Boy, do I love a massage.

The morning after a massage? Not so much.

The day after having a massage I ache terribly and am pretty much desperate for another massage to recover from my massage.

Generally speaking, this pain doesn’t last terribly long and all told, most of the time I’m better off having had the massage despite the 24-48 hour set back.

Turns out I’m not alone in this. A small study was done on this subject and they found 10% of massage clients experienced discomfort following the massage (Cambron et al. 2007). 

Alas. What’s a girl to do?

Years ago, I was listening to a lecture by Dr. Robin Murphy. (I refer to him often.) In this lecture, Dr. Murphy explained how he opted to not use Arnica regularly and, instead, when he suffered from sore muscles, he would use homeopathic Lacticum acidum.

Dr. Murphy’s repertory shows Lacticum acidum has a strong correlation to:

• a beaten sensation in the muscles
• pain and soreness, in general, from injuries or overuse
• sore pain, all over the body
• And, fibromyalgia, which is characterized by widespread pain

Where else is homeopathic Lactic acid indicated? In nausea during pregnancy — morning sickness. Interestingly, in my crawl around the web, I see some studies indicating lactic acid in relation to nausea in sprinters as well as nausea in Lactic Acid Syndrome.

I’ve seen the studies and read the theories and I’m going to guess that a number of readers will take issue with the idea of Lactic Acid and massage and detox and blah de blah… and I’m not here to argue with you. All I know is that homeopathic Lacticum acidum has greatly lessened my discomfort following a massage. In fact, it has worked so well in my n=1 experiments that I now take it immediately following any body work and the couple of people I have suggested it to have tried it and found benefit following massage, as well.

If you, too, have experienced the unpleasant after effects from a wondrous massage, try Lacticum acidum and let me know what you think!

​
Julia Coyte, CHom
Classically Practical homeopath


#wellnessawaits

Reference list
Calza, L., Manfredi, R. and Chiodo, F., 2005. Hyperlactataemia and lactic acidosis in HIV-infected patients receiving antiretroviral therapy. Clinical Nutrition, 24 (1), 5–15.

Cambron, J. A., Dexheimer, J., Coe, P. and Swenson, R., 2007. Side-Effects of Massage Therapy: A Cross-Sectional Study of 100 Clients. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine [online], 13 (8), 793–796. 

Merrells, R. J., Cripps, A. J., Chivers, P. T. and Fournier, P. A., 2019. Role of lactic acidosis as a mediator of sprint-mediated nausea. Physiological Reports [online], 7 (21). 

​Did you know that October 18th is World Menopause Day? (Nor did I.)

The International Menopause Society says it is, so it must be true. The IMS have a goal “to work globally to promote and support access to best practice health care for women through their menopause transition.”

A good goal, to be sure. I certainly hope they include homeopathy in their best practices!

This year, IMS is focusing on Cognition and Mood associated with menopause. Their website provides a leaflet on Menopausal Brain Fog with some interesting data, if you’re curious.

Brain Fog is a complaint I hear often from women of a certain age and I addressed it here where I shared the Banerji Protocol for menopausal brain fog — an excellent place to start for “Cognition and Mood” during menopause. Protocols don’t address every condition for every person, so if you try the protocol and don’t get any joy, work with a professional homeopath to relieve your specific condition.

Homeopathic remedies can be very helpful in relieving the symptoms of menopause and peri-menopause in general. In addition to brain fog, hot flashes are right up there in common complaints.

Homeopathic Ammonium carb may address some level of hot flashes, especially when there is heat in the face and/or sweaty feet. Becoming heated can cause aggravation or even result in a headache. Unlike some of the remedies that follow below, Am-carb women may have an aversion to open air.

Lachesis is my “go-to” remedy for hot flashes as I have seen some pretty amazing things happen when women suffering from hot flashes use homeopathic Lachesis. Hot flashes may be more intense around the head and neck while their hands and feet remain cold. They have no tolerance for warm and stuffy rooms; craving cool, fresh air. There is also very little tolerance for tight or constricting clothing, especially around the neck or waist. All symptoms may be worse on waking. Because of this, falling asleep may be daunting.

Sepia can be cold during the day and hot during the night resulting in drenching sweats only to end up chilly again. These sweats may also show up from minimal physical effort. Hot flashes may begin down low and move upward. Women benefitting from homeopathic Sepia often suffer from low energy but are energized through exercise.

