Gelsemium has the symptoms of a common flu. There is physical heaviness, especially the eyelids feel heavy. The limps feel heavy, the head, everything. Feeling cold and get chills up and down the spine. Headache and flushed in the face. All of the symptoms have crept up slowly, so it is not something that has come suddenly like aconite and belladonna.

Fatigue with an absent expression on the face. The body is almost paralysed by fatigue or by 'stage fright.' The remedy can also be used to soothe anxiety about flying or going to the dentist. You can also use the remedy if you feel a sudden exhaustion, just before giving a speech or otherwise having to perform. The muscles are tired and heavy, and they may even tremble from exhaustion. Feeling cold and shivering from the cold.

When you need gelsemium, we describe it as if you are 'inside a glass dome’. Everything seems far away in sound and sight. It is as if you are disconnected from the world around you. Sensitive, even when tired. No energy. Nothing to give. You can hardly even say ‘thank you.'

No thirst (as in pulsatilla). Worse from physical exertion or mental excitement, or after bad news. It is worst in the morning, and before thunderstorms. Better from sweating, peeing and being alone.

In short: Fatigue and dizziness that continues after the flu.

Other helpful hints: Can be given with arg nit and sepia for stage fright