With cold and flu season coming into full swing, homeopathic medicine can be very effective for relieving symptoms and reducing the length of illness. A well-chosen homeopathic prescription achieves this by reinforcing the self-healing capacity of the body.
While the actual action of the homeopathic remedy is not fully understood, there is some contemporary research that points to the effectiveness of homeopathic treatment for the flu. More research needs to be undertaken.[1]
And historical records indicate the effectiveness of homeopathy in treating patients duringthe 1918 influenza pandemic,. An article in the Journal of the American Institute for Homeopathy, May 1921, reports that in over 26,000 cases of flu treated homeopathically the mortality rate was 1.05% compared with 30% in cases treated with conventional medicine.[2]
I am offering a free one hour workshop to explain in more detail how homepathic remedies can help prevent influenza and also ease the symptoms If you do come down with the flu. A mini kit of 6 flu remedies will also be available at the special price of $45. The workshop will be held at Kingswilliam Clinic on Thursday 2 May 7.30 - 8.30pm (6/104 William St Five Dock) and at my Chatswood clinic on Saturday 4 May at 2.00 - 3.00pm (Suite 15/29 Bertram St, Chatswood). Otherwise you are welcome to contact me direct for an acute consultation if you or a member of your family comes down with flu (0413 010 050. The sooner you make contact the better in terms of not letting it get too well established. You can always pick up a remedy from the clinic.
As a taster, with all homeopathic treatment the most effective remedy will depend on the particular symptoms being experienced. Below is a list of the key symptoms of a selection of remedies - to give an idea of the range of possibilities.
Oscillococcinum
Take at the first signs of flu. There is some evidence for taking a weekly dose during the flu season as a preventative however this is not conclusive.
Arsenicum Album
- thin watery nasal discharge, irritating upper lip
- chilly, cannot get enough warmth
- thirsty for large quantities with frequent small sips
- nervous, restless and anxious
Gelsemium
- Symptoms develop gradually.
- body feels tired & heavy,eyelids droop
- fever with no thirst
- headache like a band around head, heavy
- sore throat extends to ears, worse for swallowing
Pulsatilla
- bland thick yellow-green discharge
- nose runs during the day, blocked at night
- thirstless, dry chapped lips
- symptoms change and move
- clingy, weeps easily & wants sympathy
Rhus Toxicodendron
- achingthrough whole body
- restless, can’t get comfortable
- chilly, relieved by warm baths & drinks
- dry, hoarse, tearing cough
- tip of tongue red
Use medicines only as directed. If symptoms persist see your healthcare practitioner. This advice does not replace professional care.
These suggestions are for the treatment of minor aliments only and are not suitable for the treatment of chronic, serious or on-going illness.
[1]Vickers A, Smith C. Homoeopathic Oscillococcinum for preventing and treating influenza and influenza-like syndromes. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2006, Issue 2. Art. No.: CD001957. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD001957.pub4
[2] J. Winston. 1999. The Faces of Homeopathy. Great Auk Publishing. Wellington: New Zealand