By Christine Cheng, R.Ph. and Fred Cheng, R.Ph.
The cold chilly months of winter typically correspond to an increase in visits to the doctor’s office, not only for treatment of upper respiratory infections, but often injuries related to winter sports. In addition to the usual prescription and over-the-counter medications one might find at a pharmacy, there are a variety of homeopathic remedies that can be extremely useful.
OSCILLOCOCCINUM® is a very popular and well-known remedy for helping with symptoms of the flu. This remedy was discovered in 1925 by Dr Joseph Roy who noticed that one species of duck did not succumb to flu-like illnesses. Thus, Oscillo® is a homeopathic preparation made from the tissue of the migratory duck Cairina moschata. In practice, it can be useful for helping the body deal with any illness that has a viral etiology. Although it will not prevent viral illnesses, per se, it can be taken once weekly during flu season to help your body fight viruses more effectively. The usual dosage should you feel like you have actually caught the flu is to take 3 doses spaced 6 to 8 hours apart.
INFLUENZINUM is a homeopathic preparation of the same three strains of influenza that are found in the flu shot each year. This remedy can be used in two ways: in conjunction with THYMULINE to prepare the immune system or along with Oscillo® if you feel like you have caught the flu already.
If you suffer from sinusitis during the winter months, consider taking HEPAR SULF as this remedy has an affinity for the respiratory mucous membranes. It can also be useful for those who have a sore throat where there is a sensation of a thorn stuck in their throat. Feeling like your ears are plugged during or after a cold? A combination of KALI MUR and FERRUM PHOS can help.
Ailments are not limited to our immune systems during the winter! It is unfortunately common to experience injuries from sports that we may only do a few times each year. ARNICA is one of those “first aid” items to keep on hand as it is effective for reducing inflammation. If you are unlucky enough to have any bone fractures, then consider SYMPHYTUM and CINCHONA along with Arnica. If you take a tumble and fall on your tailbone, BELLIS PERENNIS is especially useful.
Homeopathic medicines can be used in all ages and have virtually no drug interactions. As such, they can be used in conjunction with conventional (orthodox) medicine, herbal medications and/or nutraceuticals. Although they are free of side effects, there is such a thing as “homeopathic aggravation” and thus some people may feel a sense of malaise if they choose the incorrect potency or dilution. Speak to a healthcare professional who is familiar with homeopathics if you are interested in giving them a try.
Christine and Fred Cheng are a passionate, charismatic sister-brother pharmacist team at their unique, family-owned and operated Pharmasaves in Cloverdale and Steveston, B.C. They specialize in natural remedies and compounding for both human and veterinarian use. Everything mentioned in their article is available InStore.
