May 2009 Homeopathic Newsletter

Swine Flu!

Contents:
Swine Flu and other Pandemic Threats – Homeopathy as Best Defense
History of Homeopathy’s Success in Past Pandemics
Being Prepared at home: Remedy kits and books; Oscillococcinum for prevention
Pointers for Influenza Treatment Article

Swine Flu and other Pandemic Threats – Homeopathy as Best Defense

Greetings! I just returned to Vancouver after 10 days away, and during that time, the world as we know it has shifted. The fast-emerging story of the Swine Flu, officially known as Virus H1N1, erupted throughout the media and quickly took root in our collective imagination, spreading panic and fear. How many of us have scrutinized our public activities and questioned exposure? Could that cough or sneeze be a precursor of this potentially deadly invader? While many of us would normally shrug off the occasional dire prediction of impending disease, the media hype and continual focus on the possibility that a deadly pandemic has actually emerged and is sweeping the world is enough to scare the strongest skeptic.

Fortunately for those of us acquainted with homeopathy, we have a well-proven medical system to rely on, even in the face of a virus or pandemic to which no vaccine has been made or conventional drug proven effective. Because homeopathic remedies are chosen on the basis of the individual symptoms a person is experiencing and works to strengthen the person’s own system to effectively mount a defense against the invading disease, the right remedy given in a timely fashion is the best way to recover from and even prevent what could be a devastating illness.

When the medical system of homeopathy was founded by Dr. Samuel Hahnemann in the late 1700’s, its fame spread quickly throughout Europe, in large part due to its effectiveness in epidemic disease. Dr. Hahnemann traveled to cities being ravaged by cholera or typhoid epidemics and through the use of several specific homeopathic remedies, cured thousands and prevented the disease from spreading further. So successful were his treatments in comparison to the conventional medicine of the day, that homeopathy quickly gained favor in its ability to treat and prevent acute illness. Although our current emphasis in medicine continues to be reliance on pharmaceutical drugs and vaccines, homeopathy has nevertheless quietly continued to outshine more “heroic” treatments and interventions.

"In the 1918-1919 Spanish flu pandemic, homeopathy was the only effective treatment that was available. If the current swine flu becomes a pandemic, homeopathy again should be a clinically effective and cost effective treatment with minimal side effects which will be available worldwide."
-- Timothy Fior, M.D.

"The track record of homeopathy clearly shows that it offers a very effective, safe, simple and inexpensive approach for the prevention of the flu and the treatment of sick affected by the flu—in all stages and in all types of flu."
-- Andre Saine, N.D., D.C., F.C.A.H.

"The world needs to know that there is a safe and effective means of treating epidemics -- period. Homeopathy was extremely effective in treating the Spanish flu in 1918/1919.Public health records reflect this fact. It matters not what the epidemic is (flu, cholera, malaria, pertussis, etc..), because the rigorous scientific methodology ofhomeopathy remains the same from epidemic to epidemic. The greatest obstacle to be overcome is the mind-set of those who refuse to accept that there is adiscipline of medicine that has a proven track record against epidemics. We owe it to humanity to raise awareness and acceptance of this fact."
-- Molly Punzo, M.D.

For more information on how effective homeopathy was in curing people during the 1918 Spanish Flu pandemic, go to www.naturalnews.com.

As news of the Swine flu spreads and more cases appear, the North American homeopathic community has come together to understand the symptomatology of this illness and share knowledge of the remedies which are proving to be most effective in either preventing or curing it. Whether a case has been diagnosed by a laboratory as the H1N1 virus or not, a remedy which most closely matches the presenting symptoms of the disease will offer the best curative treatment, so each case does need to be assessed and individually prescribed upon. If you or a family member comes down with a flu or acute illness, call your homeopath as soon as possible so they can assess your symptoms and suggest appropriate remedies to speed your recovery, prevent complications and it keep from spreading to others.

