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http://www.homeopathbarbara.nz/

Barbara Roberts, Homeopath, Kerikeri (2025)

19/09/2025

It's the school holidays! I will be spending some time with my family and may be less responsive to messages or emails. I do have a limited number of appointments available, you can book these directly on my website, www.homeopathbarbara.nz
If you need an acute homeopathy appointment, you can contact www.acutecarehomeopathy.com to be connected to someone who can help.

I hope you have the opportunity to get out and enjoy the warmer spring weather.
I'll be back to my normal hours and availability from Monday 6th October.
Ka kite ano xx

18/09/2025

Last year I looked at three remedies through the lens of Te Whare Tapa Whā.

If you would like to read about Phosphorus, Nux Vomica and Sulphur you can find them here: https://www.homeopathbarbara.nz/homeopathic-remedies-through-a-te-ao-maori-lens/

This year I have chosen three other remedies that I use often, and have taken a new look at them. This is a snapshot of each remedy and does not encompass all the possible symptoms, but I have tried to get the essence so you too can understand them through the lens of Te Whare Tapa Whā.

Before we go there though, let’s have a quick recap of what Te Whare Tapa Whā is.

Te Whare Tapa Wha translates to the house with four sides; each side is equally important for well-being, and with a problem in any of these areas then you can become unbalanced and unwell.

Taha Tinana, the physical, encompasses growing, developing and physical health complaints. Taha Hinengaro, the mind, is our mental and emotional sphere. Taha Wairua, the spirit, is our connection to the divine and the world around us. This may encompass faith in religion, but is also our life force and our connection to our ancestors. Taha Whanau, our family, affects our every day life, and our social interaction with others.

𝐏𝐮𝐥𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐚

𝑻𝒂𝒉𝒂 𝑻𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒏𝒂

Pulsatilla is known for its thick, bland, yellow discharges - this could be the yellow snot candles in young children, or the eye discharge from a blocked duct in newborns or conjunctivitis. They have coughs that are changeable - dry at night and loose in the morning, and can have a cough that disturbs the sleep, and makes it difficult to breathe at night.

It is a remedy for hormonal complaints, there can be irregular periods with changeable flow, but also very heavy periods or absent completely. Pulsatilla can also have varicose veins in pregnancy, and suffer from chilblains.

They may crave butter, cream and peanut butter, but be worse for rich or fatty foods and particularly for pork. They are usually thirstless. Pulsatilla hate being in a stuffy or closed room, and are better for fresh air.

𝑻𝒂𝒉𝒂 𝑯𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒏𝒈𝒂𝒓𝒐

Pulsatilla is often stereotyped as tearful, soft and shy. However, Pulsatilla can also be intensely irritable, and their moods are changeable - having been described as like a spring day.

𝑻𝒂𝒉𝒂 𝑾𝒂𝒊𝒓𝒖𝒂

Pulsatilla may sometimes seem like they don’t have a strong belief in their own ability, needing reassurance or strong support from people around them. However, there is another type of Pulsatilla who has a deep seated belief that they are all alone, or have been ‘forsaken’. This doesn’t necessarily mean they are physically alone, but they do not have the support they really need and need to do everything themselves - these are the capable people who turn down offers of help, because they don’t want to be left down.

𝑻𝒂𝒉𝒂 𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒂𝒖

Pulsatilla loves and needs company. They are better for consolation, although that may make them cry. Children can be clingy to their mother, and these are children who want a lot of connection with trusted family members - but they can be shy with new people or in new situations. Pulsatilla people, particularly those with the forsaken feeling above, will always be those offering to help others so they are not unsupported.

𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐦 𝐌𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐦

𝑻𝒂𝒉𝒂 𝑻𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒏𝒂

Natrum Muriaticum discharges are thin, watery and clear or white, or may be thick with an egg-white consistency. There can be hay fever and colds with sneezing, runny eyes and nose. They can have cold sores, cracks in the corners of the mouth or mouth ulcers. They are prone to headaches, which can be like hammers beating in the head.

It is a remedy for dryness, particularly vaginal dryness which can make s*x painful.

They crave salty or sour foods, and dislike fatty or rich foods. They can be thirsty for ice cold drinks.

𝑻𝒂𝒉𝒂 𝑯𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒏𝒈𝒂𝒓𝒐

Nat Mur are reserved and shy - they can’t even p*e when there are people nearby who could hear them. They keep their emotions to themselves, while they are very sensitive and will dwell on hurtful remarks or criticisms, they will keep this to themselves, not wanting a consoling hug or someone to talk it over with.

