By prof. Claudia De Rosa, international lecturer in Homeopathic Medicine and researcher

The cold is the first reaction of the immune system to a bacterial or viral invasion. It affects the nose, throat and lungs and can in some cases evolve to bronchitis and pneumonia. Let's better find out how to treat it with homeopathic remedies.

Description and causes of colds

A cold is a viral infection caused by several viruses that affect the nose, throat and lungs. Sore throat and cold represent the first reaction of the immune system to a viral or bacterial invasion.

The main symptoms include sore throat, nasal congestion, with initially aqueous and then more dense and yellowish secretions, headache and sometimes fever.

Sometimes the cold 'moves in the chest', or a fat or dry cough appears that can last several weeks.

The cold can be aggravated by bacterial infections that can lead to sinusitis or otitis, or even develop into bronchitis and, more rarely, into pneumonia.

How to interpret the symptoms

Breathing is the most fundamental of needs . According to a psychosomatic reading, behind the manifestation of the common cold could hide an intense but episodic sorrow, a perhaps unexpected disappointment.

The cold is actually the only socially accepted way to "weep" in public. Here, then, that the cold makes it possible to bring out a part of this load of unexpressed tears and it is justified if one is mogi and less brilliant than usual.

Finally, the cold hinders the breath and does not allow the smells of the surrounding air to be heard, a way therefore not to feel "that air pulls" and protect us when that air emotionally causes sorrows.

What are homeopathic remedies and how to use them

Homeopathic remedies for colds

• Aconitum napellus 30CH : initial phase of a cold with sudden violent onset. This type of cold arises following exposure to air or cold or dry wind or shock and severe fright. To be effective it must be taken within 24 hours of the onset of the cold with this type of symptoms. Aconitum colds may be accompanied by sudden onset dry and metal cough. Nasal secretions are hot and watery.
• Allium cepa 30CH : abundant and watery nasal discharge that drips like a "tap". Irritating nasal secretions that cause a burning sensation in the nostrils and upper lip. Eyes and nose tear and burn as if slicing an onion.
• Arsenicum album 30CH : irritating and burning watery sneezing and nasal secretions. Sensation of stuffy or blocked nose but with production of watery secretion. It's extremely cold, cold chills down my spine.
• Kalium bichromicum 30CH : intense, filamentous, yellow-green nasal secretions. Sensation of pressure at the paranasal sinuses and pains at the root of the nose. This type of cold often evolves into sinusitis .
• Mercurius 30CH : profuse nasal secretions of yellowish-green color. Breath, sweating and foul-smelling secretions, metallic taste in the mouth. The tongue is covered with a whitish patina.
• Natrum muriaticum 30CH : dense nasal secretions similar to egg white. In the beginning the secretions are profuse liquid, then they stop with consequent congestion. Often this type of cold is accompanied by the appearance of cold sores on the upper lip.
• Nux vomica 30CH : cold characterized by a general congestion with a sensation of obstruction (especially in the evening hours) that alternates with profuse liquid secretions during the day. Often this type of cold occurs following a stressful period of work or study or in conseguneza to an excess of food (excessive consumption of alcoholic drinks or foods that are too fat and spicy).

The contents of the following cards should not be used as a substitute for any medical therapy, but only as a support. If the disorder persists, consult a professional homeopath. Self-medication is advisable only in acute cases of slight entity.

Dosages and recommended dosages should not be abused. Stop taking the homeopathic medicine at the first sign of improvement

Recommended dosage: 30 CH in granules, 1 sublingual granule every 10 minutes for a one-hour cycle. If necessary 1 granule 3 times a day in the 2-3 days following the first intake.