 Following on from last week's article about this year's flu, and what to do about it, this week we look at one of the alternative approaches to treatment: homoeopathy.
What are the options?
Over the Counter (OTC) medications
Just because OTC medicines are freely available on supermarket and pharmacy shelves, this doesn’t always mean they’re completely safe. Consider this: whether cough mixture or throat lozenge or all-in-one flu remedy, many of these only treat limited symptoms which is why you often leave the store with a whole range of products to treat your headache, your blocked nose, your muscular aches and pains and your fever.
Although they all may contain different substances, most do contain codeine and some contain antihistamines or muscle relaxants or painkillers so you may end up not only inadvertently overdosing which could be downright dangerous, but with uncomfortable side effects (constipation or an irritated gut). Furthermore they may also be contra-indicated with other medication you may be taking e.g. chronic medication, which could cause additional problems.
Natural products
Once again, just because something is "natural" it doesn’t automatically mean it’s safe which is why it’s important to make sure that the product you use is both well researched and tried and tested. This includes the neutriceutical, herbal and homoeopathic remedies, all of which are rapidly growing in popularity around the world.
For many years in South Africa, these have been completely polarised, forming part of the so-called "alternative" medicine world or, more recently, "complementary" medicine. However, internationally, the move these days is towards an integrated medicine system where allopathic and homoeopathic practitioners work hand in hand. It’s now slowly taking place in our country with more and more medical practitioners from either side crossing the line and accepting that there are merits in both forms of medical practice when it comes to patients’ health.
But isn’t homoeopathy just all hocus-pocus?
Absolutely not. It’s a centuries-old science that was formulated by a German doctor, Samuel Hahnemann, in 1796. It’s based on his observation that substances that are capable of causing diseases of the mind or body in healthy people can be used in a highly diluted form as remedies to treat the similar disorder in someone who is ill. This is also expressed as ‘Let Like be Cured by Like’ or the principle of similars, an idea that can be traced back to Hippocrates.
Homoeopathic remedies are derived from natural substances that come from plants, minerals, or animals and are not known to interfere with conventional drugs. However, if you are considering using homoeopathic remedies, you should always discuss this with your medical practitioner.
Is this the route to go this year to fight the flu?
Without doubt, although it may require a radical change of mindset if you’ve never really ventured out of the conventional medicine world.
Oscillococcinum is a good example of a homoeopathic medicine that’s regularly and successfully prescribed by homoeopathic and allopathic practitioners internationally for flu and flu like symptoms- and, given our current circumstances, it should be your very first choice at the very first sign of flu symptoms. For every conventional ‘expert’ that dismisses it or pooh-poohs its efficacy, there are hundreds of thousands of people around the globe who are completely sold on the product. It’s used in more than 50 countries worldwide and ranks as the number one OTC flu medicine in France where it’s been in production for 65 years.
It’s also the leading flu product in the Netherlands, ranks number 2 in Russia, and is the top seller in natural supermarkets and drug stores across America. Made by Boiron, one of the world’s largest homoeopathic companies based in Lyon, France, Oscillococcinum has the FDA’s official stamp of approval as a regulated drug. In keeping with the homoeopathic principle of like curing like, the main ingredient of Oscillococcinum is an extract made from the reservoirs of the flu viruses, and its claims to shorten the duration of flu and reduce symptoms is well-supported by clinical research. It’s completely safe for adults and children alike and won’t interact with any other prescribed medication you may be taking.
According to stats, the flu is the second leading cause of death in South Africa, after TB. With your health in your hands right now, and the flu on your doorstep, can you really afford not to give Oscillococcinum a chance?
Q & As
Q: Is Oscillococcinum a good alternative to having the flu jab?
A: No. It’s regarded as a therapeutic tool to fight the flu, not a replacement for the flu vaccine. You can safely use it whether you’ve had the vaccine or not, and should take at the first sign of symptoms - fever, body aches, headache and cough. You can also safely use it together with any other medication to treat flu symptoms, eg an analgesic for that headache or cough syrup.
Q: What scientific backing has Oscillococcinum got?
A: Over the years, many double-blind placebo controlled clinical studies have shown that it helps reduce both the duration and severity of flu symptoms. Plus, millions of people around the world swear by its efficacy.
Q: Can it be taken prophylactically?
A: Yes, one dose (one vial) a week can be safely taken throughout the winter season. Consumer studies show that about 30% of current Oscillococcinum users take the medicine as a preventative measure.
Q: The sweet tasting granules indicate the use of sugar. Is this safe for people who have diabetes?
A: Oscillococcinum granules have a lactose base which is a milk sugar and is therefore completely safe for anyone who has diabetes.
Q: How do you pronounce Oscillococcinum?
A: Oh-sill-oh-cox-see-num. Or just say Oscillo for short.
Q: My understanding is that true homoeopathic treatment is individually prescribed, based on things like the cause, where and when pain occurs, what makes it better or worse and whether there are any other symptoms. Yet Oscillococcinum seems to be a one-size-fits-all?
A: Yes, homoeopaths do prescribe individual prescriptions but in homoeopathy there are certain medicines that are considered specific for certain conditions. Oscillococcinum is one of them, working very effectively when it comes to treating flu and flu like symptoms. So it IS a one-size-fits-all medication, especially since it’s quite safe for the whole family- adults and children alike.
Q: Why is homoeopathy often dismissed and criticized?
A: It all boils down to scientific evidence, or more precisely, the lack thereof. Homoeopathy remains controversial because many of its key concepts aren’t consistent with established laws of science (especially chemistry and physics). But the fact is that patients do get better from homoeopathic medicine and this in itself should be evidence enough. Yet this is often regarded as purely observational or anecdotal and is not concrete enough for many of its critics. Oscillococcinum, however, is scientifically backed and its millions of users speak for themselves.
Q: Is it OK to go it alone when it comes to the flu?
A: The reason that flu is considered potentially dangerous is that it leaves your body vulnerable to other infections like bronchitis and pneumonia. Generally speaking homoeopathic medicine is one of the safest choices for self-treatment as it doesn’t interfere with other medications or “mask” symptoms that may indicate a more serious condition. When it comes to the flu, Oscillococcinum is the perfect choice at the onset of symptoms but if they continue to deteriorate and become more severe it’s important to seek immediate medical attention.
Q: How much progress is being made when it comes to homoeopaths and conventional medical practitioners working towards an integrated health system in South Africa today?
A: Most qualified, trained Homoeopaths respect the vital role of conventional, allopathic medicine in the treatment and prevention of disease and do not offer homoeopathic treatment as a replacement or alternative. In fact when conventional medicine is indicated, Homoeopaths do encourage an integrated approach to health. Likewise more and more allopathic practitioners are seeing the advantage of incorporating complementary therapy into treating their patients eg using reflexology and acupuncture- and a trend is emerging where many practitioners from both branches of medicine now work side by side in integrative medical centres around the country.
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