Homeopathy

INFLUENZA

Tamar Henryby
•
INFLUENZA

For any parent who has experienced this firsthand (and I am certainly one of them), observing your child contend with the flu and its accompanying symptoms can be profoundly distressing and anxiety-provoking.

Childhood flu (influenza) is an acute viral infection that typically comes on suddenly and intensely, compared to the common cold that usually develops more gradually with milder symptoms. Children with flu often experience a high fever, chills, muscle aches, and extreme tiredness, while colds are more often limited to a runny nose, sneezing, and mild cough. Flu can cause significant body-wide symptoms, leaving a child drained of energy, sometimes even too weak to play, eat or even drink properly. Headaches and eye pain are also common with flu, and may bring gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea (not typical of a cold).

Notably, flu has a higher risk of complications like ear or chest infections, or worsening of existing health conditions, especially in young children or those with weaker immune systems. While the common cold and flu are both caused by viruses and spread in similar ways, flu viruses change frequently, making annual flu seasons more concerning, and indeed challenging. Recognising the difference helps parents respond appropriately, offering comfort and supportive care for colds, while staying vigilant with flu symptoms that may need extra attention.

Homeopathy offers a gentle and supportive approach for children with flu by focusing on each child’s unique symptom picture. Remedies are chosen according to how the illness begins, the intensity of symptoms, and the child’s individual responses—such as whether they are restless or weak, if appetite or thirst is affected, and what factors make them feel better or worse. When well-matched, the indicated remedies can support the body’s natural recovery process, helping to ease discomfort and promote a quicker return to well-being.

TOP HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES

ACONITE – For Sudden + Intense Onset of Symptoms

  • First remedy to think of for:
  • Sudden and intense onset of symtoms
  • Often after exposure to cold winds
  • Sudden and intense onset of high fever
  • Dry mouth, intense thirst, or chills with heat
  • Accompanied with anxiety and/or fears and/or great restlessness

BELLADONNA – High Fever, Heat + Throbbing

  • Sudden, onset of high fever
  • Bright red face, flushed skin, heat, may have dilated pupils
  • Throbbing headache is characteristic, with sensitivity to light or noise
  • Dry mouth, dry throat, thirsty
  • Child may be restless, irritable, or agitated
  • May cry out, be sensitive to touch, or dislike being disturbed

BRYONIA – Dry, Painful Symptoms – Worse Motion

  • Dry, painful symptoms – dry mouth, dry throat, and dry cough
  • Will hold body/chest when coughing because it hurts
  • Body aches, especially in joints and muscles, worse with any motion
  • Headache worsened by any movement; child will want to lay still
  • Thirsty for large quantities of fluids
  • Prefers quite, rest, will be disturbed and/or uncomfortable by movement

EUPATORIUM PERFOLIATUM – With Intense Body + Bone Aches

  • Intense body and bone aches, often described as “every bone feels sore”
  • High fever, often accompanied with chills and shivering
  • Severe muscle and joint pain, especially in the back, limbs, and spine
  • May have nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite
  • Child may appear irritable, restless, or whiny due to discomfort
  • Often wants to be held or comforted because of severe aches

GELSEMIUM – Noticeable Weakness + Fatigue

  • For gradual onset of symptoms rather than sudden
  • Prominent weakness, heaviness, and/or fatigue
  • Chills alternating with fever, sometimes with shivering and muscle aches
  • Headache with heaviness, often in the back of the head or eyes, eyelids droopy
  • Low or no appetite, thirstless or low desire for fluids
  • Quite, withdrawn, apathetic or unwilling to play, wanted to rest

NUX VOMICA – With Great Irritability + Digestive Disturbances

  • Digestive disturbances – stomach discomfort, constipation, nausea or vomiting nausea
  • Moderate to high fever, with violent chills
  • Irritability and sensitivity, especially to noise or disturbances
  • Congestion, runny nose, or sneezing, often worse in the morning
  • Symptoms worse in overindulgence (from food, sweets)
  • Better with warmth and gentle rest

WORKING WITH A HOMEOPATH

  • Ensures you receive a individualised remedy that matches your child’s presenting symptoms. Guides you in choosing the right potency/dosage. Offers you on-going support.
  • Monitors progress, adjusting remedies and or potency/dosage if needed. For complex or chronic conditions, a homeopath’s expertise helps uncover potentially more deep-rooted causes
  • Personally, where appropriate and/or needed I offer nutrition, supplementation and lifestyle recommendations to compliment the homeopathic approach.

SUPPORTING THE IMMUNE SYSTEM 

  • Turmeric paste, a combination of honey, turmeric and black pepper, great at reducing inflammation, and supporting the overall immune system. Safe for children over 12 months.
  • Vitamin C is crucial for immune health, helping reduce the severity of colds and flus. It also supports the production of white blood cells to fight infections. Choose citrus fruits, peppers, tomatoes etc.
  • Hydration is vital for immune function. It helps to flush out harmful toxins from the body, and for loosening mucus to help clear congested airways.

HELPFUL THERAPIES

  • A simple 2 step nasal cleanse (which I swear by) supports respiratory health by easing congestion, reducing inflammation, and helping relieve cold symptoms more quickly.
  • Steam inhalation is my personal favourite tool to help clear my boys congestion. Add a few drops of lavender essential oil to the water. Do take care with younger children.
  • A soothing homemade chest/back rub can help ease a cough, loosen mucus, and promote relaxation, especially at night. Mix coconut oil with just a drop of eucalyptus or lavender oil.