Homeopathy has an important place in the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Working with a homeopath will involve looking at the timeline of your condition, identifying causative factors, and exploring your whole symptom picture and the way CFS affects your life. For acute fatigue and unusual tiredness – and by acute I mean fatigue that has a recent onset and a clearly identifiable cause – homeopathy can also be effective. A well matched remedy can restore your mental and physical vitality. Below you will find details of eight remedies which are frequently indicated in acute fatigue. It is safe to self administer homeopathic remedies, but it is important to choose carefully, based on your experience of the symptoms, and to adhere to minimum dose principles. If home treatment does not resolve your symptoms quickly, consider seeing a homeopath. I offer in person and online consultations for recent onset acute fatigue, and also for chronic fatigue syndrome.
Picricum acidum (Pic ac)
Fatigue brought on by prolonged mental strain and overwork, especially noted in those studying for exams, for example, resulting in headache, listlessness and complete inability to study or gather their thoughts. There is typically a tired, heavy feeling all over the body, with weakness and heaviness of the legs.
Kali phosphoricum (Kali phos)
Nervous exhaustion resulting from overexertion, stress or worry. The Kali phos picture is characterised by nervousness and over-sensitivity: they may be irritable and restless, and start from the slightest noise. This remedy can be helpful in the recovery phase (or convalescence) from an acute illness such as flu, where there is muscular weakness, tiredness, mild depression and sometimes a persistent low fever. Tissue salt potency (6X) can be helpful here.
Phosphoricum acidum (Phos ac)
Phos ac is a remedy which can be helpful after debilitating acute illnesses, especially with loss of fluids (see also China). It is also indicated where a person has become worn down by grief or worry, leaving them feeling numb and indifferent to everyday life. The picture is one of collapse, characterised by a loss of appetite (both mentally and physically). They are weak, exhausted and chilly, and have difficulty with thinking and concentrating.
Zincum metallicum (Zinc)
Zinc is often used in the professional treatment of longer term chronic complaints, but it is also indicated in acute fatigue brought on by mental exhaustion, overwork and stress. Nervous system effects are prominent, with restless legs (which may keep them awake at night), and oversensitivity to noise and voices. They are generally twitchy, restless, irritable and discontented.
Nux vomica
Nux vomica is a well known homeopathic remedy, which is indicated in acute tiredness and fatigue brought on most typically from overwork. Where Nux vomica is indicated there is prominent irritability and impatience. They crave stimulants such as coffee, to help them keep going, but then find it difficult to relax. Their sleep is disturbed, with waking around 3am, and they feel unrefreshed in the morning, with headache and digestive disturbance.
Cocculus
This remedy can be helpful where acute fatigue and tiredness are brought on from loss of sleep, and physical and emotional stress, especially from looking after young children, or from caring for someone who is ill, for example. In a Cocculus state, the person feels dizziness on rising or sitting up, and there may be a nauseous headache. There can be weakness and trembling. The exhaustion makes them slow to respond, and they easily lose their train of thought.
Gelsemium
Gelsemium is a remedy in the same family as Nux vomica, and it also has an important use in acute fatigue. Where Gelsemium is indicated, the symptom picture is characterised by weakness. The acute onset of a Gelsemium state may be from stress, especially anticipation of a stressful event, or from an acute illness such as flu, where it can also help if convalescence is slow. The feeling of weakness results in a dread of facing any challenge or ordeal. The person feels great fatigue and weariness, which may be accompanied by trembling and perspiration, especially on exertion. The limbs feel heavy, and they feel dull and drowsy.
China
This remedy is very useful for fatigue and weakness following exhausting acute illnesses with loss of fluids. This might include acute diarrhoea, vomiting, profuse perspiration, or haemorrhage, for example. It is also worth bearing in mind for exhaustion accompanying breastfeeding. NB Rehydration is of course important alongside remedies.
For professional care in acute and chronic conditions, you can book an appointment or free discovery call with me here: https://karenleadbeater.co.uk/work-with-me/
Hi! Can these be taken together? Are there any that shouldn’t be taken at the same time?
