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Influenza (Homeopathy)

Remedy Options

Arsenicum album

A person who needs this remedy during flu feels chilly and exhausted, along with an anxious restlessness. The person may be thirsty, but often only takes small sips. If the digestive system is involved, nausea with burning pain, or vomiting and acrid diarrhea may occur. If the flu is respiratory, a watery, runny nose with sneezing paroxysms and a dry or wheezing cough are often seen. The person’s head usually feels hot, while the rest of the body is chilly.

Belladonna

This remedy relieves high fever of sudden onset with profuse sweating, and hypersensitivity to light and noise.

Bryonia alba

This relieves high fever with body aches improved by staying immobile.

Eupatorium perfoliatum

This remedy relieves bone pains and body aches associated with flu and severe colds.

Ferrum phosphoricum

This relieves low-grade fever with weakness and tendency to nosebleeds and earaches.

Gelsemium

This remedy relieves flu-like symptoms with fever, headache, dizziness and general weakness.

Nux vomica

When this remedy is indicated in influenza, the person may have have high fever, violent chills, strong nausea and cramping in the digestive tract (or a painful cough and constricted breathing if the flu is respiratory). Headache usually occurs, along with oversensitivity to sound, bright light, and odors. A person who needs Nux vomica is often very irritable, feeling worse from exertion and worse from being cold in any way.

Oscillococcinum® and Children's Oscillococcinum®

This remedy relieve flu-like symptoms: feeling run down, body aches, chills and fever.

Rhus toxicodendron

This remedy relieves fever with restlessness: The patient is continuously moving to find a comfortable position and relieve the body aches. Other Remedies

Aconitum napellus

This remedy relieves high fever of sudden onset, with a hot face and dry skin. <

Apis mellifica

This remedy may be helpful if a person has dry fever that alternates with sweating, facial flushing, and a very sore throat with swollen tonsils. Pain may extend to the ears, and the eyelids may be swollen. Exposure to cool air and cold applications may bring relief. Despite the fever, thirst usually is low. The person can be very irritable, disliking interference.

Phosphorus

When this remedy is needed during flu, the person has a fever with an easily-flushing face, and feels very weak and dizzy. Headache, hoarseness, sore throat, and cough are likely. If the focus is digestive, stomach pain and nausea or vomiting usually occur. A person who needs this remedy often has a strong anxiety, wanting others to be around to offer company and reassurance. Strong thirst, with a tendency to vomit when liquids warm up in the stomach, is a strong indication for Phosphorus.

Sulphur

This remedy may be useful if a flu is very long-lasting or has some lingering symptoms—often after people have neglected to take good care of themselves. Symptoms, either digestive or respiratory, will often have a hot or burning quality. The person may feel hot and sweaty, with low fever and reddish mucous membranes. Heat aggravates the symptoms, and the person often feels worse after bathing.

Dosage

Homeopathy Dosage Directions

Select the medicine that most closely matches the symptoms. In conditions where self-treatment is appropriate, unless otherwise directed by a physician, a lower potency (6X, 6C, 12X, 12C, 30X, or 30C) should be used. In addition, instructions for use are usually printed on the label.

Many homeopathic physicians suggest that medicines be used as follows: Take one dose and wait for a response. If improvement is seen, continue to wait and let the medicine work. If improvement lags significantly or has clearly stopped, another dose may be taken. The frequency of dosage varies with the condition and the individual. Sometimes a dose may be required several times an hour; other times a dose may be indicated several times a day; and in some situations, one dose per day (or less) can be sufficient. If no response is seen within a reasonable amount of time, select a different medicine.

Related Information

Influenza

Related Topics

  1. What Is Homeopathy?
  2. Homeopathy FAQs

Although homeopathic substances listed in this article are generally not known to cause serious side effects, their effectiveness has not been demonstrated by scientific research. Consumers should check labels carefully, since a homeopathic product that is not diluted, or not diluted enough, may contain ingredients that cause allergic reactions, side effects, or interactions. It is always advisable to discuss any new treatment program with your healthcare practitioner.

For more information, see Homeopathy FAQs, "What Is Homeopathy?," and “Using Homeopathy with Professional Guidance” in Homeopathic Medicine .

Influenza (flu) causes symptoms more severe than the common cold: fever, chills, body aches and headaches are usually present on top of nasal congestion, sore throat and cough. Homeopathic medicines are especially useful when taken at the onset of symptoms.


Last Review: 10-31-2012

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