The ABC Remedies – Aconite, Belladonna, Chamomilla

If you’ve never tried homeopathy before, my usual go-to suggestion is to start with Arnica. But today, I’d like to introduce you to a different starting point—a well-known trio in homeopathic first aid, often referred to as the ABC remedies. These three plant-based remedies—Aconite, Belladonna, and Chamomilla—are especially valued for their use when fever or illness begins suddenly.

Even if you’re new to homeopathy, this guide will help you understand when each might be considered. And if you find it a bit puzzling at first, feel free to reach out for clarification.

Each remedy summary includes the situations it’s most commonly used for, along with what tends to make symptoms better or worse—useful clues to help tell them apart.

1. Aconite

The remedy Aconite is prepared from the entire plant (except the root).

Typical Use: Best thought of within the first 24–36 hours after exposure to a dry, cold wind that results in a sudden chill, fever, sore throat, or cough. It’s suited to conditions that appear abruptly, rather than those that develop gradually over several days.

• Cough: Often the first choice for a dry, hoarse, barking cough, especially if it begins around or just before midnight. The patient may be restless, tossing and turning, possibly even delirious with fever. They may be highly sensitive to pain and show fear or anxiety.
• Colds: Sudden onset after getting chilled, with shivering, fever, a dry throat, and sometimes a severe, throbbing headache.
• Cystitis: May follow exposure to cold.

Worse for: Evening and nighttime, being touched.

Better for: Fresh air.

2. Belladonna

Belladonna comes from the plant Atropa belladonna and is made from the whole plant.

Typical Use: Suited to sudden symptoms with intense heat and inflammation in a specific area of the body. Triggers may include getting the head wet or exposure to a cold, dry wind. Pain is often described as throbbing, burning, or stinging. Sensitivity to light and noise is common, and the face may appear flushed.

• Throat: Swollen, tender glands with a constricted, burning sensation. Pain often worse on the right side.
• Fever: Dry, burning fever without sweat, alternating with chills. Heat radiates from the body, eyes appear glassy, and the mouth feels hot and dry without thirst.
• Teething: Red, swollen cheeks, with pain that comes and goes quickly.

Worse for: Right-sided symptoms, jarring movements, from 3 pm onwards.

Better for: Lying semi-upright in a dark room.

3. Chamomilla

The remedy Chamomilla is prepared from the entire plant.

Typical Use: Known for helping those in an irritable, oversensitive state, often from pain. It’s particularly associated with teething discomfort in babies and toddlers who are restless and inconsolable unless constantly carried.

• Teething: Pain triggers screaming, throwing objects, and even hitting or kicking. One cheek may be hot and red, the other pale and cool.
• Earache: Painful but usually slower in onset than Belladonna.
• Diarrhoea: Green, hot, foul-smelling stools, often linked to teething.

Worse for: Evening or night before midnight, warmth of bed.

Better for: Sweating.

These three remedies—Aconite, Belladonna, and Chamomilla—are staples in many homeopathy kits, especially for early-onset fevers and childhood ailments. While they can be helpful in self-care for minor, acute situations, a consultation with a qualified homeopath will ensure the most accurate and personalised remedy choice.

Originally authored by Anjum Rahmatulla, adapted with permission for Homeopathy247.com.