Homeopathic Remedies for the Flu

The Flu, or influenza, is a common occurrence worldwide. It is seasonal in nature, occurring most often in the fall and winter. The flu will vary in severity from one year to another depending on the strain of the virus. Each year the virus changes slightly. This is why flu vaccines from year to year vary in their effectiveness.

The adage an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of gain is sound advice for encouraging a strong immune system. Adequate sleep, managing stress with lots of rest and relaxation, a diet consisting of a low amount of processed foods and minimal amounts of refined carbohydrate/sugar and ensuring lots of greens are key to keeping your immune system strong.

A very good homeopathic preventative formula called Mucoccinum can be worthwhile in preventing the flu. It is derived from homeoapthic strains of influenza and has been very effective for our patients over the years. You would take one tablet once a week at the beginning of flu season.

Mucoccinum and other homeopathic remedies can also be used at the onset and outbreak of the flu to lessen the severity of symptoms and shorten the duration of a cold or flu. Here are other individual homeopathic remedies that are useful at the onset of cold and flu like symptoms.

Aconite:

• Rapid onset of symptoms use within first 24 hours of onset of illness
• Chill after a cold, wind exposure (sounds like Regina in the winter, huh?)
• Restlessness
• Feel faint on sitting up

Bryonia:

• Highly irritable
• Thick yellow coat on tongue
• Extremely thirsty for large amounts of COLD water
• Backache, headache, eye ache, limbs ache
• DRYNESS of mouth and lips, chapped lips
• Children do not want to be carried and very irritable
• Wants to lie still, worse for movement
• Dry cough at night, better sitting up
• Dry hard stools

Gelsemium:

• The 4 D’s: dizzy, drowsy, droopy, dull
• Extremely fatigued. Can hardly exert enough to move
• No thirst
• Extreme muscle weakness
• Worse cold and damp weather
• Blurred vision
• Chills run up and down back

For acute prescribing of individual remedies the potency that would be your best choice is 200K. If you have more specific symptoms beyond the symptoms of this list please consult your Naturopathic Doctor for individual prescriptions. May you immune system be strong this winter season!