focus on: colds and flu

It seems that flu season has well and truly launched itself over the past few weeks, so I wanted to put together some handy tips to help avoid catching it if you can, and also ways to help recover from it quickly if you do develop symptoms.
 
Make sure to drink plenty of water between meals, approx. 2 litres per day on average- if you find it difficult to drink plain water, try adding fresh mint or lemon slices for flavour….with the added benefit of getting the vitamins from these also!
 
Reduce processed foods in your diet, they lack nutrients and can often lead to stagnation of the system overall, eat as much fresh foods as possible.
 
Reduce dairy intake (especially milk and cheese) as these are mucous forming.
 
Increase the amount of fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet, as well as wholegrains, think also of wholesome homemade chicken soup, a great pick me up if your appetite is lacking. Try to include onion, garlic, ginger in the soup- all are great at treating viral infections.
 
Take high dose Vitamin C hourly for 4-6 doses when you feel symptoms coming on (ask your health shop for recommended brands)
 
Remember to keep washing your hands to avoid the spread of germs!!!
 
And if all else fails and you do develop symptoms, there are many homeopathic remedies that can help, such as:
 
ACONITE- symptoms come on suddenly, often after exposure to a cold dry wind, patient is chilly, followed by a fever. Sound be given as immediately as symptoms develop. Often tingling and burning in the nose (no discharge as of yet) with a hot dry feeling, and possibly a throbbing headache. All symptoms are better in the open air
 
ARSENICUM- has think watery discharge from the nose, yet the nose feels blocked up. A dull throbbing headache, with sneezing, and sensitivity to light. Person is chilly and wants to be near the fire all the time, nose burns externally and internally.
 
ALLIUM CEPA- profuse thin acrid discharge, pain in nose and eyes. Edges of the eyelids burn and the eyes may be red, and sensitive to light. Discharge from the nose is thin and constantly flowing, with much sneezing. This discharge stops in the open air but returns again when entering a warm room
 
GELSEMIUM- one of the main cold/flu remedies, full feeling in the head, fever and chilliness as if a cold is coming on. Patient is dull and weak, with watery bland discharge from the nose. Lots of sneezing, and patient wants to wrap up warm, and stay close to the fire. Very useful for spring colds, brought on by warm relaxing weather (much like what we have been experiencing lately!)
 
NUX VOMICA- good for a cold brought on by damp, cold weather, or from sitting on damp cold steps. Lots of sneezing and a stuffed up feeling in the nose, nose feels dry, very little discharge, the eyes water, a feeling of scraping in the throat, and a dull feeling in the sinuses. Symptoms are worse in a warm room, better for open air.
 
PULSATILLA- thick, yellow/green bland discharge. Feeling of rawness in the nose and throat, and a sensation of wetness in the nose. Usually a loss of smell and taste, better for open air, even though patient is usually chilly.
 
NATRUM MURIATICUM- watery, transparent discharges, worse for cold air and on extertion. Complete loss of taste. Constant desire to blow the nose, nose feels stuffed up. Dryness within the nose, forming scabs that are difficult to move.
 
If in doubt, consult a homeopath on the correct remedy for you.
 
And after all that- remember to use your hot water bottle for comfort, take warm drinks such as lemon/ginger/honey tea, rest as much as possible, preferably in bed and keep your box of tissues handy.