𝑻𝒂𝒉𝒂 𝑾𝒂𝒊𝒓𝒖𝒂

Nat Mur people hold on to the past, particularly hurts and grief. They are not connected with the cycle of life, instead even decades later can still be stuck in their grief and resulting depression.

𝑻𝒂𝒉𝒂 𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒂𝒖

Natrum Muriaticum are loyal and responsible, and will do a lot for their family. In relationships, they will stay even if unhappy for many years, but they may have difficulty opening up to address any problems. They may have only a few good friends, but those friendships are deeply held - Natrum muriaticum will help you bury the bodies, and have the attention to detail needed to prevent you getting caught.

𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐮𝐦

𝑻𝒂𝒉𝒂 𝑻𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒏𝒂

Stramonium is a remedy for neurological conditions. There can be convulsions, jerking and twitching, as well as tics and grimaces.

It is a remedy for neurological inflammation: they can look possessed, with a red face, dilated pupils and increased strength.

They are worse for glittering things, even the sun shining on the water could cause twitching. They may crave sweets.

𝑻𝒂𝒉𝒂 𝑯𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒏𝒈𝒂𝒓𝒐

Stramonium cases for children often involve rage and violence, they may bite, kick, and hit others. There can also be night terrors

𝑻𝒂𝒉𝒂 𝑾𝒂𝒊𝒓𝒖𝒂

Stramonium has a connection with death - symptoms may come on after a trauma, particularly if violent or a near-death experience. They have a strong fear of death, the dark and ghosts, and may have night terrors that are vivid and realistic and hard to wake up from.

𝑻𝒂𝒉𝒂 𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒂𝒖

Stramonium children can appear to be little angels at school, and then be violent and uncontrolled at home. Family is their safe space, so after masking all day they can lose their temper and devolve into rage.

𝐓𝐮𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐦

𝑻𝒂𝒉𝒂 𝑻𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒏𝒂

Tuberculinum are restless and move constantly - sometimes used for hyperactivity and ADHD because of this. There can be head banging, often from frustration. It is a primary remedy for recurrent chest infections, bronchitis or pneumonia, and has a hard, short, dry cough.

Eczema is also part of the picture, and they can later develop asthma. There can be fungal infections with tinea including on the scalp.

𝑻𝒂𝒉𝒂 𝑯𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒏𝒈𝒂𝒓𝒐

Tuberculinum is known for irritability, and children particularly can be destructive. They cannot stand being contradicted, and in some cases with children Mum cannot say anything right, they will argue semantics and they have to be right. They can be maliciously destructive to make their point.

𝑻𝒂𝒉𝒂 𝑾𝒂𝒊𝒓𝒖𝒂

The word for Tuberculinum is dissatisfied. This can come with frustration or a need for change. There is an element of searching and seeking - Tuberculinum love travel, they love exploring other places and will be interested in spiritual aspects because they are looking for the answer to their feelings of boredom with mundane life.

𝑻𝒂𝒉𝒂 𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒂𝒖

This is a remedy with a strong family inheritance pattern. There may be an ancestor several generations back with a history of Tuberculosis, but without that if there is a family history with upper respiratory tract infections, allergies, asthma, influenza and pneumonia, Tuberculinum should be considered.

I hope this has given you a different way to look at these remedies, and helps reinforce the Te Whare Tapa Whā framework for health

08/09/2025

𝐀𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐬

I have recently finished a 9 week course on Astrology for Homeopaths, and I have been amazed at the depth of information from an astrology chart. I’ve never really resonated with the daily or monthly horoscopes you used to get in a newspaper or magazine, it never made sense that everyone within that 30 day period would have the same response and reaction. Now I have done this course I understand that there is so much more to astrology than your sun sign, it is way more complex and nuanced, and so completely individual = like homeopathy.

The information I learnt from my own birth chart explained a lot about why and how I am the way I am, and how I react to things and act, but I also learnt how I can use that information to better support my clients.

My birthday is November 5th, which makes me a Scorpio sun sign, however astrology also takes into account the other celestial objects- the moon, the Ascendent (what sign was on the horizon at the time of your birth), and then the personal planets Mercury, Venus and Mars. Then there are the houses, which is dividing the 360° of the sky into the 12 astrological signs, and each house represents different areas of your life- and depending on which planets are in which house there are different interactions with your life. Then there are the transits of the outer planets and how that brings a different energy in at particular times in your life, periods of growth and change.