Pulsatilla hot flashes may be experienced when anxious or upset. Open windows with fresh air are are needed all the time…, they feel better outdoors. Constant fluctuation between being too hot and too cold. This changeability may be found elsewhere: mood swings, constantly changing bowel habits and wandering pains.

Sulphur is kind of the “mother of all hot flashes.” They are warm all the time and rapidly overheat. These flashes can be very distressing and may be followed quickly by chilliness. In general, homeopathic sulphur has irregular heat distribution throughout the body. They may also find some parts are hot while other parts remain cool. They have a tendency to sweat excessively, especially around the head, feet and armpits and this sweat may be strongly odiferous. They are too hot for covers at night, especially the feet, and may also suffer from rashes, which are worse from heat.

The experience surrounding menopause can last for many years — the perimenopause leading up to, the menopause itself as well as the years following the cessation of periods. That’s potentially a very long time to be suffering needlessly. Do yourself a favor and try some homeopathy.


Julia Coyte, CHom
Classically Practical homeopath


#wellnessawaits

Bloody noses are a bloody bother.

Thankfully, that’s only what they are, generally speaking. Rarely are bloody noses an emergency. According to verywellhealth.com and NHSinform, you need to seek medical assistance for a nosebleed when:

• Non-stop bleeding for 20 minutes
• Significant blood loss
• Caused by severe trauma
• You have high blood pressure
• You can taste blood
• You swallow a lot of blood and are vomiting as a result
• You're having difficulty breathing

If you take blood thinners or are anemic, or the nosebleed is in a very young child (under 2), those, too might be reason enough to seek professional assistance for a nose bleed.

Some people have chronic bloody noses*. All 3 of my sons have experienced periods of regular bloody noses and homeopathy has been amazingly helpful in dealing with this, especially in the moment.

I have seen nosebleeds stop shockingly quickly with a few of the appropriate little homeopathic pellets.

What are the appropriate remedies?
Dr. Andrew Lockie (1993) recommends using the appropriate homeopathic remedy (he says in a 6c potency) every 2 minutes for up to 10 doses. (In my experience, nosebleeds stop much faster than 10 minutes when using homeopathy. If the bleed hasn’t stopped in a few minutes, try another remedy.)

I present to you here, in alphabetical order, some of my favorites:

Arnica, especially for nosebleeds following an injury. Nosebleeds with a cough or from blowing the nose. Nosebleeds from exertion or from washing your face. (I have never seen this one, but I do know of people for whom nosebleeds occur while in the shower and Arnica just might be their answer.)

Ferrum phos, either as a cell salt (6x) or in potency (6c or 30c). Nosebleeds in children; nosebleeds accompanying a fever; bright red blood.

Hamamelis — with dark and thin blood. Nosebleeds in the morning.

Ipecac — bright blood, clotted or coagulated.

Phosphorus — bright red blood, bloody nose as a result of blowing the nose; in children; noses that bleed easily.

What else can help?
Once upon a time, long before I knew about homeopathy, I read that cayenne pepper (a pinch in a glass of water, then drink it) can help. Well, a visitor, an adult, was experiencing a bloody nose. I got out the cayenne pepper and I was getting the water and the person took a little dab of the cayenne pepper and put it right up their nose. The bleeding stopped immediately and though they had been experiencing regular bloody noses, one didn't return again for many years after that! (Be forewarned, though -- this person had quite a shocking experience with that jolt to the system!)

Another little tip I’ve learned with my boys… paper towels are much more effective than tissues.

I leave you with this joke, simply because I couldn’t resist.

A British man says, “I’ve got a bloody nose!!!”
His friends reply, “yeah, we all do.”


Julia Coyte, CHom
Classically Practical homeopath (and re-teller of bad jokes)

#wellnessawaits


classicallypractical.com


* If you or your child suffers from regular nosebleed, it might be worth considering a consult with a homeopath to see if you can get to the bottom of the issue.

Reference list:
Lockie, Dr. A., 1993. The Family Guide to Homeopathy. USA: Simon & Schuster.

NHS Inform, 2019. Nosebleed causes and treatments [online]. Nhsinform.scot. 

Perko, S. J., 2008. The homeopathic therapeutic subject reference : a homeopathic practice guidebook for physicians and health care practitioners. San Antonio, Texas.: Benchmark Homeopathic Publications.

Ratera, Dr. M. M., 2016. First Aid with Homeopathy. Kander, Germany: Narayana Verlag.

Upjoke.com, 2022. The 20+ Best Bloody Nose Jokes - ↑UPJOKE↑ [online]. upjoke.com. 