I am looking for something that will help me manage my stress, interrupted sleep, irritability and associated brainfog etc
Hi Sarah, thanks for your question. So first of all, these remedy suggestions are only for acute tiredness and fatigue – ie recent onset only, with a clear and recent cause (for example, studying for an exam, dealing with a stressful recent event, or convalescing from a recent acute illness). If your symptoms are chronic and long term, you would do best to consult with a homeopath for personalised care. Homeopathy is dynamic energy medicine – the homeopathic remedy is matched to your exact experience of the symptoms, and the match engages your healing process. It is best not to take several remedies at a time, rather to take one that matches your experience of the symptoms. If you would like to consider working with me, you can book a free discovery call via my website. Best wishes, Karen
Hi Karen, Any suggestions for weakness and fatigue in a 93 yr old? Not the result of overexertion, but of not moving enough. Con Mac 30 x5 pills in the morning was helping, but it seems to have lost its oomp. I’ve been also using Cal Carb for her osteoporosis in her knees. Any suggestions would be really appreciated! Barbara
Hi Barbara, thanks for your question. Assume you are a homeopath? I would need to know more about the case to make any specific recommendations- lots of possible remedy options. Best wishes, Karen
My wife has not taken full meal for more than three weàks after recovery from low oxygen level for two weeks when also she remained on liquid diet only.Any medicine for her debility
Hi, unfortunately it is not possible to recommend a remedy based on this information only – the choice of the right medicine rests on the whole symptom profile including the way she is experiencing the debility, her appearance, and any accompanying symptoms. If you have a local homeopath available I recommend you ask for their help with this. Best wishes, Karen
I am diabetes 2 patient since 2016,now I’m feeling weakness. Kindly suggest some medicine for me. Short sleep, cramps in body.
Hi Shahnaz, thanks for your question. Unfortunately you are unlikely to have good results in type 2 diabetes without consulting with a homeopath for a more detailed case history. Quick remedy suggestions can be helpful for acute illness, but for long term chronic conditions good results are typically gradual and over a period of time with a series of well indicated remedies. I recommend you consult a homeopath in your region. Best wishes, Karen
Can i take these with levothyroxibe without any contraindications? had stress at work, studying for exams, ill health. exhausted, irrutable, anxious, cant sleep, back pain, heavy legs, nose bleeds
Hi Tuesday, thanks for your question. There are no contraindications with taking homeopathic medicine when on levothyroxine – they are energetic potencies with a different action to pharmaceuticals. It is important to follow minimum dose principles – try a remedy in no higher than 30c potency 1-3 times daily for a few days only. If no change or any worsening of symptoms, stop. If there is improvement, stop the dose also, and re-dose if symptoms subsequently return. From what you say here your symptom profile looks to be more chronic than acute, and you may make better progress working with a homeopath than with acute self-prescribing. Self prescribing is a reasonable place to start though, and hopefully you will see some short term relief. Best wishes, Karen
This is really
Fascinating thank you so much for posting.
I’m trying to help my daughter (she’s 23) combat her CFS and POTS, she’s really struggling.
Where can I source these please?
Hi Maggie, thank you for your question. Homeopathic treatment can certainly be helpful for CFS and POTS, however in a chronic (ie progressive long term) condition, the range of potential remedies is huge, since the right series of remedies will then depend on a detailed health timeline, and her personal experience of the whole symptom picture. I highly recommend you consider working with an experienced homeopath to support your daughter. This article refers to acute fatigue (ie recent onset, with a clear and recent cause), and so has a slightly different focus. That said, you will see I mention Kali phos tissue salt in the article, and your daughter can certainly take this – it is a nervous system support, works gently but noticeably, and can be a good places to start in CFS. You are welcome to get in touch if you would like any further advice. Best wishes, Karen
Can you recommend for menopause fatigue and brain fog,poor memory,some interrupted sleep and more resilience.No mood swings or irritability.just worn out.
