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Flu season and I don't want to get sick!
Homeopathically, it is great if you know your constitutional remedy, and have it on hand in a low (12C or 30C) and high (200C or 1M) dose--in dry dose or liquid form (LM, plussed).
Regarding vitamins and supplements, there are a variety of immune stimulants and supports. We recommend:
• First and foremost an optimal and balanced Vitamin D level, achieved by taking Vitamin D3 and Fermented Cod Liver Oil (FCLO) in combination so that your Vitamin D level is above 50. The FCLO also provides Vitamins A and K2, important nutrients to optimize the effectiveness of your Vitamin D.
• Antioxidants refuel a working immune system. Vitamin C is a standard and useful anti-viral supplement (take 1-10 grams daily to bowel tolerance) and another useful one is OPC’s (oligoproanthocyanidins), available at the office in an easily absorbed form.
• Mushrooms are being increasingly recognized for their potent immune action. New Chapter makes a product called Host Defense that can be taken daily or just when needed.
• Probiotics can be helpful, or plenty of naturally fermented foods.
Good self care is helpful; enough warmth, sleep, and not much sugar, can all contribute to a healthy immune response. Your community's health will benefit if you wash your hands frequently, and avoid exposing others to the virus seven days from the initial onset of symptoms.
What if I get sick?
•Start with your constituational remedy, take a low dose daily if your illness is mild or just starting and call the office about dosing with a higher potency if your illness has progressed.
•If you take a regular LM remedy, take a dose twice daily.
•If there is no response to your constitutional remedy within twenty-four hours or if you don’t have a clear constitutional, you may need an acute remedy (see case study below). Please call the office!
•You can increase all your Vitamins for THREE DAYS as follows:
•Vitamin D at 1000 I.U. per pound you weigh! Divide your weight in half, and that's the number of drops you can take.
•Double your usual FCLO dose.
•Increase your Viamin C and take double doses of OPC's twice daily. Start or double your dose of Host Defense.
•Take extra probiotics, a variety of organisms.
Nature Cure
•Hydrotherapy stimulates good circulation and, in turn, the immune system.
• Avoid sugar and keep well hydrated.
• Stay home and warm! Allow yourself time to rest and heal.
• Laugh if you can!
Case study: acute homeopathic treatment of the H1N1 flu:
I had the flu on Thursday. I'm pretty sure it was 'swine flu' as
that's the only "flu" that's going around now. I had a fever of 103 and
horrible body aches, chills, sore throat, and cough. I was huddled in
bed, shivering, feeling like I had been run over by a truck. I had
spoken to friends who recently had the same symptoms and they weren't
able to get out of bed for a week.
I consulted with my homeopath on Friday. He listened carefully to my
symptoms and asked very specific questions, like, "Do you feel worse
if the covers move?". After getting the picture of my illness, he
recommended two remedies. He said to try nux vomica first, as my
symptoms fit that remedy. He suggested that after three doses, if I
didn't feel better, to stop the nux and switch to gelsenium. He remarked that he
believes gelsenium maybe the 'genus epidemicus,' which, even with my fever,
I found interesting. I tried the nux (three doses) and didn't
get any relief, so I took a dose of gelsenium. Within fifteen minutes,
I felt better. My fever dropped to 100 degrees and my body aches were
gone. The next morning, I bounded out of bed and called to my husband, "It's
a homeopathic miracle!"
~paula
**
Of course, call for an appointment if you are worried about your illness!
You may need a higher constitutional or a different acute remedy.