Weintraub, S., 1999. Natural healing with cell salts. Pleasant Grove, Ut: Woodland Pub.

​

There’s a reason that “haunting” is a word that often accompanies the word “dream.”

It’s always those disturbing dreams — the dark and icky dreams — that get stuck in the internal playback loop and haunt you [insert shudder here] the next day or, if you’re unlucky, many days.

Why can’t the enjoyable, funny dreams ever get stuck on replay?

You could try a dream catcher* (as pictured above). Dream catchers are meant to let the nice dreams go into the universe and catch the bad dreams so they can be destroyed in the light of day.

Or, you could try the Bach Flower Remedy, White Chestnut.

White Chestnut is not just for dreams…

White Chestnut is for whenever the mind is tormented by worrying or repetitive and unwanted thoughts.

White Chestnut is for the circling thoughts — the thoughts that go nowhere. The unproductive thoughts.

White Chestnut is for thoughts that keep you from being present in the moment. You can’t be present in the moment because you’re stuck in your head.

As Dr. Bach said, “those who cannot prevent thoughts, ideas, arguments which they do not desire from entering their minds.”

“Thoughts which worry and will remain, or if for a time thrown out, will return. They seem to circle round and round and cause mental torture.”

If you find yourself fixated on certain thoughts. Or, you find you’re having persistent, disagreeable or even tormenting thoughts. Or, you find yourself dwelling on past, generally disagreeable events — pick up a little bottle of White Chestnut** and see if that can help you find a little peace of mind.

Unlike homeopathic remedies, Bach Flowers are intended to be used repeatedly and frequently. The best description I have heard is that it's like a little tap on the shoulder to remind you that everything is OK.

A few weeks ago, I had yet another song stuck in my head. I decided to try White Chestnut. It worked. It worked so well, I decided that the words to a famous song need to be changed.
​
​Sung to the tune of “White Christmas”:

     I’m dreaming of some White Chestnut.
     Just so this song can leave my head.
     When your thoughts go wonky and won't stop spinning
     White Chestnut can send them on their way.

Close enough.

Julia Coyte, CHom
Classically Practical homeopath


#wellnessawaits

* For more information: dreamcatchers
** Bach Flower Remedies are available in most health food stores.

If you are interested in a Bach consultation, click here and scroll down the page.

​Photo by Andreas Wagner on Unsplash

It doesn’t look like a scary place, does it? But it is! This beautiful blue sky, well, what was under that beautiful blue sky, filled my head with some dastardly little things that gave me a stonking headache and made it difficult to breathe and sleep. I was up many times in the night blowing my nose. The light frost in the morning didn’t do anything to make those bad things go away the next night, either!

I guess it’s that time of year… Hayfever season.

All my life, everybody around me has suffered miserably from hayfever. It’s a new thing for me and I don’t find the number of tissues I have been blasting my way through very amusing. I have a new-found sympathy for all allergy sufferers, I can tell you that!

I felt better on the drive home with the windows up and the A/C on, but it all returned again once I unpacked the truck.

I had a shower to get those nasty little allergens off of me and I also had a chewable tablet that I am now going to keep a little closer to me until a good, hard frost comes in.

“Combination H”: Schuessler Tissue Salts Hayfever combination.* (This page also has a nice FAQ list about tissue/cell salts.) ​

Uh-huh, that’s what I’m talking about! Headache gone. I slept all night without having to blow my nose. Good stuff!

Made in Australia by Martin & Pleasance*, they have a whole range of combination tissue salts, (or cell salts, if you prefer) for a couple of dozen common conditions.

The tablets are handy, that’s for sure. But, if you don’t have this combo remedy easily at hand, you can have a dose each of Mag phos, Nat Mur and Silicea (all 6x potency) and achieve the same blessedly wonderful effect.


Julia Coyte, CHom
Classically Practical homeopath


#wellnessawaits



* I have no affiliation with this company, I just like their products.

Posted with permission from National Center for Homeopathy

The National Center for Homeopathy joins the world in mourning the loss of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom. We extend heartfelt condolences to the whole British Royal Family.

Queen Elizabeth II was a lifelong user and supporter of homeopathy and is said to have never travelled without her 60-remedy, leather-cased homeopathy kit.

In fact, the British Royal Family has a long history of using homeopathy for themselves and their animals starting in 1835, as excerpted from www.homepathicfamilymedicine.com:

The British Royal Family has had a longtime and deep appreciation for homeopathic medicine, ever since Queen Adelaide (1792–1849), wife of King William IV, first made public her special interest in this “new medicine” in 1835. Other British aristocrats shared the queen’s interests, including the Marquess of Anglesey who crossed the British Channel to go to Paris for treatment by the founder of homeopathy, Dr. Samuel Hahnemann.