If you know anything about astrology, you know there are 12 signs: Aries, Ta**us, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces.

Signs can be water, earth, air or fire and there are also the modalities on cardinal, fixed and mutable.

Water signs are known for being emotional and empathetic, earth for being grounded and stable, air for being flighty and an affinity for communication, and fire for being passionate, and (apologies for the pun) fiery.

Cardinal signs are the energy of beginnings (but may have trouble following through), fixed signs are stable (but could be inflexible) and mutable signs are adaptable and changeable (but could be restless!)

Each of the planets has its own flavour, and then combining that with the particular sign, and how they interact can tell you a lot about what is happening.

Your sun and moon signs are your identity - the sun how you shine, and the moon your emotional self.

Your ascendent is how you present to the world, what others see in you. My ascendent is in Cancer, which probably explains why I have been told many times over the years that I don’t appear to be a Scorpio. My Scorpio sun and moon is hidden behind the Cancer outer appearance.

Mercury is about thinking, information and communication.

Venus is what we want in the world, our values and feelings.

Mars is how we go about getting what we want, and taking action.

I’ve had a few cases recently where I have had further questions, and then considered their astrological chart. It has been a really interesting way of understanding what else is going on, and particularly looking at why they are reacting in a particular way. For me personally, I have a very water dominated chart, which makes me emotional, empathetic, sensitive and intuitive - all things I resonate with - but if I am out of balance I could be moody and needy.

I was pretty new to Astrology, and the course has been eye opening. We even covered some advanced astrology like transits of the outer planets- when these move they can affect different areas of our lives. As well as all of the new learning about astrology theory, peppered through the course was information about remedies, tissue salts and flower essences, and how and when to apply these. If you’re a Homeopath and looking for a deep dive into a new topic that can support you in your practice (and be a whole new rabbit hole to go down) I really recommend Liz’s course. You can contact Liz at liznormanastrology@gmail.com to go on the waitlist for her next course. Her website is www.jupiter-rising.co.uk which has information about the course and also consultations if you would like to see her as a Medical Astrologist.

02/09/2025

𝐎𝐱𝐲𝐭𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐧

Oxytocin was first discovered in 1906, when Sir Henry Dale extracted the neuropeptide from the posterior pituitary gland. This substance was later called oxytocin - oxy- meaning acid or sharp, and -tocin meaning birth; (however it has been suggested that it should have been ocytocin, as ocy- means fast, and as originally used oxytocin refers to the process of a swift birth). Language aside, Sir Dale found that the extract caused uterine contractions in cats, and as early as 1911 the substance was used to induce labour in women.

Over the last two decades though the research into oxytocin has increased significantly, and with it our understanding that this essential hormone affects us in so many more ways throughout our lives.

Oxytocin is often called the “love hormone”, and is known for bonding, caregiving and, of course, child birth. However there is a greater understanding now about how oxytocin is needed for more than just motherhood.

There is a lot of research now about the importance of the first 1000 days in a child’s life, with a wide range of effects. Oxytocin is one of those neurochemicals that is so important in this time and rewires the brain. While we think of oxytocin for the mother, for birth and breastfeeding, responsive parenting also wires the baby’s brain. It’s not just breastfeeding either, skin to skin contact with either parent will stimulate the oxytocin release. This early exposure to oxytocin helps model a brain that is more resilient to stress.

Oxytocin has been looked at for bonding on a social level, and postulated as useful for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD). In ASD, giving oxytocin helped children, adolescents and adults recognise emotions in others both understanding how they were feeling as well as recognising facial expressions. Likewise people with GAD had less anxiety and nervous system dysregulation after taking oxytocin.

So why is oxytocin so useful for anxiety? Because it can inhibit the stressful pathways, reduce the perception of threats, and also promote the social interactions that provide support in stressful situations. However, when there has been stress and trauma, then there may not be enough internal production of oxytocin, or the receptors may be less responsive to the calming effects.

Let’s talk about motherhood. The brain itself remodels during pregnancy to facilitate this need for oxytocin and bonding. This remodelling makes mothers more aware of social and emotional cues, and when baby comes will help differentiate the meanings of different types of crying. It up regulates its own synthesis and release, and this is important in childbirth. In childbirth, oxytocin will stimulate the contractions of the uterus, and is important for both initiating and continuing with labour. However, if you do not feel safe, or you are at all stressed, it is hard to produce oxytocin, and there can be problems with progressing in labour.

