Rumex crispus
(Rumex crispus · Yellow dock)
The remedy of the tickling cough. In the materia medica, Rumex crispus is associated with a dry, teasing cough set off by a tickle in the hollow of the throat and by breathing cold air, so the person covers their head to warm it.
Source
The root of yellow dock, a common wayside plant
Kingdom
Plant
Abbreviation
Rumx.
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)
Incessant tickle in the pit of the throat that sets off a dry, tiring cough
Cough triggered by breathing cold air, talking, or pressing on the throat; may pull the covers over the head
Early-morning loose stools that drive the person out of bed
Itchy skin, especially of the legs, worse when undressing in cold air
Tends to feel better
Warmth
Covering the mouth to keep out cold air
Tends to feel worse
Breathing in cold air
Uncovering and undressing
Evening and night
Talking or touching the throat
How it compares
(remedies that are often confused with Rumex crispus)
-
Phosphorus
(Phosphorus)
Both have tickling coughs worse for cold air and talking; Phosphorus is more open, sociable and thirsty for cold drinks.
Read more -
Causticum
(Causticum Hahnemanni)
Both have raw, sore throats with coughing; Causticum's cough eases with sips of cold water.
Read more -
Spongia tosta
(Spongia tosta)
Spongia's cough is dry and sawing, better for warm drinks; Rumex's is set off by the tickle in the throat-pit.
Read more
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From the classic texts
“Cough caused by an incessant tickling in the throat-pit, which tickling runs down to the bifurcation of the bronchial tubes. Touching the throat-pit brings on the cough.”
“The cough is < in cool air or by anything which increases the volume or rapidity of inspired air.”
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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