vs
Aconite vs Gelsemium
(Aconitum napellus · Gelsemium sempervirens)
Both come up at the start of a cold or flu, and both involve fear.
In short
Aconite arrives all at once with panic; Gelsemium creeps in slowly with heaviness and drowsiness.
Side by side
(the classic distinctions homeopaths look for)
| Feature | Aconite |
Gelsemium |
|---|---|---|
| Onset | Sudden, within hours | Slow, over a day or two |
| Mood | Fear, panic, restlessness | Dull, apathetic, wants to be left alone |
| Thirst | Very thirsty | Thirstless |
| Energy | Restless | Heavy and weak |
| Fear | Panic, fear of dying | Anticipation, freezing up |
Aconite
Better
Open air, Rest
Worse
Night, especially around midnight, Warm, stuffy rooms, Cold, dry wind, Fright or shock
Gelsemium
Better
Passing a lot of urine, Bending forward, Open air
Worse
Damp weather, Anticipation and bad news, Heat of the sun
From the classic texts
“A state of fear, anxiety; anguish of mind and body. Physical and mental restlessness, fright, is the most characteristic manifestation of Aconite.”
“Centers its action upon the nervous system, causing various degrees of motor paralysis. General prostration. Dizziness, drowsiness, dullness, and trembling.”
Read the full profiles
-
Aconite
(Aconitum napellus · Monkshood)
The remedy of sudden onset. In the materia medica, Aconite is associated with complaints that arrive fast and intensely, often after a fright, a shock or exposure to cold, dry wind, and come with marked fear and restlessness.
Read more -
Gelsemium
(Gelsemium sempervirens · Yellow jasmine)
Heavy, droopy and trembling. Gelsemium is associated with a slow-onset, flu-like state of weakness and drowsiness, and with stage fright that leaves a person frozen.
Read more
Articles that discuss both
Homeopathic Support During Pregnancy: What’s Safe and When
Homeopathic Remedies for Motion Sickness, Jet Lag and Travel Stress
Free printable guide
12 remedies to keep at home
When to think of each one, how to tell them apart, when to call a doctor instead and a printable home remedy guide.
Get the free guide
Still not sure which fits?
That's what a consultation is for.
Book free intro call
This page is for education only and is not medical advice. Homeopathy is complementary care, not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment by a licensed medical provider. Seek medical care for severe, worsening or emergency symptoms. Please view our Disclaimer.