It is important to look after our health all year round but there is something about the season changes, especially from summer to autumn/winter.
The sudden change in temperature can leave us unprepared and before you know it, you had the chill or got caught out in the rain.
Next day, you have a runny nose and feel like you had an encounter with a bulldozer.
I used to have a susceptibility to get a sore throat in any onset of a cold or being run down.
Others have their lungs susceptible and develop chest infection instead.
We are all different and individual and this is where homeopathy comes into its own!
Homeopathy is an individualized treatment which means it is tailored to each and every person.
Carefully selecting remedy that most resembles picture of the illness – cold or flu symptoms – will help the body to get through the symptoms in an efficient and faster way (than without!).
So to clarify – by using a homeopathic remedy (for cold or flu symptoms) will NOT stop those symptoms, rather it will aid the body to deal with them in a better way.
Before I mention some of the more common remedies used for cold and flu symptoms, here are some of my favourite go to ‘preventative’ and immune system supportive natural remedies.
VITAMIN C – ideal and super easy way to get this into your body is by squeezing 2 fresh organic oranges for breakfast every morning. Just make sure you drink it straight away! As the vit C dioxides and loses its quality, it is also supposed to turn into an unwanted type of sugars, if left sit for too long (think bought orange juice or any fruit juice! I think that’s a big NO).
VITAMIN D – this is a fat-soluble vitamin that functions as a steroid in our body and it is made in our skin whilst exposed to UV-rays. It is vital for our immune system as well as healthy bones. Lack of vitamin D has been linked to several types of cancer, type 1 diabetes, MS, high blood pressure and thyroid problems. Whilst living in the northern hemisphere, there is not much chance of having enough of this super important vitamin all year round, so it is vital to have a good quality liquid or spray to take daily. Some studies recommend daily dose between 400-800 IU, however other studies suggest a higher intake of 1000-4000 IU is needed to maintain optimal blood levels. It is all dependent on your individual situation, including age, race, latitude, season, sun exposure and more.
VITAMIN B12 – this important vitamin, also known as cobalmin, is water-soluble and plays essential role in the production of red blood cells and DNA, as well as good functioning of your nervous system (think brain!). Vitamin B12 is naturally found in animal foods (including meat, fish, poultry, eggs and dairy). As this vitamin isn’t one that our body can make on its own, it needs to be obtain from our diet or supplements. For those on special diet (plant based especially), or those that can be at risk of deficiency (pregnant women, elderly), it is vital to find a good quality supplement.
OMEGA 3’S/SEAWEED – I collect it in spring/summer, sun dry it and use it throughout the rest of the year – it’s the best and easiest way to get some omega 3’s without the need of eating too much fish (as this is where they get it from – eating algae!).
What is also super important (and often overlooked) is HYDRATION.
Most of the western world population is dehydrated (which is one of the reasons why there are so many diseases!).
If we don’t drink enough water in the day (1,5-2l), our cells become dehydrated and close off/harden and any vitamins and minerals cannot be absorbed.
It can be catch 22 however, as the reason why we don’t absorb water is because of our cells being surrounded by the hard coating of cholesterol.
By taking in Omega 3 oils this coating can be softened and allow water and other nutrients to be absorbed.
HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES USEFUL TO HAVE AT HOME (not only!) DURING AUTUMN/WINTER TIME.
GELSEMIUM – one of our common remedies used for colds and flues where muscular weakness is present along with tired feeling and general malaise.
BRYONIA- another great remedy used in onset of colds, with the main symptoms wanting to be left alone in a dark room ideally and with as little movement as possible. There is excessive dryness of all mucous membranes and great thirst for copious amounts of drink.
EUPATORIUM PERFOLIATUM – intense aching pain in the bones (and bruised feeling all over) is one of the keynotes which often are part of the influenza picture (with painful soreness in eyeballs, much sneezing and coryza, hacking cough). Pains come suddenly and go suddenly.
INFLUENZINUM – good remedy for the general signs of influenza; extreme weakness, prostration and fatigue, general stiffness and ill feeling, with chills and headaches.
ANAS BARB =OSCILLOCOCCINUM – great to treat (and also prevent) seasonal colds and airway inflammatory symptoms. There is a body of research that shows that it has a favourable affect in reducing the onset of respiratory tract infections.
JABORANDI – the chief action of this remedy is indicated in illness where there is a perspiration to unusual degree. The sweat can break out all over the body and there can be an excessive salivation also. Chilliness with sweat. The lachrymal, nasal or bronchial secretions can also be noted. There can be increased action of the heart with pulsations in the arteries, tremors and nervousness, with bronchial irritation (can be used in bronchitis).
It is best to start with 30C potency, but 200C potency is handy to have at home too, especially for high energy states.
