- Old fashioned homeopathy - creative commons
The homeopathic principle is founded in the body’s ability to heal itself and restore balance to an imbalanced system. Holistic practitioners refer to this energy that is used to maintain stasis as “the vital force.” It is this force that creates a strong immune system to fight disease and regain health when it is compromised. The use of homeopathic remedies is a rewarding and safe alternative to over-the counter drugs. There is no need to turn to synthetic medications to find relief. Homeopathy has a remedy for every type of cold that may occur. It is a very safe form of medicine that treats the whole individual – inside and out.
About the Common Cold
There is a natural progression of a cold. Most people are familiar with these stages, but looking at them as a series of events is helpful in determining how to treat them. The early symptoms are usually watery nose, mild sore throat, and sneezing. As the body fights it, there can be headaches, sore throats, coughs, and generalized aching and malaise. The temperature is raised, but the whole illness is usually over within a few days. Most colds run their course within seven to 10 days.
Recurrent colds in children or adults are usually a sign of a weakened immune system; perhaps due to stress or poor nutrition. The body’s ability to fight the infections has been compromised in some way; this makes a person more susceptible to disease in general. Many stores have a decent supply of homeopathic remedies or combination formulas. Finding the correct treatment is possible with the aid of a guide, or a matrix of symptoms that is usually available at the point of purchase. Finding a holistic healer to help in some chronic or acute situations is always an option for practicing this method of healing.
Choosing a Homeopathic Remedy
There are many homeopathic remedies available to treat a cold. To choose the correct remedy, consider the following:
- specific cold symptoms
- onset and circumstances of contacting the cold
- over-all personality
- mood and current mental state
- general health and chronic ailments
- eating, sleeping and exercise habits
- weather and time of day when the symptoms occur
Homeopathy for Colds
Some commonly used homeopathic formulas may include: Ferrum phosphorus for colds that come on slowly with a sore throat, Aconite for colds that happen quickly, Nux vomica for colds with irritability and chills, Natrum muriaticum for colds that start with sneezing and colorless discharge, or Pulsitilla for colds that are full of yucky mucus and headaches.
The Best Medicine - Prevention
Prevention is always the best way to avoid getting colds, but is not always possible. But there are a few things that can aid in keeping the vital force balanced.
- Eat a balanced diet.
- Get fresh air.
- Don’t get chilled or overheated.
- Exercise regularly.
- Take extra antioxidants (mainly vitamin C).
- Don’t smoke at all and avoid drinking in excess.
- Stay away from sick people if possible.
- Keep your immune system strong – don’t get run-down.
- Maintain good hygiene habits.
Basic Cold Precautions
If a cold is ever accompanied by a high fever, severe chest pain or shortness of breath, see a doctor.
Sources:
HolisticJunction.com, "Natural Remedies for Cold & Flu Season" (accessed 4/15/2010)
NelsonsNaturalWorld.com, "Colds & Flu" (accessed 4/1/2010)
Christen Peattie - Christen is a Holistic Health Practitoner, Homeopath, Herbalist, and Nutritionist; specializing in holistic nutrition, homeopathy, ...