After birth, oxytocin will also help the placenta be expelled, and it also triggers the let-down reflex, allowing milk ejection for breastfeeding, and help with that bonding with baby.

Oxytocin is not just a female hormone, men need it too, and it also promotes bonding, empathy and social connections and trust. It may also help with fertility, supporting s***m motility and ability to fertilise the o**m.

Oxytocin is released during or**sm, ej*******on for men, ni**le stimulation in breastfeeding, labour in birth, as well as in intense exercise, severe pain and shock. While the first ones it that list are well known, the later ones seem contradictory - until we understand that oxytocin is working to calm the body and reduce inflammation. They have even found high levels in cases of ovarian cancer, showing it is an important part of the immune response to reduce inflammation around the site of the tumour.

𝑶𝒙𝒚𝒕𝒐𝒄𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒉𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒐𝒑𝒂𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒄 𝒓𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒅𝒚

I have used oxytocin for a case of post partum rheumatoid arthritis, where prior to birth there were some stressful family events, then labour did not progress (not enough oxytocin) resulting in a caesarean section, and after birth Mum did not feel connected to the baby. All of those symptoms resolved after the oxytocin. She did have some Pulsatilla for symptomatic relief, and had already been prescribed medication, but had no relief from this, and planned to discontinue as soon as possible.

However, having learned more about oxytocin, I am considering other times I could use this remedy, in a low potency for its supportive effect. Particularly if there is a history of trauma or stress in childhood which could have led to impaired oxytocin priming at that age.

In the homeopathic literature, there are a number of symptoms seen in the remedy.

There are feelings of being alone, and no contact with others, and a desire to be loved and touched. They may feel disconnected, lack trust in others and have low self confidence. There could have been an early trauma, which has caused this loss of trust and a fear of getting hurt. This may be seen as anxiety and an overactive fight or flight reflex.

There can also be anger, jealousy and envy, to the point of gloating over others’ misfortune. I can see this fit because they are missing the connection and empathy that comes with endogenous oxytocin, and so are selfish and lack caring of others thoughts. Ton Jansen also notes there is biofeedback between oxytocin and testosterone, and when testosterone is raised and maintained by addiction to p**n or violent games or media, the oxytocin will be too low and this can be a negative cycle.

There can be problems with concentration - it is indicated for ADHD and ASD - and they may be precocious and ahead of their p*ers with language or sp*ech.

Oxytocin can be indicated when there are feeding problems - in newborns this could be an inability to latch or feed well, but could also be seen in adults who have eating issues. It is also suggested when there is an intense mother child attachment and concern that the child is not eating enough, or the child may refuse to eat.

Physically we need to consider oxytocin homoeopathically when there are problems in labour, either with contractions that are too weak (compare to Caulophyllum), or those that are too strong and frequent. If there are issues with breast feeding, including milk not coming in and anxiety about this (if anxiety is high chances are that oxytocin is too low).

𝑶𝒙𝒚𝒕𝒐𝒄𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒅𝒚 𝒉𝒂𝒔 𝒂 𝒍𝒐𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒑𝒐𝒍𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒊𝒓 𝒔𝒚𝒎𝒑𝒕𝒐𝒎𝒔:

They may sleep deeply, or have difficulty sleeping
They may crave touch, or be averse to being touched
They may have a poor appetite and lose weight, or comfort eat and put on weight
There could be a sense of pressure in the chest, or a sensation of expansion

It may also be indicated for cramping and diarrhoea, or prolonged bedwetting in children.

Alize Zimmerman notes that Oxytocin the remedy is similar to Placenta, Lac Humanum, O***m and Nux Vomica, and all can be indicated for baby and Mum when there have been interventions or medications used during the birth process.

For me, the takeaway for Oxytocin is that it is much broader than just childbirth and breastfeeding, and that I need to consider this as a remedy, perhaps comparing with the matridonals, when there has been an trauma during birth or when there are connection problems stemming from childhood. The applications for anxiety, particularly when there is a lack of safety or trust have a great potential to do so much good, and homeopathic oxytocin in a low potency will be a safe way to work on this.

