By: Dr. Chantell Groenewald (M. Tech Hom UJ)

The common cold is a viral infection of the nose and throat. There are many different viral infections that can cause the common cold, but the infection is generally harmless and self-limiting.

Symptoms include:
 Sore throat
 Nasal congestion
 Sneezing
 Low grade fever
 Cough
 Malaise

Influenza, commonly referred to as the flu, is a viral infection that targets your respiratory system including your nose, throat and lungs. There are two types of influenza viruses, influenza A and influenza B, that are mainly responsible for the seasonal flu epidemics each year. The virus is spread from person to person through sputum droplets spray when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks.

Symptoms include:
 Fever
 Chills
 Body aches and pains
 Cough
 Runny or congested nose
 Sore throat
 Headache
 Diarrhoea
 Vomiting

Anyone can get influenza and develop mild to severe symptoms. Individuals with a
compromised immune system, pregnant women, the elderly and young children are most at risk for developing flu-related complications.

A healthy immune system plays an important role in cold and flu prevention as well as a fast recovery:
1. Get enough sleep: 7-8 hours of good quality sleep each night is important for
maintaining healthy levels of cortisol. Chronic low-levels of cortisol supresses the
immune system and can contribute to developing recurrent colds and flu with poor
recovery time.
2. Vitamin SUN: Vitamin D is expressed on our immune cells and play an important role
in maintaining a healthy immune system. Some studies suggest that most of our
population is in fact deficient in Vitamin D. The sun is the best source of Vitamin D,
so catch up on some winter sun during the flu season. If a blood test reveals that you
are deficient in Vitamin D, then you need to talk to your health care practitioner who
can prescribe a suitable supplement.
3. Eat 5-7 servings of vegetables each day: A healthy diet is key to a healthy immune
system. Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables each day promotes healthy
biological pathways which helps protect us from disease.
4. Maintain a healthy gut: 70% of our immune system resides in our gut. Gut
permeability contributes to low level inflammation and supresses our immune
system. Avoid foods that can cause inflammation such as sugar, processed foods,
additives and preservatives. Include foods rich in pre and probiotics like kefir or
kombucha with gut healing bacteria.
5. Stress management: Chronically elevated levels of cortisol contributes to chronic
inflammation. Chronic inflammation is associated with chronic disease which can put
you at risk for developing recurrent colds and flu or serious flu related complications.
Homeopathy is a safe and gentle system of cure that uses various substances from the
plant, mineral and animal kingdom to treat various health conditions. The substances used can cause the symptoms the remedy is indicated for when used in its crude form and treat the same symptom picture when used in a diluted form (likes cures likes). This means that each person will receive a unique remedy suited to their specific set of symptoms.

Homeopathic remedies undergo a process of serial dilution and succession making it 100% safe to use for anyone, including babies and pregnant women.
Homeopathic remedies useful in the treatment of colds and flu with their characteristic symptom pictures:
 Aconite Napellus 200: Aconite is used in the first 24 – 48 hours of developing a fever.
This remedy is our first line of defence when a disease develops suddenly with a
rapid onset of symptoms. Fever usually starts suddenly at 9pm at night after
exposure to cold. Symptoms are usually accompanied by physical restlessness and
anxiety. Heavy head and pulsating headache. Eyes feel hot and dry. Nose stopped up
with watery discharge. Hoarse, dry, croupy cough. Heart palpitations (heart beating
fast) during fever with a thirst and restlessness. High fevers with no perspiration.
 Euphrasia 200: This remedy is characterized by hot burning tears with profuse
watery bland nasal discharge. Red, burning eyes with hot, burning tears that streak
the face and made worse by exposure to open air. Plenty of bland (not burning)
watery nasal discharge. Nasal irritation that causes sneezing. Hoarseness with a
cough caused by a tickle in the throat.
 Gelsemium Sempervirens 200: Aching, tiredness, heaviness, weakness and soreness
of the body. Apathy and dullness, does not wish to speak or have anyone near them.
Head feels dull and heavy and headache is usually accompanied by dim or double
vision (headache affects vision). Profuse shaking during fever, patient is chilly and
aching all over without a thirst. Cold chills may alternate with waves of heat.
 Baptisia Tinctora 200: Extreme fatigue (feeling excessively tired) with soreness,
aching and heaviness of the muscles. Patients is confused as if drunk. Face looks dark
red and the breath smells very bad. Feels as though he can only swallow liquids with
great difficulty in swallowing solids, the throat feels as if it is closed. Chest feels
heavy and makes breathing difficult. Low grade fevers (mild fevers).
 Arsinicum Album 200: The patient feels very tired after doing very little with sudden great weakness and exhaustion. Complaints are accompanies by a sensation of great heat and burning as well as marked restlessness.

