The Role of Homeopathy in the Prevention and Treatment of Swine Flu and Influenza

Homeopathy has a history of success in treating epidemics. Cholera, scarlet fever and influenza are among the illnesses that have been either prevented or cured with homeopathic remedies. Currently, there is no conventional vaccine available for the particular strain of Influenza A known as H1N1 (or swine) flu. Homeopathic remedies do exist, however, which can be even more effective and without the potential side-effects of allopathic vaccinations.

There are several approaches for the use of homeopathic vaccinations, which are made by diluting a small amount of diseased tissue (nosode) so that no detectable amount of the original substance remains. These remedies are made for a variety of childhood illnesses and diseases such as influenza and malaria and many others. The remedy stimulates the immune system of a healthy person to fight the specific illness being addressed. Controlled studies based on administering homeopathic vaccines in this manner have yielded mixed and inconsistent results. The lack of predictability has led to a search for more reliable methods. It is felt that homeopathic remedies may be more effective if given when the threat of the illness is imminent (Homeoprophyllaxis). There are several ways in which Homeoprophyllaxis can be utilized for preventing disease from a pending exposure. 

Taking the nosode of the particular illness at hand. For example, Influenzinum, is readily available for the treatment of an influenza epidemic. The more specific the ‘typing’ of the flu remedy is to the disease, ie., Influenza A or even H1N1, the more likely it will induce a protective immune response. However, without an exact match, another option is to take Oscillococcinum®, the sarcode Anas barbariae hepatis et cordis. which is an extraction from wild duck tissue. (It is thought that water fowl are the principle source of spread of influenza virus in the world). This remedy, also widely known as  Dolicoccil Flu Solution™, can be easily obtained at local health food stores and supermarkets and is best taken at the first sign of flu-like symptoms. 

These remedies can be taken prophyllactically—that is before the onset of the flu. Influenzinum comes in a variety of potencies, including 12c, 30c, 200c, or 1m. Depending on the immediate nature of the exposure, or if symptoms have developed, the remedy can be taken several times a day and at higher potencies if symptoms are severe. It is given weekly as a precaution in flu season for 4 weeks and then once a month until the season ends. (The current strain H1N1, is unusual in its late arrival, mid-spring.) The remedy can be taken until this illness has run its course. This approach is often used at the outset of an epidemic, before individual remedy pictures have been determined. 

Taking a remedy that has been previously deemed successful in treating the illness at hand. Examples are Drosera for whooping cough, Belladonna for scarlet fever, or Arsenicum Album for travellers’ diarrhea. Although this method can be helpful if it is too early to determine a full symptom complex, it is generally better to find a remedy that best matches the totality of the case. This method would be indicated after exposure to or in the first phase of an illness. The remedy could be administered at higher potencies, 30c, 200c, or 1m every 1-2 hours if illness has already begun, or once a day if no symptoms have developed.  

Taking the remedy that matches the specific symptoms of the disease being treated.  (This is called the similimum in homeopathy and the most effective overall treatment for a rapid recovery from illness). Once enough cases have occurred and been analyzed, one or two remedies usually declare themselves as the most effective. In the case of H1N1 influenza, Bryonia, Belladonna, Eupatorium Perfoliatum and Gelsemium have proved beneficial. (See below.) 

Taking the constitutional remedy. Another valuable method for disease prevention and treatment is repeating a dose of the constitutional remedy. This refers to a remedy prescribed by your professional homeopath that has successfully cured prior mental, emotional or physical conditions. By repeating the remedy, we can potentially strengthen the immune system and prevent illness or reduce its severity. 

Use common sense.  When faced with acquiring any infection, common sense measures include careful hand-washing and avoidance of crowded areas. The use of hand sanitizers at work or in public places is becoming more prevalent. Face masks may be somewhat protective in illnesses transmitted by cough or nose droplets, but more cases of the flu are transmitted by hands. Boosting immunity with sleep and rest and eating fruit, vegetables and protein rich foods is fundamental to good health. Supplements that include Vitamin C, A, Beta-Carotene, Echinachae and Zinc may be helpful. Oscillococcinum can also be taken as a preventative measure. A special word of precaution should be given AGAINST the use of ASPIRIN in INFLUENZA. A condition known as Reye’s Syndrome which includes liver failure and coma may result.

Once symptoms have begun (or in the case of an epidemic, combining symptoms of several persons with the disease at hand), we can choose a remedy as follows:

•  BELLADONNA- Sudden onset of symptoms, high fever and chills, headache-often throbbing, red, flushed face, anxious or restless, sensitive to light and noise, sore throat, barking cough, symptoms worse at 3 pm or am or 9 pm.
•  BRYONIA- Dryness of mucous membranes, dry cough with chest pain, better lying on painful side. Intense headache of forehead and behind eyes, irritable, wants to be left alone, very thirsty for cold drinks, all symptoms are worse with any motion.   
• ARSENICUM ALBUM—Chilly, wants to be covered, anxious and restless, weak and exhausted, symptoms may be worse from midnight to 2 am. Burning pains in throat and chest, hacking, dry cough, gastrointestinal symptoms, including diarrhea are common. Thirst for small sips at a time.    
• EUPATORIUM PERFOLIATUM- Bone pains are pronounced, bones feel as if they are broken. Very thirsty with nausea, fluent nasal discharge, yet nose is completely stopped up. Chills in back, worse cold air, worse 7-9 am.    
• GELSEMIUM- Weakness and exhaustion, body aches, trembling, occipital headache, dull, dizzy, drowsy, and droopy. Diarrhea. Anxiety with desire to be left alone. Body, head and eyes feel heavy. Fever without sweating.    
• FERRUM PHOSPHORICUM- Used when symptoms are vague and the case is unclear. Mild fever, redness of face is slow to develop. Dry hacking cough which can become painful and is worse during the day. 

References include: Will Taylor- www.wholehealthnow.com/homeopathy_pro/wt0.html

Sandra Perko,Ph.D.,C.C.N.- The Homeopathic Treatment of Influenza

Miranda Castro-The Complete Homeopathic Handbook  

Editor's Note: For up to date research on homeopathy and influenza read Dr Paul Herscu's excellent articles on his website  http://www.hersculaboratoryflu.org

About the Author

Mary Ellen Coulter MD, residency in Family Medicine- Bowman Gray School of Medicine. She has studied homeopathy for 18 years, including four years at The Hahnemann College of Homeopathy in California. Other interests include global health. She has spent time in New Zealand with Maori Health, St Lucia, and has taken two trips to Kenya, most recently in November 2008 where she helped friends set up a clinic. She will soon be looking for volunteers.  Her current practice includes Constitutional Homeopathy in Bend, Oregon. She can be contacted at maryellenc@bendbroadband.com