28/08/2025

Last chance for your early bird tickets to Raising Healthy Families in November!
I'll be speaking, we have a holistic GP, chiropractor, nutritionist, medical herbalist and myofunctional therapist also speaking, and morning tea and lunch is provided. You can get your tickets here: https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2025/raising-healthy-families2/auckland/whangaparaoa-peninsula

27/08/2025

𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠

It has been a difficult winter, with some severe illnesses going around. One of the difficult things to manage particularly at this time of the year is coughing. One of my children used to have a propensity for coughs (fortunately we have worked on that over the years, and her immunity is a lot better, colds no longer go to her chest). I certainly remember the nights with a child coughing regularly keeping everyone awake.

Over my years working in pharmacy, many of the cough medicines have been removed from sale because of a lack of evidence. When I first worked in pharmacy we had cough mixtures for dry coughs like Dextromethorphan, Pholcodine and Gees Linctus, which have all been removed. Guafenesin and Bromhexine are still available. Guafenesin is an expectorant - promoting coughing to expel the phlegm, while Bromhexine is a mucolytic, which breaks down the mucus to make it easier to cough up. Of these the only one I recommend is Bromhexine, or the combination of the two.

There are also a number of herbal cough mixtures which are great and particularly the children’s ones even taste pretty good. Some of the ones I recommend are Prospan, Artemis and Harkers Herbals. My youngest particularly likes the Harker’s Herbals Children’s Chest Soothe Day.

Lemon and honey drinks is an old remedy for respiratory illness. Honey, or sugar syrups act as a demulcent and coat the throat to reduce irritation and coughing. This can work in some cases, and if you don’t like honey then a hot, sweet drink can work. However, in general sugar is not helpful for the immune response, so using an alternative that will last longer is a good idea.

When you get the right homeopathic remedy it is magic, the problem can be finding the right one. If you have tried a remedy and repeated it every 10-15 minutes for 3 or 4 doses and had no response, it’s probably not the right one, and time to go back to the drawing board.

𝑺𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒐𝒏 𝒓𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒅𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒔:

Bryonia is a remedy for dry coughs which are hard and painful. They are worse from the least movement, and will want to hold their chest to prevent the movement. They can also have a headache which hurts with every cough.

Causticum is for an irritating cough, with a raw and tickling feeling in the throat. They do have some mucus, but have difficulty bringing it up, and they can have a hoarse voice. The cough may be better for cold drinks, and they can be free of the cough during the day but cough as soon as they get warm in bed.

Hepar Sulph has productive, chesty cough with yellow phlegm. They may also have a sore throat with a sensation of a splinter, stick or fishbone. They are chilly and will want to be wrapped up worm, worse for cold drafts or even an open window elsewhere in the house.

Nux Vomica has a dry, teasing cough, and may have a post nasal drip and tickle in the throat causing the cough. The cough can cause a headache, or they may cough spasmodically until they retch (but they usually don’t vomit).

Phosphorus is another remedy for a tickling cough, this one is dry and irritating. A phosphorus cough is worse for talking and in the evening, and for going out into the cold after being in a warm room.

Pulsatilla has a cough that is dry in the evening and then loose in the morning. They are worse for warm and stuffy rooms, and better for open air. They can cough up phlegm which is yellow or slightly green, and may taste bitter.

Rumex Crispus is another remedy for a tickling or irritated cough which is worse for cold air - they may want to sit under the covers and breathe in that warm air to relieve the cough, as it is usually worse around 11pm.

If none of these sound like your cough, and you need more support, please contact me for an acute consult - I try to fit these in at short notice.

20/08/2025

If you are in Auckland, Raising Healthy Families is a day not to be missed. There are some awesome practitioners talking and you can learn more about how to support your family naturally. There are early bird tickets until the end of this month, you can get your tickets here: https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2025/raising-healthy-families2/auckland/whangaparaoa-peninsula

19/08/2025

𝐃𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐮𝐞 𝐅𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫

There is currently a high risk of Dengue Fever in the Pacific, affecting the islands of Samoa, American Samoa, Cook Islands, Fiji, French Polynesia, Tuvalu, Tonga, Kiribati and Nauru. Samoa has had over 2000 cases, and in the last year there have been 208 cases of dengue fever in New Zealand, all acquired overseas. There is no risk of contracting Dengue Fever in New Zealand - we do not have the mosquitos here that can transmit dengue virus, and you cannot catch this from another person. (1)

