Its coming into Cold and Flu season! I’ve been busy with phonecalls coming in as the weather changes from warm to cold. Our immune systems are always challenged at the changing of the seasons but thanks to Homeopathy we need not suffer much!

Its best to have some homeopathic medicines at home for times like this is 6c or 30c potency. When a cold is just starting think of using medicines such as Aconite, Belladonna or Ferrum Phos. ACONITE is for a sudden onset of symptoms with high fever usually coming on at night with an intensity of symptoms. The whole body is hot and the patient feels better for cold drinks of water. BELLADONNA is for symptoms which tend to come on suddenly during the day with a bright red face with a dry, explosive cough. Even though the face is red the extremities are ice cold. BELLADONNA usually will have dilated pupils at this time, while ACONITE have contracted pupils.

When a cold is more established, medicines like ALLIUM CEPA, NAT MUR, ARSENICUM might help. ALLIUM CEPA with have bland watering eyes but a burning nasal discharge which caused redness and soreness under the nostrils. The patient feels worse in a warm room and in the evening. NAT MUR is often needed for colds that start with sneezing, where the nose runs like a tap with clear liquid which later will change into a stuffed up nose. The patient wants to be left alone and is thirsty. The ARSENICUM cold begins also with a clear runny nose and fever which starts around midnight. The patient is very chilly (while NAT MUR are more warm) and anxious with desire for cold drinks. They claim their throat burns which is better for warm drinks.

When mucus is very stringy, long and yellowish green think of KALI BICH. Yellow mucus often indicates PULSATILLA and at times when sick, this patient wants company, hugs and being spoiled. They may even be weepy.

Every season a homeopath looks for the genus epidemicus of Influenza (which is the common and characteristic symptoms of the illness which is common to many). This season so far it seems to be GELSEMIUM.  The patient feels sleepy, heavy and drowsy with muscle weakness and drooping eyelids. They appear listless and have no thirst or appetitie and may complain of a headache.

There are many homeopathic medicines that can be used to help with the symptoms of colds, coughs and influenza. Its always important to match the symptoms to the right medicine. The above information clearly does not cover all types of colds and flu symptoms that exist. If you have any doubt contact your nearest homeopath for an acute consultation and medicine and shorten the time you need to suffer.