Hi Martina, menopausal fatigue and brain fog are chronic in nature, and definitely need professional support rather than self prescribing. Each woman will need a different prescription depending on her exact symptom profile. If you would like to consider working with me, you can book via the work with me page on my website. Best wishes, Karen
Daughter has chronic fatigue syndrome after having glandular fever, she has had for 2 years. Coping ok but in a major PEM crash been off work 4 wks. Body feels heavy. How can i purchase these remedies Thank You
Dear Melanie, thanks for your question. Home prescribing can be helpful in acute fatigue which is recent onset (ie in the last 2-4 weeks) and has a clear cause. This is because the remedies needed are more limited in scope, and you are more likely to have success through just looking at the current symptom profile. For longer term chronic fatigue the success of treatment rests on a much bigger symptom profile, including the person’s health background, the timeline of their chronic fatigue, details of any co-occurring symptoms or conditions, and so on. Response to remedies needs to be carefully tracked over a period of time, and a change in prescription may be needed according to the person’s response. For this reason professional care is recommended for chronic fatigue to obtain the best results. With this proviso, if you are looking for a source of homeopathic remedies, they can be obtained from reputable pharmacies in many countries throughout the world. If you share your location, I can let you know which pharmacies are in your region. Best wishes, Karen
My brother Neeraj sarma suffering from sexual ailments discharged yellow unable to drink sufficient water liver jaundice less testosterone for 30yrs eys were blurry always sleepy lethargy fatigue no sexual interest in 50yrs weight loss difficult to remember.
May I tack medecine separately or I have to take separately,
Kindly advise. I am always tired and want sleep all day on bed. Do not want to go Out side. Tacking 2 Mg Diazapam from GP as well Proxotene 20 For depression . Tired tired my body always I am 70 years old.
I want body fresh and go every place
Kind regard
Rafi
Hi Rafi, thanks for your question. The medicines listed here are appropriate for self-selection in acute fatigue – which is recent onset fatigue with a clear recent cause. It sounds as though your situation is longer term, and in this case the selection of the right medicine or medicines for you relies on a much fuller medical history and discussion of your individual symptoms. I suggest you consider consulting a homeopath in your region. Best wishes, Karen
Hello. I’m looking for a remedy/ies for being extremely exhausted. I’m worried about my family, having some money issues. Also I’m working and studying at the same time. I haven’t have a proper holiday for years now. I fall really bad almost two year ago and my knee still hurts. It’s painful to get up of bed or chair without leaning on something. I’m also worried about my weight loss. I’m keeping everything to myself, have nobody to talk to.
Hi Alex, thanks for your question. When your exhaustion is longer term and chronic in nature, rather than short term with a clear cause, it is beyond the scope of self treatment. When you see a homeopath they take account of your health history, and your exact experience of the exhaustion and related circumstances. I encourage you to work with a homeopath to get the best results from treatment. With my best wishes, Karen
I suffer from loneliness and don’t find a meaning in life, I have become very unproductive and idle my time away, always feel like something is missing in my life, could you please suggest something
Hi, thanks for reaching out. This sounds like a situation that would really benefit from some talking therapy – either working one to one with a homeopath, or seeing a counsellor or spiritual advisor for personal sessions, according to your preference. I hope you find some suitable support, and a renewed sense of purpose and meaning. Wishing you all the very best, Karen
Dear Karen
The symptoms I have indicate that zincum metallicum could help me (chronic restless legs, regular 3.30 a.m. waking with what feels like increase heart rate/adrenaline, stress, oversensitivity to noise, light, smells). I am not sure what dose would be best for me to try and would be grateful for advice
Hi Kate, thanks for your question. While I understand your wish to try homeopathy for this, it is difficult to self treat for chronic conditions – even homeopaths go to see someone else for treatment. This is why my blog post is focused on acute fatigue with a clear recent cause. The reason for this is in chronic treatment we look at your whole health timeline, family history, emotional patterns and tendencies, and then once a remedy is prescribed, the potency and dosage need to be adjusted as you go along, depending on the response of each individual. If you are going to try Zinc met regardless, take a single dose of a low potency, and only re-dose if you have improvement in symptoms then symptoms return. I do recommend you consider working with a homeopath though. With my best wishes, Karen
Sorry, following on from my previous email I wanted to add that my restless leg is so bad I now take Pramipexole daily.
Kate
Am I allowed to suggest (as having had extreme restless/painful legs) Magnesium L-Threonate which were recommended to me. They have had a significant improvement.