Queen Adelaide had been suffering from a serious malady that the court physicians couldn’t cure. The queen called for the services of one of Hahnemann’s oldest and most faithful colleagues, Dr. Johann Ernst Stapf (1788–1860), who cured her, creating the first of many supporters of homeopathy from British royalty.

The British homeopath to the titled Marquess of Anglesey, Dr. Harris Dunsford (1808–1847), wrote a book on homeopathy that was dedicated, with permission, to Queen Adelaide (Dunsford, 1842). This dedication made public her interest in and her appreciation for homeopathy. She was instrumental in helping to establish homeopathy’s early popularity, especially among the upper classes in England.

Various kings and queens of Great Britain since Queen Adelaide have openly sought medical care from homeopathic physicians.

Princess May, who later became Queen Mary (1865–1953), wife of King George V, headed the fundraising efforts to move and expand the London Homeopathic Hospital. King George V (1865–1936) was appreciative of homeopathy because it provided him with the real practical benefit of treating his seasickness whenever he suffered from it.

King Edward VII (1841–1910) carried on the homeopathic tradition and was a close drinking and eating partner of Dr. Frederick Hervey Foster Quin (1799–1878), the first British physician to become a homeopath. Edward’s daughter, Maud (1869–1938), married King Haakon VII of Norway, and both sought the homeopathic care of Sir John Weir, MD.

King Edward VIII (1894–1972), known as Prince Edward, Duke of Windsor, after his abdication in 1936, carried his homeopathic medicines in powder doses in his pocket. His brother, King George VI (1895–1952), also had a special love for homeopathy. He even named one of his prize racehorses Hypericum, after a homeopathic medicine for injuries. He was known to be an expert user of homeopathic medicine himself, and he formally granted the use of the royal title to the London Homeopathic Hospital, now called the Royal London Homeopathic Hospital.

Until her death, Her Majesty the Queen Mother (1900-2002), was the principal royal patron of the British Homeopathic Association. Living until age 101, the Queen Mother is the second longest-living British Royal, the first being Princess Alice (1901-2004), daughter-in-law of Queen Mary and King George V - both ardent homeopathy influencers of their time.

And as for Queen Elizabeth II (1926-2022), in addition to bringing her leather homeopathic remedy case with her on travels, her doctor for a decade and a half was homeopathic physician, Dr. Peter Fisher. Dr. Fisher was Director of Research at the Royal London Hospital for Integrated Medicine, Europe’s largest center for integrative medicine. Dr. Fisher's work inspired the National Center for Homeopathy to create an award honoring him after his death in 2018. The NCH award acknowledges the work of current researchers in homeopathy.

Members of the Royal Family are well educated and have access to the best medical care in the world. And what do they choose as part of an integrative approach to wellness during long, healthy lives? 

Homeopathy.


Posted with permission from National Center for Homeopathy


Julia Coyte, CHom
Classically Practical homeopath


#wellnessawaits

Historically at this time of year, I am cheering on fall’s arrival. This year, for reasons unknown to me, I am savoring these last days of full summer. It doesn’t really cool off too much for a few more weeks (and, even then, that’s relative, I know) — but I’m holding on to what’s left of the strong summer sun.

On this cloudless, sunny day, we’re “headed up the tram” which makes me think of altitude sickness because we’ll be eating dinner at 10, 378 ft tonight.

Long before I lived in the mountains, I visited a friend in Breckenridge, Colorado (9,600 ft). I don’t remember all the symptoms I experienced there, but I do remember dizziness was a big part of it. I learned that night that vertigo and water beds are not a good combination. (I had never and have no plans to ever sleep on one of those again.) I was down the mountain and boarding a plane back to sea level the next morning.

The altitude continued to bother me whenever I visited above my new home-base level (6,880 ft), but last year I got sick of the lethargy and headaches, so I finally did something about it.

What did I do? I took a dose of homeopathic Coca 30c, which is made from the coca leaves that they chew in South America when they’re headed up the mountains to ward off the nasty effects like throbbing headaches and pounding heart, faintness and tummy upset. I felt much better after the first dose and the next time I was up high, I took a second dose and have not had any troubles since. (I will stick it in my pocket for tonight, though — just in case.)

Purchasing homeopathic Coca in the US can be tricky so here are a couple of other remedies to try.

