In the Autumn of 2003, I was introduced to Gemmotherapy. Since then I have begun using these wonderful remedies in my homeopathic practice with most impressive results. As a classically trained homeopath, I am finding a complementary place in my practice for both homeopathy and gemmotherapy.

One of my first experiences with gemmotherapy was with a patient who had been suffering from severe allergies from the Chinese Elm trees that lined his street. I gave him European Hornbeam, and within 2 days, he no longer needed Claritin. He called to tell me, "This is miraculous, now I don't have to move from my neighborhood."

As the feedback from patients continued to be favorable, I decided to focus on treatment during the upcoming winter months. For instance, I gave many of my pediatric patients Briar Rose several times a week during the winter for preventive care. Many parents reported less colds and runny nose. When children did become sick, it was less severe. In my own household, my 6 year old kindergartner didn't suffer his yearly cough.

Remedies for Common Conditions

In this section, I have listed remedies that I found useful for various condions like colds, coughs, and preventive care.

Choose the one(s) that are most pertinent to you or your child's symptoms. The remedies can be used in combination with one another. They can also be taken with homeopathic remedies and other medicines. Scroll down to read a detailed description of each remedy. 

Ear, Nose, and Throat Infections
Briar Rose, Black Currant, Red Spruce

Colds and Flu
Black Currant, European Alder, Common Birch

Coughs and Bronchitis
Lithy Tree, European Hornbean

Tonsillitis
Red Spruce

Winter Prevention
Briar Rose (kids) Black Currant,  Common Birch (adults)

Materia Medica
This section gives you a description of each Gemmo.

Black Currant (Ribes nigrum)  Stress and Fatigue

Excellent remedy for strengthening the constitution. It increases resistance depleted from stress and fatigue. Especially good for adults. Use in the morning, and if needed in afternoon. Avoid before going to bed as it increases energy. Black Currant is useful in the following:

• Allergies
• Asthma
• Adrenal gland stimulation (Also supportive to people on prednisone steroids)
• Anti-inflammatory (respiratory, digestive or urinary)
• Auto-immune diseases
• Chronic Fatigue
• Emergency remedy (Rescue Remedy of the gemmos)
• Vaccination (Take once daily 1 week prior to shot and 2 weeks following vaccine.

Briar Rose (Rosa canina) Winter Children's Remedy

Briar Rose, a natural remedy made from plant buds, is for runny nose and congestion in children. It strengthens a child's immune system and is useful for conditions involving ear, nose, throat and sinuses. It is particularly helpful for those winter colds. Briar Rose is is a natural form of medicine called gemmotheraphy. Briar Rose can be used in conjunction with homeopathic and standard medicine. I use this as a prevention 2-3 times a week as needed during cold and flu season. For illness, use twice a day.

• Children's remedy
• Ear aches and ear infections
• Runny nose and congestion
• Sore throat
• Sinus infections
• Headaches, migraines caused by allergies

Common Birch (Betula pubescens) Immune System

Common Birch targets the cleansing of the liver and other organ systems. It is known as the universal drainer and is an excellent general remedy for strengthening the immune system. As Black Currant is for the adrenals, Common Birch is for the immune system.

• Infections of the ear, nose and throat
• Allergies
• Adrenal gland
• Chronic Fatigue
• Hip joint and Osteoarthritis (stimulates local blood flow)
  

European Alder (Alnus glutinosa) Beginning of Colds

Useful at the early onset of colds, runny nose and sinus complaints. In addition, it is useful for cardiovascular conditions.

• Early onset (ear, nose, throat and sinus)
• Beginning of inflammation of digestive tract (gastritis, gallbladder, colitis), and urinary tract (cystitis)
  

European Hornbean(Carpinus betula) Sinus

European Hornbean is effective in treating infections, especially of the sinus. It is also useful for treatment of certain clotting conditions of the blood. European Hornbeam dramatically helped my patient who had been suffering from severe autumn allergies from the Chinese Elm trees that lined his street. He wrote, "This is miraculous, now I don't have to move."

• Sinus infections
• Chronic sinusitis
• Ear, nose, throat
• Mucous membrane of lung
• Coughs
• Bronchitis
• Improves blood clotting (including thrombocytopenia after splenectomy)

Lithy Tree (Viburnum lantana) Chest and Cough

This drainage remedy targets the lungs and aids in restoring pulmonary function. Note on Asthma and Breathing Problems: Asthma and other problems with breathing can be life threatening. All of my patients with asthma and lung conditions have inhalers and other standard forms of treatment available to them. In my experience, the use of homeopathy, Gemmotherapy and other forms of natural medicine can greatly improve a person's breathing. As a result, patients are less likely to be dependent on prescription medicine See your healthcare provider for the treatment of chronic conditions such as asthma. . Lithy Tree is helpful for the following:

• Cough (including spasmodic fits of coughing)
• Bronchial spasms
• Bronchitis
• Lung problems

Red Spruce (Abies pectinata) Sore Throat and Tonsils

Targets the tonsils, throat and nose. It has positive affects on calcium absorption in bones, and is an important for growth problems.

• Tonsilitis
• Sore throat
• Deficient growth conditions in children (which includes frequent infections of the ear, nose and throat, poor appetite, and fatigue)

For more information on gemmos see Natural Baby and Childcare by Lauren Feder, M.D.