It is so great to use homeopathy. At the same time, truth is, people don’t have understanding about how it works as it is so different from the perspective of the now-called classical medicine. And while it is being banned completely in some EU countries – it is much more efficient often, particularly in terms of price/effect regards – it is less and less understood due to propaganda. I am happy that in UK it is still produced and used, there are like remainders of healthy sense there. People, go for it! It is worth it, especially in the long run you clearly see that. But be aware – use classical homeopaths, the mixed medicines are weak and not working. Cheers
Hi
Can this be used for fibromyalgia too ?
china and china off are same medicine?
Yes, the remedy is China officinalis, which is typically abbreviated to China or Chin.
Sometimes you also find it as Cinchona officianalis. Some queen at some time in the past changed the name. It helps to know both names if you are doing research about the homeopathic medicine.
Hi Emily, just to clarify – the botanical name is Cinchona officinalis, and this remains the case. The homeopathic remedy name hasn’t changed, and has been referred to as China since Hahnemann published the Materia Medica Pura. Homeopathic remedy names tend to be Latinised. So when searching for the remedy in pharmacy lists etc it will be shown as China or Chin, while the plant is referred to as Cinchona. Best wishes, Karen
Every time after bowel movement I feel so dull. This is happening for last three days. If I take some electrolytes then I feel better. Will any medicine you suggest please.
Would any of these be good for a breast feeding mum struggles with extreme tiredness in the morning and taking a long time to get out of bed, needing 3 coffees to get going, yet, having enough sleep. 3 months post partum. Thankyou
Hi Mel, thanks for your question. If you want to try some self help remedies you can try a remedy that fits your symptom profile closely. However I would also say that extreme tiredness in a BF mum might need further investigation – have you considered having bloods done? How is your diet and hydration? Best wishes, Karen
What if there is the specific symptom of intense tiredness, right before a bowel movement (which is more diarrhea like), then feels the fatigue lift after the movement. This is happening during the recovery phase after being sick for a few years.
Hi, this type of individual symptom is very useful to the homeopath as part of your unique symptom profile. By itself it would not lead to a recommended homeopathic remedy, as the whole person picture needs to be taken into account. Best wishes, Karen
This is a fantastic and insightful article on homeopathy treatment for acute tiredness and fatigue! The detailed explanations of each remedy make it easier to understand how natural healing can support energy levels effectively.
Thank you for your kind comment 🙂
Hi. My 6 years old son seems very low and sluggish. He had two rounds of vomiting day before yesterday and vomited once yesterday, right after having a few spoons of homemade pasta. He has lost his appetite complete. I’ve been giving him Ipecac 200 (3 times a day) and arsenicum Album 1m (once in the morning and once at night), as prescribed by my homeopathic doctor.
I’m unable to reach my doctor since last night. Could you please suggest what to give him now. He isn’t eating anything. His stool is fine texture-wise but is very light yellow in color.
Has a bit of nasal congestion too.
Hi Mish, thanks for reaching out. Homeopathy works by matching the individual aspects of the acute condition to a remedy – in your son’s case the vomiting, loss of appetite and yellow stool is by itself not a specific enough symptom profile to identify a suitable remedy. I have a few recommendations here: first of all read up on CLAMS (you can find details on my first aid and acute community FB group, or via an online search) – this is an acronym for a method of individualising an acute case. In particular, look out for the pattern of the symptoms – when does the vomiting come on, what sets it off (eg right after food or fluids warm up in stomach; worse with lying down, worse with movement, etc)? Are there any accompanying or ‘concomitant’ symptoms (eg headache, anxiety, etc). The more of a pattern we can see, the better the remedy match and the more relief you will observe. In the meantime if your doctor is away, do they have a locum? If not and you are in the US, you can find swift professional advice online via Homeopathy Help Now. In addition from me – look out for dehydration if he is sluggish and depleted. Make sure he is getting plenty of water and electrolytes, and consider two homeopathic measures re dehydration – Biophos cell salts (Known as Combination 5 in the UK, which is all 5 phosphorus cell salts) 2-3 times daily, and the remedy China twice a day for the next 2-3 days – in low potency, no higher than 12c/30c. I hope your son feels better soon. Best wishes, Karen
Thank you so much Karen, for the detailed and prompt response. I was able to speak to my doctor on phone and got the homeopathy remedies she prescribed.
He’s doing well now. It was COVID variant he got.
Thanks so much, for getting back.
