Complaints often come on and progress rapidly in patients needing Aconite. The pace of this remedy (like its physical substance) is very quick. It is said that Aconite must be given in the very early stages of acute illness otherwise the ‘moment will have passed’ and a different remedy will be required.

So if a complaint has developed slowly over a number of days Aconite will not usually be of much help. With Aconite we are talking of symptoms developing in a few hours. A child that was perfectly well at midday will be quite sick by the evening. Compare Acon with Bell and Bapt as these form a trio of remedies that have rapid onset of symptoms.

If an emotional or mental picture is present it will be one of distress. Think of Fright and Fear and you have a picture of the Aconite patient. Anxiety and tearfulness.

If pain is involved (e.g. toothache, headache, cough) it is often felt severely and can drive some sufferers to distraction.

## Key Symptoms of this remedy

Fright – complaints can come on after a fright or shock

Sudden onset of complaints

Anxious, frightened patients

Complaints come on after getting chilled or from being out in a cold wind (compare with Dulcamara)

## Conditions often requiring this remedy

Colds, Influenza and Fever

Coughs and Sore Throats

Headaches

Insomnia

Cystitis

Measles, Mumps and Chicken Pox

Shocks and Accidents

Teething and Toothache