Calcarea Carbonica is helpful for people who have difficulty ascending — mountains or stairs, the remedy doesn’t care. Vertigo in high places. Headaches which are worse for physical exertion. Heart palpitations and weakness, in general.

Carbo-veg is the remedy for debilitation and collapse states. Fainting or the feeling of going to faint, weakness and “imperfect oxidation.” Craving oxygen and want of air.

Silicea is another weakness remedy, a lack of energy. It’s also indicated in difficult breathing when ascending as well as palpitations with vertigo.


Next time you are headed skiing or climbing or visiting a high city, or just having dinner at an altitude higher than you're used to, remember one of these remedies to help you breathe easy.


Julia Coyte, CHom
Classically Practical homeopath


#wellnessawaits

Summer goes by shockingly fast regardless of whether you travel or stay put; whether you’re busy or busy doing nothing. Come to think of it, I don’t think I’ve ever heard anyone complain about “the long summer” like they do about the winter. It’s funny, the days are longer but the weeks are shorter. How does that work?

Where I live in New Mexico, school is already under way. While I suspect the return to the classroom will not be as alien and fraught as it was last year (see, Back to School in the Year 2021), I’m sure there are plenty of classrooms still filled with the jitters.
​
This year I have some added suggestions on remedies for the nervous students.
Flowers.
Flowers?
Yup. Bach Flower Remedies are perfect for anxious kids (and, their parents!)

Walnut supports change… Like, a new school year. Or, a change in the home: a new sibling, a new home — any change in circumstances. An excellent remedy for puberty (cuz we all know that's a big change!) Walnut helps them move forward and adapt to their new circumstances. Walnut is also helpful for any younger siblings who will be having to get used to not having their big brother/sister at home with them.

Mimulus is for fears that can be named. If the child is afraid of meeting the teacher or afraid of being away from home; worried about bullies or that they’re not going to be able to make friends; worried they’ll be laughed at or not know what to do. If they can put a name to what is worrying them, Mimulus can help them reach a state of calm neutrality and go forth with confidence and courage.

Aspen if they can not name the fear. If they are suffering from nightmares or generalized anxiety without knowing why, Aspen can help bring a sense of calm.

Larch is for a lack of confidence. The student thinks they’re not good enough and they give up saying they can’t do it. Larch is particularly good before a test or before the big game.

Crab Apple is for those who feel there is something wrong with themselves. If your child is worried about starting school because they think they don’t fit in physically because they are too tall, too fat, too zitty… try some Crab Apple.

Chicory for a clingy child. It helps them be independent.

White Chestnut for when their worry or anxiety keeps them from sleeping. For those thoughts that keep repeating, White Chestnut helps to calm the mind and helps find focus.

Rescue Remedy is a mix of 5 different Bach Flowers and is particularly helpful during acute stress. If the student is crying and unable to calm themselves, for example.

What about Mom and Dad?

Walnut to help deal with this big change.
White Chestnut to help stop the repetitive thoughts.
Red chestnut for the worry they have for their kids.
Chicory when it’s hard to let go.

With Bach Flowers, you can choose one remedy at a time or a few (up to 7). Two drops can be taken directly from the bottle (please be advised that they contain alcohol unless the non-alcoholic version is being used -- All Bach remedies are available in alcohol free versions), or, the easiest way is to put 2 drops of the chosen remedy or remedies in a bottle of water and sip throughout the day. (For Rescue Remedy, use 4 drops.) Note: You can purchase a mixture of your chosen remedies from places like Rebecca's Herbal Apothecary* for less than the price of purchasing just 1 bottle on its own.)

Bach Flower Essences are safe and can be taken alongside medications with no interference (The Dr Edward Bach Centre 1995).

So, some Bach Flowers for you and your anxious student and maybe a nice little posy for the teacher to get the year off to a good start.


Julia Coyte, CHom
Classically Practical homeopath


#wellnessawaits

* I have no affiliation with this company, I just like their stuff.

Reference list
Bach Centre, n.d. The history of Dr. Bach [online]. The Bach Centre. Available from: .

Info at Bach Flower, 2022. FAQ [online]. Info@BachFlower.com * 1-800-214-2850.   

The Dr Edward Bach Centre, 1995. The 38 flower remedies : an introduction and guide to the 38 flower remedies. London: Wigmore Publications.

Headaches are tough. They’re tough to live through and they can be tough to help homeopathically speaking because there are so many variables in headaches.

