Homeopathy for Sore Throats & Flu

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Herbs Soothe the Savage Throat

by author Steve Olsen, CCH

 

Modern science tells us that the flu and the scratchy throat that accompanies

it, are caused by a virus that renders antibiotics useless. Aspirin and

Tylenol-type drugs are no cure-all either. In fact they will prolong the illness

since the fever is no longer present to thwart the virus. Chicken soup, vitamin

C, rose hip tea with honey, echinacea are all old standbys and most likely will

continue to be.

 

What does homeopathy have to offer? In the homeopathic repertoire there are 49

medicines listed for scratchy throats. Listed below are indications for some of

these medicines.

 

Gelsemium sempervirens or yellow jasmine is an excellent medicine for the flu

and scratchy throat syndrome. One should display droopy eyelids, indifference to

everything and a lack of thirst. There also may be muscle weakness, trembling,

chills and a desire to be left alone. Factors that may precipitate this

condition are attributed to those people who take on too much responsibility and

then feel overwhelmed, perhaps even to the point of wanting to escape.

 

Eupatorium perfoliatium or boneset has been used for centuries as a flu

medicine. Typically the patient has chills and other flu symptoms. What stands

out is soreness of the flesh and aching bones that feel like they're broken.

There is much thirst for cold drinks.

 

Nux vomica or colubrina is called for when there are chills and a great

sensitivity to cold. Other typical flu symptoms are likely be present. The

temperament of the individual that needs Nux is mean, irritable, impatient,

overly ambitious, controlling and competitive. Pent up with too much coffee and

long hours at work, they get offended easily and make bad company for their

spouses, children and friends. They like order in everything they do. If things

are not neat and tidy, they may blow up in anger or have a temper tantrum. In

adults this anger may be suppressed or held in.

 

In general these people try to accomplish too much in a short time. They feel

hyped up and full of tension. A dose of Nux vomica 30C every week for a month

will do them a lot of good. It will cure the scratchy throat and give them the

idea that success is not the only value in life. Nux will give them a new

perspective.

 

Baryta carbonica can be a very useful medicine for sore scratchy throats as well

as tonsillitis and other acute infections. Usually patients have swollen glands,

a pale face and great sensitivity to cold.

 

The personality of Baryta carbonica is exactly the opposite of Nux vomica.

Baryta carbonica persons are very shy, timid, lack confidence and feel

indecisive. They are especially sensitive to how other people view them, to the

point where they constantly believe they are being watched and that the onlooker

is acutely aware of the imperfections that they see. They can become obsessed

with dressing in the best clothes, having every hair in place and putting on a

perfect image, as if they were cut out of a fashion magazine. But there are some

characteristics that the person has no control over, such as a big nose, small

breasts or large hips and these become a continual frustration for them. Even

after cosmetic surgery or years at the gym they don't feel perfect and live with

constant anxiety of never being accepted by others.

 

Again the 30C potency of Baryta carbonica taken once a week for four weeks, then

once a month for three months, will do much to rebuild their immune system and

give them a new sense of identity.

 

Belladonna is well indicated when the patient has eyes that have become very

sensitive to light, the skin is dry, there is a high fever and heat radiates

from the body. Belladonna people are self determined individuals. They may be

stubborn, angry and willful.

 

Magnesia carbonica can also be useful for scratchy throats. Typically the person

that needs it will wake up feeling unrefreshed, it may take a couple of hours to

feel awake. These people are mild in temperament and don't like any type of

argument or conflict. It seems they have usually had a history of being left out

or abandoned, they therefore fear that if they make objections or become too

assertive they will once again be rejected.

 

It's a good remedy to consider for a child who's parents have been divorced or

if a big move left the patient with no friends. As with all the medicines listed

above 30C is the best potency to start with. One dose will tell you if it's

correct as a week later there should be an improvement in the physical and

emotional symptoms.

 

If you would like to learn how homeopathy can help you and your family with

colds, flu and ear infections, visit your nearest homeopathic practitioner.

 

Steve Olsen is a graduate from Bastyr University and has been in practise for 12

years in Maple Ridge, BC.

 

Source: alive #218, December 2000

 

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