Prevention and Treatment of  H1NI (Swine) Flu:

 An Integrative Approach - Overview

The Phoenix Institute of Herbal Medicine and Acupuncture (PIHMA) and the American Medical College of Homeopathy (AMCH) have partnered to provide public information for alternative medicine treatment of the H1N1 flu.  Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (AOM) and Homeopathic Medicine (HM) are simple, low-cost modalities offering immediate, effective, and easily accessible treatment for influenza.  Both are tools that work in conjunction with other conventional treatment methods.  Suggestions below are for information only and are not given to replace the need to see a qualified AOM or HM practitioner. Consult your AOM or HM practitioner for dosing and frequency recommendations.

 
 History 

Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine

Homeopathic Medicine

·         AOM has a 4000 year history of treating all forms of chronic and acute illness, including influenza

·         HM has a 200 year history of treating pandemic influenza that is effective, safe, gentle and cost-effective

·         During the 1918 swine flu epidemic, US homeopathic hospitals had a mortality rate of 1% whereas conventional hospitals had a mortality rate of 30-60%1


 Prevention 

Asian Medicine

Homeopathic Medicine

·         AOM can be effective at preventing the flu

·         HM can be effective at preventing the flu

·         Specific herbs that are effective for prevention include:

          -Jade Windscreen Formula

          -Astragallus

·         Specific homeopathic medicines that are effective for prevention include:

          -Genus Epidemicus*

          -Influenzinum

          -Oscillococcinum


 Initial Exposure and Symptoms 

Asian Medicine

Homeopathic Medicine

·         AOM can be effective at preventing progression and complications of the flu

·         HM can be effective at preventing progression and complications of the flu

·         Specific medicines include:

          -Gan Mao Ling

          -Yin Quiao Jie Du San

          -San Ju Yin Wan

          -Zhong Gan Ling

·         Common homeopathic medicines in the initial stages include:

          -Aconite napellus

          -Belladonna

          -Ferrum phosphoricum


 Full Onset of Symptoms 

Asian Medicine

Homeopathic Medicine

·         AOM can be effective at treating and preventing further progression and complications of the flu

·         HM can be effective at treating and preventing further progression and complications of the flu

·         Specific medicines include:

          -Chuan Xin Lian Pian

          -Pu Ju Xiao Du Yin Wan

          -Ban Lan Gen Chong Ji

          Beverage

          -Zhong Gan Ling

·         Common homeopathic medicines that effectively treat the flu include:

     Arnica Montana; Arsenicum album;    

     Bryonia alba; Eupatorium

     perfoliatum; Gelsemium

     sempirvirens; Ipecacuanha;

     Mercurius vivus; Nux vomica

 
Lingering Symptoms That Won’t Resolve 

Asian Medicine

Homeopathic Medicine

·         AOM can resolve lingering symptoms that won’t resolve after the flu

·         HM can resolve lingering symptoms that won’t resolve after the flu

·         Common herbs include:

          -Luo Han Kuo Tea

·         Common homeopathic medicines that help resolve lingering flu symptoms include:

          -Pulsatilla nigrans

          -Sulphur

 
Treatment of Bad Effects of the Influenza Vaccination

Asian Medicine

Homeopathic Medicine

 

·         HM can treat bad effects of flu vaccines that won’t resolve

 

·         Common homeopathic medicines that work for this include:

          -Silica

          -Thuja occidentalis


 Supportive Self Care

1.  Sanitize: Proper hand-washing and air-freshening (essential oils along with circulating fresh air) help to deter viruses.

2.  Stress-reduction: Stress lowers the immune system, so make sure to breathe and relax, meditate, do light and regular exercise, laugh with friends verbalize feelings and let go of unpleasant or worrisome issues. Stay in bed for at least an extra day after symptoms clear.

3.  Sugar-avoidance: Sugar weakens the immune system, so avoid soft drinks, ice cream and desserts.

4.  Strengthen the immune system: Take preventative herbs and homeopathic medicines to strengthen the immune system.  Get plenty of rest. Push fluids, drinking herbal teas, water and brothy soups.  Vitamin C, Echinacea, Ginger, Iomatium, Elderberry and Vitamin C all can help to strengthen the immune system.

5.  State of mind: Try to avoid the “epidemic” mindset of fear.  Remember many people are able to avoid the flu.  Avoid feeling overwhelmed, and instead stay positive, strong and visualize being healthy. 

 For More Information 

Phoenix Institute of Herbal Medicine and Acupuncture Clinic

301 E. Bethany Home Rd., Suite A-100

Phoenix, AZ 85012

602-274-1878; jclare@pihma.edu

American Medical College of Homeopathy Medical Center

1951 W. Camelback, Suite 300

Phoenix, Arizona 85015

602-347-7950; clinic@AMCofH.org

 

References

 

* The Genus Epidemicus is the homeopathic medicine that best treats a given outbreak of  epidemic disease.  This is in the process of being determined for the H1N1 influenza.