I woke up with a cracking headache the other day. This headache was so bad that I, the homeopath who has not had so much as a Tylenol in 10 years, considered for just a brief moment, taking some over the counter (OTC) medicine.

Why not take that route? It’s so easy! What harm can it do? Let's take a quick look at why OTC meds might not be the best option.

If you take any conventional meds, prescribed or otherwise, I highly recommend you spend a little time at drugs.com. They do a nice job of explaining the “side effects” and other important information that one should know when one is ingesting substances. (All of the below information comes from drugs.com unless otherwise noted.)

The two most common OTC meds for headaches are acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol) and NSAIDs (a.k.a. ibuprofen, e.g. Advil).

Acetaminophen use in the US is shockingly high. 40% of adults reported using it monthly and 23% weekly and it is the most common cause of acute liver failure. Acetaminophen is also the most common cause of both intentional and unintentional poisoning in the US (Dimitropoulos 2014).

Finding statistics on who uses ibuprofen and how often was not so easy. The nearest I came was to find that “approximately 70% of people 65 years or older use NSAIDs at least once per week” (Fine 2013).

NSAIDs and acetaminophen both:

• Can be dangerous when combined with alcohol (Anderson 2022)
• Can cause an upset stomach

Acetaminophen: Very common (10% or more): Nausea (up to 34%), Vomiting (up to 15%)
Ibuprofen: Very common (10% or more): Nausea (up to 57%), vomiting (up to 22%), flatulence (up to 16%), diarrhea (up to 10%)

• Can cause cardiovascular issues

Acetaminophen: Common (1% to 10%): Peripheral edema, hypertension, hypotension, tachycardia, chest pain
Ibuprofen: Very common (10% or more): Hemorrhage (up to 10%), hypertension (10%), hypotension (10%)

Using these OTC meds frequently for headaches can also result in rebound headaches (Freeland 2020).

For years, doctors have been recommending acetaminophen over NSAIDs during pregnancy, but now we’re learning that exposure to this is linked to higher rates of ADHD and autism (National Institutes of Health 2019; Alemany et al. 2021; Cleveland Clinic 2022).

An added risk of using acetaminophen is that it is commonly used in other drugs (e.g. Theraflu, Alka-Seltzer Plus Liquid Gels, Vicodin, Percocet). If you take a Tylenol in addition to taking one of these other meds, it could result in a fatal overdose (Bates 2016; Harvard Health Publishing 2018).

After just a short while looking into these “safe” OTC medicines, I realized this could become a very long article, so I will stop here. (I really didn’t even look into risks for children (Ogilvie et al. 2012), though I’m sure they are just as bad, if not worse than for adults.) I will say this, though: I am even more pleased with my decision to not take the well trodden OTC painkiller route after my little internet exploration. Risking gastrointestinal bleeding or liver disease to get rid of a headache? No, thank you. I’ll pass.

What route did I take? I took the road less traveled… Homeopathy, of course!

Before I get to the homeopathic remedies for headaches, please note that some headaches definitely warrant medical assistance:

• Headache with a high fever
• Headache following a head injury
• An extremely bad headache — pain like you’ve never experienced before — that has come out of nowhere
• A headache that affects your speech or vision
• A headache that affects your memory or you find yourself confused

As I mentioned in my article Garbage In, Garbage Out, everybody experiences headaches differently. Your headache is not the same as your neighbor’s headache.

Why do we get headaches? Good question. The reasons are plentiful: Stress and tension can cause headaches. Emotions can cause headaches. Crying can cause headaches. Drinking alcohol can cause headaches. Certain foods for certain people can cause headaches. The weather can cause headaches. Hunger can cause headaches. Physical issues, like sitting at a desk all day, can cause headaches. Dehydration can cause headaches (see, Summer Fun #5: Dehydration). Menses can cause headaches. And, homeopathy in all its wisdom takes all of these possible causations into consideration when selecting a remedy. (Some of these conditions are chronic situations and seeking the advice from a professional homeopath may be necessary to help figure your headaches out.)

As in everything homeopathy, the symptoms, or how you experience the headache, are the key to finding the right remedy for you.

NOTE: A 30c potency is a good place to start. If no change occurs, repeat the remedy 15-20 minutes later. If there is any amelioration, stick with the remedy. We are not looking for perfection, we are looking for improvement. If you are NO better after a couple of doses, take another look at the symptoms and try another remedy. As I said earlier, headaches can be very tricky, especially when you are in the middle of one. (If you have somebody nearby who can help you figure it out, all the better.) Don’t get discouraged. The long-term benefits of kicking the OTC habit are worth it. If you have to succumb to an OTC, try and take note of what you were feeling and see if you can match up a remedy for the next time you get a headache.