Dengue fever is mild for most people, who recover within 1-2 weeks. The incubation time is 4-10 days (which is why if you have been overseas and then get sick when you get home it can still be dengue), and symptoms last for 2-7 days. (2)

Dengue is sometimes called “bone break fever”, and as you can guess with a name like that it has a high fever, often 40°C, with muscle and joint pain, and can also include a severe headache with pain behind the eyes, nausea and vomiting, swollen glands and a rash. In severe dengue fever the following symptoms come on after the fever has gone: severe abdominal pain with persistent vomiting, rapid or shallow breathing, bleeding from gums or nose or blood in vomit it stools, increased thirst, paleness and cold skin, weakness, fatigue, and restlessness. If you have had dengue fever previously you are more at risk of severe dengue. (2)

What can you do though, if you want to escape this winter for some time in the sun?

𝑴𝒐𝒔𝒒𝒖𝒊𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒊𝒕𝒆 𝒂𝒗𝒐𝒊𝒅𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒊𝒔 𝒊𝒎𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒕 -

Areas with standing water, or swampy areas without flowing water are more likely to have mosquitos breeding and therefore a higher population - best to stay away. Mosquitos are most active at dawn and dusk, so be aware of your risk at these times. Covering up, with long sleeves and pants if you are going to be out when most at risk. Use mosquito nets over bedding, and if you have windows and doors with screens, keep the screens closed to prevent mosquitos getting inside. (1, 2)

Mosquitos are attracted to carbon dioxide - exertion makes you breathe harder and may make you more attractive to the mosquitos. (Sounds like a reason to relax on the beach 🏝️ instead of running through a swampy jungle…)

Insect repellant can also be used to keep mosquitos at bay. For all insect repellants you can apply them to clothing instead of skin, or to the outside of the bed, beside your pillow etc instead of your skin. Burning citronella candles or similar can also repel them from an area.

Natural options include essential oils, often in combination, including eucalyptus, tea tree, lemon, and lavender. Essential oils, even diluted and topical are not safe for everyone, particularly babies and pregnant women. Lavender is safe when diluted, if you want to use others then please consult a qualified aromatherapist.

Picaridin is a chemical insect repellant that keeps mosquitos away and makes them less likely to bite you. It is considered safe for children over the age of 2, and while it is absorbed through the skin, there appears to be no risk even with chronic dosing in animal studies - so short term use is considered safe in humans. (3)

DEET is a long standing insect repellant that may make insects unable to locate you. Up to 5% of people may have a skin reaction from DEET applied to the skin, although it is considered safe. Again, this would be best avoided in infants. (4)

𝑯𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒐𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒉𝒚𝒍𝒂𝒙𝒊𝒔 is the use of homeopathic remedies to prevent disease.

I have always used nosodes - those made from the disease. We have good evidence dating back 200 years using nosodes. I have used Dengue Fever nosode several times for people who are travelling to the pacific islands, giving the 30c weekly, starting 2-3 days before they leave New Zealand.

The other way of doing Homeoprophylaxis is using a homeopathic remedy that covers the most characteristic symptoms of disease. This is how Homeoprophylaxis was discovered - by Hahnemann, who was treating a girl with Belladonna and she was protected from Scarlet Fever when an epidemic swept through her town. (5)

One of the presentations I went to at the HRI Conference was by Debadatta Nayak from India, with a study on the effectiveness of Eupatorium perfoliatum 30c in preventing dengue fever. Eupatorium had been shown to inhibit dengue virus infection in a cell line in the laboratory, so the decision was made to use Eupatorium perf 30c weekly for 10 weeks, and collecting data about the incidence, and for those that contracted dengue the duration of fever. Eupatorium perf was 72% effective in preventing Dengue Fever, and for those who did contract it, the fever was 0.91 days shorter. The Ministry of Ayush from the Government of India now recommends Eupatorium perfoliatum 30c once daily for three days, and repeat this monthly if needed to prevent Dengue Fever. (6)

Now we have talked prevention, let’s look at 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒅𝒐 𝒊𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒅𝒐 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕 𝑫𝒆𝒏𝒈𝒖𝒆.

Conventional treatment of dengue is using paracetamol as a pain killer. Ibuprofen and aspirin are not recommended because they can increase bleeding risk. Other recommendations from the WHO include rest, keeping hydrated and contacting your doctor if you notice any severe symptoms. (2)

The World Traveller’s Manual of Homeopathy (7) recommends the following remedies if you have Dengue Fever, and suggests alternating remedies. I have given further information on each one to help you differentiate them, using Boericke (8) and Clarke (9) to complete the picture.

