During the 1917-18 influenza epidemic, homeopathy demonstrated its effectiveness and government records show that many fewer patients died of influenza who were treated homeopathically than with the conventional medicine of the time.
The remedies described in this article are useful to have around for acute issues, ideally when working with a homeopath who, through their training, has the knowledge required for appropriate and safe dosing of these remedies. It is also possible for someone who is not a homeopath to learn how to use these medicines safely and effectively for first aid. Find a good book reference here (not an endorsement to purchase, just good information about how to treat common ailments with homeopathy).
Homeopathic remedies that are commonly used as first aid for influenza and fever.
Gelsemium, Bryonia, Eupatorium perfoliatum, Rhus Tox., Oscillococcinum, Aconite, Arsencium album, Belladonna, Ferrum phosphoricum, Phosphorus, Pulsatilla and Vertrum Album are homeopathic remedies that are commonly used for influenza and fever.
These remedies are useful to have on hand for working with a homeopath who, through their training, has the knowledge required for appropriate and safe dosing of these remedies. It is also possible for someone who is not a homeopath to learn how to use these medicines safely and effectively for first aid.
If the person is aggravated by any motion, is irritable and wants to be left alone, is worse in warm rooms and better with cool air, has headaches that become worse with any motion, and has a desire for cold drinks, it is good to think of Bryonia.
When someone feels weak and heavy and has chills up and down their spine, little thirst and a headache which begins at the back of the head or neck and extends upwards, Gelsemium is a good choice.
If someone is experiencing very substantial pain in their bones, has chills and is thirsty for ice cold drinks, Eupatorium perfoliatum is the medicine of choice.
Rhux Tox is for people who are worse from initially moving but better after they have moved around for a while, are restless and chilly.
Oscillococcinum is a good remedy to use during the first 48 hours of flu symptoms, where there are no particularly distinguishing characteristics of the illness.
Aconite is for a patient with sudden fever who is nervous, restless and anxious, has hot and dry skin, is chilly and has a heartbeat which is racing or faster than usual. Symptoms begin after being exposed to cold air or wind.
When a patient needs Arsenicum album, they are nervous, fearful, restless, very chilly, have burning pains which are better from warmth, desire frequent sips of water, have rapidly increasing weakness and are worse after midnight.
Those needing Belladonna have sudden onset of symptoms, a flushed face, strong and quick pulse, little or no thirst, are delirious, and have a hot head with cold hands and feet.
When someone can benefit from Ferrum phosphoricum, their symptoms come on gradually, they have red cheeks with a throbbing head, are helped by cold applications to their head, and may have a pulse which is fast but weak. This remedy can be used for very general symptoms of a flu in its early stages.
The Phosphorus patient has fever and chills plus sweating at night, they want ice-cold drinks, may have a head cold which has moved to their chest and is hungry. A child needing Phosphorus may have a 40 C fever and look like they are quite well.
When Pulsatilla is indicated, the person may have a high or low fever, is easily upset, constantly wants affection, is worse from warmth and closed rooms, better when in fresh air, is thirstless, and has changing moods.
The need for Veratrum album is characterized by a sudden quick decrease in strength, coldness of the whole body, shivering and goosebumps after drinking, a weak pulse, general weakness and slowness to recover.
All of these remedies are derived from completely natural substances, which are then diluted and shaken a multitude of times to create their unique healing properties, and also remove any harmful qualities from the original substance.
Some facts about fever
Normal body temperature is 37 degrees Celsius (° C), but this can vary a bit from person to person. A fever is the body’s natural response to infection; it represents an attempt to heal, and it is normal for healthy individuals to produce a high fever of 39.5° C or higher with an infection.
A body with a raised temperature fights infection better than one with a normal temperature. A fever of up to 40° C can be tolerated by most children and adults for a few days. So it is not necessary to be alarmed in all cases of fever.
However, when a fever reaches 40.5° C, it is concerning, and if a fever of 39.4 to 41° C goes on for a few days, it can cause significant dehydration. If a fever goes over 41° C, it is life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. In situations where it is clear that body temperature needs to be lowered, a homeopathic remedy can be very helpful.
If you would like to explore a homeopathic approach to influenza or fever, I invite you to get in touch.
