Each year homeopaths, gather the necessary information to treat the human condition of influenza by sorting out what is called the genus epidemicus. This is done by gathering the symptoms of ten or more patients suffering from the same strain of influenza and then identifying the most commonly seen symptoms that year. Homeopaths then study the collective cases and develop a series remedies specific to the given strain of influenza. The genus epidemicus can also be used as a preventative or prophylaxis for those not infected that are tending to or surrounded by those that have succumbed to the present acute epidemic of flu.

Krista Connolly, RSHom, CCH, a homeopathy and Bowen specialist in Dedham, shares several remedies that have proven to be the genus epidemicus for this flu year 2018-19.

Gelsemium - “This was the most common remedy needed during the 1918 Spanish Flu and is what most homeopaths look to first. There are chills notably up and down the spine. The eyelids are heavy and drooping as if they cannot keep their eyes open. Great languor with a terrible headache. As with most flus there is fever.”

Phosphoric Acid - “This year if gelsemium does not work, phosphoric acid is a close runner-up for those with similar symptoms. The common idea in this remedy is debility, mental and physical. This can come on through the loss of fluids through diarrhea and vomiting and the patient is much worse for exertion. The mental attitude is indifferent with a settled despair.”

Arum Triphyllum - “Acridity is a key note of this remedy as nasal discharges are acidic causing rawness and even sores under the nose. The nose is completely stopped up and the throat is very sore. There can be quivering of the upper eyelids; especially the left. This remedy is worse lying down.”

These are just three remedies that have been useful this flu season. A note to anyone that has had the flu or knows of others that have the flu: One of the most overlooked symptoms for flu is a feeling of depression, not just during the flu itself, but weeks following. You are not losing your mind, you are just recovering, and it will pass.

For more information about Krista Connolly, RSHom, CCH, and her work, call 608-362-4940, email [email protected] or visit KristaConnolly.com.