The underlying principle of homeopathy is that "like cures like." Instead of suppressing symptoms, homeopathy stimulates the body's innate healing abilities with microdoses of natural substances that replicate the very symptoms that plague us.
If you're fighting sickness this season, the following remedies--available as tiny pills that dissolve under the tongue--may bolster your body. Some homeopathic remedies do double duty for colds and flu; others are more suited just for colds.
|
Remedy |
Symptoms |
|
Aconite |
Do you feel unusually thirsty and restless as well as sick? Does your face look red? Did your cold symptoms come on quickly after you were outside in the cold? For flu, use at the first sign of illness. Aconite can work in 24 hours. |
|
Belladonna |
Try this remedy if you feel like you are rapidly getting sick and light and noise are making you feel worse. You may also have a fever and a sore throat. If it's the flu, you may also have a pounding headache. |
|
Ferrum phosphoricum |
Symptoms appeared gradually, and you don't feel quite like yourself. If you feel worse from 4 to 6 a.m. and lying down and applying cold makes you feel better, this is the remedy for you. |
|
Nux vomica |
Your nose runs during the day but gets stuffed when you're trying to sleep. You may be super sensitive to light, noise, and smells. If you keep waking up between 3 and 5 a.m., this remedy may be useful. |
|
Oscillococcinum |
Oscillo treats general flu symptoms and is best used within the first 24 hours. |
|
Pulsatilla |
Plagued by thick, yellow mucus, a wet cough in the morning and dry cough at night? Does sitting up in bed and getting fresh air ease symptoms? Try this remedy. |
|
Rhus tox |
Chills, restlessness, and stiffness may be eased with this medicine. Use if symptoms seem better after a bit of movement. |