Great fear of death and anxiety about his/her health. Burning in the eyes with hot acrid tears. Nose feels blocked with plenty of hot, burning nasal discharge and sneezing without relief.
No appetite and patient does not even want to see or smell food, but they are thirsty for small sips of water often. Diarrhoea is burning and has a cadaverous smell. Shortness of breath with burning in the chest and the sensation there is a weight pressing on the chest. High fevers with cold skin but burning heat inside (Ice cold outside while very hot on the inside) and the patient wants to be covered and feels better for hot applications and external heat.

Homeopathy is a unique system of medicine aimed to treat each person as an individual.
Each remedy is carefully selected based on each individuals specific and unique symptom picture. For this reason, a qualified homeopathic practitioner will spend a fair amount of
time listening to each complaint and asking specific questions to find the correct remedy for
you (simillimum remedy).
For more information or to book a consultation, please contact The Naturopathic Health Care Center on 012 460 9216 or [email protected]

*Disclaimer:
This article in no way serves to diagnose or to treat anyone suffering from a cold or influenza. If you suspect you are
suffering from a cold or flu, then you should consult with your primary health care physician. The opinions and suggestions
in this article are those of Dr. Chantell Groenewald based on her years and experience as a qualified Homeopath and
primary health care physician and should in no way serve to treat anyone or replace a physical consultation with a qualified
health care practitioner.

References:

1. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/keyfacts.htm
2. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/viruses/index.htm
3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10543583/
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5409678/
5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22280901/
6. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/common-cold/symptoms-causes/syc-
20351605

By: Dr. Chantell Groenewald (M. Tech Hom UJ)

Influenza, commonly referred to as the flu, is a viral infection that targets your respiratory system including your nose, throat and lungs. There are two types of influenza viruses, influenza A and influenza B, that are mainly responsible for the seasonal flu epidemics each year.
The virus is spread from person to person through sputum droplets spray when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks.

Symptoms include:
 Fever
 Chills
 Body aches and pains
 Cough
 Runny or congested nose
 Sore throat
 Headache
 Diarrhoea
 Vomiting
Anyone can get influenza and develop mild to severe symptoms. Individuals with a compromised immune system, pregnant women, the elderly and young children are most at risk for developing flu-related complications.

A healthy immune system plays an important role in flu prevention and a fast recovery should you contract the virus.
1. Get enough sleep: 7-8 hours of good quality sleep each night is important for maintaining healthy levels of cortisol. Chronic low-levels of cortisol supresses the immune system and can contribute to developing recurrent colds and flu with poor recovery time.
2. Vitamin SUN: Vitamin D is expressed on our immune cells and play an important role in maintaining a healthy immune system. Some studies suggest that most of our population is in fact deficient in Vitamin D. The sun is the best source of Vitamin D, so catch up on some winter sun during the flu season. If a blood test reveals that you are deficient in Vitamin D, then you need to talk to your health care practitioner who can prescribe a suitable supplement.
3. Eat 5-7 servings of vegetables each day: A healthy diet is key to a healthy immune system. Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables each day promotes healthy biological pathways which helps protect us from disease.
4. Maintain a healthy gut: 70% of our immune system resides in our gut. Gut permeability contributes to low level inflammation and supresses our immune system. Avoid foods that can cause inflammation such as sugar, processed foods, additives and preservatives. Include foods rich in pre and probiotics like kefir or kombucha with gut healing bacteria.
5. Stress management: Chronically elevated levels of cortisol contributes to chronic
inflammation. Chronic inflammation is associated with chronic disease which can put you at risk for developing flu and serious flu related complications.