I am so glad to hear he is doing better. Best wishes, Karen
My sister-in-law, aged 73, is is hospital with falling sodium level? Can I give Nat Mur 1 M?
Hi Joseph, for homeopathic treatment to be effective, the choice of remedy for the case needs to be a potentised similar substance that matches the individual’s symptom profile. Remedies are not typically given based on a diagnosis, but on the symptoms the person has, alongside an understanding of the underlying cause. For example, is there a change in her kidney function, or is the low sodium perhaps related to medication? If you give homeopathic remedies yourself (rather than under professional guidance) high potencies such as 1M are not advisable, it is better to stay in the low range between 6c and 30c. Best wishes, Karen
Hi Karen, I rely on homeopathic medicines for all of my illnesses. I have a long standing problem of extreme fatigue and extreme sleepiness during day time, especially after eating my lunch. I am a very active person and this condition does not suit my active lifestyle. I was diagnosed with Lyme disease in 1992. Please help me.
Hi Dinyar, homeopathy may be helpful for you, but with such a longstanding condition you would need to work with a homeopath to gradually improve your situation. You may wish to work with someone in your region, or someone online. You are welcome to book a free discovery call if you would like to consider working with me. Best wishes, Karen
How do I go about finding remedies to research ones that have a rubric “worse in the afternoon”, say from 3-4 pm? I have a materia medica, but don’t know which ones to start looking at.
Hi, a materia medica is a reference that gives detailed symptoms for each remedy, listed alphabetically. If you need to look up which remedies correspond to a particular symptom, like ‘worse in the afternoon’, you will need a homeopathic repertory. You can find Kent’s Repertory free online (eg Oorep). Best wishes, Karen
Do you have sucess in treating chronic fatigue syndrom (ME-CFS). I have it and its so hard.
Hi Barbara, thanks for your question. I have treated a number of people with CFS/ME (from a variety of root causes), and in most cases I have seen a moderate to significant improvement after a series of appointments. There is some individual variation of course, but I would say that homeopathy is a good referral for CFS. If you would like to have a chat to discuss treatment approaches, you are welcome to book a free 30 minute discovery call via the ‘Work with me’ page. Best wishes, Karen
Hi! My son who’s 19 & is a student of Fine Arts, Visual Arts & because of which he has to continuously sit on his laptop or do paintings.
From about 3 weeks he has been suffering pain in his neck & that pain goes down to his fingers with tingling & numbness, left side. Consulted a Ortho & got an Xray done. It’s cervical & because of which the neck muscles have become week. Nothing in the spine. But doctor said its because of wrong sitting posture. My son also gets headache, weakness, feels tired & dizziness because of this. What homeopathy medicine should I give him for relief from pain & cure of cervical.
Hi Vikrant, thanks for your question. You will always get the best from homeopathy by identifying a remedy or series of remedies that matches the whole symptom profile your son is experiencing, including not only the neck pain, but the pattern of how it extends to the fingers, the pain sensation, headache pattern, dizziness and tiredness. You can certainly try this or that remedy by general recommendation, but the best chance of seeing a substantial improvement in his condition is having someone look at his whole case. That said, as a first step to support his bones and muscles after a period of stress, the cell salt Calc phos 6X (also written as D6) taken twice daily for a period should provide a helpful support and perhaps some pain improvement too. It is unlikely to resolve the situation, but should be a step in the right direction. Best wishes, Karen
Hi Karen,
I need your advice.
A month ago I took raw coconut oil (20 ml on empty stomach for 3 days). It had some unusual reaction in the stomach – it caused flu-symptoms, caused stomach bloating, diarrhea, etc.
This happened a month ago but I never really recovered from the flu-like feeling. I am suffering from chronic fatigue, dizziness-like feeling, heavy head, brain fog, etc.
Please guide me. How do I treat this? Is this a case of fungal overgrowth or a case of bacterial overgrowth? If so how do I attempt to treat either issues?
Hi Ashwin, thanks for your question. Unfortunately I can’t say whether this is fungal, or SIBO, or some other issue – I think you would need to have some further investigation to find that out for yourself. Homeopathy works with your individual symptoms and experience of the condition, alongside test results, so once you have some answers homeopathy could be a useful route. Or you may wish to consider working with a naturopath or nutritional therapist, depending on what you are dealing with. Best wishes, Karen