Colic accounts for one of the most dreaded pain types in most patients. The intensity is really very devastating and the patient almost rolls on the floor to get relief. Colic refers to the pain originating from a tubular structure. Thus, we have renal colic originating from the ureters, biliary colic from the biliary duct, and intestinal colic from the spasmodic affection of the large or small intestine. Usually the acute prescription in the colic state is fairly achieved by keynote method. In this article, we will discuss few of the prominent homeopathic remedies for managing colic.

Aconite: the colic causes intense panicky state in the patient. The patient looks pale and cold due to anxiety and can even faint more due to the anxiety than the pain. The pains are extreme and patient can’t bear to be in hot room, even though feels chilliness. The primary selection should be based on the anxiety, the absence of which contraindicates the remedy.

Belladonna: Severe colic associated with fullness in the stomach, flushing of the face and dilated pupils with full and bounding pulsations all over the body. The attack comes suddenly and progresses to the highest degree in a very short time. Pace, congestion and intensity indicates this remedy.

Chelidonium: suits to the patients of biliary colic who have fullness in right hypochondriac region with heavy flatulence and severe pain in abdomen precipitated by consumption of fatty food. The pain is situated around the back and radiates to the right shoulder. Pain is better by hot applications or after drinking very hot water. The remedy helps in the treatment of the gallstones, not only by relieving the pain but also by assisting the smooth passage of the gallstones.

Berberis: The most striking characteristic of berberis, in renal as well as biliary colic, is the pain radiating in all directions. It is mostly a left sided remedy. There is an intense urge to pass urine, which is quite painful. The pain shows marked aggravation from any kind of motion.

Colocynth and Mag-phos: both are useful in colic of any kind. They are quite identical in their symptom manifestations. In both cases, the pain is significantly relieved by external pressure and by warmth. Mag-phos shows more amelioration by rubbing the affected part, while the patient of colocynth prefers a steady yet firm pressure. In both cases, the colicky pain is intermittent. These drugs show a marked sensitivity to cold, especially in case of mag-phos. Colocynth colic is brought about by irritability or suppressed anger, even in case of a uterine colic. It is also a result of overeating cheese. I have seen wonderful results by Mag-phos in case of spasmodic dysmenorrheal, in young pubertal girls.

There are many more remedies like lycopodium, raphanus, ipecac and opium, that can be used effectively in colic. These remedies not only act fast but also give a mild, gentle and permanent relief.