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Bloom into Homeopathy: Winter Colds & Flu Care
Myra Nissen, CHom, & Margo Adams Homeopathic Consultants
Published:
Community
Kids, Dec 2007, Volume 4, Issue 12
In response to the recent recall of over-the-counter infant
cough syrups, we would like to suggest a safe, natural,
low cost alternative. Homeopathy has a proven track record
of assisting your own self-healing. Properly applied, Homoeopathy
can move quickly and effectively to deter many situations.
Recently Cindy Crawford declared on Oprah that she takes
her homeopathic first aid kit when she is traveling with
her children.
Homeopathy is a 200 year-old system of medicine that is
a gentle, effective way of stimulating one’s own self-healing
capacity. Homeopathy is holistic. This means all parts of
a person are considered.
Homeopathy uses remedies made from plant, animal, and mineral
substances that are prepared by repeated diluting and shaking.
Homeopathy is based on the principle of “Like cures
Like” which means a substance which is known to cause
suffering in a healthy person, is used to ease suffering
in an unhealthy person.
The common cold is a viral infection that affects the nose,
throat, and lungs, sometimes experienced by a sore throat,
stuffy nose, and perhaps congested lungs. Flu is also a
viral infection expressed by headaches, fever, chills, fatigue,
cough, sometimes accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea,
etc.
A professional Homeopath can help decide what the best remedy
is for your child. Here are some basic tips you can try
for a mild cold or flu using one form of Homeopathic care
called the tissue cell salts:
- When
you suspect your child is developing a cold or flu make
sure they get lots of rest and drink plenty of clear liquids.
-
At the first sign of inflammation, dryness of the nose,
headache, or fever, alternate Ferrum-phos cell salts with
Kali-mur. cell salts.
- A
more developed cold might have watery discharges accompanied
by sneezing, cold blisters on the lip, and lost sense
of smell, Natrum-mur. cell salts may help.
-
For a fever with dry skin, Kali-sulph. cell salts may
help promote perspiration. If these symptoms are accompanied
by greenish-yellow mucous, alternate with Ferrum-phos.
cell salts.
Kali-mur. is good to use when there is a plugged sensation
in the ears after a cold or flu.
Children should take 2 and infants 1 pellet(s) every half
hour until the first sign of relief, then taper off. Dissolve
pellets in a small amount of water and drink. If your child
is not feeling any better in 6 hours, discontinue use. A
positive response will be experienced with the proper remedy.
If symptoms persist or worsen, seek help from a health care
professional.
Helpful home care tips:
• Nurture your child, encourage plenty of sleep and
rest.
• Do not take your child outside if it is cold or
windy.
• Make sure he has plenty of fruits, vegetables, warm
soups and broths, ie., chicken or miso soup. Eliminate diary
products, as it can encourage mucous production.
• It is important to keep the nose running. Try not
to reach for decongestants. These irritate nasal membranes
and make matters worse as they wear off. Antihistamines
dry nasal passages and cause air passages to clog.
• Keep the sinuses draining - ginger tea (3 slices
of fresh ginger boiled in 2 cups of water for 15 minutes,
remember to breath the steam); hot ginger lemonade (to the
above add the juice of 2 lemons, 1 tbs. honey and sprinkle
with cayenne); sauté onions and carrots with curry
powder.
• To help clear stuffy nose - pour hot water in a
bowl, add a sprig of thyme, cover your head with a towel
and breath the steam; use a vaporizer with rosemary or lavender
essential oils, or try saline spray.
• For irritated skin below nose - dab 1 drop of calendula
oil mixed with 2 tsps. of olive or almond oil.
Homeopathic remedies are proven effective in accordance
with the United States (HPUS), regulated by the FDA and
are free of are free of Phenylpropanolamine, which caused
the recall. To find out more about Homeopathy, contact your
local Homeopath. Contact Margo or Myra for future class
schedule www.myranissen.com.
Myra Nissen, CHom. enjoys helping people achieve optimal
health in body, mind and spirit. A Classical Homeopath who
graduated from the Pacific Academy of Homeopathy, Myra's
practice is based in Benicia with an office in Pleasant
Hill and she also participates in a community clinic she
helped establish in Oakland. As an adjunct to homeopathy
to assist healing and stimulate detoxification, Myra uses
a system of phototherapy called Gemmotherapy. She is available
for free consultations and classes at the new Elephant Pharmacy
in Walnut Creek. Myra has an undergraduate degree in Cultural
Anthropology and Archaeology, and an MA, Environmental Studies.
Margo Adams is dedicated to helping clients reach their
health potential through this gentle method of healing.
She studied at the Institute of Classical Homeopathy in
San Francisco and further trained with Nicola Henriques,
LCCH, MBRCP. She operates her Homeopathic practice in Vallejo.
Margo has a special interest in infant, elder, and animal
care. She continues her studies through seminars, study
groups, mentorship, and clinical work. Margo has a BFA and
a Masters in Fine Art.
The information given in this article does not take the
place of medical advice. As alternative practitioners, we
advise you to seek medical care for serious conditions.
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