 Everyone would love to avoid the flu, right? The good news is that there are some very good natural options to help you do just that.
To start, last month I sent a review of general measures you can use to support your overall immunity during the winter months. If you missed it or would like a review see the blog post here. https://www.lindabakermd.com/blog Today, I’d like to share some remedies that are specific for influenza. Here are four approaches you should know.
Elderberry is a safe, effective, affordable and even delicious herbal treatment for Influenza that has been confirmed in scientific studies. In a randomized controlled trial done in Norway, patients who were ill with influenza received elderberry 4 times daily. “Symptoms were relieved on average 4 days earlier and use of rescue medication was significantly less in those receiving elderberry extract compared with placebo.” (Zakay-Rones, Z., Thorn, E, et al, Randomized Study of the Efficacy and Safety of Oral Elderberry Extract in the Treatment of influenza A and B Virus Infections, J Int Med Res., 2004 Mar-Apr; 32(2):132-40.) Personally, I take elderberry as a preventative daily during the winter flu season and if I start to feel illness coming on, increase it to as much as 4 times daily. I recommend it for all my patients. Since it is basically just food, it is safe for all ages. I’m much more comfortable with this than with prescription antivirals which lack efficacy yet bring the risk of significant side effects. Elderberry is also very cost effective. It’s easy to purchase dried berries and make your own syrup. There are many recipes available online. 2. Oscillococcinum “Oscillo” is a homeopathic remedy for influenza that is readily available over the counter. You’ll see it at checkout counters at many groceries and pharmacies. “Oscillo” is easy to use as it is a general remedy for anyone with the flu, in contrast to more individualized remedies that I describe below. It works best if taken as soon as you note symptoms. It can also be used prophylactically if you have a known exposure to influenza and want to avoid becoming ill yourself. I suggest that if one family member develops the flu, not only should the patient be treated, but consider giving a dose to other family members as well. Of course, if anyone is under constitutional homeopathic treatment always check with your homeopath before administering this or any other homeopathic remedy. In 2012, European researchers reviewed three randomized controlled double-blinded studies completed between 1988 and 1998 with over a total of 1000 patients. All studies showed clinical improvement in flu-like symptoms using Oscillococcinum, with one study showing statistically significant improvement. (Oscillococcinum for influenza treatment, Ann Ist Super Sanità 2012 | Vol. 48, No. 1: 105-109) 3. Influenzinum For those who would like a preventative treatment the remedy, Influenzinum is made from the killed influenza virus. Similar to the way that vaccines are adapted each year, a new form of influenzinum is available each fall. Most homeopaths, however, appreciate that homeopathic remedies are more broadly applicable than are vaccines so that it may be unnecessary to change it each year. You will need to purchase this one online from a homeopathic pharmacy as it is not generally available in local stores. One source is Homeopathic Educational Services in Berkeley, CA. Truthfully, I’ve never taken this myself nor do I generally recommend it for my patients unless they are particularly concerned about influenza. I just haven’t found it necessary. 4. Individualized remedies for influenza This is where homeopathy really shines. This is what you use if all the above measures do not work and you become ill. Based on your exact symptoms, a remedy can then be matched which can speed your recovery significantly. As a homeopath, I have in my library an entire 383 page book on the homeopathic treatment of influenza which covers dozens of remedies that are used to treat influenza and its complications. The good news is that the vast majority of the time one of several fairly commonly available single remedies will work. I’ve described the most often indicated ones below. All of these should be available locally wherever homeopathic remedies are sold. Gelsemium (Yellow Jasmine) Dullness is the word most associated with this remedy. The patient is dull and listless, lethargic, and rather apathetic about the illness. There is a dull, heavy aching of the head, dizziness and heaviness of the eyelids, with difficulty keeping the eyes open. The face is hot and flushed, there is a dull aching in the neck and back, and the limbs are weak and trembling. The patient is usually thirstless and has chills up and down the back. Bryonia alba (Wild Hops) The patient is irritable and chilly, with dryness of the mouth and other mucous membranes. He is thirsty for large quantities, and made worse by motion. These patients do not want to move at all as it makes them feel so much worse. The headache is described as splitting or bursting and worse from light, noise, or even the slightest motion, such as moving the eyelids or the jarring that occurs from someone walking across the room or sitting on the bed. The neck is stiff and sore, and there are stiffness and stitching pains in the small of the back. The patient often states that he just wants to be left alone. Rhus toxicodenron (Poison Ivy) This patient is chilly, sensitive to cold drafts, and better from warmth. She has aching, tearing, bruised pains in the extremities and bak, along with muscle weakness. The pains are worse at night, better from heat, and the patient is very restless in bed, tossing and turning in an attempt to find a comfortable position. The joints and the back are stiff, especially on first moving, but loosen up after walking or moving around a bit. The patient is thirsty for cold drinks, especially milk. Eupatorium perfoliatum (Thoroughwort of Boneset) This remedy is most useful in influenza cases with aching in the bones, as if they will break. There is a strong aching pain in the bones of the back arms, wrists, and legs, and the muscles are sore to touch. The head is throbbing, with dizziness and soreness of the eyeballs. The patient has shaking chills, especially in the morning, and has increased thirst immediately