Colds and Flu : Homeopathy Remedies
Can Homeopathy Cure the "Common Cold?"
While no approach can claim a cure for the common cold, homeopathy offers a way to significantly reduce the misery of the symptoms, and shorten the duration. Homeopathy can also help with typical "secondary infections" that may follow a cold, such as ear aches, lingering coughs, or sinus infections. Of course, if those problems crop up every time a person has a cold, they will likely need long-term cleansing and healing of the weaknesses that have caused them to become recurrent or chronic. But there are some wonderful combination remedies that we recommend to our clients. We also offer homeopathy self-care classes through Houston School of Homeopathy that focus on how to match a remedy to the symptoms of a cold. Below are a few of the favorite hints we teach.
First, the earlier in the onset a homeopathic remedy is used, the more likely the duration and intensity will be improved. If you have been exposed to a cold wind just prior to the onset of cold symptoms, we suggest that you take a few pellets of Aconitum napellum 12C or 30C, dissolve them in a "sport bottle" of drinking or spring water, and sip on the remedy 3-6X hourly for several hours. Once the symptoms have subsided, begin hourly sips of the remedy, throughout that day. If the symptoms are gone the next day, probably you have escaped a full-blown cold. This remedy is especially indicated where there is a degree of fear of becoming ill.
If you have cold symptoms that "sneak up" slowly at the onset, with an odd feeling that something isn't quite right, as soon as you realize there is a problem, another remedy to try, as early as possible, is Ferrum phosphoricum 12C or 30C. Again, we suggest dissolving a few pellets in a bottle of water, and sipping frequently for several hours, then spacing out the sips as the symptoms dissipate. This remedy will only help prevent a full-blown cold if used frequently and early. After about 24 hours, unless there are other symptoms, such as nosebleeds, fatigue and paleness, if the cold is intensifying, Ferrum phos. may become useless. At that point, the symptoms must be evaluated and appropriately matched remedies must be given.
Another remedy that is very helpful if there is concern about contracting either cold or flu, is Anas barbariae hepatis et cordis extractum. This is sold under a variety of commercial names, sometimes by itself, as in the case of Boiron's Oscillococcinum (TM), sometimes with other remedies in combination, as with Dolisos' Dolicoccil(TM). We have found both to be useful for consumers. Again, this is a remedy that works best when used frequently and early in the onset. Our office usually keeps both on hand for sale. They also are widely available at many health food stores, as well as some pharmacy chains. This is a remedy I suggest that all my clients keep with their remedy kits at all times, since early administration is imperative. As with Ferrum phos, this remedy works best in the first 24 hours.
If you have symptoms that include a high fever, stiffness of the neck or back, or other possibly serious symptoms, please consult a healthcare professional, as these could be signs of something more serious. Our office does handle acute care with our regular clients only, but we can sometimes do an initial for an acute illness if openings are available in our schedules. We would prefer to work with clients in an ongoing basis, because sequential homeopathy can allow us to strengthen and cleanse the overall immune response systems so that colds and flu are either less frequently contracted, or they are minimal in their effects.
The advice offered herein is for educational and advertising purposes. This is not to be construed as medical advice. No outcome is or can be guaranteed by using the above information for self-care, and as always, if a serious or chronic situation exists, you should seek a professional healthcare provider. The authors assume no responsibility for the use or misuse of any information contained herein.
