by John A. Borneman III, RPh.
Homeopathy is a medical method that has been used in the United States for over 200 years. Due to the current patient anxiety about interactions, contra-indications and side effects of prescription and over the counter drugs the homeopathic method which is free of these causes for concern is enjoying a new wave of popularity. Homeopathy is natural or mild medicine. The remedies are usually natural substances which have been diluted and potentized many times so that when they are used according to the homeopathic method, they stimulate your body's own defenses to move you toward a healthier state without causing you any side effects.
Homeopathic remedies are most effective in treating acute conditions characterized by a sudden onset of symptoms. Of the hundreds of homeopathic remedies used by health professionals, a few have become popular favorites for treating those symptoms we usually associate with cold, flu and allergy. In many instances the main symptom has a modifier or a condition which we will call the "clincher". The clincher helps us to choose or confirm the correct homeopathic remedy.
Although many patients and practitioners seem to take particular delight in the challenge to choose that single remedy that will work quickly and completely in relieving symptoms and move the patient toward good health, this is not the approach we must take to decide which is the appropriate homeopathic remedy for any condition. During your visit to the pharmacy you rarely have the time to process all of the information to make such a challenging and precise selection.
The good news is that certain homeopathic pharmaceutical companies, having years of experience servicing the homeopathic clientele, have developed combination formula which have a proven, highly predictable probability of success in relieving common sets of symptoms which we refer to as colds, flu and allergy.
Symptoms of cold, flu and allergy respond well to homeopathic treatment.
There is no single homeopathic remedy for 'Colds', but homeopathy offers a choice of safe and effective remedies for treatment of many of the common symptoms of colds. Since colds often present many symptoms, it is much easier to use the popular combination remedies offered by homeopathic pharmacies.
Homeopathic remedies are selected and used based on the set of symptoms, not on the cause of the so-called disease. Whether your symptoms are the result of bacteria or virus is of no concern to the homeopathic patient. You select the remedy based on the symptoms, not on the cause.
Influenza or Flu causes fever, chill, shivering, general ache & pain. In uncomplicated cases the acute condition usually lasts several days. Symptoms are usually relieved by homeopathic remedies. If, however, the symptoms worsen or do not respond in a reasonable time, discontinue use and consult your health care professional. Your homeopathic remedy can be taken along with a prescription to accelerate recovery.
Coughing is your bodies way of keeping foreign matter out of the airways. Presence of bacteria, dust or pollen can stimulate production of mucous. When this is excessive, it causes coughing. Your first impulse is to stop the cough. This is not always the best thing to do. Some coughing can be helpful in clearing the airway. Excessive or dry hacking cough can damage and weaken the delicate tissues and make them susceptible to infection. Wisely selected and administered homeopathic remedies can be helpful, in control of cough symptoms.
A few words about handling and taking your homeopathic medicines may be helpful. Homeopathic remedies should be administered under very careful conditions. Before taking your homeopathic medicine, your mouth should be clean and rinsed with water. You should avoid mouthwashes, gum or candy containing mints or aromatics just prior to taking your remedy. Allow the remedy to dissolve slowly in your mouth.
The homeopathic remedies, available from different manufacturers, may vary in appearance. Some dosage forms are medicated sugar pellets, tablets, drops or those specially prepared soft tablets. The special soft tablets are a particularly popular and effective way of presenting homeopathic remedies.
Over the counter Homeopathic remedies are mild, safe and effective when used to relieve simple, self-limiting conditions. There is a high probability that they will relieve the annoying symptoms associated with Colds, Flu & Allergy. They will not interfere with your conventional medicines, nor present any side effects. Do not discontinue any prescription medications you are currently taking without the advice of your physician. If your symptoms persist or do not respond to the homeopathic remedy in a reasonable time, discontinue use and consult your health professional.
This information was compiled and organized from information contained in popular homeopathic references and traditional professional references:
Homeopathic Medicine at Home, Maisemund B. Panos MD and Jane Heimlich The Family Guide to Homeopathy, Alain Horvileur, M.D.
A Dictionary of Practical Materia Medica , John Henry Clarke, M.D
The Essentials of Homeopathic Materia Medica, Jacques Jouanny, M.D.
Essentials of Homeopathic Therapeutics, Jacques Jouanny, M.D.
For more information regarding any homeopathic remedies, please search our Boerke Materia Medica
