Medicine in the News:

Natural Flu Prevention and Treatment

Jerry Gore, M.D.

 

We have all been inundated by the media lately regarding Swine Flu. As a proactive approach, I’d like to share with you some historical information as well as answer the most frequently asked questions. The Chicago Tribune headlined a story in early March stating that as Flu season hits high gear, this year’s most common strain has developed resistance to the drug Tamiflu, a 100% resistance in the united states.   

 

First, take a deep breath and relax – holistic medicine can help!

 

Second, remember, no self help is a substitute for a qualified health care practitioner’s evaluation. Try the methods only as an aid or during the first 12-24 hours. If there is no relief then consult a physician.

Historical data on Homeopathic treatment on flu epidemics: Taken from National Center of Homeopathy:

Perhaps the most recent use of homeopathy in a major epidemic was during the Influenza Pandemic of 1918. The Journal of the American Institute for Homeopathy, May, 1921, had a long article about the use of homeopathy in the flu epidemic. Dr. T A McCann, from Dayton, Ohio reported that 24,000 cases of flu treated allopathically had a mortality rate of 28.2% while 26,000 cases of flu treated homeopathically had a mortality rate of 1.05%. This last figure was supported by Dean W.A. Pearson of Philadelphia (Hahnemann College) who collected 26,795 cases of flu treated with homeopathy with the above result.

The most common remedy used was Gelsemium, with occasional cases needing Bryonia and Eupatorium reported. Dr. Herbert A. Roberts from Derby, CT, said that 30 physicians in Connecticut responded to his request for data. They reported 6,602 cases with 55 deaths, which is less than 1%. Dr. Roberts was working as a physician on a troop ship during WWI. He had 81 cases of flu on the way over to Europe. He reported, “All recovered and were landed. Every man received homeopathic treatment. One ship lost 31 on the way.”

Please be aware that a natural approach exists to flu prevention and treatment. Here are some ideas for boosting your immune system and avoiding some common problems associated with fall/winter illness:

DIET:
Avoid mucous producing foods (sinusitis, asthma, flu, bronchitis, ear infections, etc.), such as milk and cheese, beef and pork, wheat, bananas, refined sugar and corn oil. Use more of beans, peas, chicken(dark part), rye, spelt, buckwheat millet, apples, pears, molasses, olive oil, sesame oil, and spices (turmeric, cumin and garlic). Apples, pears and raw vegetables actually help to reduce mucus.

 

VITAMINS:
Vitamin C helps stimulate your natural killer cells that mop us viruses.  Vitamin A also has “anti-viral” activity and Zinc has a reputation for healing “colds”. Making and drinking a pitcher of freshly juiced vegetable and/or fruit juice every day gives you the antioxidants you need to help boost your immune system. Taking large doses of Vitamin C (up to 10,000mg daily, as your body tolerates) can boost the immune system.  
 
SUPPLEMENTS:
Echinacea – take a dose or two when you feel that cold or flu just coming on. Add Goldenseal to it if the mucous turns from clear to yellow. Rosemarin supplements, Echinacea angustifolia tincture (5 drops in water, 3 times daily during infection, or 1 time daily for up to 2 weeks to help boost immune system then take 1-2 week break), Astragalus and certain other medicinal herbs, and Oscillococcinum (standard protocol for administration is 3 doses daily for three days) are likely to confer some protection as well. Ginger, taken as a tea, will warm up your innards.  Garlic has anti-bacterial properties-add it to your food.
 
REMEDIES:
Km-6x (Kali-mur) is a common tissue salt and can help prevent what’s “going around”.  It is also indicated for conditions with clear mucous, such as a drippy nose, or cough with whitish expectoration.  Aconite 30c taken at the first hint of something coming on can sometimes stop it in its tracks.  Gelsemium 30c  is recommended for the flu characterized by a droopy energy, heavy eyelids, fatigue, etc.  Bryonia  for slow, hot and dry chills all over, the least amount of movement makes it worse, cough causing headache. Eupatorium Perfoliatum for shivering, painful so that bones feel broken, bursting headache, movement makes it worse. Mercurisus Solubis for chills, thick, acrid, smelly, yellow-green discharge, thirst, alternate between hot and cold like a human thermometer, if a sore throat is present it’s accompanied by salivation, and a bad taste or bad breath.

STRESS REDUCTION: 
Chronic stress reduces our ability to fight off viruses and bacteria.  Take 5 minutes for relaxation during the day by breathing or some gentle exercising, or formal relaxation program.  Make a habit of it so it will grow with your expanding life style.
 
ATTITUDE:
Winter has the properties of COLD and DARK.  Balance this by adding HEAT and LIGHT to your life; elements of transformation and change.  Choose a class, lecture, hobby, and a field of study.  Work on improving a relationship or changing a habit.  Call a loved one-love is light and warmth.  

Q: Is there anything homeopathy can to do prevent the (swine) flu?

 

A. Homeopathic immunization uses two main methods – the nosode (a remedy made from the microbe itself) and the genus epidemicus (a remedy that matches the symptoms of an epidemic).

 

No nosode has yet been made from this virus, and no genus epidemicus been established. However, the US Navy (that just happened to be in Mexico) found that the new virus contains DNA of Influenza Type A and Type B, Asian Influenza, Swine Flu, and Avian flu. We have a recent nosode for Influenza Mix, which is the closest match and likely to be effective. The standard protocol for administration is 3 doses daily for three days.

 

Q: Is there anything else one can do to protect oneself?

 

A. Making and drinking a pitcher of freshly juiced vegetable and/or fruit juice every day gives you the antioxidants you need to help boost your immune system. Taking large doses of Vitamin C (up to 10,000mg daily, as your body tolerates) can boost the immune system. Rosemarin supplements, Echinacea angustifolia tincture (5 drops in water, 3 times daily during infection, or 1 time daily for up to 2 weeks to help boost immune system then take 1-2 week break), Astragalus and certain other medicinal herbs, and Oscillococcinum (standard protocol for administration is 3 doses daily for three days) are likely to confer some protection as well.

 

Q: If I get sick what should I take?

 

A. Homeopathic treatment is likely to be an effective treatment for any new flu-like illness. Homeopathic hospitals had a less than 1% mortality rate during the last major real pandemic -1918 Spanish Flu epidemic, while conventional hospitals had between 30 and 60% mortality rates. For additional statistics on homeopathic treatment and the 1918 epidemic visit: http://www.naturalnews.com/026148.html .

 

 

As always, homeopathic treatment must be individualized. Since there are many homeopathic remedies for the flu, we recommend you contact us for a consultation, should you develop symptoms or are interested in preventative measures.

 

 

Call today to schedule your consultation and don’t let the media cause you to panic!

 

847-236-1701

 

Some information provided by Homeopathic Associates and The Homeopathic College

The information contained in this mailing is intended for educational purposes only and should not be used to treat, prescribe or diagnose any disease, ailment or infirmity. If symptoms develop, please contact your physician or emergency medical help.