Colds/Flu

What is Homeopathy? Is it like herbs? …….

I am frequently asked this question and I often reply that some of our remedies are indeed made from herbs, plants, flowers and trees amongst other things, but the dose that you receive has been diluted and made energetic, at which point most peoples’ eyes glaze over! However I must add that it works on all ages from birth to second childhood, is safe, non toxic and aims to stimulate your body to heal itself.

Expression of illness can be different for each of us, some have a tendency to a weak chest so that every cold may result in thick catarrh that is difficult to expectorate, whilst others end a virus with an upset digestion. These are all examples of how unique we all are and how we need different stimulus to make us feel well again. For a robust, healthy individual, an early night, with extra fluids and a healthy sweat with raised temperature can be sufficient to let the body heal itself. However if we are stressed at work, with disturbed sleep, poor nutrition, living off caffeine to get by and taking every suppressive medication that is available, then an illness can set in for longer and we need something stronger. Homeopathy can help.

Homeopaths have a warped sense of humour and will often say’ jolly good’ when you tell them that you have had a lot of nasal discharge or loose bowel movements since the last prescription. Such symptoms can demonstrate that your body is discharging unwanted toxins or waste, be that physical or emotional, from within and as the old saying goes’ better out than in’ ! One of the early signs that you are responding favourably to a remedy is the partial restoration of your energy levels and at this point you usually stop taking the remedy so that your body can continue with the repair work.

At this time of year, there are often people suffering with persistent coughs and there are many homeopathic remedies that can help. Bryonia is available in pill form or cough syrup from Hailsham Health Foods in St Mary’s Walk and it may be useful for dry, tight coughs with little expectoration, there may be  pains in the chest when coughing and  a great thirst. We have many other remedies for loose coughs, spasmodic coughing attacks, loud, deep chesty coughs and the type that make you feel that you are choking, a different remedy for each type. If you notice that you are succumbing to most viruses that are circulating, perhaps Homeopathy could build up your resistance so that you become less susceptible, however professional medical advice should always be sought if you have any concerns. Homeopathic advice should not be used instead of a doctor but the two can complement each other.

I find that at the first signs of a cold, Aconite 30C taken every hour for 5-6 doses is helpful followed by Ferrum Phos 30C as a boost to the circulation which can often maximise your own self defense mechanism. If there is a sign of a tight chest or dry cough, Bryonia alternated with Ferrum Phos can be useful in some cases but ask your Homeopath for advice. Obviously more water, fruit and vegetables with less meat/ dairy products can assist your body and zinc supplements have been tested and found to reduce the length of a cold.

If you would like to book an appointment then ring 07837 029538 or Horam Natural Therapy Centre on 01435 812997 and ask to see Caroline Wilson.