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 frequency and duration of illness in your home with homeopathy.


One study in 1999 (1) of 499 children 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.

Another 1994 study (2) of 175 children at a University Hospital showed that those given a homeopathic remedy had fewer symptoms and needed fewer antibiotics than those who had been given a placebo.

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. Regular hand washing. This might sound obvious, but it is vitally important as cold are most commonly spread by skin to skin contact and not through the air.
2. 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.
3. 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.

Aconite
For a cold that comes on suddenly after exposure to cold winds. Symptoms include:

• Sore throat
• Sneezing
• Thirst 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 at the onset.

Arsenicum

• Nose will have a thin, watery discharge that burns the skin
• Restlessness
• Feeling anxious
• Chilly, will beel 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.

• Thick catarrh, can be greenish/yellow or in some cases, clear.
• Worse morning & evening
• Will feel miserable and weepy, wanting comfort.
• Less thirsty than normal
• Worse for heat
• Better for cool, fresh air

Gelsemium
Use for cases where a heavy cold develops slowly in warm, damp weather.

• Often comes on in Spring.
• Feel sluggish, with aching limbs
• With flu, will be very lethargic, not wanting to move.
• Drowsy
• Muscles ache, chills run along the spine
• Head feels heavy
• Little thirst

Hepar Sulph
For a thick, ripe cold with yellow mucus.

• Alternating warmth & chills
• Worse for a draught
• Sensitive to everything; noise, skin painful to touch etc.
• Preference for warm drinks
• Does not like to be disturbed.

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

Influenzinum
Treat the flu with the flu! This remedy is made with the flu virus and can help to overcome it.  Like fighting fire with fire.
It can also be taken as a preventative measure.  One dose, once a month throughout flu season can help prevent it.


Hopefully, these few pointers will help you find some relief should you succumb to a cold or flu this winter. Remember to also stay hydrated and get plenty of rest.  Feel better soon! 
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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.