by Jadwiga James, Homeopath at Acorn Natural Health Centre in Heanor

October is that time of year when you can really feel the seasons changing. The mornings are darker, the evenings are drawing in and there is a definite chill in the air. We start putting the heating on, spending more time indoors and, before long, the familiar coughs and colds begin making their way around.

A cold is usually something the body deals with in its own time, but there are plenty of simple things you can do to make yourself more comfortable and support yourself while you recover.

Start with the simple things

When you are coming down with something, it is easy to carry on as normal and hope it goes away. Sometimes the best thing you can do is actually slow down.

Rest when you can, keep warm and drink plenty of fluids. Warm drinks can be particularly soothing if your throat feels scratchy or you have a cough. Soups, broths and simple nourishing meals are often easier to manage when you do not have much appetite.

And if your body is asking for an early night, listen to it.

Ginger, lemon and honey

This is one of my favourite simple combinations during the colder months.

Slice or grate a little fresh ginger and add it to a cup of freshly boiled water. Leave it for around 5-10 minutes, then add some fresh lemon and a spoonful of honey once the drink has cooled slightly.

Ginger makes a lovely warming drink and lemon and honey can be particularly soothing for a dry or irritated throat.

You can make a larger amount and keep it in the fridge for a day or two, warming a cup when needed.

Honey should not be given to children under one year old.

Thyme for coughs and the chest

Thyme has traditionally been used as a herb for coughs and respiratory complaints and is a useful one to have in the kitchen during the colder months.

For a simple thyme tea, put a teaspoon or two of dried thyme into a cup, cover with freshly boiled water and leave for around 10 minutes before straining. You can add honey if you like.

You can have this a couple of times during the day, particularly when your throat feels irritated or you have a tickly cough.

Sage for a sore throat

Sage makes a very good gargle when your throat is sore.

Make a strong sage tea by pouring boiling water over a teaspoon of dried sage and leaving it for around 10 minutes. Allow it to cool to a comfortable temperature and gargle with it several times during the day.

You do not need to swallow it. Simply gargle and spit it out.

Elderberries

Elderberries are another traditional autumn remedy and have been used for generations in preparations for colds and seasonal respiratory complaints.

One of the easiest ways to use them is as an elderberry syrup. You can buy a ready-made preparation or make your own using dried elderberries, water and honey.

If making it yourself, simmer the dried elderberries gently in water for around 30-40 minutes, then strain well and allow the liquid to cool before adding honey. Keep it refrigerated and use within the recommended time for your particular recipe.

Elderberries are not something to eat raw, and the leaves, stems and unripe berries should not be used in homemade preparations. Using a properly prepared elderberry product is the simplest option.

Peppermint tea

Peppermint is another useful herb to keep in the cupboard. A cup of peppermint tea can feel refreshing when you have a blocked nose or simply feel heavy and congested.

Just add fresh or dried peppermint to hot water and leave for around 5-10 minutes.

If you are prone to reflux or heartburn, peppermint may not suit you, so choose something else instead.

Homeopathy for colds and coughs

Homeopathy looks at the particular pattern of symptoms rather than simply treating the name of the illness. This means that two people with what appears to be the same cold might traditionally be given completely different remedies.

Here are some of the remedies commonly considered in homeopathic practice.

Aconitum napellus is traditionally considered at the very beginning of a cold, especially when symptoms come on suddenly after being exposed to cold, dry air. The person may feel restless, chilly and suddenly unwell.

Allium cepa is often considered when there is a streaming, watery nasal discharge which irritates the skin around the nose. The eyes may water too, but the tears are usually less irritating than the nasal discharge.

Arsenicum album may be considered when there is a runny nose together with a feeling of chilliness, weakness and restlessness. The person may want to be warm and may feel worse when alone.

Bryonia is traditionally associated with a dry cough which is made worse by movement. The person may want to lie still and may be very thirsty, often wanting larger amounts of water at a time.

Drosera is one of the better-known homeopathic cough remedies. It is traditionally considered for a dry, spasmodic cough which can come in bouts, particularly at night.

Ipecacuanha may be considered when there is a persistent cough accompanied by nausea, and even vomiting from cough. The cough may be rattling, but the chest does not seem to clear easily.

Spongia tosta is traditionally used for a dry, harsh cough which can sound almost barking or sawing. The throat may feel dry and irritated, with a sensation of tightness.

Phosphorus is often considered for a dry, irritating cough, particularly when talking or laughing brings it on. There may also be a strong desire for cold drinks.

Pulsatilla is traditionally associated with thicker, yellowish or creamy mucus rather than a clear, watery discharge. Symptoms may change during the day and fresh air can feel pleasant.

Rumex crispus is a useful remedy to know for a very tickly cough. Even a small amount of cold air entering through the mouth can set the cough off, and covering the mouth or keeping the throat warm may help.

Antimonium tartaricum is traditionally considered when there is a loose, rattling cough with mucus that is difficult to bring up. The chest can sound very congested even though little is actually being cleared.

These are just some of the remedies used traditionally in homeopathy. The important part is matching the remedy to the individual symptom picture rather than automatically reaching for the same remedy every time you have a cold.

How to take a homeopathic remedy

For simple acute self-care, homeopathic remedies are available from homeopathic pharmacies like Ainsworths and Helios. Follow the instructions on the product you are using or those given to you by your homeopath.

How to Take Homeopathic Remedies

For acute complaints such as a cold or cough, 15C or 30C are commonly used potencies in homeopathic practice.

Place 1-2 pellets under the tongue and allow them to dissolve. It is generally recommended to avoid eating or drinking for around 15 minutes before and after taking the remedy.

How often you repeat a remedy depends on the individual symptoms. With an acute complaint, it may be repeated when needed, particularly when symptoms are strong, and then reduced or stopped as the symptoms improve.

There is no need to keep taking a remedy once you are clearly getting better. If the symptoms change, it is also worth reassessing whether the remedy still matches the new symptom picture.

If you are unsure which remedy is appropriate, a qualified homeopath can help you choose according to your individual symptoms.

A simple cold and cough cupboard

It can be useful to have a few simple things ready before you need them:

  • Fresh ginger
  • Lemons
  • Honey
  • Dried thyme
  • Sage
  • Elderberry syrup
  • Peppermint
  • A homeopathic First Aid kit- my favourite one is from Ainsworths

Sometimes it is the simple things that make the biggest difference. A warm drink, a soothing herbal tea, a little honey for an irritated throat and, perhaps most importantly, giving yourself permission to rest can make a cold much easier to get through.

As always, these suggestions are for general information and are not intended as medical advice. If you have a health condition, are taking medication, are pregnant, or are worried about your symptoms, always seek advice from your doctor, pharmacist or another qualified healthcare professional.

Jadwiga James is a Homeopath and a registered member of the Complementary Medical Association. She sees clients face to face at Acorn Natural Health Centre in Heanor, Derbyshire, as well as online.