The influenza virus is the culprit behind the common flu. The flu is an illness that begins similar to a cold but then can present with a whole host of other symptoms including deep achy “bone” pain, fever, fatigue, headaches, and chills. The last time I had the flu was two years ago in Guatemala. Having the flu is, of course, never a pleasant experience but it was made worse by being in a foreign country with very few creature comforts. The only medical supplies which were available were homeopathy. I was given a dose of one of these medications and my “bone” pain went away instantly and I was able to fall asleep. When I awoke, I felt much better and was able to start my clinical rotations 24 hours later.
The reason for telling this little story is because of the documented history of using homeopathy for various flu outbreaks throughout the US over the years. The most documented case was the Spanish flu outbreak of the early 1900’s. During this period there were still homeopathic hospitals in existence. Hanammenh Hospital (now known as LaSale Hospital in Philadelphia) was one of these hospitals. It was shown after a recap of all the cases of the flu that year that you had a better chance of survival and recovery if you went to a homeopathic hospital. Since then, homeopathy has been a highly effective form of treatment for patients who have the flu. Homeopathy is an over-the-counter drug which can be bought from many different conventional pharmacies and stores. I will go into a little more detail about this soon.
Something else to consider in your prognosis for coming down with the flu, believe it or not, is your blood type. There are many different strains of the flu virus such as the H1N1 and different blood types respond differently them. The type of flu virus will depend who is more likely to get sick. The categories of flu viruses are also what the drug companies base that season’s flu vaccine on. As you may have read on the CDC website or heard on the news, this season’s flu vaccine is less effective for the majority of flu cases.
Flu Vaccine: If you are chronically sick, have lung diseases, or have a weak immune system for any reason it might be prudent to investigate this treatment.
Oscillococcinum: This is a safe, effective, way to treat someone with the flu. This medicine has no side effects, so you will not get that drowsy sensation. It has been shown to reduce symptoms of the flu and reduce the duration of the flu. For more information about homeopathy please visit the FDA website.
Elderberry: Elderberry has been shown to stop the influenza virus from replicating and shorten the duration of the flu symptoms. This herb has numerous studies on PubMed for its treatment for the flu. I usually use a combination product called Proberry Liquid. The product is third party tested and contains a mix of plants with flavonoids (one of the active ingredients needed).
Byronia, Rhus Tox, Gelseminum: These single homeopathic drugs have also been shown to help ease flu symptoms. To find out which would be most beneficial to you would require your case being taken.
Flu Nosode: This is a homeopathic-like compound that works to help your body fight off the flu faster. It works similarly to how you would fight a forest fire. While I am not an expert in fighting forest fires, my understanding is that you light smaller fires so that they burn each other out. Flu Nosode works on the same premise. This isopathic compound will not give you the flu but restart your immune system.
Genoma Security: One of my back bones of treating the flu, Genoma Security will get the immune system activated. This product is full of 5 different herbs that have been shown to be anti-bacterial and anti-viral.
With all this being said please remember that Diet and Lifestyle choices are going to be key. “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Make sure you are healthy, have good hygiene, and a good mental state will go a long way.
[box type=”info”]Please remember to always check with your doctor before starting a new medication or supplement.
If you are interested in buying any of the above products, please visit my Emerson Ecologics Store. To receive a discount, please email me for the login information.
If you wish to make an appointment, please feel free to contact Barbara at 203-366-0526 and remember to please ask for Dr. Brody’s practice. [/box]
