In the aftermath of what has been a virally challenging time for many, and for a myriad of reasons, we see the official return of the flu season in the Southern Hemisphere for 2023.
Already, we are seeing a strong theme towards Influenza A presenting in the young and old, with a high emphasis on sinus congestion and choking coughs.
Over the decades spent in practice, I am always on the alert for themes that present when prescribing support remedies for flu viruses - namely homeopathic remedies.
As a patient presents with the debilitating symptoms of season's flu, the recall of what is going on their body is the best guidance a clinician can get, in order to select the best remedy combination for optimal results.
Each season brings a certain rhythm with it when it comes to the various stages of an illness - from exposure to final clean up. Below is a step by step Naturopathic and Homeopathic journey I am taking my patients on, during this 2023 Winter.
PRE EXPOSURE
Prevention is always better than damage control and where ever you can, I say must! The strategies we employ around prevention may include: botanical plant blends that stimulate immune modulation like reishi, shiitake, astragalus, licorice andrographis and barberry.
Couple this with nutrients such as Omega 3 fatty acids in the form of fish or algal oil, Vitamin D, C, A and Zinc - you are well equipped with a strong yet flexible membrane in immune ready cells that do the first line of protection in surveillance.
Some extra insurance in immune enhancing probiotic strains and homeopathic prophylaxis remedies called nosodes that match your goals, will seal the deal just nicely. One particular remedy that ca also be used here is Anas Barb or Oscillococcinum which has been well researched in this area. Should you find yourself in a compromised situation however, and your first sign of a sniffle or cough appears, its not too late to pick up the pace...
STAGE ONE - PRODROME
Prodrome refers to an early symptom that indicates the onset of a disease or illness. It is also the stage where your immune system has well and truly started its launch phase following early surveillance detection of a foreign invader in your system.
In the 2023 Winter prodrome phase, we are seeing:
Sore throat - like swallowing razor blades, making it hard to drink or eat
Throaty cough with either dry or congestive nature to it
Headache in the frontal/temple locations
Sinus congestion which may be one or both sided - with deep green or yellow mucus, and a lot of it. In some cases, full congestion with little discharge is seen very early in prior to the presentation of this mucus picture.
Body aches requiring deep pressure and warmth for relief
Early support can be paramount in helping relieve the patient from progressive symptom development, and may also assist with return to normal duties sooner. Herbs that may be useful during this prodromal phase may include:
Fevervew, Hemidesmus, Willowbark, Cinnamon, Cayenne, Jamaican Dogwood, Burr Marigold, Mullein, Garlic, Thyme, Myrrh, Sundew and Pleurisy Root.
Homeopathic remedies that match this group of presenting symptoms may include a prescription of Arnica, Belladonna, Bryonia, Gelsemium, Arsenicum album, Ferrum Phos, Eupatorium and Rhus Tox, Kali Bich and Drosera. A qualified homeopath can help you determine which of these remedies in either single or combination doses will be best for you. As with all effective homeopathic prescriptions, the transition from this prodromal stage to the resolution phase, can be well supported and in many cases, fast tracked.
Finally, as the early aches start to show- magnesium both topically and internally can be paramount in helping with muscle relief. If you are experiencing chills and fever, it is not recommended to have deep massage during this stage.
Nutraceuticals like Quercetin, N-Acetyl Cysteine, Enzymes and Bioflavanoids can play a role in supporting the viral load, as well as the lymphatic response that is coming in stage two.
STAGE TWO - DEVELOPMENT OF PROGRESSION
You've been pushing through and trying to ignore the early signs and symptoms, but alas, your body will always march on and show you its true colours, with all the different coughs and phlegm presentations it can. This is often the most uncomfortable stage of a viral illness, because your body is productive, or about to be.
This phase also is indicative of the production of immune by-products after it has already dealt with an organism (or the high numbers of them to be exact). This is where your channels of elimination are important to support (lymphatic, skin, lungs, bowels) and your home remedies like sinus steaming, soups with culinary therapeutics included (garlic, thyme, oregano, basil and ginger) can be handy.
Tailored tinctures of Bitter Melon, Licorice, Fennel, Burr Marigold, Elecampane, Mullein, Thyme, Sundew, Ribwort, Pleurisy Root, Red Clover, Burdock Root, Clivers and Poke Root can be of benefit here, as your body prepares for the elimination of toxins produced in the immune response.
Homeopathic remedies that I am seeing appear in this phase are particularly tenacious as they match the tenacity of the body's response. I have seen a lot of 'cough fights' in this phase - choking mucus that is hard to move up and off the lungs and upper chest bring about red faced, watery eye battles that are well supported with Bryonia, Coccus Cacti, Kali Bich, Cuprum Met and Baptisia Tinctoria. It's amazing what these remedies can do to alleviate this consumptive phase.
Keeping your omega 3 fatty acids and even considering Specialised Pro resolving Mediators (SPM's), a particular type of omega 3 that can help with the mop up of post pathogenic invasion.
STAGE THREE - ELIMINATION AND RESOLUTION
As the immune response makes its final approach on the journey you have been on, exhaustion and post viral fatigue can ensue. A specific set of remedies can be utilised to support this phase. This is also a phase where your immune system is laying down some important memories, capturing the response it needed to ensure it is ready for any others, should it need to. How well you handled stage two, sets this phase up for success.
Here are my go to remedies to ensure the best outcome at the end (and ongoing) of a viral load:
Co Enzyme Q 10 (specifically Ubiquinol)
Magnesium, Amino acids and B Vitamins for energy and fatigue recovery
Immunomodulatory and stamina based herbs like Schisandra, Astragalus, Reishi, Shiitake, Coriolus, Gotu Kola, Ginkgo Biloba, Turmeric, Rehmannia, Dandelion and Licorice Root.
Vitamin C and Bioflavanoids including Quercetin
Vitamin D and Zinc
Omega 3 Fatty Acids esp SPM's
High fluid intake
Ginger, cayenne, lemon, honey (preferably manuka) elixir beverages
BOOK AN APPOINTMENT WITH NICKY
Would you like to have your health reviewed by a holistic professional with over 30 years experience in clinic? Use our convenient online booking system to schedule an appointment with Nicky. Telehealth appointments are available for patients who live outside of the clinic location.
BOOK HERE: https://wise-healthy-living-natural-therapies.au1.cliniko.com/bookings
Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers regarding any medical condition or treatment.
The content of this article is based on general knowledge and research available up to its publication date. Medical knowledge and practices are constantly evolving, and what may be considered accurate and appropriate today may not apply to your specific circumstances. Therefore, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional before making any significant decisions regarding your health.
The authors, publishers, and any affiliated parties of this article do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, reliability, completeness, or usefulness of the information provided. Any reliance you place on the information in this article is strictly at your own risk.
The mention of specific products, treatments, or procedures in this article does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation. It is advisable to conduct your own research and consult with healthcare professionals or experts in the respective fields to evaluate the suitability and safety of any products or treatments mentioned.
In no event shall the authors, publishers, or any affiliated parties be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages arising out of or in any way connected with the use of this article or the information contained herein.
Every individual is unique, and the effectiveness of any health advice may vary. It is crucial to consider your personal health history, allergies, medications, and individual circumstances before implementing any suggestions provided in this article.
Remember that the best source of personalised medical advice and treatment options comes from healthcare professionals who can assess your specific situation and provide tailored recommendations.
By reading this article, you acknowledge and agree to the above disclaimer and understand that the authors, publishers, and any affiliated parties shall not be held responsible for any actions, claims, or outcomes resulting from the use of the information presented herein.