Natural anti-viral supplements:
1. Vitamin C: Studies suggest that therapeutic doses of Vitamin C assists in alleviating and reducing symptoms of colds and flu.
2. Echinacea root: This herb has immune enhancing and immune modulating activities which can assist in the treatment of acute infections such as cold and flu. It also has anti-inflammatory effects which can alleviate upper and lower respiratory symptoms associated with bronchial inflammation.
3. Sambucus Nigra (Elder Berry): The key indications for this herb is in the treatment of influenza, the common cold and other acute viral infections.
4. Vitamin ACE, Zinc and selenium: Vitamin A, C, E as well as Zinc and selenium plays an important role in a healthy functioning immune system. Talk to your pharmacist or health care provider about an immune boosting multi-vitamin to support your immune system during flu season.
5. Garlic (Allium Sativum): Research studies conducted on aged garlic for the treatment of acute colds and flu found that garlic had positive immune boosting effects and reduced the severity of cold and flu symptoms.

Homeopathy is another safe and effective modality for the treatment of influenza and will be the topic of my next article. Homeopathic remedies for the safe and effective treatment of influenza.

For more information please contact The Naturopathic Health Care Center on 012 460 9216 or
[email protected]

*Disclaimer:
This article in no way serves to diagnose or to treat anyone suffering from influenza. If you suspect you are suffering from influenza, then you should consult with your primary health care physician. Before using a new herb or supplementation,
you should consult with a qualified health care practitioner. The opinions and suggestions in this article are those of Dr. Chantell Groenewald based on her years and experience as a qualified Homeopath and should in no way serve to replace a
physical consultation with a qualified health care practitioner.

References:
1. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/keyfacts.htm
2. https://draxe.com/health/flu-natural-remedies/
3. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/viruses/index.htm
4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10543583/
5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5409678/
6. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22280901/

With winter now finally at our doorsteps and colds and flu imminent, we should take inventory of what medicines we have in our first aid kits when those first symptoms appear.

Herbal medicines has the powerful action of a normal over the counter pharmaceutical drug but without the chemical ingredients. It is also therefore important to be mindful that some of our herbals do have special precautions and counter indications. When you purchase a herbal product, study the insert for safety indications or chat to our registered nurse when you come in to buy it from our health store. If you are still unsure, contact your homeopath for more clarity.

Herbal are also complex in their action and because they are in a “foodstate”, they are accepted more readily by the body and their actions are multiple. 

Here is a list of the top three herbals that you can keep at home. Start to use these as soon as symptoms start appearing.

1.    ECHINACEA 
Echinacea is always the first herbal to take in the event of a cold or a flu. There are two species, angustifolia, which is the stronger, and purpura being the weaker alternative.

Echinacea is well documented to raise the immunity, having anti- viral and anti- bacterial actions, as well as being anti- inflammatory. Studies have proven Echinacea safe for use during pregnancy and lactation.

The dosage for an adult is 100 drops per day in divided doses. Hourly dosage seems to be most effective in acute illness. The use of Echinacea in babies in children has been documented as safe from 5kgs.  Dosage would be 15 – 50 drops per day in divided dosage with increase in weight in the child.

Just keep in mind that the preparations are often in an alcohol base and it might be advisable to add some boiling water to the drops and give the cooled down mix.

2.    OLIVE LEAF EXTRACT
Olive leaf extract boosts immunity as well as destroying bacteria like E Coli as well as Candida species.  The active ingredient also interferes with the production of viruses and enters the cell to block replication.

Unlike antibiotics that causes antibiotic resistance, olive leaf is safe and effective for long term use. The leaf also has an antioxidant effect, documented to be stronger than Vitamin C and E.  

This herb may be used during pregnancy and lactation, dosage for adults being 75 drops daily in divided dosages. Hourly administering is advisable. Olive leaf can be used in babies from 5kgs, a dosage of 15 drops per day in divided dosages.

3.    PELARGONIUM SIDOIDES
Pelargonium can reduce the duration of the common cold and treat symptoms like fever, fatigue, cough, bronchitis, mucous in chest and postnasal drip.

