The common cold is a viral infection that affects the nose and throat. It can be caused by different viruses, mostly rhinoviruses. On average, adults may suffer from three to four colds a year, but children may have even more such bouts.
Homeopathic medicines offer wonderful treatment for such cases. Natural homeopathic remedies for colds reach the root of the problem and ensure that the viral infection is rooted out of the body. They fight the infection-causing agent and offer excellent relief in the symptoms of common cold, including runny nose, stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat, cough, and post-nasal drip (PND). Once you get a cold, the instant human reaction is to somehow get rid of it as soon as possible. Allopathic medicines or over-the-counter medication may provide you with some instant relief from a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, headache and body ache for a short duration, but the infection does not leave your body. The cold, or the viral infection of the upper respiratory tract, recurs and that can be even more troublesome. Here is where homeopathic remedies can be of great help. They can cure it effectively by eradicating the virus from the body.
Homeopathy Boosts Body’s Self-healing Mechanism
Every person has a self-healing process in the body. Homeopathic medicines boost the body’s internal healing mechanism. They help fight the infection that causes a cold and help in eliminating it from the body to aid in natural healing. These medicines also cut short the recovery time and prevent complications.
Natural and Safe Medicines
Homeopathic medicines to treat cold are made from natural substances. They do not carry any type of chemicals or toxins, and hence, are completely safe. They ensure natural recovery and do not cause any kind of side effects. These medicines suit people of all age groups.
Individualized Approach Towards Treatment
Homeopathic medicines for cold are administered according to the characteristic symptoms in every individual case. The potency and dosage vary according to the age of the person, the type of medicine, duration and the severity of a cold. Therefore, it is advised to take homeopathic medicines for a cold as recommended by a qualified homeopath for the best possible results. Self-medication should be avoided.
Homeopathy Builds Immunity Against Recurrent Cold
There are different sets of medicines in homeopathy to treat acute cold and to treat the tendency to get recurrent colds. The treatment for an acute cold needs to be taken for a few days to a week. On the other hand, the treatment period for chronic cold includes a few months, depending on the individual case. Homeopathic medicines are constitutional remedies administered individually for every case as per the detailed symptom analysis. These medicines gradually build immunity to prevent recurrent cold, thus reducing the number of episodes of cold per year. With its use, dependence on conventional medicines like antibiotics, decongestant nasal drops/sprays, etc. is reduced to a huge extent.
Top 10 Homeopathic Remedies For Common Colds
The top homeopathic medicines to treat common cold are Arsenicum Album, Aconitum Napellus, Natrum Muriaticum, Hepar Sulphuris, Belladonna, Pulsatilla Nigricans, Sabadilla Officinalis, Eupatorium Perfoliatum, Allium Cepa and Gelsemium Sempervirens.
1. Arsenicum Album – For Cold With Thin Watery Nasal Discharge
Arsenicum Album is beneficial for curing the common cold, especially when there is a thin watery discharge from the nose. The nose may feel stuffy in spite of the discharge that causes a burning sensation in the nose. Most of the time, it is accompanied by sneezing. Those who need this medicine feel worse in cold air. Being in a warm room can provide some relief. Weaknesses can be marked along with the above-mentioned complaints.
When to use Arsenicum Album?
It is a highly recommended medicine for the initial stages of a common cold when there is thin, watery nasal discharge. A stuffed nose may attend it.
How to use Arsenic Album?
Though it can be used in various potencies, the most frequently used potency is 30C twice a day.
2. Aconitum Napellus – For Cold After Exposure To Cold Air
Aconitum Napellus is a natural medicine sourced from the plant ‘Monkshood’. It is undoubtedly the best and most effective remedy when someone catches a cold after sudden exposure to cold air, like from the air conditioner or in cold weather. The symptoms to use Aconite are scanty nasal discharge with a stuffy nose. Sneezing may also be experienced. The other accompanying symptoms are pain at the root of the nose, headache and fever.
When to use Aconitum Napellus?
This medicine should be the first choice of medicine for anyone who catches a cold from sudden exposure to cold air.
How to use Aconitum Napellus?
The suggested dose of this medicine is usually Aconite 30C twice or thrice a day, as per the severity of the symptoms.
3. Natrum Muriaticum – For Cold that Starts with Sneezing
Common colds that begin with sneezing are treated wonderfully with this medicine. Along with sneezing, there is a thin watery nasal discharge. It may be followed by a stuffy nose, which may also cause a loss of smell.
When to use Natrum Muriaticum?
It should be used as the first line of treatment when a cold starts with sneezing as the first symptom, followed by thin watery nasal discharge.
How to use Natrum Muriaticum?
The most widely used potency of this medicine is 6X, which can be taken three to four times a day, at a gap of at least three hours.
4. Hepar Sulphuris – For Common Cold with Stuffy Nose
This medicine is the most effective to help in cases of a stuffy nose. In cases where the nose feels stuffy and blocked, this medicine is known to help with secretions and generally ease the complaint. To be more specific, it is indicated for a stuffy nose from exposure to cold air, which causes sneezing. A very particular symptom that may accompany is inhaled air that feels cold. It is also the best medicine for treating a cold in the winter.
