Common Cold; Blocked Nose

Common cold is considered a viral infection of the inner surface of the nose, characterised by sneezing and discharge of a watery or thick fluid, which also blocks the nose. Though not a serious disease, cold causes a lot of discomfort, misery and embarrassment to the sufferer.

Homeopathic Treatment

Aconite 30 : Cold from exposure to cold air; sudden attack of cold with much sneezing, pain at the root of the nose and/or forehead, scanty nasal discharge and blockage of nostrils; face is red and hot; there is an 'unquenchable thirst for large quantities of cold water and a desire to be in open air; great restlessness and anxiety.

Allium cepa 30 : Cold from rainy weather; profuse, watery discharge from the nose as well as the eyes - while the discharge from the nose is acrid (causing burning), that from the eyes is bland; the nose starts flowing in a warm room but stops flowing in open air; the cold may be accompanied by irritating/painful cough which compels the person to grasp the throat.

Arsenic 30 : Cold from eating cold foods, icecream or ice in the winter or from sea-bathing; thin, watery acidic discharge from the nose which is less indoors but increases in open air (unlike Aconite, Allium cepa, Euphrasia, Pulsatilla); there is inexplicable prostration, fear and anguish.

Belladonna 30 : Sudden attack of cold from exposure to summer sun (like Mere sol), characterised by fluent, blood-stained discharge from the nose and a throbbing headache; the face is red and hot (like Aconite) but the person feels better in a warm room (unlike Aconite).

Euphrasia 30 : Profuse, bland discharge from the nose and severe acrid (burning) tearing, causing sore eyes; the cold may descend to the larynx, causing 'day time cough'; the person feels better in open air (like Aconite, Allium cepa, Pulsatilla).

Gelsemium 30 : An attack of cold in cold, rainy weather, which comes on gradually; there may be symptoms of influenza like dizziness, trembling, fever, bodyache and dull headache (which is relieved by urination); the person feels better in open air (like Aconite, Allium cepa, Euphrasia, Pulsatilla).

Natrum mur 30 : An attack of cold commencing with violent sneezing and followed by fluent discharge (resembling white of an egg) from the nose; the person feels better in open air and by cold bathing. A craving for salt, greasy face and a weeping disposition would confirm Natrum mur.

Nux vomica 30 : An attack of cold in cold, dry weather; the nose runs during the day and in open air but becomes dry or blocked at night; a desire to be in a closed room with body wen-covered and frequent ineffectual desire for stools confirm the choice of Nux vomica.

Mercurius sol 30 : An attack of cold in damp weather or from wandering in strong sunshine (like Belladonna), beginning with much sneezing; acrid, thick, greenish­yellow, pus-like nasal discharge, more at night. Intense thirst for large quantities of cold water and profuse, offensive perspiration confirm the choice of Mercurius.

Pulsatilla 30 : An attack of cold after eating rich, fatty food; the nasal discharge is thick, greenish-yellow but bland (non-burning); a desire to be in open air, thirstlessness and a mild, weeping nature confirm the choice of Pulsatilla.

Notes:

1. Discontinue the medicine as soon as about fifty per cent improvement occurs.