Homeopathic medicines have been used to successfully treat colds and the flu for over 200 years. During the 1918 Spanish flu epidemic there was a 1 percent mortality rate among patients treated by homeopaths, while traditional physicians reported a 30 percent mortality rate among their patients, notes the University of Minnesota. Homeopathic remedies are prescribed on individual symptoms of the patient; for instance, some people are more thirsty when they are sick, and some are aggravated by movement. These differentiations are called modalities and are used to choose the homeopathic remedy.
The flu is caused by a virus and there is no known cure, but homeopathic remedies can ease the symptoms and may speed the cure rate. Homeopathic remedies are available over the counter, but consultation with a medical specialist is advised before treating yourself.
Rhus Tox
The homeopathic remedy Rhus tox is used when a person has a flu accompanied by aches and pains that are better when he moves around. A flu that starts in after exposure to wet weather is the type of flu best treated with Rhus tox, according to “A Dictionary of Practical Materia Medica” by John Henry Clarke.
Ferrum Phos
Ferrum phos is frequently used to treat flu in the first 24 hours after onset, says Clarke. The person may feel dizzy or have ringing in the ears and a painful swelling in the throat. Drowsiness is a typical symptom in those needing Ferrum phos to treat their flu symptoms.
Arsenicum
Homeopathic arsenic, or Arsenicum, can be used to treat chills and restlessness. The person may feel very anxious about her health. She is thirsty but only for a small sip. Arsenicum also treats burning pains such as a burning pain in the throat or burning in the nasal passages.
Eupatorium
Eupatorium can be used to treat flu symptoms which are accompanied by a thirst. The person needing this remedy may also feel pain deep in the bones.
Bryonia
For the person needing Bryonia, symptoms are always worse when moving around, for instance, getting out of bed or rolling over, says Clarke. He is thirsty and his mouth feels dry.