preceding the chills. Arsenicum album (a non-toxic preparation of Arsenic trioxide) The patient is extremely chilly and thirsty, but only for a few small sips at a time. She complains of burning pains in the head, back and extremities and is very restless, tossing in bed or pacing back and forth on the floor. There is profound weakness, and tremendous anxiety with fear of death and of being left alone. The symptoms are all worse after midnight, around 1 am. Belladonna (Deadly Nightshade) Illness comes on suddenly with a frighteningly high fever, often starting around 3 pm. The face is flushed, the pupils are dilated and the eyes are glistening. The patient may be delirious with fever or have hallucinations. The hands and feet may be icy even though the body and face are hot. The patient is not thirsty and may have a severe headache with throbbing and bounding pulses. There may be sore throat as well. The above remedies should be taken three times a day in the 30C potency or six times a day in the 12C potency. If no improvement occurs within 24 hours, a different remedy should be prescribed. The treatment should be discontinued when symptoms are clearly resolving or when symptoms change to a new remedy picture. When in doubt, consult your homeopath. Historically, homeopathy has been very effective in treating epidemics of influenza. For my own family, I can’t remember when was the last time any of us were laid up with the flu since we’ve been relying on these treatments. Also note that if you or someone you love has been ill more frequently than you’d like, consider booking an appointment for a constitutional homeopathic evaluation. A constitutional remedy can strengthen your immune system and really turn your health around. I offer these assessment online as well as locally in the Portland, OR area. To your health!
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 This morning I noted a post on a Facebook forum for holistic practitioners. Someone asked what could be done to stay healthy through the winter months. Last year, this person had been ill constantly and was hoping to not repeat that. There followed a list of comments, everyone recommending their favorite supplement for supporting the immune system. There were 43 comments but not a single one mentioning Self Care!
Everyone may have their own “secret” remedy but the real “secret” is that you can’t expect any supplement to protect you if you’re not practicing good self care! Taking supplements is fine, and I’ll share my favorites below, but if you want them to work well there are some basics that can’t be ignored. When my kids were young and before my epiphany on holistic healthcare I used to think it was normal that my whole family suffered through 8-12 colds a year. That was what I observed everyone around me doing. I now know it may have been common but it certainly doesn’t have to be that way. It seemed we always used to get sick over the holiday season. I could postulate a number of possible reasons: So many social gatherings in closed indoor spaces, the stress of holiday preparations and travel, the sweet treats so easily available everywhere. What can one do? Here’s what I’ve figured out the hard way over the years. The first thing is food. And the first step is to cut back on sugar. Sugar is the worst thing for our immune systems. How to do this? Sugar is so ubiquitous during the holidays. Think it through ahead of time and substitute with savory treats, fresh fruit and nuts when possible. Be mindful of what you’re drinking, too, as the sugar from soda and juices can add up very fast. Try making your own “mocktails” with sparkling water, a small amount of juice and some lemon or lime. Perhaps get creative and add some sprigs of fresh herbs. Once you stop eating it, you’ll stop craving sugar. If you need to substitute something, stick with stevia and avoid artificial sweeteners which all have their own health problems. When you do (rarely) eat sugar, choose a food you love and thoroughly enjoy it! Be gentle with yourself. Next step: Get plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables into your diet for a variety of vitamins and minerals. Yes, you can take a multivitamin but it’s never going to supply all the components you get from eating the real food. The simplest way to assure you’re getting the full range of nutrients is to “eat the rainbow.” Admittedly, it’s much easier during the summer when fresh grown fruits and vegetables are so easily available. Consider adding frozen berries to your diet in winter. Find creative ways to prepare leafy greens, squash and root vegetables. Roasting makes everything taste good. Use smoothies and soups to get veggies into resistant kids. Be generous with herbs and spices when you cook. Some favorites that support a strong immune system are garlic, onions, turmeric and thyme. There are many others. Next, get good sleep. Everyone is different. Pay attention to your own body’s needs. I know that I need AT LEAST a good 8 hours a night. How much do you need to feel vigorous in the morning? Make it a priority. You’ll function better and be more efficient with everything else. Allow time in your weekly schedule to simply relax, wind down and restore energy reserves. What do you do to relax in the winter? My husband likes to pick up a good book while I’m working on my latest knitting project. Sometimes I get hooked into social media so I’m trying to be conscious of how much time I spend there. Screen time can really drain our energy. I especially try to avoid it in the hour or two before bedtime as the light from screens literally reduces melatonin levels in our bodies and interferes with sleep and immunity. Find ways to continue exercising even when you can’t get outdoors. Make it fun so you’ll want to continue doing it regularly. Turn on some music and dance, buy a jump rope, go for a walk in the rain (with boots and raincoat of course), join a yoga or zumba class. Exercise supports our immune function so keep it up. There are a number of energy practices that can support good immunity. One of my favorites is QiGong. A simple practice is to take a moment out to concentrate on your breath, breathing slowly and deeply and tuning in to awareness of your body. Feel yourself connecting to the earth below and heavens above. Clear your mind of a hundred