10-Jan-2010

Eschew the Flu

Avoid the Achoos!

Homeopathy has a long history of use in fighting the flu. Historically, homeopathy developed its greatest popularity in the 19th century primarily because of its truly impressive success in treating the serious infectious diseases of the era, including typhoid, cholera, yellow fever and scarlet fever. Consider also that in the flu epidemic of 1918, statistics show that the death rates in homeopathic hospitals were 1-2%, compared to 30% in conventional medical hospitals.
 
Today, homeopathy is still in widespread use. In other countries, it isn’t even considered “alternative” healing. It is just one of many medical modalities. Take the response to the Swine Flu outbreak in 2009. Doctors in Mexico City conducted a study while they set about healing those infected. The basic purpose of the Mexican Homeopaths’ study was to identify common symptoms in order to outline a specific homeopathic prevention and treatment model that could be used by other homeopathic doctors around the world.
 
These doctors found the symptoms of H1N1 are similar to many other flu viruses, with fever and coughing most common. Remedies for acute stages of infection were determined, in the usual homeopathic manner, by selecting the best-matched remedy for the symptoms. It is important for those more at risk – like children and the elderly – to seek professional help when making decisions about these matters.

My advice is to look after your health generally and take common-sense preventative measures. The most popular protocol that homeopaths use is a remedy called influenzinum. Oscillococcinum is also known to help prevent the flu, to be taken if you are around someone who has the flu. But if the flu arrives, see a homeopath for a different remedy, one that’s right for you.

So what do you do when the flu rears its head? Go get help. But know that the worst thing you can do is take aspirin or Tylenol! Your fever is an indication the body is defending itself; don’t fight it. These drugs can actually suppress the healing process. Most importantly, keep a good attitude about your health. So go, have fun, make a snow angel.

Avghi Constantinides
Homeopathic Doctor, HMC, MA
Homeopathy for Life
Read The Homeopathic Revolution by Dana Ullman.