Homeopathy is a system of medicine that treats a person with an illness through a method of case-taking, analysis, and prescription that is unique compared with other systems of medicine. Notably, in classical homeopathy, a homeopathic doctor or professional doesn't just treat the symptoms of the illness, but rather the person with the symptoms of the illness.
Acute Illness Versus Chronic Illness
For example, a seasonal cold versus periodic migraines, is a case in point. The homeopathic treatment of migraines, a more chronic condition, would involve noting all the symptoms of the person suffering with migraines stretching back to when the migraines first began. Other symptoms such as mental and emotional unease, likes and dislikes, emotional challenges, and physical complaints are also elicited. The exact symptoms of the migraine itself as in location, pain, concomitant symptoms, and what makes it better or worse are all important to help differentiate one remedy from another. The common cold is an acute illness with acute symptoms and homeopathic treatment can be effective towards a healing response.
Matching Acute Symptoms of the Common Cold or Seasonal Flu with a Homeopathic Cold Remedy
A person suffering with an acute condition like the cold or flu virus will present to the homeopath with symptoms that are unique to the acute illness. For example, common cold symptoms – watery eyes with bland lachrymation, runny nose with profuse and sometimes acrid discharge that makes the upper lip raw and sensitive – may occur when a person catches a cold virus. The important distinction is the patient doesn't experience these symptoms on a normal basis. They are unique to the cold virus, and become the focus of matching a cold remedy with the symptoms. The cold remedy indicated above is Allium Cepa, the common onion. This patient will likely feel worse in a warm room and will improve in the open air.
Homeopathy Kits can be Individually Designed for the Common Cold by a Homeopathic Pharmacist
There are several remedies and remedy kits that can be useful in the homeopathic treatment of the common cold and seasonal flu. Here is a list of remedies and their keynotes to consider. These can be specifically requested from a homeopathic pharmacy.
- pulsatilla – Thick yellow/green nasal discharge is characteristic of this remedy. Generally people who will be helped by this remedy often feel worse in a warm room, but better in open air. They are usually moody and clingy. These patients will respond well to sympathy.
- belladonna – High fever is the keynote to using this remedy, often with redness in the face. A throbbing headache with nominal nasal discharge indicates this remedy.
- kali bichromicum – Thick , stubborn yellow nasal discharge which is worse in the open air are two symptoms that point to this remedy. Post-nasal drip affects these patients.
- ferrum phosphoricum – This remedy is useful in colds that also have bloody nasal discharge or when the cold is accompanied by nosebleeds.
- euphrasia – A remedy characterized by profuse but bland nasal discharge and accompanied by watery and tearful eyes that may sting.
- aconitum – A very useful remedy if used in the first 24 hours of a cold developing, and also useful in coughs or colds that result from exposure to cold, dry wind
- gelsemium – The nasal discharge is bland and watery. When mild flu symptoms that slowly develop – as in aches and pains, lethargy, with headache at the back of the head or neck, and heavy eyelids, gelsemium will likely help to alleviate symptoms.
- oscillococcinum – This remedy is trademarked and used in cases of influenza with the usual symptoms associated with onset of the flu – fever and shivers, headache and muscular aches, runny nose and sneezing. If no other remedy is strongly indicated this remedy very often helps reduce the intensity of flu symptoms.
Consult a Homeopathic Practitioner for Maximum Benefits and Flu Prevention Remedies
Homeopathic medicines are widely available for self-care and should be taken in the 30 C potency no more than three times a day for a few days. A consultation with a professional however is advised for maximum benefit and curative responses to a cold or seasonal flu virus.
References:
Irish Society of Homeopaths www.homeopathy.ie
North American Society of Homeopaths www.homeopathy.org
British Association of Homeopaths www.trusthomeopathy.org
Christine Breen-Williams - Writer, Homeopath, Gardener Christine has a MA in Literature from University College, Dublin and is a published writer.