It has anti-effective properties fighting viruses and bacteria as well as stimulating the immune system. Pelargonium is specific for the treatment of acute bronchitis by increasing the body’s natural healing rate and treating the symptoms.

The most well- known product containing Pelargonium is PENTAGEN from Natura. Dosage for an adult is 100 drops daily in divided dosages, 60 drops for children between 6 and 12 and 30 drops for children under 6 years of age. Safety during pregnancy and lactation is not known and should therefore be only taken short term. 

All of these products are stocked in our in-practice health store, so you are welcome to come in anytime during office hours to purchase or just chat to us about these products.  

Why?

Because of the changing of the season!  That is why now is a good time to visit the Naturopathic Health Care Centre. We have a flu corner here providing in all your needs.

Look what is to be found in this basket:

1. Natura Influenzinum 2013-2014 (now available)

Influenzinum is an oral, homeopathically prepared flu shot alternative and a natural treatment option.  It is updated every year and made in accordance with the Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia. It is diluted and potentised in the lab and rendered entirely safe and non-toxic. Influenzinum has been used for decades around the world and is praised for its effectiveness without the risks of vaccine side-effects.

2. Natura Pentagen

Pentagen contains a uniquely prepared herbal extract that is made from the roots of Pelargonium sidoides. Scientific research has proven that this South African medicinal plant has remarkable antibacterial properties and that it assists in regulating the immune system.

Clinical studies have also shown that it shortens the duration and reduces the severity of colds and other upper respiratory tract infections. Pentagen also contains key homoeopathic ingredients like Hydrastis canadensis and Kalium bichromium that have traditionally been used to relieve the unpleasant symptoms associated with colds.

For best results, take Pentagen at the first signs of a cold. It should be taken for at least 5 days, and it is recommended that it be taken for 2- 3 days after symptoms have abated to prevent recurrence.

3. Natura Gripless C is a favourite because it tastes nice, it has a soothing effect on the throat and the Ascorbic acid (Vit. C) helps to prevent the spread of infection.  

Gripless C acts to prevent acute conditions from progressing and has an anti-inflammatory action that assists in relief of fever and body pain associated with influenza.  It is prescribes for  rattling bronchial mucus with difficult expectoration, burning sensation in the lungs, perspiration and fatigue.  It contains Atropa belladonna that has an anti-inflammatory action on mucous membranes to relieve symptoms of colds and influenza and Bryonia alba acts on mucous membranes to relieve dryness and tough mucus and to treat hoarseness, cough and body pain

4.  Dr. Reckeweg BIO 88 for  viral infections and  87  for bacterial infections

Dr Reckeweg & Co  is an old team player in the field of homoeopathy in South Africa.  We keep their Tegor range for bacterial & Viral infections in our flu basket .

5. Homoeopathic Injectables

There are a wide range of homoeopathic injectables available, from immune boosting to full blown flu-treatment as well as all the other pesters like sinusitis, bronchitis, otitis, asthma, etc.

6. Vit B Comp and B12 injections 

Vitamin B complex injections is prescribed by many doctors and used by many individuals for an immediate boost in energy. These injections are most useful for fatigue caused by nerve damage, diabetes, sciatica, tinnitus, influenza, effects of stress, chronic disease, B12 deficiency and a number of other conditions.

7. Vitamin supplements

What is a flu basket without the basic vitamins and minerals? There are a lot to say for Vitamin C and many other supplements but for this article I want to draw your attention to our STAR product: BRAINCHILD.

BrainChild Multi-vitamin and minerals are vital for all stages of physical and mental development and can assist in preventing health problems. BrainChild chewable multivitamin & mineral tablets for children is a tasty, raspberry flavored, chewable supplement that provides the nutrients your child needs for growing up strong and healthy.  It contains Vit A & C, antioxidants that help protect your body from free radical damage and contribute to normal functioning of the immune system. Zinc supports the immune system to help fight infections.

BrainChild Fish Oil burstlets contains omega 3, derived from coldwater fish (like mackerel, tuna, salmon and sardines), flax seeds, canola oils and soybeans. 

BrainChild Combo Pack is availbale at the Naturopathic Health Care Centre

I wish you a happy healthy autumn and I am looking forward to welcome you at the Centre.

Cozy Regards

Sister Alida