by Steve Taormina September 12, 1996 Last in a series Read the other articles in the series. RESOURCES: Homeopathic Educational Services Introduction to homeopathy. Homeopathy Home Page Lists homeopathic Web sites, newsgroups, faqs, etc. Health World Specific homeopathic remedies. Usenet: misc.health.alternative Books: The Complete Homeopathy Handbook (St. Martin's Press) by Miranda Castro, R.S.Hom. Homeopathic Medicine at Home (J.P. Tarcher) by Naesimund Panos, M.D., and Jane Heimlich.

The darnedest things can happen -- especially at the darnedest times. Let's say you're a college senior. You have mid-terms tomorrow that you're worried about, but there's also a friend's house party that you really want to go to. On top of that, you've got a cold that's been bothering you, and your stomach is upset. Throw in a hangover during the exam, and you're pretty much an emotional and physical wreck. What do you do? One option is homeopathy. It may not be your first choice in this case, but it can definitely help your body cope better with each of these problems. Below is a list of conditions and a few of the remedies that help treat them. Remember, homeopathic remedies work on very specific, individualized cases, and one remedy can be indicated for a number of different conditions. CONDITIONS Anger: Belladonna, Sulphur Anxiety/Worry: Carbo vegetabilis, Phosphorus Backache: Phosphorus, Pulsatilla, Sulphur Common Cold: Belladonna, Carbo vegetabilis, Pulsatilla, Sulphur Cough: Aconite, Belladonna, Chamomilla, Ignatia, Phosphorus, Pulsatilla Fever: Aconite, Belladonna, Chamomilla, Ignatia, Phosphorus, Pulsatilla Flu: Nux vomica Hangover: Nux vomica Headache: Aconite, Belladonna, Carbo vegetabilis, Magnesia phosphorica, Nux vomica, Phosphorus Indigestion: Ignatia, Nux vomica, Sulphur Insomnia: Aconite, Belladonna, Chamomilla, Pulsatilla Menstrual pains: Belladonna, Magnesia phosphorica, Pulsatilla Sore throat: Aconite, Ignatia, Phosphorus, Sulphur Stomach-ache: Magnesia phosphorica, Nux vomica REMEDIES Here are 10 homeopathic remedies to keep in your medicine cabinet. Natural products stores often carry homeopathic home remedy kits, which cost less than buying the individual bottles of all the remedies. Note: the descriptions under each remedy indicate the primary symptoms that call for that remedy. Since homeopathic remedies work on specific conditions, please refer to a more in-depth reference such as the Resources listed to be sure you're choosing the correct remedy for your symptoms.

Aconite (monkshood): Aconitum napellus is helpful within the first 24 to 48 hours of an illness, especially for inflammation and fever. It's indicated when the illness comes on suddenly, such as from fright, shock, or being chilled.

Coughs: dry, irritating and short, with fast breathing; voice is hoarse. Fever: burning, with a fast pulse; accompanied by anxiety; worse at night; caused by chills. Headache: burning pains that burst and throb; caused by fright or shock. Insomnia: caused by anxiety; with restless sleep. Sore throat: burning or stitching pain; caused by chills.

Belladonna (deadly nightshade): Belladonna is best suited when a part of the body becomes inflamed or infected, and the inflamed part reddens and throbs painfully, such as for a sore throat, earache or sunstroke. It's also good for children who become difficult or obstinate when ill.

Anger: intense rage . Colds: headache; loss of smell and taste; caused by getting chilled. Coughs: dry, hollow, exhausting, violent and/or in fits; with sharp chest pains; worse with deep breathing. Fever: alternating fever and chills; burning without sweating; delirium; worsens in the afternoon or at night; or from being uncovered. Headache: pain in the back of the head or in the forehead; bursting or pulsating; intermittent. Insomnia: characterized by restless sleep. Menstrual pains: blood is bright red and may be clotted; violent pains; worsens before and during periods; heavy bleeding.

Carbo vegetabilis (wood charcoal): Carbo veg. is sometimes referred to as "the great reviver." It's helpful for those who have not fully recovered from a serious illness and are sluggish, preferring to sleep a lot.

Anxiety/Worry: worsens in the evening. Colds: stuffy nose with frequent sneezing; hoarseness and an itchy throat. Headache: heavy, pressing pains in the back of the head.