𝑰𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒍𝒚 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒈𝒆𝒔:

Aconite is a remedy for sudden onset of fever, worse at night, there can be restlessness and anxiety. Dry heat, restlessness and a cold sweat.

Belladonna is for a high fever with flushed face, may have glassy eyes or dilated pupils. Belladonna is worse around 3pm and can have a throbbing headache.

𝑭𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒎𝒖𝒔𝒄𝒍𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒋𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒕 𝒑𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒔:

Eupatorium perfoliatum is characterised by pain in the bones as if they were broken, nausea, weakness with a throbbing headache. They can have a fever or chills - and will be very thirsty prior to the chill stage. They feel better for sweating.

Rhus Toxicodendron is more of a muscle pain, with stiffness and aching that is better for movement. They are restless and want to stretch when they are feverish, and can feel like they’ve had cold water poured on them when they are chilly. Rhus Tox is better for heat.

Bryonia has shooting pains in the joints and limbs, and they are worse from the slightest movement. They may be shivering, trembling, hot, with sweat and thirst.

In some cases the temperature returns to normal, after several days, only to rebound after a day - called a biphasic presentation. In which case consider:

Gelsemium is weak, trembling and everything feels heavy - even their eyelids. They are restless with their fever, which can be intermittent with chills.

Rhus Toxicodendron with alternating fever and chills, better for movement and heat.

For severe cases, where there can be shock or haemorrhage, you could consider the following remedies. It is important to note that this needs to be in addition to, not instead of, standard medical treatment. For severe dengue fever you need medical help and possibly hospital admission.

Veratrum album is a remedy for collapse, with a pale face, blueness and coldness. They can have severe vomiting, chills, and thirst and will be extremely weak.

Carbo vegetabilis is known as the “corpse reviver”, they will be weak, cold and in a collapse state - but want to air or to be fanned. They may have ‘exhausting’ sweats with their fever.

Crotalus Horridus has shock and fatigue and trembling. They have flushes of heat and haemorrhage - can bleed from every pore, nose bleeds with dark blood, and bleeding in the gut with black vomit or tarry stools.

Lachesis is also indicated for haemorrhage, nose bleeds and bleeding gums. They have a fever, with hot flushes but icy cold feet.

If at any stage you are not sure what you should be using, or how to take it, consult with a Homeopath. If you don’t have a Homeopath, or can’t see yours at short notice, there are some awesome services like acutecarehomeopathy.com and homeopathy247.com which will connect you to a Homeopath at any time.

References:

Te Whatu Ora, 2025, August 1. Travellers urged to be on alert for dengue with soaring cases in the Pacific. https://www.tewhatuora.govt.nz/corporate-information/news-and-updates/travellers-urged-to-be-on-alert-for-dengue-with-soaring-cases-in-the-pacific
World Health Organisation, 2024, 23 April. Dengue and Severe Dengue. https://www.who.int/health-topics/dengue-and-severe-dengue =tab_1
Gervais, J. A.; Wegner, P.; Luukinen, B.; Buhl, K.; Stone, D. 2009. Picaridin Technical Fact Sheet; National Pesticide Information Center, Oregon State University Extension Services. https://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/archive/Picaridin.html.
Jackson, D.; Luukinen, B.; Buhl, K.; Stone, D. 2008. DEET Technical Fact Sheet; National Pesticide Information Center, Oregon State University Extension Services. https://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/archive/DEETtech.html
Sheffield, Fran. 2014, August 22. Homeoprophylaxis: Human Records, Studies and Trials.https://homeopathyplus.com/Homeoprophylaxis-Human-Records-Studies-Trials.pdf
Nayak, D. 2025, June 20. Effectiveness of Eupatorium perfoliatum 30C in preventing dengue fever-a prospective, community-based, open label, parallel cohort study in Delhi, India. HRI Conference, Greece.
Lessell, C.B. 1993. The World Travellers’ Manual of Homeopathy. The C.W. Daniel Company Ltd.
Boericke, W. 2000. Homeopathic Materia Medica. Presented by Medi-T. http://www.homeoint.org/books/boericmm/
Clarke, J.H. 2025. Materia Medica. Remedia Homeopathy. https://www.materiamedica.info/en/materia-medica/john-henry-clarke/index

Barbara Roberts, Homeopath

19/09/2025

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