Bryonia
(Bryonia alba · White bryony)
Keep still and leave me alone. Bryonia is associated with complaints that are much worse for the slightest movement, along with dryness, thirst and irritability.
Source
The root of white bryony, a climbing vine
Kingdom
Plant
Abbreviation
Bry.
Home acute kit
Commonly included
The classic picture
(a remedy is chosen when the whole picture fits the person, not from a single symptom)
Sharp, stitching pains made worse by any motion, even breathing deeply
Wants to lie absolutely still; may press on or lie on the painful part
Dryness of lips and mouth, with thirst for large drinks at long intervals
Irritable; wants to be left alone, sometimes worried about work or money
Tends to feel better
Complete rest
Firm pressure
Lying on the painful side
Cool things
Tends to feel worse
Any motion
Warmth
Morning
Exertion
How it compares
(remedies that are often confused with Bryonia)
-
Gelsemium
(Gelsemium sempervirens)
Both appear in flu pictures; Gelsemium is heavy, drowsy and thirstless, Bryonia irritable, dry and very thirsty.
Read moreCompare side by side -
Arnica
(Arnica montana)
Arnica's soreness is bruised; Bryonia's pain is sharp and tied to movement.
Read moreCompare side by side
Side-by-side comparisons
Free printable guide
12 remedies to keep at home
Bryonia is one of the 12 remedies in my free home-kit guide: when to think of each one, how to tell them apart and a printable checklist.
Get the free guide
From the classic texts
“The general character of the pain here produced is a stitching, tearing; worse by motion, better rest.”
“Pains: stitching, tearing, worse at night; < by motion, inspiration, coughing; > by absolute rest, and lying on painful side…”
Articles that mention Bryonia
Conquering the Winter Flu: Distinguishing Gelsemium from Bryonia
Homeopathy for Long COVID Symptoms
Looking for more than a quick remedy?
Acute remedies can be a starting point for short-term complaints. Ongoing or recurring issues call for a full case: a detailed conversation about your physical, mental and emotional symptoms, so the remedy fits you as a whole person.
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