When to use Hepar Sulphuris?
If you have a stuffy nose due to a cold, this medicine offers the best results. It will help with nasal discharge and bring relief. For treating winter colds, too, this is the best medicine.
How to use Hepar Sulphuris?
It is advised to take this medicine in 30C potency once or twice a day to get the best possible results.
5. Belladonna – For Cold Associated with Sore Throat
It is the most frequently prescribed medicine when pain in the throat accompanies nasal symptoms. It is used when there is watery discharge from the nostrils, especially one-sided. This is accompanied by sneezing and tickling in the nose. Along with this, there is a sore throat, painful swallowing, marked redness and swelling in the throat. There may also be bouts of cough and headache.
When to use Belladonna?
This medicine is best for a cold that presents with nasal symptoms (like nasal secretions, sneezing) and sore throat with marked throat pain. Additionally, it is also a top choice for managing headaches in colds.
How to use Belladonna?
The recommended dose to use this medicine is in 30C potency, two to three times a day for relief.
6. Pulsatilla Nigricans– For Thick Yellow Green Nasal Discharge
This natural medicine derived from the plant ‘wind flower’ possesses wonderful healing properties that help treat the common cold. This medicine is best suited in the late stage of the common cold when the nasal discharge starts to change color to yellowish-green and consistency changes from thin to thick. Along with this, there may be nasal blockage and loss of smell.
When to use Pulsatilla Nigricans?
Pulsatilla can be used whenever a characteristic thick yellowish or greenish nasal discharge is present.
How to use Pulsatilla Nigricans?
Pulsatilla 30C can be administered one or two times daily for the best possible results.
7. Sabadilla Officinalis– For Violent Sneezing and Nasal Irritation
Sabadilla is administered when the common cold begins with repeated bouts of sneezing, burning sensation and watery discharge from the nose, redness of the eyes, and itching of the soft palate. The patient feels better in warm rooms and feels uneasiness in cold air. There is a peculiar sensation as if the throat is raw or scalded. Symptoms often resemble allergic rhinitis or hay fever-type colds.
When to use Sabadilla Officinalis?
It should be used if there is violent, spasmodic sneezing with watery discharge from the nose and eyes, with intense itching and tickling in the nose and throat.
How to use Sabadilla Officinalis?
It is usually prescribed in 30C potency, 3–4 times daily in acute colds until there is relief. Once the symptoms start to improve, stop taking medicines.
8. Eupatorium Perfoliatum – For Cold with Severe Body Pains
Eupatorium is mainly indicated when the common cold is accompanied by fever, chills, and marked body pains. There is coryza with hoarseness, sneezing, and soreness of the chest. The patient feels extremely restless due to aching of limbs and back. Thirst for cold water is usually marked. It is useful when a cold is progressing towards a flu-like illness.
When to use Eupatorium Perfoliatum?
It is used when there is a cold along with intense aching in bones and muscles as if they are broken.
How to use Eupatorium Perfoliatum?
It can be taken in 200C potency once or twice daily if there is severe body ache with symptoms of a cold. Lower potencies like 30C can be used 3 times daily for the best possible results.
9. Allium Cepa – For Runny Nose with Watery Eyes
Allium Cepa is one of the most common remedies for the initial stage of a cold. There is profuse watery discharge from the nose that results in a burning sensation in the upper lip and nostrils, with constant sneezing. Eyes water, but the tears are mild and do not irritate. Symptoms aggravate in warm rooms and they get better in the open air. Headache with coryza and tickling cough may also be present.
When to use Allium Cepa?
It is best administered when there is an acrid, burning sensation in the nasal discharge with bland (non-irritating) tears.
How to use Allium Cepa?
It can be taken in 30C potency, thrice daily during the acute stage. In the early stages of a cold, frequent repetition offers the best possible results.
10. Gelsemium Sempervirens– For Cold with Drowsiness and Weakness
Gelsemium is suited when the patient feels tired, sluggish, and wants to lie down. There is watery discharge from the nose accompanied by sneezing, headache, and heaviness of the eyelids. Chills run up and down the spine, with little or no thirst. Cold progresses gradually with trembling and prostration. The face may feel flushed and hot.
When to use Gelsemium Sempervirens?
It is administered during the early stages of a viral cold along with a lot of weakness, heaviness, and drowsiness.
How to Use Gelsemium Sempervirens?
It is generally prescribed in 30C or 200C potency, and should be taken 2–3 times daily depending on its severity. It is very useful in the early stages of the viral cold.
Note: One may use this medicine for about a week’s time in the recommended dosage. Do not indulge in self-medication. In case symptoms do not subside within a week, consult a qualified homeopath for the next course of action. In case of any complications, like any lung-related problem (eg., asthma, pneumonia), it is best advised to urgently go for a conventional mode of treatment.
What Is The Cause Behind Common Colds?