Being Prepared – The Best Defense is a Good Offense

As always, I recommend everyone have a kit of homeopathic remedies at home, ready to be used when needed. One of the best is a 42-remedy kit imported from England which includes a small booklet outlining the remedies and the illnesses/conditions they can be helpful in. As well, a general book on using homeopathic remedies at home is a good adjunct, especially when illness strikes in the middle of the night and your homeopath is sleeping! Everyone’s Guide to Homeopathic Medicines by Stephen Cummings, M.D. and Dana Ullman, MPH or Homeopathic Self-Care – The Quick and Easy Guide for the Whole Family by Robert Ullman, ND and Judyth Reichenberg-Ullman ND are two my clients have found helpful. If you would like to purchase kit or a book, please call me at 604-671-7863.

One remedy which is often helpful is warding off an impending flu or acute illness is the impossible-to-pronounce Oscillococcinum (ossilicoSIGHnum). Available at health food stores, take several doses of this remedy at the first sign of impending illness and you may be able to repel the invasion. I often suggest people take a few doses of this remedy even before flu season has begun, as it can encourage a greater immune response to many different flu-type viruses (and not just the few targeted by the World Health Organization in their annual flu vaccine cocktail). Despite what the packaging says, each individual tube can give multiple doses, simply tap 10-20 tiny pellets into the bottle cap and pop into your mouth.

Treating Influenza

"Influenza is a real threat at the present time. If you are exposed to influenza there are a number of important considerations which may determine how you fare. It is in your hands to decide how you deal with the challenge.

Orthodox treatments are restricted largely to symptom-control using Paracetamol-based drugs* (*Acetaminophen, found in Tylenol, Anacin 3 and other pain medications). Anti-viral drugs are also possible in severe infections, but they are expensive, limited in their availability, of uncertain effectiveness, and contra-indicated in many people. Secondary infections might be treated with antibiotics, but there are questions around their appropriateness in primarily viral illnesses. There is also risk of intolerance, the emergence of resistant germs and the suppression of your normal bowel organisms, which can lead to fatigue and bowel complications.

Our advice is to avoid Paracetamol completely. As a drug, Paracetamol effectively controls fever and gives short-term symptomatic relief. However, Paracetamol has no curative power at all and does nothing to stimulate improved resistance. The body’s ability to produce a fever on demand is a normal physiological process which assists in an efficient immune response. There is evidence that interfering with this process can lengthen the illness and increase the incidence of complications.

Beware using Echinacea for too long. There are some short term benefits from using Echinacea for a few days, shortly after exposure to the virus. But the beneficial effects of Echinacea diminish quickly and there is evidence that Echinacea has a negative effect if it is continued. There is no benefit to using Echinacea after ‘flu symptoms have started.

If you catch ‘flu keep your fluid intake up, and eat little and often - just as you are able. Avoid Pseudoephedrine-containing drugs and avoid Paracetamol. Never give aspirin to children with fever, since there is a risk of Reye’s syndrome. Wrap them only lightly and encourage them to drink. If you are on quinine from your doctor, you should discuss stopping it at the first evidence of ‘flu. If you develop respiratory difficulties, seek early medical advice.

There are a number of effective homoeopathic treatments. These are best chosen on the basis of your own particular reaction to the virus. In the event of ‘flu, contact your medical homeopath as early as possible, since the correct sequence of acute medicines can make an enormous difference to your recovery."

Another good source for information and articles on homeopathy, particularly in regards to the Swine Flu can be found at: nationalcenterforhomeopathy.org.

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Susan Drury, RSHom (NA), CCH, RSCHom is a registered member of the North American Society of Homeopaths, the Canadian Society of Homeopaths and the Council for Homeopathic Certification. She regularly publishes homeopathic articles and newsletters and through her private practice and educational outreach, is dedicated to supporting people in their journey to improved health and well-being. Susan provides homeopathic services to North Vancouver, West Vancouver, and the rest of the Lower Mainland, BC. She can be reached at 604-671-7863 or druryperry@shaw.ca.