Flu
Flu, or influenza is a viral illness that is more intense than a common cold, and can include fever, muscle aching, headache and fatigue. Homeopathic remedies can help to lessen the severity of a flu and aid in your recovery. Homeopathic remedies are selected by looking at your particular symptoms and matching them to the symptoms characteristic of that remedy.
For flu prevention I recommend the homeopathic remedy Influenzinum 200C. It can be taken one dose per month during flu season. If you are being constantly exposed to the flu (in your workplace or in your family for example), during outbreaks you can take one dose per week. Also helpful to have on hand during flu season is the remedy Oscillococcinum, which I carry, also available at health food stores and in the health section of Sobeys and Superstore. You can begin taking Oscillococcinum at the first sign of the flu, and take 2 or 3 doses 4 to 8 hours apart.
Recently I reviewed two of the most common flu remedies, Gelsemium and Eupatorium Perfolatum (see blog posted on ). A person needing Bryonia for the flu would experience a slow onset, would be worse from the least movement and could have a very hot and dry fever. They might be intermittently thirsty for large quantities of cold water. The big clue to Bryonia is however, the worse from any movement. The person wants to remain absolutely still and be left alone.
Nux vomica would be indicated for a flu with the chills and shivering (especially after drinking), lots of aching, often with gastric symptoms. The person feels worse from the least movement and from anything cold, and better from warmth (including a thirst for hot drinks). A strong symptom of a Nux vomica flu is extreme irritability.
Post flu recovery
Homeopathic remedies can also help with symptoms that linger after a flu has passed. China is indicated for physical weakness and sweating after a flu. For mild depression after the flu, Kali phosphoricum can be indicated. Gelsemium can be indicated for weakness and heaviness that lingers after a flu (China has more weakness and sweating). Take a dose of the indicated remedy in the 30C potency every 4 to 8 hours for up to 3 doses.
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Flu, or influenza is a viral illness that is more intense than a common cold, and can include fever, muscle aching, headache and fatigue. Homeopathic remedies can help to lessen the severity of a flu and aid in your recovery.
Homeopathic remedies are selected by looking at your particular symptoms and matching them to the symptoms characteristic of that remedy. Some of the remedies which may be useful for the flu include Aconite, Arsenicum, Belladonna, Bryonia, Eupatorium Perfolatum, Euphrasia, Gelsemium, Nux Vomica, Pulsatilla and Rhus Tox.
One of the most common flu remedies is Gelsemium. It would be for a flu with chills, aching limbs, fatigue, feelings of heaviness (including drooping eyelids) in short, general weakness and tiredness.
Eupatorium Perfolatum is another remedy which I often prescribe for influenza. A common name for this plant is Boneset, which gives a clue as to the symptoms which would indicate its use. A flu which would be helped by Eupatorium Perfolatum is one where there are intense aching pains in the bones. The bones can feel as if they are broken, the skin feels dry and sore all over, and even the eyeballs and the scalp are achy and sore.
When home prescribing it is best to choose a potency of 30C. For a severe flu, you could take one dose (a pellet dissolved under the tongue, 10 minutes away from eating or drinking) every hour or two for a few hours. If your symptoms do not start to improve after 3 or 4 doses, stop taking the remedy and try another. Always stop taking a homeopathic remedy when symptoms have improved, and only repeat on relapse.