Keep these homeopathic remedies on hand to deal with colds, cracked skin, low mood and other winter ailments, says homeopath David Needleman
Wintertime can bring with it all sorts of health problems—not just colds and flu but also skin issues, breathing difficulties, stomach bugs and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Here are some of the most common problems I’m contacted about via the Homeopathic Helpline at this time of year, and the homeopathic remedies that can help.
Asthma can get worse in the winter as the cold, dry air can irritate the airways, triggering wheezing and other asthma symptoms. Two remedies that can help are Arsenicum Album and Lobelia Inflata. Both were used in the past for symptoms caused by smog—common before the introduction of the Clean Air Acts to reduce air pollution in the UK.
Suggested dosage: Arsenicum Album 30C and Lobelia Inflata 30C three times a day, or alternate doses of each
Sore, cracked skin is a common problem in cold weather—no doubt most of us have suffered from it at some point. The hands and fingers are most often affected, and sometimes bleeding can occur.
Many people reach for petroleum jelly to treat the problem, but petroleum byproducts are far from natural and could actually make the skin worse. Petroleum as a homeopathic remedy, however, can be helpful for cracked skin.
Suggested dosage: Petroleum 30C three or four times a day until symptoms resolve
Chilblains—small patches of inflamed skin—often arise in the most vulnerable, such as the young and the elderly. They’re common after exposure to cold and damp air, especially when it’s windy and no protective winter clothing is worn.
They mostly affect the fingers, toes and ears and can cause itching, burning and stinging, and the skin can become red or purple. There is also the possibility of infection if the skin breaks, and this can lead to complications.
The best homeopathic remedy for chilblains is Agaricus Muscarius (better known as Father Christmas’ Mushroom but only good in homeopathic potency). It usually clears them up in a few days.
Suggested dosage: Agaricus Muscarius 30C three to four times a day until the chilblains are gone
A common problem during the winter months is seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which is often related to reduced exposure to sunlight during the shorter days in autumn and winter. Symptoms are similar to those of depression—low mood, lethargy, despair, reduced libido, difficulty concentrating, to name a few—but they occur with a seasonal pattern.
Light boxes, widely available in many shapes and sizes, can be helpful for SAD. In my past life as a pharmacist, I often supplied these to customers and clients, with mainly good results.
The homeopathic remedy that makes the most difference in SAD is Phosphorus. For best results, take it from late September to early April—have a good supply on hand.
Suggested dosage: Phosphorus 30C or 200C, one pill twice a day (morning and mid-afternoon), depending on symptom severity (200C for more severe cases)
Phosphorus is also a useful remedy for norovirus, known as the “winter vomiting bug.” It’s particularly helpful for the vomiting side of things, while Arsenicum Album is good for the diarrhea that goes with it.
Suggested dosage: Alternate doses of Phosphorus and Arsenicum Album, both 30C, three times a day
Hypothermia occurs when the body’s core temperature drops below 95°F (35°C). Symptoms include cold, pale, blue, livid skin; icy coldness of the whole body; sensations of numbness or tingling; and respiratory symptoms such as shallow breathing.
It’s a medical emergency and needs to be treated in the hospital, but two homeopathic remedies—Arsenicum Album and Camphora—can help in the meantime (as well as measures to get warm, such as drinking a warm, nonalcoholic drink and using a blanket). Camphora is also a handy remedy for Covid infection.
Suggested dosage: Camphora 30C four times a day until symptoms are reduced, then switch to Arsenicum Album 30C three times a day
Aconite is ideal for a dramatic, sudden development of a cold or flu, while Gelsemium is the right remedy for a slower and achier onset. It’s especially useful for aches and pains in the arms, shoulders or legs alongside other cold and flu symptoms.
You can also try the proprietary product Oscillococcinum, made by Boiron in France. Although it’s usually taken for prevention, if you get a cold or flu, it can also be used as a treatment.
For a full list of homeopathic cold and flu remedies based on specific symptoms, see the handy charts in my column, Respiratory Remedies.
Suggested dosage: One or two doses only of Aconite 30C, and Gelsemium 200C three times a day for a couple of days
Postoperative pain
I’m 84 years old, and five weeks ago, l had a total knee replacement operation. I’m doing quite well, walking without sticks in the house and even in the garden, but feel that l’m stuck and not improving pain-wise.
I am not sleeping well and can’t seem to be in a comfortable position for very long. I’m taking paracetamol (acetaminophen) and ibuprofen, something l have never done before, and would like to stop.
Is there anything you could recommend in the homeopathic world to help with the healing?
E. Harvey
David replies: Assuming you may be taking blood-thinning agents, I would recommend two remedies for now: Bellis Perennis 200C, three times a day to promote the healing, and Staphisagria 30C, also three times a day, for pain relief.
Stop one or both when you are no longer in pain and the healing is progressing. I would guess you will also sleep better.
Tremor of the hands
I’d like to know if it’s possible to treat an idiopathic benign tremor of the hands with homeopathic remedies.
A. Page
David replies: The short answer is yes, but this would require a full, in-depth consultation. As with all treatment, there are no guarantees, but the symptoms could likely be much reduced.
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