Worried about flu - ever wondered how homeopathy could support you this winter?

Flu is can cause fever, body aches, congestion and can generally make you feel pretty lousy. 

We are all acquainted with some of the simple things we can do to help ourselves - and it doesn't do any harm to remind ourselves:

• Drinking plenty of water to help flush out the toxins 
• Eating healthily
• Inhaling steam to loosen the congestion
• Putting a cold, damp cloth on your forehead to help bring down your temperature
• Honey is always a good option to help with the sore throat

Above all rest, stay in bed, sleep and let your body heal - this will give your body the best chance of fighting off the flu virus.

Keep your homeopathic remedy kit by your bedside so you can take your remedies as well and you'll be giving yourself the best chance of getting better sooner.

The homeopathic remedies you want to consider are: Aconite, Belladonna, Ferrum Phosphoricum, Nux Vomica, Bryonia, Eupatorium Perforliatum, Gelsemium, and Rhus Toxicodendron.

These four remedies should be considered at the first signs and early stages:

Aconite: take at the very first signs of a fever; if you are thirsty for lots of cold drinks, feel anxious and agitated. And if you think the infection took hold after exposure to cold, dry winds.

Belladonna: if you have a sudden very high fever; very red face; throbbing headache and could be delirious; you can't cope with noise and bright light; and you have hot, dry skin.

Ferrum Phosphoricum: fever came on gradually but is probably mild; skin is sweaty and flushed; you have inflamation of the trachea and a cough.

Nux Vomica: You have a sudden intense chill with shivering - you cannot get warm; you are irritable; nose is dry and stuffed up.

Later on think about these homeopathic remedies:

Bryonia: you want to lie very still as you really do not want to move; any move makes the headache, aches and pain much worse; very dry mouth and throat; thirst for cold water - lots of it.

Eupatorium Perfoliatum: you might have deep aching in bones and muscles as if broken; aching in eyes; your back is sore, stiff and aching; rough scrapping cough; your chest is sore and you have to support it; restless but you are worse for moving. Thirsty for cold drinks.

Gelsemium: tired and and great weakness; trembling; you want to lie down and sleep; not thristy; you might have a heavy dull pain in the back of your head; stuffed nose or thin watery discharge; 

Rhus Toxicodendron: it started after getting wet or chilled after being overheated; sweating and shivering if uncovered; severe aching but you have to stretch; anxiety and extreme restlessness.

When choosing a remedy make sure it matches three of your specific symptoms as closely as possible.

The purpose of the remedies is to stimulate the body's natural healing process, therefore it's important to observe how your body responds to the remedy.

• Take 1 dose every hour for 3-4 doses or until symptoms improve
• If symptoms persist seek a qualified practitioner

As you start getting over your symptoms, take a look at the Dr Homeo website for remedies to help you to manage the weakness you feel after.

This content is provided for information purposes only and is not a substitute for getting professional help.

Source: College of Homeopathic Education ; 'Everyday Homeopathy', Dr David Gemmell