Natural Remedies to Fight the Flu

The best homeopathic flu treatments to keep you healthy this season.

It’s that time of year again—the fall flu season. Since flu shots can be less than 40% effective, its time to consider some natural flu remedies that you may have overlooked.

In my view, homeopathy is one of the most highly efficient safeguards against seasonal virus. It is inexpensive, it is simple, and surprisingly effective.

With that in mind, I asked Kimberly Woods, a classically trained homeopathic to share her thoughts on the best homeopathic flu remedies:

Virus, Flu and Colds Oh My? No Problem!

For more than 200 years, homeopathic medicine has been remarkably successful in lessening the spread and severity of disease during epidemics, including influenza. Homeopathy is a natural system of medicine that uses minute doses of specially prepared remedies to stimulate the body to heal itself.

It acts as a catalyst to spark the vital force and initiate the process of recovery, which allows the body to heal from the inside out. It is known to heal, not just control most chronic and acute illnesses, increase energy and enhance the sense of well-being.

By 1900, homeopathy was more prominent in America than it was anywhere else in the world. Fifteen to twenty percent of American doctors specifically called themselves homeopaths, and there were over 1000 homeopathic hospitals, medical colleges and pharmacies!

Unfortunately, in 1910 the publication of the Flexner Report standardized medical education which withdrew funding from homeopathic medical colleges and forced a shift toward conventional medicine and synthetic drugs (and the beginnings of what we know today as “big pharma”).

When the most severe epidemic of all time, the great Influenza pandemic of 1918 hit, twenty percent of the entire world population was infected and 20–40 million people died. The mortality rate under conventional treatment was 28% while homeopathic physicians only had a 1% mortality rate.

These same reliable homeopathic flu remedies used in 1918 have been known to work just as effectively today for all types of flu including H1N1, avian and swine flu.

Homeopathic Flu Preventatives

Simply arming yourself with basic homeopathic knowledge can help you and your family stop the flu in its tracks this year.

Certain homeopathic flu remedies are shown to prevent or reduce the severity of infection after exposure to virus, cold, shock, or other triggers for illness.

Some of the most recognized preventative (prophylactic) remedies are:

Arsenicum album 30C
One of the first remedies considered for the avoidance of the flu. It’s shown to be effective when used once a day for three days, then repeated after a month. During a flu outbreak, it’s used once a week or as needed if symptoms start to appear, as recommended by most homeopaths.^*

Influenzinum 30C (2015-2016)
Prepared with the same three main viral strains as the annual conventional flu vaccine but it is diluted to one part per billion. This removes the potential of side effects and provides effective coverage for a variety of flu types, without risk of infection.

This flu remedy is made new each year from the vaccine so be sure to ask for the current year’s preparation. It’s usually available in mid-October or early November at local health food stores or homeopathic pharmacies. Its effectiveness in preventing the flu is well documented. There are two popular ways of taking this remedy preventively—either once a month during flu season or once a week when the flu is rampant in your local area.

When it’s flu season, I alternate Arsenicum album 30C and Influenzinum 30c flu remedies by using them in the same way as suggested above, but use them on different weeks or days.

TIP: Address Chronic Issues Now To Optimize Flu Prevention
Being in an optimum state of emotional, mental and physical health so that you can ward off the flu is one of the best preventive measures. Long standing health issues are red flags that something needs correcting. Homeopathy is all about treating the core causes of disease and then stimulating your vital force so your body can fully and naturally heal. Controlling symptoms with medications, supplements or herbs is usually just a band-aid and does not resolve the problem.

I’m beginning to feel sick…now what?

If you fail to prevent the flu, don’t despair. There are great homeopathic flu remedies that can help you recover quickly, without side effects.

For the initial stages of cold or flu-like symptoms try:

Oscillococcinum^® (“os-sill-o-COX-see-num,” or Anas barbariae)
Aconitum napellus

These remedies are effective in averting full-blown cases of cold or the flu when used during the first 24 to 48 hours of the onset of symptoms (as package labeling instructs). Oscillococcinum^® (“Oscillo”) is the number-one over-the-counter flu medication in the world today, and is easy to find at health food stores or pharmacies. As actress and health advocate Terra Wellington has aptly stated, “It acts quick, it’s economical, and it’s also kid-friendly.”

Facts about Oscillo^®

Oscillo doesn’t cause side effects or adverse drug interactions.
Clinical trials show Oscillo to be helpful in making flu-like symptoms less severe and shortening their duration.
Sixty-three percent of patients studied show “complete resolution” or “clear improvement” within 48 hours.

Personally, I’ve seen dramatic results in more than 20 years of using Oscillo for early flu-like symptoms. Most of my clients opt to carry this remedy in their purse or car during flu season. When they start to feel the least bit sick, even abnormally fatigued, they’ll take a dose of Oscillo and usually feel better soon after. Package instructions suggest dissolving the contents of a tube in the mouth every six hours, up to three times a day. However, it works as effectively (and lasts much longer) prepared as a water dilution. Learn how to make a water potency.

Aconite napellus 30c can be used when there has been exposure to cold dry wind and that creates the start of cold or flu like symptoms. Usually symptoms come on suddenly and there is a cold chill in the body. It is best used ASAP or within 24-48 hours.

I have the flu and it’s been over 48 hours since the onset…

Homeopathic medicines have also been known to reverse established flu symptoms. At this point, the most important key is to observe your exact symptoms and then match them to one of the top 17 homeopathic medicines.

Consult a Professional
Call an experienced homeopathic consultant and tell them your most bothersome symptoms. They will ask pertinent questions to your specific case and match your exact symptoms to a homeopathic medicine that is known to work for the flu.

Take the DIY Approach
I’ve put together four easy to use reference charts on my website for “Flu-Like Symptoms.” You can quickly cross reference your symptoms to figure out which remedy can give you the fastest relief.

What if I have to or choose to get a flu vaccine?

For anyone about to receive any vaccine, the following remedies can be beneficial.

Hypericum perforatum 30c and Ledum palustre 30c are known to lessen pain and side effects when taken together preventively before a vaccination. The dosage is usually four to six doses each, taken 30 minutes apart, from two to six hours before a vaccination is administered. Then two to six doses are also taken again, after a vaccine. This preventative measure can be used for any type of vaccines. Call an experienced homeopath for what remedy to take for any negative side effects after a vaccine. Note that side effects may not show up for one to three months after a vaccination.

To help your body deal with vaccine reactions, a homeopath may also suggest Thuja occidentalis or Silicea (Silica).

About Kimberly Woods

Kimberly is an expert in homeopathic care. She has worked with chronic, acute and first aid conditions over the phone worldwide for over 25 years. Her user friendly guide on treating yourself for the flu and colds, “DIY Medicine Revolutions for Colds, Flu and Beyond with Homeopathy” will be available in late 2015. For more information about homeopathy and how it works, clinical studies, flu reference charts, and downloads, visit her website.

DISCLAIMER: This article is for informational purposes only. It does not establish a consultant-patient relationship and contains no specific recommendations for any illness you may have. Those with significant healthcare concerns should consult a qualified health practitioner.