Gelsemium has traditionally been used for the symptomatic relief of flu with aches and pains when feeling droopy, drowsy, heavy and listless. It may also be helpful for symptoms related to anticipatory fear, stage fright and exam nerves. Gelsemium is mainly used in home prescribing for cold and flu symptoms that leave a person with generalised aching, weakness and so tired that they can hardly be bothered taking a remedy. There is a slow onset of symptoms which often come on after a period of anticipation, fear or anxiety. There is a kind a paralysis of the mind and body; the mind is sluggish, the muscular system is relaxed and the limbs feel so heavy the individual can hardly move them. Dizziness, dullness and trembling are characteristic symptoms of this remedy. The eyelids may droop, the muscles feel heavy, aching and weak.