Educational information on traditional homeopathic use only. Not medical advice.
Dr Reckeweg R14 is one of the best-known numbers in the whole Reckeweg range, and it is also one of the most searched for. People look for it when they want a traditional, non-habit-forming style of product to keep in the cupboard for busy minds and unsettled nights. This guide explains what R14 is, what is in the bottle, what our product page says about how it is taken, and the questions worth asking before you buy.
Buy Dr Reckeweg R14See Reckeweg R22
What is Dr Reckeweg R14?
R14 is a liquid combination homeopathic remedy made by Dr Reckeweg & Co. in Germany. On our site it is listed as Dr. Reckeweg R14 - Drops, 50ml (Nerve & Sleep Drops). It belongs to the numbered "R series" (our R1 to R89 remedy list shows the rest). Like the other R numbers, it is a fixed formula of several traditional homeopathic ingredients taken together, rather than a single remedy chosen one at a time.
What is in it?
The ingredients listed on the product page are:
- Avena sativa D1 (oats)
- Ammonium bromatum D3
- Chamomilla D4
- Coffea D4
- Eschscholzia D2 (California poppy)
- Ignatia D6
- Humulus lupulus D2 (hops)
- Passiflora incarnata D2 (passion flower)
- Valeriana (valerian) in mother tincture strength
- Zincum valerianicum D6
Several of these will be familiar from traditional herbal practice: oats, hops, passion flower, valerian and chamomile all have a long history in evening and calming preparations. In homeopathic form they are prepared by dilution, and the "D" number shows the dilution level. It is the combination, as the manufacturer composes it, that makes R14 what it is.
What is it traditionally used for?
The manufacturer's wording on our page lists traditional use for disturbed sleep, light sleep, tiredness in the morning, weariness during the day and feeling wired in the evening, as well as nervous restlessness and over-excitement of the nervous system, and the after-effects of long-running mental strain. In everyday language, it is traditionally used by people whose nerves feel frayed and whose sleep suffers as a result. That is a description of traditional use, not a promise that it will work for you.
How the product page says R14 is taken
Directions can vary, so always follow the label on the bottle you receive. The product page gives this pattern:
- When nerves are very strained and sleep is poor: 10 to 15 drops in some water three times a day, and 20 drops in a little sweetened water at night.
- After the first several days: 10 to 15 drops once or twice a day is described as usually enough.
- Sensitive people: the page notes that R14 acts differently on different people. If someone sensitive to medicines feels worse, particularly with sleep, the dose is reduced to around 5 drops up to three times a day, or even less, and not in the evening.
- Going up: some people take 20 to 30 drops three times a day, but the page advises watching the effect for several days before increasing.
- Continuing: the manufacturer's wording describes regular use continuing for a longer period, at 10 to 15 drops in the evening.
This is the manufacturer's traditional guidance as printed on the page. It is not a personal recommendation, and it should not be treated as a timetable for results.
Who it may suit, and who should check first
R14 is typically looked at by adults who are feeling run down by pressure at work, family stress or a long spell of poor nights. A few groups should check with a doctor, pharmacist or qualified practitioner first:
- Anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Anyone giving drops to a child (the product page does not give child dosing).
- Anyone taking prescribed sleep, anxiety or mood medicines. Do not stop or change prescribed medicines because of a homeopathic product.
- Anyone avoiding alcohol, as the drops are an alcohol-based liquid.
- Anyone allergic to any listed ingredient.
Poor sleep and persistent anxiety can have many causes. If symptoms are severe, getting worse, or last more than a few weeks, see a doctor.
Sleep habits that sit alongside any remedy
No drops replace the basics. A regular bedtime, daylight and movement during the day, caffeine kept to the morning, a cool dark room and screens put away an hour before bed all matter. Our guides on a magnesium and ashwagandha wind-down routine and natural alternatives to valerian tablets cover some of the other options.
How R14 compares with its neighbours
Reckeweg has several "nerve" numbers. R14 is the one specifically labelled for sleep. R22 is listed for nervous disorder, R41 for neurasthenia and R184 for exhaustion and stress. Read each page and ask a practitioner which fits; do not combine them without advice.
Frequently asked questions
Is Dr Reckeweg R14 a sleeping pill?
No. It is a homeopathic combination remedy, not a licensed sleeping tablet. If you currently take a prescribed sleep medicine, speak to your doctor before changing anything.
How many drops of R14 should I take?
Follow the directions on your bottle. The product page describes 10 to 15 drops in water several times a day, with a larger evening dose, and lower doses for sensitive people. A practitioner can tailor this to you.
Can R14 make sleep worse at first?
The product page itself warns that sensitive people sometimes notice an aggravation, mainly with sleep, and suggests reducing the dose straight away. If this happens, reduce or stop and ask your practitioner.
Can I take R14 in the daytime?
The page describes daytime doses in the early stage as well as an evening dose. Anyone who feels drowsy should take it as directed and check with a practitioner.
What size does R14 come in?
We list it as a 50 ml bottle of drops.
Shop calming and nerve support
Keep reading
- Dr Reckeweg R1 to R89 Remedy List
- Insomnia: Homeopathic Remedies
- Anxiety and Stress: Homeopathic Remedies
- Natural Alternatives to Melatonin Tablets
- Magnesium, Ashwagandha and Better Sleep
- About Heel and Dr Hans-Heinrich Reckeweg
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Homeopathic medicines are not a substitute for medical care.
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If you take prescribed medicines, speak to your doctor or pharmacist first. Do not stop prescribed medicines.