Chamomilla (German chamomile): Chamomilla is helpful for anyone who is oversensitive to pain, particularly in cases of toothaches. It's best for teething children.

Coughs: dry during sleep; irritating and tickling. Fever: burning and one-sided; person is thirsty and shivering. Insomnia: resulting from pain, anger, or stimulants such as coffee.

Ignatia (St. Ignatia's bean): Ignatia amara is suited to the person who is grieving. The person displays emotional upset such as disappointment or anger, and may sigh frequently.

Coughs: dry, irritating, racking, and short. Fever: thirst and chills, improves with uncovering and worsens in the afternoon. Indigestion: sour belches, stomach feels empty. Sore throat: stitching pains and a choking sensation; improves with swallowing.

Magnesia phosphorica (phosphate of magnesia): Mag. phos. is sometimes called "homeopathic aspirin." It eases spasmodic pains such as leg cramps, menstrual cramps or colic.

Headache: spasmodic, shooting and right-sided; worsens with cold; improves with heat and pressure. Menstrual pains: colicky and cramping; person wants to curl up in bed with a hot water bottle. Stomach-ache: similar symptoms to menstrual pains.

Nux vomica (poison nut): Nux vomica is useful as a "hangover remedy." It's best for the person who has overindulged in food or alcohol.

Flu: pains in the bones and joints; chills and fever; improves with warmth; worsens with cold and in the mornings. Headache: head feels heavy; pains in the back and/or front of head; possible dizziness; worsens after eating and from cold. Indigestion: sour/bitter belches; cramping pains in stomach; heartburn; improves with hot drinks. Stomach-ache: with cramping pains; better after passing a stool or gas; improves with hot drinks; worse in the morning and after eating.

Phosphorus (white phosphorus): Phosphorus is an abundant, natural element found in many forms. The homeopathic remedy is best for those whose are weak or delicate, and prone feeling heavy and cold.

Anxiety/Worry: person hates being alone, especially in the dark; has fear of thunderstorms; desires company. Backache: pains between shoulders or in lower back; improves with massage and worsens after getting up from a seated position. Coughs: dry, hacking, and irritating, accompanied by difficult, fast breathing and pain in chest; improves with heat; mucus is salty and copious. Fever: increased appetite; burning at night; worse on right side; worse from afternoon until night; unquenchable thirst for cold drinks. Headache: hunger; throbbing and burning pains in forehead and/or sides of head; improves with sleep and cold compresses; worsens with coughing. Sore throat: tonsils are swollen; voice is hoarse; worse when inhaling.

Pulsatilla (wind flower): Pulsatilla nigricans has been called the "Queen" of homeopathic remedies because it addresses such a wide range of conditions. General symptoms include a dry mouth and lips, swollen glands and thick, yellow, bland discharges.

Backache: pains in lower back that are pressing; better with gentle exercise such as slow walking; worse when beginning to move. Colds: dirty yellow/green, bland nasal discharge; better with fresh air; worse in a stuffy room. Coughs: constant during the evening, dry at night; loose in the morning; better with fresh air; worse with heat. Fever: burning, but also with chills; better when uncovered; worse from heat, washing and in the afternoon. Insomnia: anxious dreaming; sleep is restless; person wakes frequently; caused by over-active mind. Menstrual pains: late periods; bleeding during the day only; better with doubling up.

Sulphur (brimstone): Sulphur is sometimes referred to as the "King" of homeopathic remedies. It's more often used for chronic diseases than acute ones. Sulphur helps many skin conditions including eczema and rashes (Note: A health professional should be consulted as these conditions may be serious).

Anger: impatient, irritable and critical of others and how they run their lives. Backache: pains in lower spine; feels weak and/or tired, with stiffness; worse from bending down or sitting for long periods of time. Colds: smelly, dirty, yellow nasal discharge; frequent sneezing; itchy, dry nose; eye inflammation. Indigestion: stomach feels bloated; belching is empty and sour; flatulence is smelly; worsens after eating; sudden hunger. Sore throat: dry, raw throat; burning and stitching pains; worse from swallowing and coughing. Steve Taormina is Web developer for Wild Oats Markets. This information is not medical advice. © 1996 Tripod, Inc. All Rights Reserved.