Bryonia: Homeopathic Uses

Educational information on traditional homeopathic use only. Not medical advice.

Bryonia is a homeopathic remedy prepared from white bryony (Bryonia alba), a climbing hedgerow plant. In homeopathic tradition it is the remedy picture for dryness, thirst and discomfort that feels worse for the slightest movement and better for keeping completely still. It is often described as the opposite of Rhus tox.

Bryonia quick facts

• Common name: white bryony (also wild hops or devil's turnip in folk use).
• Source: the fleshy root of Bryonia alba, made into a mother tincture and then diluted and succussed. The raw plant is irritant, so it is used only in potentised form.
• Potencies you will see: 30C is the common tablet strength; our Heel single-remedy ampoule lists D12 to D1000; many combinations use D4 to D6 levels.
• Who uses it: home-kit users following homeopathic tradition for cold-and-chill states and movement-sensitive aches, and practitioners.

Buy Weleda Bryonia 30cBryonia-Injeel S AmpoulesGripp-Heel

What is Bryonia used for in homeopathy?

Bryonia is the homeopathic picture of "dryness and stillness". Traditionally it is associated with:

• Discomfort worse for any movement, even a deep breath or a jolt, and relieved by rest and firm pressure.
• Dryness: a dry mouth, dry lips and a strong thirst for large drinks, often cold.
• An irritable, "leave me alone" mood during a cold, chill or fever.
• Stiff, aching joints and neuralgic pains that are worse for motion.
• A dry, hard cough that makes the person hold their chest.

These are descriptions from the homeopathic materia medica, offered for education, not as claims that the remedy treats any condition.

Where does Bryonia come from?

White bryony is a climbing plant of the gourd family found across Europe and western Asia. Its large root has long been known as a strong irritant, which is why it was not used as a casual herb. Homeopathy prepares the root as a mother tincture and then dilutes and succusses it, so the finished remedy does not contain a material dose of the plant.

Bryonia 30C vs 200C: what is the difference?

• 6C and 30C are the usual home-kit strengths, used for short-lived complaints.
• 200C and above are generally chosen with a practitioner who is considering the whole person.

We do not claim a higher potency is stronger or more effective; it is a different preparation. Our stocked single tablets are 30c, and the Heel ampoule is a multi-potency preparation.

Dosage as traditionally used

• Weleda Bryonia 30c (125 tablets): adults 2 tablets, children 1 tablet, sucked or chewed. Unless otherwise directed, take 1 dose every 2 hours for the first 6 doses, then 1 dose when required, reducing frequency as symptoms improve. Lactose and sucrose base; suitable for vegetarians.
• Bryonia-Injeel S Ampoules (1.1 ml): oral vials are taken by mouth, directly or in water. A general guideline is the contents of one ampoule 1-3 times weekly, more often in acute situations or as directed. Other methods of use, including injection (i.m., s.c., i.d., i.v.), are for trained individuals, e.g. practitioners.
• Gripp-Heel tablets: for over-12s in the acute phase, 1 tablet every 15 minutes (maximum 8 tablets per day); otherwise 1 tablet 3-5 times per day.

Products that contain Bryonia

• Weleda Bryonia 30c (125 Tablets): single remedy.
• Bryonia-Injeel S Ampoules: single remedy, Bryonia cretica D12, D30, D200, D1000.
• Gripp-Heel: Bryonia with Aconitum, Eupatorium, Phosphorus and Lachesis; traditionally used at the first signs of an illness.
• Bryaconeel Tablets: Bryonia cretica D4 with Aconitum; listed indications are neuralgia and influenzal infections.
• Rheuma-Heel Tablets: Bryonia with Rhus tox, Causticum, Arnica and Ferrum phosphoricum, listed for soft-tissue rheumatism.
• Nux Vomica Homaccord: Bryonia with Nux vomica, Lycopodium and Colocynthis; listed for functional gastro-intestinal disorders.

How does Bryonia differ from Rhus tox, Belladonna and Gelsemium?

• Versus Rhus tox: near opposites. Rhus tox stiffness eases with continued movement; Bryonia is worse for movement and better for rest.
• Versus Belladonna: Belladonna is the sudden, hot, flushed, throbbing picture; Bryonia is slower, drier and thirsty.
• Versus Gelsemium: Gelsemium is the heavy, drowsy, thirstless flu picture; Bryonia is irritable and thirsty.

Who should avoid it, and when to see a doctor

• Chest pain, breathing difficulty, a high or persistent fever, or a cough that lasts more than a few days need a health professional.
• Severe joint pain, swelling or redness should be checked by a doctor.
• Pregnant or breastfeeding, or giving it to babies and young children? Ask your practitioner first.
• Tablets contain lactose and sucrose; Gripp-Heel and some drops differ, so check each label.
• Do not stop prescribed medicine because you are using a homeopathic product.

Frequently asked questions

What is Bryonia used for in homeopathy?

Traditionally for the picture of dryness, thirst and discomfort that is worse for any movement and better for rest. It is a traditional use, not a treatment or cure.

How is Bryonia different from Rhus tox?

Bryonia is worse for movement and better for stillness; Rhus tox is stiff at first and eases with movement.

Is Bryonia 30C safe?

Homeopathic Bryonia is highly diluted and does not contain a material dose of the plant. Follow the label, and see a professional about anything severe or persistent.

Bryonia 30C or 200C: which should I buy?

30C is the strength most often kept at home. 200C is usually chosen with a practitioner.

Can Bryonia be used for a cold or cough?

Bryonia appears in traditional pictures for dry coughs and chills, and in combinations such as Gripp-Heel. It is a self-care tradition, not a cure, and a persistent cough should be checked.

Can children take Bryonia?

The Weleda label gives a child dose of 1 tablet. Ask your practitioner or doctor before giving it to babies or young children.

Keep reading

• Rhus Toxicodendron: Homeopathic Uses
• Belladonna: Homeopathic Uses
• Gelsemium: Homeopathic Uses
• Nux Vomica: Homeopathic Uses
• Aconite: Homeopathic Uses and Benefits

Browse more

• Common Colds and Flu: Homeopathic Remedies
• Neuralgia: Homeopathic Remedies
• Arthritis: Homeopathic Remedies

Homeopathic medicines are not a substitute for medical care.