Gelsemium: Prepared from Gelsemium sempervirens, the yellow jasmine, native to central America and the southern US is probably the most frequently indicated homeopathic medicine for flu. The prescribing characteristics are overwhelming fatigue, weakness of whole body, and subjective tremor, often accompanied by a dull, heavy headache, achy eyes, and dizziness. There may be watery nasal discharge.

Bryonia: Made from the wild hop, Bryonia alba, this is probably the second most frequently indicated medicine in flu. The most prominent symptoms are dry, painful, hacking cough and splitting headache. There may also be painful joints. Typically the patient has a dry mouth and is very thirsty.

Eupatorium perfoliatum: Its common name, “Boneset” suggests its homeopathic use: Eupatorium is indicated in flu when there is severe aching in the back and limbs; there may also be a cough with aching in the chest wall and hoarseness.

Rhus toxicodendron: Made from poison ivy. Patients who respond to this homeopathic medicine are very restless, with widespread musculoskeletal pain. They may be febrile and confused. Like Bryonia they are thirsty, typically for cold milk, but in contrast to Bryonia patients their pain is temporarily relieved by movement. They may have an itchy rash, resembling poison ivy.

Arsenicum album: One the unusual features of this pandemic strain is the high incidence of gastrointestinal upsets, particularly diarrhea. Arsenicum album is a deadly poison, but safe in its homeopathic form. It is indicated for diarrhea, sometimes with burning rectal pain, nausea triggered by the smell of food. The patient typically feels cold and anxious.

Belladonna: Made from deadly nightshade, is indicated when the patient, often a child, has a fever with a flushed face but little perspiration. There may be a sore throat or acute otitis media

References

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Source: alive Web Exclusive, November 2009