Homeopathy for Colds and Flu

By Fran Cudlipp

'Tis the season to sneeze and shiver! Seasonal colds and flu are back
again!

Flu symptoms come on rapidly, and may include: severe headache; chills;
aches and pains, particularly in the back and legs; fever, often with a
high temperature, warm skin and flushed face, and the eyes may be sore
and red. Respiratory symptoms are fairly mild to begin with, consisting
of a scratchy sore throat, burning sensation in the chest, dry cough and
runny nose.There is a feeling of profound malaise,with a desire to stay
in bed. The symptoms usually disappear rapidly after 2-3 days, though
the bronchitis and coughing may last for several weeks, and the weakness
and fatigue may continue even longer. Cold symptoms, on the other hand,
begin with a feeling of discomfort in the nose and throat, with sneezing
and a runny nose; fever is unusual, though may be mild in the early
stages. Initially, the nasal secretions are watery, clear, and copious,
later changing to thicker, yellowy-green. Sometimes there is a cough.
The symptoms usually disappear in 4-10 days, though the cough may last
an extra week.

Both colds and flu are caused by viruses, and therefore do not respond
to antibiotics, however, antibiotics are often prescribed for the
secondary bacterial infections, such as ear or sinus infections,
bronchitis, and pneumonia, which may subsequently develop. Treatment
mostly consists of bedrest, warmth where desired, and plenty of fluids
whether thirsty or not, to keep the catarrh loose and easier to expel.

Homeopathic remedies may be helpful in many cases of flu or colds.
There is no one specific remedy for flu or colds, because each person's
symptoms are unique, and the homeopath will prescribe a remedy which
fits the particular symptoms of that individual person. However,
Oscillococcinum or Ferrum Phosphoricum taken at the very onset may
significantly ameliorate symptoms.

Some of the most common flu remedies are: Eupatorium, where there is
high fever, unbearable aching as if the bones would break, thirst for
cold drinks, with chills worse after drinking; Belladonna, where the
onset is rapid, very high fever, worse at 3pm, flushed face, hot face
and body but icy hands and feet; Gelsemium, where there is extreme
weakness and sleepiness, chills running up and down the back, headache
like a band around the head; Bryonia, with slow onset, severe headache,
thirst for large amounts of cold drinks, irritablilty, desire to be left
alone.

Cold remedies include: Allium, for sneezing, streaming eyes and nose
where discharge burns the nose or lip; Aconite, where there is frequent
sneezing, nose drips hot, clear fluid, burning throat, and throbbing
headache; Pulsatilla, for ripe colds, where the catarrh is thick and
creamy, eyelids stick together on waking,, and there is loss of smell
and taste

Homeopathic remedies may also help reduce the after-effects of flu
shots, and antibiotics.

Flu is a potentially serious illness, especially for the elderly, young
and immuno-compromised, or if you have heart, lung or nervous system
disease: complications may make it more dangerous, so you should always
consult your doctor if the symptoms do not clear . Similarly, you should
seek medical advice if your cold lingers or worsens.

Fran Cudlipp, BA, LLB, DSHomMEd, practices homeopathy in Victoria and
the Saanich peninsula, and can be reached at 250 661 1387