Cold symptoms often respond well to homeopathic remedies.
At the very first sign of a cold, take 1/3 tube of Anas barbariae (sold under various brand names, including Oscillococcinum), as directed on the product label, three times daily for one day. Then, during the acute phase of the cold, take one dose of one of the symptom-specific homeopathic remedies below three to four times daily for three days. If there is no improvement at all after three doses of a remedy, it is unlikely that it will do anything more. Switch to another that matches your symptoms and temperament. If you feel better before three days have passed, stop taking the remedy.
Suggested Dosage: Take 12c every two hours for a maximum of four doses.
Aconite is often prescribed when you have a barking cough, a burning sore throat, and a bitter taste that lingers in your mouth.
Allium cepa is often prescribed when your runny nose feels as though it burns, your eyes water constantly, and you sneeze often. This is homeopathic red onion. It is recommended if your cold makes you feel even worse than you do when you are chopping a strong onion.
Arsenicum album is indicated iIf you feel chilly, restless, and weak. ( 30x or 9c.) This remedy is for the individual who, feels worse in a cold room but wants something cold to drink. You probably have a red nose and runny nasal secretions that burn the nose and upper lip. You generally want to be left alone, but like a bit of attention every once in a while.
Belladonna is called for if there is high fever and a headache.
Bryonia is indicated when the cold has moved into the chest and has become largely a cough.
Dulcamara
Dulcamara is indicated for cold when you are opinionated and uptight and shows the following specific symptoms:
Brought on by weather changing from hot to cold
Profuse, watery discharge from nose and eyes
Aggravation from catching a cold
Also gets conjunctivitis, diarrhea, cystitis, lower-back pain
Hay fever, especially at the end of summer or in fall.
Nasal discharge worse in warm room
Eupatorium 12x or 6c is indicated when you have a severe aching deep in the bones and a feeling of being sore all over.
Euphrasia: If your eyes are the main focus of the cold, take Euphrasia 12x. This is for symptoms that are the opposite of those calling for Allium cepa. The nose runs a lot, especially in the morning, but without irritation. You complain of burning eyes and stinging tears, wink frequently, and wipe and rub your eyes. You also yawn a lot and prefer to be inside, away from sunlight and bright lights.
Gelsemium may help if you have chills, aching arms and legs, and fatigue, or if your throat hurts. you have heavy, droopy eyes; feel weak and tired, with aches and chills up and down your back; and want to be alone. (30x or 9c)
Ipecac is especially valuable in treating an infant’s bronchitis. Adults can use it for a deep cough that has much accumulation of mucus in the chest.
Kali bichromium is given at the later stages of a cold. It is also good for sinus headaches and blocked sinuses with nasal discharge.
Mercurius solubilis: If the cold is accompanied by a sore throat that resists treatment, take Mercurius solubilis 12x or 6c three times daily until the symptoms are resolved.
Nux vomica is indicated if you feel irritable and have a runny nose that becomes congested at night.
Pulsatilla: This remedy is often prescribed if you have a stuffy nose and thick yellow discharge. (30x or 9c). You feel worse at night, prefer to be outdoors, and want comfort and attention.
Spongia is often recommended for harsh coughs.
Ferrum phosphoricum is often taken to prevent a cold. Take one dose (6x) every morning during cold season.