The fall is here, and the weather is getting colder each day. It is still light in the early evening but days are getting shorter. Shorter days, less sun, and colder temperatures affect us. We knew that the fall was close, and the winter was coming but no matter how prepared we were, the drop in temperature is still very sudden. Many people develop cold and flu symptoms in the fall.

Flu, colds, sore throats and coughs are all so familiar to us in the fall and winter. How can we prepare ourselves for seasonal changes?

Our health comes from inside, and the level of health before the flu season affects our chances of getting a flu. Our chances can be improved by a good lifestyle, good food and good friends. Eating healthy, being active, having friends and family to care for and get support from, are all important to our well being, and reduce our susceptibility to colds and flu.

Worried about getting a flu? Talk with your homeopath about flu protocol.

If you already got a cold or flu, there is always a specific homeopathic remedy to help with any cold weather ailment, review some remedy suggestions below.

Natural approaches for flu and cold prevention

– Eating healthy

Food is important for our well being. Limit processed foods and sweets as much as possible, try to eat home cooked meals every day. Fresh fruits and vegetables are a great source of vitamin C and other nutrients that we need to stay healthy.

– Being active

Movement is life, you do not have to lift weights or run marathons to be active. Walking, stretching, yoga, Tai Chi are all great gentle exercises.  Exercise improves your blood and lymph flows, improves your mood and helps you to stay healthy and in shape.

– Lifestyle

Getting enough sleep and balancing your work, stress and rest is important. Being always overworked and tired predisposes you to getting a cold or flu.

— Talk with your friends and family

Being happy is a great remedy – people who have good relationships with friends and family get sick less often and recover faster. Keep in touch with your friends, colleagues, family, offer to help, ask for help if you need it, or just talk about what is going on in your life. The most joy we often experience is from communicating with our friends and loved ones.

Homeopathic remedies for flu or cold

We all have good days and tough days. Sometimes we catch a red eye flight, or study and work long hours, or stay in unending traffic, or get bad news. Stresses happen to us and sometimes in spite of our best efforts, we get sick.

Here are some excellent homeopathic remedies that will help to address colds or flu.

Oscillococcinum 

First sign of flu or cold. Take the remedy right away and you might be able to avoid the cold or flu altogether.

Belladonna

Sudden onset of flu with high fever, sore, dry throat, red cheeks and restlessness. Hot head and body, cold extremities. Throbbing headache. Hypersensitivity to light.

Gelsemium

Slow onset flu, with dizziness, dullness, weakness, chills, and low grade fever. Extreme muscle weakness, trembling and body ache all over. Dull pain on the back of the head, no thirst.

Eupatorium perfoliatum

Flu with severe pains in muscles or bones. Feels like bones are broken or bruised. Thirst for cold drinks.

For acute conditions (short lived, just happened) a good potency to use is 30C.  If you have tried 3-6 doses of a homeopathic remedy and you do not see expected results, call your homeopathic practitioner for a more specific remedy suggestions.

Flu protocol

Every year Pasteur institute comes up with 2-3 viruses that will be prevalent in the upcoming season. A homeopathic remedy is created to reflect that information and can be used preventatively as a flu protocol.  The remedy will be available at the end of October. Talk with your homeopath if you would like to consider the flu protocol.

Stay healthy in the upcoming cold weather!