Symptoms are the body’s most intelligent way of dealing with an alteration of its healthy function. Inflammation, fever, vomiting, coughing are all symptoms that serve to resolve a problem and protect the most vital organs from damage. They can also be a wake-up call of sorts – a reminder, often not even a subtle reminder – that something we have done has been detrimental to our well-being. Think of sunburn, overly sore muscles, sore throats after a sporting event. And, at this time of year – think of hangovers and that sickly, nauseous feeling on rising after indulging in too much rich, sweet, heavy food (nevermind the accompanying drinks). Generally, I am loathe to interfere with the intelligent teaching tool of the body by treating hangovers and illnesses resulting from over-indulgence. However, in the spirit of the season, a few homeopathic tips for addressing such indulgences seems appropriate.
NUX VOMICA 30CH – First remedy to consider for overindulgence. The person needing this remedy will be irritable, often sleepless (especially around 3-4 am), and then wake in the morning feeling horrid. They are prone to both nausea and vomiting, and can have the sensation of a stone in the belly after too much food. They suffer from “ineffectual urging” – the desire to vomit or pass a stool without the ability to do so.
ARSENICUM 30CH – People needing this remedy are generally chilly, anxious and restless in their overindulged state. They often experience vomiting and diarrhea simultaneously. They feel especially retched from midnight to 2 in the morning – at which time they are likely to be pacing the floor (restless), wringing their hands (anxious), and feel freezing cold. They are likely to feel especially weak and exhausted in their ill state.
SULPHURIC ACID 30CH – People needing this remedy are likely to have heartburn after over-indulgence, often hiccoughing along with feeling nauseous. They crave a bit of the “hair of the dog” and can’t tolerate plain water (wanting a bit of brandy in it). They tend to feel worse on smelling alcohol or coffee.
SULPHUR 30CH – The remedy for the person who is woken up with a very urgent and immediate need to rush into the toilet. Their stool tends to be extraordinarily pungent, announcing their distress to the entire family.
Appropriate dosage for these remedies is as follows: put 4 pellets in small glass of water, stirring 2-3 times. Take a sip from the water every 15 minutes for 4 doses, then repeating as needed, stirring once or twice before each dose. Once the symptoms have resolved do not continue taking the remedy.
