Cold and flu season is well underway and there are a variety of remedies that can help you and your family get through it. Homeopathy is prescribed based on symptoms, rather than a disease name, so it's not possible to walk into a store or pharmacy and walk out with something that is sure to work because it is labeled as such. There is no one size fits all – life would be much easier if that were the case!
Despite the fact that homeopathy is very individualized, there are some remedies which are commonly used that can be considered first when symptoms arise. Let's look at a few of them.
For the purposes of this post, we are talking about colds and influenza, not gastroenteritis, which is often called the stomach flu.
Oscillococcinum (Anas barbariae): A difficult one to pronounce! The shortened term is Oscillo. It is made from the heart and liver of a duck, where the flu virus is found. It is not typically prescribed based on individual symptoms, but it has a proven track record nonetheless. It is worth considering when the flu has arrived in your neighborhood. For those who like studies: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5788925/
Gelsemium: Consider this one when the person is extremely drowsy, to the point of having difficulty lifting their head from the pillow. Their limbs feel heavy, and their eyelids are droopy. The weakness can feel almost paralytic and there may be dizziness. The face may appear flushed and headache in the occiput (the base of the skull) or the temples in common. In keeping with the theme of the remedy, the head pain makes it difficult or impossible to move. Despite a typically dry mouth, there is thirstlessness.
Arsenicum album: Restlessness is key in this remedy. It may be present in combination with a collapsed state. It is often accompanied by burning pains. There is thirst, but only for sips of water. The person feels chilly, but the head is hot. The throat may burn and make swallowing difficult and if diarrhea is present it is likely to be burning as well.
Bryonia: The keynote of this remedy is that the symptoms are aggravated by movement. It may look quite similar to Gelsemium. The person will stay still because it helps relieve pain and discomfort. There is a great deal of dryness (skin, throat, mouth, etc.), but whereas Gelsemium is thirstless, Bryonia will gulp large quantities at a time. This person wants to be left alone and becomes irritable or angry when engaged. The onset of illness is likely to be slow.
Belladonna: Rapid onset of symptoms with profuse sweating. The person may become extremely irritable. Headaches are throbbing and light and noise will make them worse. The face may appear red. Heat radiates from the person needing this remedy.
Phosphorus: In contrast to Bryonia, this person wants people around them. They may be very anxious and fearful as well as easily angered. The chest may feel tight and burn with the cough and there is often hoarseness. Nosebleeds are common and the cough is generally dry and is brought on by a tickle in the throat.
There are many other remedies to consider, but these are a few of the most commonly given for severe colds or flu. Always seek the advice of a doctor if you find yourself not improving or if symptoms are worrisome. A qualified homeopath can assist in finding the remedy that most closely matches your individual symptoms. Wishing you the best of health as we go through the season!
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