Dulcamara
(Solanum dulcamara · Bittersweet nightshade)
The remedy of damp and chill. In the materia medica, Dulcamara is associated with colds, aches, stomach upsets and skin flare-ups brought on by cold, wet weather, especially warm days turning into cold nights.
Source
The green stems and leaves of bittersweet, a climbing nightshade
Kingdom
Plant
Abbreviation
Dulc.
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)
Complaints follow exposure to cold and damp, or a sudden change from warm to cold weather
A nose that stuffs up whenever there is a cold rain
Hives, thick crusty eruptions and smooth, fleshy warts
Stiffness and aching after sitting on cold ground or getting wet
Tends to feel better
Moving about
External warmth
Tends to feel worse
Cold, damp, rainy weather
Sudden cold changes
Night
How it compares
(remedies that are often confused with Dulcamara)
-
Rhus toxicodendron
(Rhus toxicodendron)
Both ache in damp cold and ease with motion; Rhus tox centers on stiffness that limbers up, Dulcamara on catarrh and skin.
Read moreCompare side by side -
Natrum sulphuricum
(Natrum sulphuricum)
Also worse in damp basements and wet weather, but with a stronger digestive and chest picture.
Read more -
Bryonia
(Bryonia alba)
Bryonia shares complaints from a warm-to-cold change, but is markedly worse for any movement.
Read more
Side-by-side comparisons
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From the classic texts
“The rheumatic troubles induced by damp cold are aggravated by every cold change and somewhat relieved by moving about.”
“Catarrhal rheumatism or skin affections, brought on or aggravated by exposure to cold, damp, rainy weather, or sudden changes in hot weather”
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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