extraneous thoughts by concentrating on the breathing process. This can provide a “reset” that takes you away from the stress of everyday minutiae and keeps you focused on the bigger picture of life and wellbeing. Think about the deeper meaning of the holiday season and what’s important to you. One of my meditation teachers had us put small sparkly star stickers in places we would see often as a reminder to stop for a minute and be mindful. I still have one on my steering wheel. Another relevant QiGong practice that specifically enhances immunity is to make a light fist and gently tap on your breastbone to activate the thymus gland underneath. It’s one of the main components of our immune system. This is something I do regularly but especially whenever I feel those first signs of illness coming on such as a scratchy throat or unexplained fatigue. If you find yourself or your child still becoming ill frequently, another natural approach is to consult a homeopath for a constitutional evaluation. This is something I’ve seen put an end to recurrent infections such as sinus infections, ear infections, croup and other acute illnesses that can create a vicious cycle of illness-antibiotic-weakened immunity-recurrent illness. It brings the immune system back into balance in a natural way. Supplements do have a place as well. On an ongoing basis, the most important ones to consider preventatively are Vitamin D3, Omega-3 supplements (fish oil, cod liver oil, krill oil) and probiotics. I generally take these 3 basics and most people will benefit from them. What to add when you feel an illness coming on? If you’ve worked with a homeopath and have an individualized constitutional remedy that works well for you, consider taking a “booster” dose of that. Make sure to discuss this ahead of time with your homeopath as to what might be appropriate or not. Or, based on what symptoms you’re experiencing you can take a remedy that matches, eg Oscillococcinum for flu symptoms or Aconitum for your child’s croupy cough. Homeopathic remedies assist your immune system to work more effectively. If you feel the need for an extra boost, some herbs to consider are Echinacea, Elderberry, Pelargonium (eg Umka) and the Chinese formula, Yin Chiao (eg Cold Snap). These are most effective if taken as soon as one feels signs of becoming ill. Extra vitamin C, Vitamin A and zinc can also be helpfuI. Overall, enjoy the holiday season and make time to celebrate with those you love. Joy, happiness and laughter are good medicine as well.  “The true journey of discovery lies not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes.”
Marcel Proust One of the most amazing aspects of homeopathy is its ability to help us to see with “new eyes.” I’ve seen so many of my patients develop a new outlook around some problematic area of their lives during the course of homeopathic treatment. This includes people of all ages, children to adults. They may have been stuck in a vicious cycle around some issue for years but now they have a new perspective. Seeing the situation in a different way allows them to change their behavior and end their suffering. What had been difficult now resolves easily and seemingly almost effortlessly. Joey, an eight year old boy was missing many days of school. His parents sought help mostly because of his frequent stomachaches and constant belching. On talking with Joey it was evident that he felt that the other children singled him out and tormented him. In fact, there was a history of his being bullied at school. As time went on, the more he was bullied, the stronger was his belief that he was being abused. Under homeopathic treatment, Joey began to look at himself differently. He no longer saw himself as a victim but saw that he had a choice about whether to let the teasing upset him. His response to the teasing changed. He no longer reacted to the taunts. Interestingly, the taunts decreased as did his abdominal pain and belching. His grades improved as well and his new-found self confidence was evident. A teenager, Sam, had a long history of difficult behaviors at school. Something would happen to make him angry and Sam would react by throwing things, pushing furniture, even striking out at other kids at times. Afterwards, he regretted what he had done and also began to feel bad about himself because of his lack of self-control. Homeopathic treatment gave him the ability to make a choice. He became more aware of the triggers that sat off incidents. He learned to turn and walk away when something started to trigger his emotions. For adults who have been working with a mindfulness technique, homeopathic treatment can be a real aid. Lynn, a successful career woman and mother in her 30’s, had recurrent headaches as well as a problem with binge eating. She was well aware of the circumstances that triggered the binges and of the history leading up to this problem, however the binges persisted. After beginning homeopathic treatment she began to be aware, in the moment, that she had a choice. It became easier to resist the temptations when they arose instead of sinking into a vicious cycle of self-pity, self-deprecation and binging. Her headaches meanwhile gradually decreased in frequency and intensity until they ceased to be an issue. In all 3 examples, the person was able to be more aware of what was happening in their current moment. They were able to respond from a place of choice rather than react with an immediate instinctual reflex. The end result for all three was more freedom to choose and freedom to be the creator of their own life rather than a victim of it. In this way homeopathic treatment helps many people to become more mindful and to move beyond those conditions that are limiting them from living a full and satisfying life. As is evident from the above case descriptions, homeopathic medicine is truly a holistic form of treatment. While many people seek homeopathic care for a specific physical symptom or disease such as asthma, recurrent ear infections or ADD, many are surprised to see other seemingly unrelated problems resolve. Our body, mind and spirit really do function as an integrated whole and homeopathy addresses all of these simultaneously. |
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All photos by Kristal Passy Photography
All photos by Kristal Passy Photography