Please note also that this is not an exhaustive list of headache remedies. This is just a quick look at a few common homeopathic headache remedies which should be readily available in most household homeopathic kits or in your local health food store.

Bryonia is the “grumpy bear” remedy. Grumpy because every movement you make hurts — it even hurts to move your eyes. It hurts to be touched. Every noise somebody else makes hurts. A splitting headache — as if the head would split right open or pain right across the forehead. Thirsty, thirsty, thirsty for big gulps of water. Constipation may be present. Firm pressure on the head can help as can a nice, cool cloth across the forehead. Bryonia is an excellent flu remedy and is also good for injuries and back pains, neck & shoulder pains; too much sun and coughing. 

Belladonna — sudden onset. Throbbing, pounding pain. In the temples or extending from temple to temple. Fullness in the head — a congestive headache. Your head may hurt so much that it hurts to touch your scalp. A couple of keynotes for Belladonna in any condition: sudden onset. Hotness. Redness. (See, Summer Fun #1: Sun.) They don’t want any noise or light or anyone to bump that bed they are on. A Belladonna headache feels better with pressure — pressing on your head can help the pain. Headaches from coughing or sneezing.

Gelsemium: Headache with the sensation as if there were a tight band around the head. A distressing headache. Pain beginning in the neck and extending up and all over the head. A good remedy for headaches with the flu. Can’t keep the eyes open. Headache from nervousness — anticipatory anxiety. Or, a headache that came on after hearing bad news. They feel better when keeping their head raised up when lying down. Their brain may feel sore. A fascinating symptom of Gelsemium is the headache can feel better after urinating. They want to be left alone, but unlike Bryonia, they have no thirst.

Ignatia: Headaches from emotions: shock, sadness, grief, worry or anger. From the outside, they may seem oversensitive to the pain; they may even be hysterical. Pain as if a nail is driven into the side of the head. Or, a headache felt along the sides of the head. A heavy feeling in the head. Pulsating sensation over the eyes. They may have a very focused headache, just in one spot. Strong smells, especially tobacco smoke, can bring on a headache. Wrapping the head up may feel good.

Natrum muriaticum: headaches from grief and disappointed love. Headache as if being hit by dozens of tiny hammers beating on your brain. A bursting headache. A heavy sensation in the back of the head. May feel a band or hoop sensation around head. Headache as if from a blow to the head. Feels as if they must lie down. A headache on one side of the head. Eyes are sensitive to light and there may be visual disturbances. They are worse from the sun.

Nux vomica for headaches from too much (see, Too Much!) — too much alcohol, too much sugar, too much sun, too much work, too much food. Too much can also mean not enough of something else: not enough sleep, not enough emptying of the bowels (constipation). Headaches from toxic substances, street drugs as well as prescription or over the counter medicines. Or, a headache that feels as if it’s from intoxication, without imbibing the toxic substance itself. Unable to raise the head. Head feels swollen. These people can be miffed — angry and frustrated. The pain can be in the back of the head or over the eyes. As if a nail has been driven into the top of the head. Headache all over the head. Splitting headache. Dizziness, especially on rising. The head may be sensitive to cold air or drafts of air. Headache from tooth pain. Nux vomica is also good for colds and stuffed up noses, so if your headache is coming from that, this could be a good choice.

Pulsatilla: Headache from overeating, especially fats. Hormonal headaches. Headaches experienced during puberty. Throbbing. Heavy head — hard to hold it up. A bubbling sensation in the head or noises in the head. Bending the head to one side may feel good. They must lie down while keeping their head raised. A one-sided headache. Oversensitivity, weepiness and craving company and with no thirst — all big keynotes for Pulsatilla. They feel better in open air and while rubbing their head or from wrapping their head. Coughs make it worse. Shooting pains or wandering pains.

Sanguinaria: A “sick headache” with nausea and possibly vomiting. The pain is focused in or around the right eye. It can be a quick pain — a flash of pain on the back of the head. The eyes may feel like they’re being pressed out. Forehead pain, just above the eyes. The pain improves from sleep. Nausea. Dizziness. Vomiting and feeling better from vomiting. Bursting pain.

Silicea. Lingering headaches following an illness. An occipital headache, sitting right there at the back or your head or, starting in the occiput and traveling up and over the head. May feel nauseous and vomit. Cold, clammy sweat on the forehead. Talking makes them feel worse. Constipation and straining can cause this headache. A headache from cold exposure to the head. Head pain resulting from a toothache. May feel better from binding the head. Conversely, a headache that has been brought on from having the head bound may respond well to Silicea. Like Gelsemium, the headache can improve with urination.

