Drosera
(Drosera rotundifolia · Sundew)
The remedy of the barking, spasmodic night cough. In the materia medica, Drosera is associated with deep, hoarse coughing fits that follow one another so fast the person can barely catch their breath, often with retching.
Source
The round-leaved sundew, a small insect-catching bog plant
Kingdom
Plant
Abbreviation
Dros.
Home acute kit
Usually prescribed by a homeopath
The classic picture
(a remedy is chosen when the whole picture fits the person, not from a single symptom)
Coughing fits come in rapid succession, leaving the person breathless, gagging or retching
Deep, barking, hoarse cough, worse after midnight and as soon as the head touches the pillow
A tickling sensation, like a crumb or feather in the throat
Hoarse, deep, cracked voice that takes effort to use
Tends to feel better
Sitting up
Pressure, such as holding the chest while coughing
Tends to feel worse
After midnight
Lying down and warmth of bed
Talking, singing or laughing
Drinking
How it compares
(remedies that are often confused with Drosera)
-
Coccus cacti
(Coccus cacti)
Coccus cacti’s fits end in strings of thick, clear mucus, typically on waking in the morning; Drosera’s are deeper and worst after midnight.
Read moreCompare side by side -
Cuprum metallicum
(Cuprum metallicum)
Cuprum’s coughing fits come with cramps and a bluish face, eased by a sip of cold water; Drosera’s with hoarseness and retching.
Read more -
Rumex crispus
(Rumex crispus)
Rumex is set off by cold air and touching the pit of the throat; Drosera by lying down and warmth.
Read more
Side-by-side comparisons
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From the classic texts
“Harassing and titillating cough in children-not at all through the day, but commences as soon as the head touches the pillow at night.”
“Clergyman's sore throat; with rough, scraping, dry sensation deep in the fauces; voice hoarse, deep, toneless, cracked, requires exertion to speak”
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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