A Remedy for Colds

I am often asked what remedy would I give for the beginning of a cold. The answer is always the same: it depends on what the symptoms are. Having said this, for the typical 'feeling off' and runny nose, which is irritating the upper lip, this I would give: Allium Cepa. Please see the case below.

Homeopathic Case of Allium Cepa

Patient Name: M.S., Female, 32

Date of Consultation: March 24, 2025

Chief Complaint: Profuse runny nose and general malaise for 2 days

Presenting Symptoms:

M.S. reported feeling "off" for the past 48 hours. She couldn’t pinpoint any specific cause but mentioned she had been caught in a chilly wind two nights ago while walking home. The next morning, she woke up with:

• A profuse, watery nasal discharge that ran constantly, requiring her to use tissues nearly every few minutes.

• The discharge was described as burning and acrid, causing a raw, reddened area on her upper lip and the entrance of the nostrils.

• Simultaneously, her eyes were tearing, but the tears were non-irritating and did not cause redness or discomfort.

• She reported frequent sneezing fits, particularly worse when stepping indoors from fresh air.

• Sensation of tickling in the larynx, though she had no cough yet.

• Generalized fatigue and an “off” feeling: “I just don’t feel like myself,” she said, noting she was more tired than usual and slightly irritable.

• Worse in warm rooms, especially near the heater at work; better outdoors in the fresh, cool air.

• No fever. Appetite reduced, but thirst increased for cold drinks.

Observation:

During the consultation, M.S. kept dabbing her nose with tissues. The skin between her nose and upper lip was visibly red and irritated. Her demeanor was subdued but not overly emotional. She occasionally sniffled and blinked as her eyes watered. No cough was present at the time.

Differential Diagnosis:

• Euphrasia – Also has watery coryza and eye symptoms, but opposite modality: tears are acrid and nasal discharge is bland (opposite of Allium cepa).

• Arsenicum album – Also has burning discharge, restlessness, and chilliness, but lacks the characteristic bland tears and strong open-air amelioration.

• Nux vomica – Coryza often occurs in chilly individuals, but the discharge is usually dry by day and fluent at night.

Prescription:

Allium cepa 30C, one dose (1 pellets), repeated every 4 hours for up to 24 hours, to be reassessed after one day. Stop when starting to feel better.