Flu season is here again! Oh joy! If you are anything like me, you may be a little sick of all this talk about "the latest and greatest" flu treatments. Instead of poking yourself with a needle this year, why not try a tested and true homeopathic remedy. The French have been using this remedy for generations. It's gentle, effective and its guaranteed side effect free. 

If you have been paying attention to alternative strategies for flu prevention, you have no doubt heard about homeopathic combinations meant to both treat and quickly resolve the influenza virus. Most of these combinations contain the same two ingredients; anas barbariae hepatis and cordis extractum, made from the heart and liver of wild duck. These organs are considered to be resevoirs for the influenzae virus. Following the principles of homeopathic medicine, there is none of the substance left in the remedies after being repeatedly diluted, but the imprint or healing energy of the substance remains. This is what makes homeopathy so safe. 

These remedies have been shown to cause significant improvement or complete resolution of flu symptoms within 48 hours of use. It is also recommended as a prevention strategy at the beginning of flu season. There are minor variations between different brands in terms of instructions for use, but for the most part they are recommended as follows. For prevention, take one tube per week. Treatment recommendations, at the onset of symptoms, are to take one dose under the tongue every 8 hours for a maximum of 3 times/day. If you are already suffering from the flu, take one dose every morning and evening for 3 days.

Another advantage to using homeopathics for flu treatment and prevention, is simply that if working correctly, they stimulating the body's own defences. Our immune functions are complex and highly effective, if working optimally. The problem is that stress, poor diet, lack of sleep, some medications and environmental toxins, slow our immune systems down. When our immune system is overwhelmed with so many tasks, it provides the optimal environment for a virus to strike and take over. Sometimes all our body needs is just a gentle reminder of how powerful it really is, and it can fight off anything that come its way.

Medications aimed at relieving the various symptoms of the flu, do not support the bodies own processes, and can even diminish them further. Unlike many pharmaceutical cold and flu products, these products do not cause drowsiness and are safe for all ages and during pregnancy.