Austin Homeopathy: Colds (Acute Coryza)

Wow!  What an experience!

I recently went through an illness and had to write about it.  It’s a great illustration of the power of homeopathy and may even help you with your current symptoms!  

It all started on a Wednesday evening.  I began a sickness we call “acute coryza,” which is referred to more conventionally as “the common cold.”  Because we are all so individualized, we have our own specific symptoms of “the cold.”  For me, it started with an irritated, warm, and somewhat raw throat.  I could tell it was the beginning of something, but didn’t know to what effect. 

This same throat irritation lasted through Thursday.  That night the congestion came, along with great amounts of sneezing.  I had a really difficult time sleeping as I woke frequently unable to breathe and with a lot of sneezing.

Friday morning I was a wreck!  The main symptom I noticed was a very runny nose, with very thin and colorless mucus, to the point it was dripping from my nose like a faucet.  How peculiar!

Throughout Friday the runny nose symptoms were most pronounced and my head was beginning to feel entirely congested.  The sneezing was violent!  I would sneeze 3 or 4 times, but they would wrack my whole body.  Another peculiar symptom I had was a lot of tearing from my eyes.  It was very bland in sensation.  I felt like I was crying most of the time, had a leaky faucet from my nose, and my head felt very thick and heavy.

Saturday morning came and the best I could do was contemplate heading out for the Christmas shopping I intended for the day.  I knew this was the best day for me to go, so I rallied for the energy to head out.  As soon as I was outdoors, I felt remarkably better!  The congestion lessened, my eyes didn’t tear as much, and the sneezing wasn’t as reactive.  I wasn’t in the clear though, and my symptoms would all return with a vengeance upon going indoors.

Before commencing my Christmas shopping, I took a remedy called “Allium Cepa.”  This homeopathic remedy is made from a common garden onion.  Like all homeopathic remedies, it is not the substance itself, but is prepared from it.

Homeopathic healing follows the principle of “like treats like.”  This means a substance capable of creating symptoms in a healthy person will cure those same symptoms in a sick person.

For example, when you cut an onion, your eyes water and your nose runs.  Those same symptoms created by the onion, will be cured in someone experiencing those same symptoms naturally.  Therefore, Allium Cepa was the most similar substance that I could take to help me with my symptoms.

I took my first dose at about noon that Saturday and immediately felt better.  My nose was not dripping, my eyes weren’t tearing, and the sneezing subsided.  The congestion remained, however.  

After about two hours, my symptoms were returning.  I probably should have been resting to give my body time to heal, but with the Christmas season upon us, rest is hard to come by!  I took another dose of the remedy and immediately felt better again.

After another two hours, the symptoms were returning once again.  So, I took another dose and, once again, felt immediately better.  

The late afternoon and evening time was the worst!  I needed to take a dose about once every hour for about 4 doses total that evening.  I went to bed and had the first restful night of sleep in over three days!  There were no sneezing fits to wake me up, nor no runny faucet dripping from my nose!

I woke up the next day with renewed energy, vastly reduced symptoms on all accounts, and an overall feeling of wellness and vitality again.  What a remarkable remedy!

I have not taken the remedy anymore since that day and have only slight congestion remaining.  It’s been fairly moderate, so I haven’t taken a dose for that, but if I do, I’ll let you know how it goes.  

So, if you’re currently experiencing some allergic or sick feelings this time of year, perhaps Allium Cepa may be your choice.

Here’s a quick summary of the symptomsAllium Cepa may help heal:

• Acrid (burning) nasal discharge which may even irritate nose or upper lip
• Profuse watery discharge that drips like a faucet (you may even need to stuff wads of tissue in your nose to make it stop)
• Profuse lacrimation (tears in the eyes) which is generally bland (versus burning, for example)
• Violent sneezing
• Nose completely obstructed
• All symptoms are worse in the late afternoon or evening, in warm rooms, and on the left side mostly.
• All symptoms are better in the open air, and sometimes cooler air.
• These symptoms may occur along with pains in the larynx.  The pains are worse from coughing.

If you have the above common cold symptoms, Allium Cepa may be the a good choice for you.  Of course, it’s best to consult with a qualified professional or your doctor for any questions.

Please contact me for any questions.

Sincerely,
Noel