Homeopathy & Colds and flu

Nobody likes to have a cold. Even the mildest dose can leave you feeling rotten and run down for weeks. In healthy adults, one to two colds a year is considered normal, however unpleasant. In school-aged children, however, this is markedly increased, with some estimating that anywhere from six to twelve colds are normal. This needn't be the case and you can dramatically reduce the number of sick days in your home with homeopathy.

Studies have shown that children whose colds were treated with homeopathy were more likely to feel and do better than those children whose colds had been treated conventionally. The homeopathically treated children also had fewer complications, and their parents took significantly less sick-leave than the parents of those children treated with antibiotics.

It is hard to escape the winter without succumbing to at least one cold. Be alert for initial signs and symptoms and you will be able to reduce the duration of your illness.

There are some things you can employ to try to avoid infection.

1. Vitamin D. During the winter months with sunshine in short supply we are prone to becoming deficient in Vitamin D. This helps the immune system respond to viruses so it is important to take a good quality supplement through the winter months.
2. Smile! Research shows that being happy and optimistic strengthens the immune system. Laughing also releases endorphins which can reduce the discomfort of a cold.

In addition to the above, homeopathic remedies can offer swift relief from your symptoms.

To discuss putting together a kit for you and your family just get in touch. www.solashomeopathy.com/contact.html

Aconite
This remedy is best suited for a cold that comes on suddenly after being out in cold, windy weather.  YOu could see symptoms like:

• Sore throat
• Sneezing
• Thirsty for cold drinks
• Restlessness
• For a flu with a 'heavy head' and a dry barking cough.
• Sweating with hot and cold spells
• Worse before midnight.

Use this as soon as the symptoms begin to try to rally the immune system and shorten the duration of your cold. 

Arsenicum Album

• There will be lots of watery, clear snot with this type of cold and the skin around your poor nose will be very sore. 
• Chilly, will feel better for being wrapped up warmly.
• Throat will be dry and sore.
• Thirsty for sips of cool water.

Pulsatilla
Pulsatilla is known for its changeable symptoms, so you may notice the cough or runny nose is bad in the morning, ok through the day and comes back in the evening.

• Thick mucus, can be greenish/yellow or in some cases, clear.
• Worse morning & evening
• Will feel miserable and weepy, wanting comfort and company.
• Less thirsty than normal
• You may feel better in cool, fresh air

Gelsemium
This is a remedy for that 'classic flu'.  Body aches, zero energy overall feeling rubbish.  

• Feel sluggish, with aching limbs
• With flu, will be very lethargic, not wanting to move.
• Drowsy and your eyelids will feel really heavy, as though you can't keep them open. 
• Muscles ache, chills run along the spine
• Head feels heavy

Hepar Sulph
For a really heavy cold that leaves you feeling like all you want is a hoodie and a hot water bottle. 

• Alternating warmth & chills
• Worse for any kind of draught or breeze of cool air. 
• Sensitive to everything; noise, skin painful to touch etc.
• Preference for warm drinks
• Does not like to be disturbed!  Best to leave you be with the remote and a cuppa. 

Bryonia
Use for cases of colds with a dry nose, mouth & throat. Also for a cold that seems as though it may go to the chest.

• Sneezing brings on shooting pains in the forehead
• Very thirsty for water
• Lips dry
• Eyelids may be red & swollen
• Feels grumpy.  Just like Hepar Sulph above, a prescription for tea and the remote may be in order along with your Bryonia!

Hopefully, these few pointers will help you find some relief should you succumb to a cold or flu this winter. Remember, if you aren't sure what remedy is best for you, book an acute call here.

Feel better soon! 
​Carmel x

References
[1] Trichard, M, Chaufferin, Nicoloyannis, N., Pharmacoeconomic Comparison Between Homeopathic and Antibiotic Treatment Strategies in Recurrent Acute Rhinopharyngitis in Children, Homeopathy (2005)94, 3-9.
[2] de Lange de Klerk, ESM, Blommers, J, Kuik, DJ et al., “Effect of Homoeopathic Medicines on Daily Burden of Symptoms in Children with Recurrent Upper Respiratory Tract Infections,” BMJ, November 19, 1994;309:1329-1332.