Treating the Flu

Treating the Flu

If you recall my handout for how to treat the common cold you will find many shared treatments. What I want to focus on here are a few additional suggestions for avoiding any virus as well as what to do when you feel you are coming down with the flu.

First, hygiene is of utmost importance. This does not mean using hand sanitizers but rather washing your hands with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating. Washing doorknobs or other communal surfaces, wearing gloves when touching doors to enter a building (easy now with winter temperatures), covering your mouth with a handkerchief during every cough or sneeze, and choosing how you will greet people (shaking hands? Hugging?). Avoid people who are sick and stay home if you are sick.

Second, eating and resting well are foremost to staying healthy. If you feel run down take a day off and rest. Avoid sugars, alcohol and processed foods. Eat plenty of whole grains, fruits, vegetables and lean meats, if you choose. Support your microbiome with kombucha and fermented foods such as miso or sauerkraut. Exercise to support your immune system and to support good sleep at night.

There are a variety of botanical medicines that help to prevent flu including licorice root, North American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius), elderberry, Echinacea, Hydrastis and garlic. Zinc, vitamin A and C and selenium can help as well.

Every year I recommend Stamet’s 7 or My Community mushrooms from Host Defense – one a day until the flu season is over. I think these are excellent immune supports.

Homeopathic remedies to have on hand are listed below. Purchasing a 30c (Boiron blue tube) from PCC, Sugar Pills or Pharmaca is fine, or you can purchase 30c or higher potencies from me.

Aconite napellus

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

Arsenicum album

The patient feels chilly and exhausted, along with an anxious restlessness. The person may be thirsty, but often only takes small sips. A watery, runny nose and sneezing paroxysms with a dry or wheezing cough are often indications for this remedy. 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

Bryonia

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

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.

Mercury

This remedy presents typically with fever, sweating, bad breath and salivation.

Nux vomica

This patient may have high fever, violent chills, strong nausea and cramping in the digestive tract. 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

This patient feels run-down with headaches, 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.

If you feel you are coming down with the flu or cold and want treatment please email me and I can take your acute case to determine the best possible remedy for you.

Remember, prevention is your best friend.

Warmly,

Krista

Krista Heron, ND, DHANP,

Thornton Creek Homeopathic Clinic
7541 44 Avenue NE
Seattle 98115
(206) 524-6044

http://www.kristaheron.com
http://kristaheron.blogspot.com