Homeopathy and OscillococcinumHomeopathy and Oscillococcinum Perhaps you've heard about an over the counter homeopathic medicine called Oscillococcinum which is advertised as a remedy for the prevention of the flu and to help reduce the misery associated with the flu. Before we talk about its usefulness, let's talk a bit about homeopathy. Homeopathy The terms holistic and homeopathy are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same thing. Homeopathy is the practice of homeopathic medicine. The history of homeopathy is very interesting. Homeopathic medicines are allowed to be sold in the United States because of legislation that was passed way back in 1938 which was sponsored by a homeopathic physician, who happened to also be a Senator. The law required, and still does that the Food and Drug Adninistration (FDA) allow homeopathic medicines listed in the Homeopathic Pharmacopeia of the US. The really interesting part of this is that they are not held to the same safety and effectiveness standards as conventional medicines. HomeopathySo what are these homeopathic medicines anyway? Good question! Homeopathy is created based on the following principles: Like cures like
Homeopathy and Oscillococcinum Oscillococcinum, which is manufactured by Boiron is just one brand name homeopathic medicine to help reduce the symptoms of the flu, and there are others manufactured by other companies. Oscillococcinum is a homeopathic dilution of duck liver and heart extract. Really. Does it work to keep the you flu-free? There is some antedoctal evidence out there, and plenty of advertisements. Unfortunately, there isn't a lot of reliable evidence that taking oscillococcinum can keep you flu-free this season. Can it help relieve the symptoms IF you get the flu? There is a little early evidence that oscillococcinum might reduce the duration of symptoms by a little more than 1/2 of a day (6 hours). This little decrease in duration may not really matter to you, and the scientific types will say that it might not be clinically significant. To make the matters worse, the study has some flaws in the way it was carried out. So, it doesn't seem like the homeopathic remedy tests out to be effective. Some people say that it does help, though. What can you do to help prevent the flu? Practice good hand-washing. This simple act can work wonders! Try to avoid people who are sick and coughing. If you are sick and coughing, go home and take good care of yourself. It won't do your place of employment any good in the long run if you spread germs to others. The flu is carried in tiny droplets when you cough. Another way to help prevent you from getting the flu is to get your flu shot. Getting your flu shot is very important.
Homeopathy might be helpful, but how much do you REALLY know about the flu? Disclaimer: Material provided on Naturally-Holistic.net website is provided for educational purposes only. It is not intended to treat, diagnose, cure, or prevent any disease. Always take the advice of your health care provider before undertaking any diet, exercise, or other health program. We will not be liable for any complications, or other medical accidents arising from the use of any information on this website.
|
