Drosera is a homeopathic remedy prepared from the sundew, an insect-eating bog plant. In homeopathic practice it is most strongly associated with deep, barking, spasmodic coughs that come in violent fits, especially at night, and it is a classic remedy considered when a cough is dry, tickling and relentless.
This page looks at the plant it comes from, the complaints it has traditionally been linked to, the cough picture that points to it, and the forms and potencies commonly used.
The short version: A sundew remedy classically reached for violent, barking, spasmodic coughing fits, worse at night.
What is Drosera and where does it come from?
Drosera is made from the round-leaved sundew (Drosera rotundifolia), a small carnivorous plant that grows in peat bogs and traps insects on sticky, dew-like hairs. The whole fresh plant is used to make the homeopathic tincture, which is then diluted and succussed.
The remedy has a long-standing reputation in the respiratory sphere, and was singled out by Hahnemann for spasmodic coughs.
What is Drosera traditionally used for?
In homeopathy the whole picture guides the choice. Drosera is traditionally associated with:
- Deep, barking, spasmodic coughs that come in rapid, violent fits.
- Coughing worse after lying down and worse at night, often disturbing sleep.
- A dry, tickling throat with a sensation of a crumb or feather in it.
- Cough so forceful it can trigger retching or a spasm of the chest.
- Hoarseness and a rough, tight chest during coughing spells.
Who typically reaches for it?
The classic Drosera picture is a hard, barking cough arriving in bursts so quick the person can barely catch a breath between them, characteristically worse as soon as the head touches the pillow. Coughing fits often come on after midnight and can leave the chest sore.
Symptoms are typically worse for lying down, warmth, talking and laughing, and worse at night.
What forms and potencies does it come in?
Like most classical remedies, Drosera is prepared by serial dilution and succussion from its source material. You will most often see it in small lactose pillules or tablets, and sometimes as liquid drops or in combination formulas alongside complementary remedies.
In home self-care it is commonly used in low to medium potencies such as 6C or 30C. Lower potencies are often chosen for more physical, everyday complaints, while 30C is a popular general-purpose strength. Higher potencies are usually reserved for guidance from an experienced homeopath.
Your natural toolkit — and which to reach for
You'll find Drosera featured in combination remedies such as the pick below, where it is paired with complementary ingredients for the spasmodic-cough picture.
Drosera Homaccord — reach for this if you want Drosera in a ready-made combination formula for coughs.
Featured products
Drosera Homaccord
A combination formula built around Drosera for the dry, spasmodic cough picture.
Explore the full United Remedies range — blending homeopathy from Heel, Guna and Sanum with Weleda’s plant-based topicals and Zooki’s liposomal supplements.
Common questions
What plant is Drosera made from?
It is made from the round-leaved sundew, a small carnivorous bog plant, using the whole fresh plant.
What is Drosera best known for?
Traditionally, violent, barking, spasmodic coughing fits that are worse at night and after lying down.
How is it usually taken?
It is available as single-remedy pillules and in combination drops; 6C and 30C are common self-care potencies.
Note: This page is for general education and is not medical advice. Homeopathic remedies are used within a long tradition of self-care; they are not a substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment. If symptoms are severe, persistent or worsening, or if you are unsure, please speak to a qualified health professional.