Natural health tips for colds and fevers
- Carla Marcelis DHOM, N.D.
- January 23, 2023
Natural approaches to supporting your body during cold and flu season, which include a good similimum are part of your whole health this season.
The start of the year and the return to school after the holidays brings many opportunities to be exposed to viruses. It brings up the question of how to stay healthy throughout the winter season. Maybe your toddler is in daycare and has come down with colds or even ear infections. Or maybe your 7-year-old had colds that turned into lung infections last year and you’re wondering whether there is anything you can do to prevent that from happening again this year. Perhaps the whole family came down with Covid over the holidays and you’re looking for ways to get your strength back. Or you’re a healthy 70 year old, wanting to avoid getting the terrible flu that appears to be going around.
Are there natural ways to support the immune system?
This is a common question raised by our clients and we can very happily say that there are homeopathic and other natural ways to support your immune system. In the first place there is the adaptation to the cold weather by ensuring your body stays nice and warm. One of the important ways to do this is by “warming” your diet. (Focus on hearty soups, rather than big salads and drink nice herbal teas instead of fruit juice.) Secondly, there are supports that strengthen the immune system during the season of viruses.
One such support that the whole family, young and old, can take to prepare the immune system for winter viruses, is a mineral complex called Copper-Gold-Silver Oligosol (made by Labcatal). Oligosols are a balanced mix of highly soluble, chelated mineral salts, formulated to prevent micro deficiencies. This complex is not strictly homeopathic, but it is a mix of the three metals in a very small dose and in a liquid form that is easily absorbed and used by the cells. Just 2 ml once per day for anyone older than 2 years old (half the dose for younger ones) for one month strengthens the immune system as a preparation for all the fall and winter flus and colds. It is also the remedy of choice when you have had a bad flu or Covid and are having difficulty getting your strength back. You can use the same quantities as above for a month.
Being prepared for the flu or Covid
There are many viruses that can make us feel miserable and give us a runny nose, sneezing and sore throat, or that feeling of being hit by a truck. They can last a week, sometimes more and if we are run down, they can turn into a more serious bacterial infection. Your MD doesn’t really have any medical help for these virus infections. They will tell you to rest and drink lots of liquids. Only in the case of a bacterial infection does conventional Western medicine have anything specific to suggest, namely an antibiotic. Literally this means “anti-life” and does nothing more than killing the bacteria. The immune system does not become stronger and the experience of infections recurring after a course with antibiotics might make us think that they even have a weakening effect on the immune system. Unfortunately, overuse of antibiotics has meant that bacteria are becoming more and more resistant.
Homeopathic medicine, however, is designed to tonify your organism and increase your individual adaptability on all levels, mental-emotional as well as physical, so that your organism continues to function optimally through all types of stresses. Your homeopath can determine which of the over 5000 individualized remedies best resonates with you as an individual. This “similimum” will assist you and your entire organism, including your immune system, to adapt to all new and changing circumstances. If you are interested in finding a good remedy for yourself, check out the MICH Professional Directory to work with a MICH Homeopath.
Remedies to have on hand for winter viruses
There are a few homeopathic remedies to have on hand in case you or someone close to you fall ill with a cold or fever. Here are a few examples:
Aconite
Sudden onset of fever after exposure to dry, cold air, or from fright. Person is restless, thirsty and fearful. It is usually good for the first stages of fevers and colds.
Arsenicum Album
Slow onset of fever; burning pains better for warmth; fever and chills worse after midnight (around 1 am) with thirst; fears and restlessness. Colds with sneezing, smarting runny nose.
Bryonia
From cold drinks or exposure to cold wind; grumpy as a bear; cold and fever come on gradually with dry lips and the person is extremely thirsty; there is a dry spasmodic cough; headaches; pain and discomfort are worse from any movement and improve by rest.
Belladonna
The onset is sudden, often after exposure to cold. Fever can go up high. The skin is red. The eyes can be red and watery and are sensitive to light. Headaches are throbbing and pulsating.
Ferrum Phosphoricum
Useful remedy in early stages of fever or cold when there are no strong indications for any of the other remedies. The face can be flushing red, alternating with being pale. The person likes to be left alone and prefers fresh air.
Gelsemium
Colds and fevers that come on when the weather is not particularly cold. The person feels tired, heavy with heavy eyelids. Fever with chills running up and down the spine. Lots of weakness, trembling and no thirst.
Nux Vomica
Fever worse in the morning, or returns every day at the same time. Chilly person, worse from the slightest wind, or movement. They are worried about their work and irritable.
Rhus Toxicodendron
Cold or fever come on slowly, maybe a day after exposure to cold and wet. They are better from warmth. There can be aching in the muscles that is worse for rest or when trying to move, but better for continuous movement. This leads to restlessness, tossing and turning.
Learning to encourage mental, emotional and physical adaptation is what the MICH Diploma Program is all about.
First Aid Homeopathy, Cell Salts & Oligosols along with 3 levels of Holistic Nutrition and Coaching courses teach how to support health and immunity in an effective and individualized way.
About Carla Marcelis, DHOM, N.D.
Carla brings dedication, passion and expertise to her practice as well as her role as Director and teacher at the Montreal Institute of Classical Homeopathy.
For guidance on supports during cold and flu season, or to find an individualized similimum, visit our Find a practitioner page to work with a MICH practitioner.