid onset of symptoms with extreme sensitivity to touch. Redness is key (eg flushed face, red raw tonsils), as is great heat and a throbbing sensation. Pains can be quite violent in nature. There is often dilation of the pupils.

6) Bryonia

The onset of symptoms is quite slow. Individuals are extremely sensitive to movement and any motion is considered jarring, even moving the eyes – they prefer to stay completely still, and feel better for strong pressure. There is great irritability and a preference to be alone. There is an extreme feeling of dryness and great thirst, and lips are often visibly dry.

7) Calendula

Used for open wounds, cuts, scalds, burns, ulcers - and accelerates healing, including that which is slow to heal. Protects against infection and prevents scarring. An excellent post-surgery remedy.

8) Chamomilla

Pains are intolerable and individuals are besides themselves with pain and can be extremely capricious, angry and inconsolable. An excellent teething remedy, especially where baby demands to be carried nonstop – they may have one pale cheek and one red cheek.

9) Gelsemium

There can be trembling and a sense of heaviness or dullness. The patient may feel achy or shivery (flu-like) and weak. The eyelids can feel droopy. There is often little thirst.

10) Hepar sulph

An excellent remedy where there is infection with pus, eg boils and abscesses. Discharges are typically yellow in colour and can be smelly. Individuals will be extremely sensitive to the cold, catching cold easily, and can be very irritable. Very useful in the second stages of infection, where discharge and sensitivity remain.

11) Ignatia

Symptoms are triggered by a grief, loss or disappointment where the individual is struggling to come to terms with the situation. There may be silent grief or hysteria, perhaps oscillating between the two. Symptoms can be changeable and even contradictory, and there can be a contrary element to the individual’s mood. The individual may sigh and yawn frequently. All symptoms can be aggravated by tobacco, coffee and alcohol.

12) Pulsatilla

The individual feels better for fresh air and can’t tolerate a stuffy, warm room. There is little or no thirst. The individual can be tearful and is much better for consolation and company. Discharges are thick and often yellowy-green in colour. Symptoms can be quite changeable.

Kate Panayi LCHE