The common cold can be caused by approximately 200 different strains of respiratory viruses. Among these viruses, rhinoviruses are the most common, followed by adenovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, etc. Once the virus enters the nose or throat, it sticks to the mucus lining and starts multiplying. Our body responds to this infection, which results in inflammation in the nose or throat and thus excess production of mucus.
Are Common Cold and Flu Same?
Though the symptoms of both these conditions are quite similar, these are two different conditions. Both are caused by different viruses (the common cold usually arises from rhinovirus infection and flu is caused by influenza virus). The symptoms of flu are more severe than those of the common cold. Fever, chills and headache with nasal symptoms mostly point towards flu rather than common cold.
How Does Common Cold Spread?
The common cold is very contagious and spreads via direct contact from people who are ill to others. The common cold virus can enter the body through the nose, mouth or eyes.
Firstly, one tends to catch a cold by inhaling virus-infected droplets in the air from coughs or sneezes of a sick person who suffers from the common cold.
Secondly, it can spread through hand-to-hand contact with a person suffering from the common cold.
Thirdly, one can acquire infection by touching a surface or due to sharing of utensils, towels, etc that have been contaminated by viral droplets emanating from a sick person, and then touching the eyes, nose, or mouth without properly washing hands.
What Are The Symptoms Of Common Colds?
The symptoms of the common cold start to show up within 1-3 days after exposure to the virus that causes the common cold.
The symptoms include:
1. Stuffy or runny nose,
2. Sneezing, sore throat, cough.
3. General symptoms like headache, low-grade fever, general fatigue, and body aches tend to accompany.
4. Loss of smell or taste, post-nasal drip (PND) can also be present.
5. The nasal discharge is initially thin and clear, which turns thick and yellow/green as the condition progresses.
6. The symptoms of the common cold can last from one week to 10 days. The signs and symptoms vary from person to person.
Who Is At Risk Of Common Colds?
Though anyone can be affected by the common cold, some factors increase the risk.
1. Age: Although cold can affect people of any age group, children are the most at risk. This is because the immune system of children is gradually building up and is still learning how to fight infections. The risk of catching an infection increases if a child goes to a daycare facility.
2. Time of year: Though the common cold can hit a person at any time of the year, the chances are higher in autumn, winter and rainy season.
3. Weak immune system: People with weak immunity due to some long-standing health issues are more prone to catch common cold frequently.
4. Environment: Being in crowded places like schools, shopping centres, malls, tourist places, etc seems to increase the risk of getting exposed to viruses and catching a cold.
Are There Any Complications of Common Colds?
In most cases, recovery from a common cold occurs in a week to 10 days without any complications. People with weak immunity might face some complications, such as ear infections or sinus infections. In some cases, the infection travels downwards and can lead to acute bronchitis (also called chest cold which refers to inflamed bronchial tubes that carry air to and from lungs), asthma (inflammatory airway disease that leads to difficult breathing, wheezing, chest tightness and cough) and pneumonia (inflammation of air sacs of lungs) that need to be treated by a doctor. Self-medication should be strictly avoided.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are homeopathic medicines helpful in common cold?
Yes, homeopathy can help reduce the intensity and duration of symptoms when medicines are selected according to individual symptoms.
2. How long does a common cold usually last?
Mostly a cold improves within 5 to 7 days. In some cases, mild symptoms like cough or nasal congestion can continue for up to 10–14 days.
3. Is fever common in a cold?
Mild fever can occur, especially among children. In adults, high fever is less common and may indicate another infection like flu.
4. When should I see a doctor for a cold?
You should consult a doctor if symptoms last more than 10 days, if the fever is high, if there is a severe headache, chest pain, difficulty in breathing, ear pain, or if the mucus becomes thick, yellowish-green, accompanied by severe sinus pain.
5. Can antibiotics cure the common cold?
No. Antibiotics do not help in common cold because it is caused by viruses. They are only needed if a bacterial infection develops as a complication.
6. What can I do at home to feel better?
Take rest, drink plenty of warm fluids, take steam inhalation, gargle with warm salt water, and eat light, nutritious food. These simple measures help relieve symptoms and speed up recovery.
7. Can I continue my daily activities if I have a cold?
If symptoms are mild, you can continue routine work. However, proper rest is important, and it is better to avoid heavy physical exertion.
8. Is the common cold contagious?
Yes, it spreads easily from person to person through coughing, sneezing, and close contact. It is most contagious in the first 2–3 days.
9. How can I prevent spreading the cold to family members?
Cover your mouth while coughing or sneezing, wash your hands frequently, avoid sharing towels or utensils, and maintain some distance from others until you feel better.
10. Can a cold turn into something serious?
Usually, it is harmless, but sometimes it can lead to sinusitis, ear infection, bronchitis, or worsening of asthma in sensitive individuals.
11. What foods should I take during a cold?
Warm soups, herbal teas, fruits rich in Vitamin C, and easily digestible meals are helpful. Avoid drinks that are cold, and also avoid oily and junk food.
12. Does cold weather aggravate cold?
Cold weather itself doesn’t cause cold, but exposure to cold air may increase discomfort and congestion in some people.