Homoeopathic Remedies for Infection
Aconitum napellus: This remedy is often indicated when fever and inflammation come
on suddenly, sometimes after exposure to wind and cold, or after a traumatic experience. The
person may be very thirsty and often feels fearful or anxious.
Belladonna: Intense heat, redness, swelling, throbbing, and pulsation indicate a
need for this remedy. The person’s face may be flushed and hot (though hands and feet
may be cold) and the eyes are often sensitive to light. Thirst may be lower than expected
during fever. Discomfort is worse from motion or jarring, and relieved by cold
applications.
Bryonia: Feeling worse from even the slightest motion is a strong indication for
this remedy. When ill, the person wants to stay completely still—to be left alone and
not interfered with in any way. Fever with chills, a very dry mouth, and thirst are also
likely. Tearing pains that feel worse from any motion, but improve from pressure if it adds
stability, may accompany local infections.
Calcarea carbonica: People who need this remedy tire easily and have low stamina.
They tend to feel chilly and sluggish, with clammy hands and feet (though their feet may heat
up in bed at night, and their heads may perspire during sleep). Swollen lymph nodes, frequent
colds, sore throats, ear infections, and skin eruptions are common. Children who need this
remedy are often slow to walk and may have teething problems, frequent colds, and ear
infections.
Calendula: This remedy is useful as a topical application for cuts, scrapes, and
skin eruptions, to prevent and combat infection. It is usually used in unpotentized herbal
form, as an ointment or tincture. Calendula can also be helpful potentized, when
taken internally for boils or infections.
Ferrum phosphoricum: This remedy is indicated in the early stages of many
inflammations. Taken at the very first sign of a cold or sore throat, it often helps a person
throw the infection off and not get ill. Fever, pink-flushed cheeks, a general weariness,
thirst, and moderate pain and swelling are typical symptoms suggesting Ferrum phos in
illness or infection.
Graphites: A person with unhealthy skin that tends toward cracking, oozing
honey-colored discharge, and crusts may benefit from this remedy. Impetigo, herpes simplex, or
infections involving the skin around the ears, the eyelids, nose, and sinuses are
common—as are tendencies toward recurring colds and earaches. A feeling of sluggishness,
slow waking, and difficulty concentrating are other indications for Graphites.
Hepar sulphuris calcareum: A person who needs this remedy feels extremely sensitive
and vulnerable when ill, especially if exposed to cold or drafts. Ear infections, sore
throats, sinusitis, bronchitis, and skin eruptions are often seen, and cheesy-smelling
discharge or offensive pus may be produced. Areas of inflammation can be very sore and
sensitive, and splinter-like pains are often felt (in the tonsils when swallowing, in a boil
when the skin is touched, etc.).
Mercurius solubilis: This remedy is needed when a person has swollen lymph nodes,
offensive breath, and is extremely sensitive to any change in temperature. A tendency toward
night sweats and profuse salivation during sleep are other indications. Infections of the
gums, ears, sinuses, throat, and skin often respond to this remedy when the other symptoms
fit.
Silica: A person who needs this remedy can be sensitive and nervous, with low
stamina and poor resistance to infection—leading to swollen lymph nodes, frequent colds,
sore throats, tonsillitis, sinusitis, bronchitis, and other illnesses. Boils, easy infection
of wounds, and abscessed teeth are often seen. Although very chilly in general, the person
often perspires during sleep. Offensive foot sweat with an inclination toward fungal
infections is also common.
Sulphur: This remedy is useful in many kinds of infection characterised by
irritation, burning pain, redness of mucous membranes, and offensive odours and discharges.
Skin problems are very common—eczema, acne, boils, lymphangitis, and inflammations on or
around the genitals. Symptoms are often worse from warmth and worse after bathing. Colds,
bronchitis, and other illnesses that have been neglected, or infections that drag on for a
very long time, may be helped with this remedy
Homoeopathy Dosage Directions
Select the remedy that most closely matches the symptoms. In conditions where
self-treatment is appropriate, unless otherwise directed by a physician, a lower potency (6X,
6C, 12X, 12C, 30X, or 30C) should be used. In addition, instructions for use are usually
printed on the label.
Many homoeopathic physicians suggest that remedies be used as follows: Take one dose and
wait for a response. If improvement is seen, continue to wait and let the remedy work. If
improvement lags significantly or has clearly stopped, another dose may be taken. The
frequency of dosage varies with the condition and the individual. Sometimes a dose may be
required several times an hour; other times a dose may be indicated several times a day; and
in some situations, one dose per day (or less) can be sufficient.
If no response is seen within a reasonable amount of time, select a different remedy.
For more information, including references, see What is Homoeopathy? and Understanding Homoeopathic Potencies.