General Information

Gelsemium sempervirens is a twining vine with yellow, trumpet-shaped flowers. Homeopathic remedies prepared from this plant are used for symptoms of mental, emotional or physical weakness. People needing this remedy lack confidence, feel timid or cowardly, avoid challenges, and are prone to anticipation anxiety or fear. Avoidance leads to withdrawal and dullness. Physical symptoms include weakness, heaviness, trembling, diarrhea, and frequent urination. Numbness or paralysis of body parts may occur. Symptoms follow fright, excitement, bad news, or anticipation.

Anxiety

• Anticipation anxiety from any sort of ordeals such as exams, performances, and presentations.
• Trembling and diarrhea from anticipation or fright.
• Heaviness and weakness with the trembling.
• Paralysis from anxiety or fear.

Colds and Flu

• Aching and heaviness of head, eyes, and muscles.
• Weakness, heaviness, and trembling with any sort of exertion.
• Chills alternate with flushes of heat (no sweat with fever).
• Lack of thirst.
• A useful remedy for when the patient complains of “never having been well since the flu”.
• Jet-lag
• Heaviness, weakness, blurred vision and exhaustion.

Headaches

• Dull pain that starts on the back of the head and spreads to the forehead.
• As though a tight band is around the head.
• Heavy head – can hardly lift it.
• Heavy eyelids – eyes half open.
• Dizziness and visual disturbances – as if drunk.
• A headache relieved by copious urination.

For Pets

• Flu-like symptoms with weakness and lack of energy.
• Anxiety with any ordeal or event – shaking and trembling.
• Grass sickness in horses.

Where do I find it?

Gelsemium is available here as a single remedy in a variety of strengths (potency).

Dosage Instructions

Take 3 Pellets of the remedy every 10 minutes to two hours (10 minutes for intense symptoms, 2 hours for milder ones). Once an improvement is noticed, stop dosing and repeat the remedy only if symptoms return. If there is no improvement at all by three doses, choose a different remedy or seek professional guidance.

A Few Words

While the above self-limiting, acute complaints are suitable for home treatment with Gelsemium, see your healthcare provider if your symptoms worsen or fail to improve. Gelsemium is also useful for a range of chronic or persistent complaints not listed; these are best managed by a qualified homeopath for good results.