Children with headaches may respond well to Calc phos 3x. Older children may respond well to Nat Mur or Ignatia.

So, what did I take for my headache?
Bryonia first, which removed the debilitating pain and I could then focus more clearly on what I was feeling. Almost immediately, I noticed how nauseous I was. Was I nauseous before? Maybe, but it certainly wasn't pronounced enough for me to notice it. Then, sitting by an open window trying to get some work done, the nearby construction noise was absolutely intolerable — really irking me. Aha. Irritability and nausea = Nux vomica. Within an hour, the bulk of the headache was gone and by afternoon I felt absolutely good to go -- as if I never even had a headache.

Was it harder to take homeopathy rather than popping an OTC? Maybe, but only because it required me to think about my symptoms. But, to me, it was absolutely worth it. With homeopathy, there are no side-effects, no rebound headaches, no possibility of long-term damage (Habs and Koller 2021; American Association of Homeopathic Pharmacists 2022). And, bonus, homeopathy has been known to help uproot the underlying cause of the existing condition, thereby lessening the frequency and intensity in the future, especially in chronic conditions.

Reference list 
Alemany, S., Avella-García, C., Liew, Z., García-Esteban, R., Inoue, K., Cadman, T., López-Vicente, M., González, L., Riaño Galán, I., Andiarena, A., Casas, M., Margetaki, K., Strandberg-Larsen, K., Lawlor, D. A., El Marroun, H., Tiemeier, H., Iñiguez, C., Tardón, A., Santa-Marina, L. and Júlvez, J., 2021. Prenatal and postnatal exposure to acetaminophen in relation to autism spectrum and attention-deficit and hyperactivity symptoms in childhood: Meta-analysis in six European population-based cohorts. European Journal of Epidemiology [online]. 

American Association of Homeopathic Pharmacists, 2022. FAQs [online]. The American Association of Homeopathic Pharmacists. 

Anderson, L. A., 2022. Pain / Fever Drugs and Alcohol Interactions [online]. Drugs.com. Available from: https://www.drugs.com/article/pain-medications-alcohol.html

Bates, A., 2016. Acetaminophen Intoxication: A Critical-Care Emergency [online]. Uspharmacist.com. 

Cleveland Clinic, 2022. Does Acetaminophen Heighten Risk for Autism or ADHD? [online]. Cleveland Clinic. 

Dimitropoulos, E., 2014. Acetaminophen Toxicity: What Pharmacists Need to Know [online]. Uspharmacist.com. 

Drugs.com, 2018a. Acetaminophen [online]. Drugs.com. 

Drugs.com, 2018b. Ibuprofen [online]. Drugs.com. 

Fine, M., 2013. Quantifying the Impact of NSAID-Associated Adverse Events [online]. AJMC. 

Freeland, M. N., 2020. Migraine Medication Overuse and Rebound Headaches - GoodRx [online]. GoodRx. 

Habs, M. and Koller, M., 2021. Material Risks of Homeopathic Medicinal Products: Regulatory Frameworks, Results of Preclinical Toxicology, and Clinical Meta-Analyses and Their Implications. Complementary Medicine Research [online], 28 (1), 64–84. 

Harvard Health Publishing, 2018. Acetaminophen safety: Be cautious but not afraid - Harvard Health [online]. Harvard Health. 

National Institutes of Health, 2019. NIH-funded study suggests acetaminophen exposure in pregnancy linked to higher risk of ADHD, autism [online]. National Institutes of Health (NIH). Available from: .

Ogilvie, J. D., Rieder, M. J. and Lim, R., 2012. Acetaminophen overdose in children. Canadian Medical Association Journal [online], 184 (13), 1492–1496.

Further reading:
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Kaufman, D. W., Kelly, J. P., Wiholm, B.-E., Laszlo, A., Sheehan, J. E., Koff, R. S. and Shapiro, S., 1999. The Risk of Acute Major Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding Among Users of Aspirin and Ibuprofen at Various Levels of Alcohol Consumption. American Journal of Gastroenterology [online], 94 (11), 3189–3196. 

Mayo Clinic Staff, 2018. Taking pills for chronic pain? [online]. Mayo Clinic. 

Ullman, D., 2017. Safety Issues and Homeopathic Medicines [online]. Homeopathic.com. ​
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