Homeopathy and the immune system

Words SARAH KOTTMANN

Winter is well and truly here. This is the best time of year for bacteria and viruses to thrive as they usually die in the heat, which is why our bodies produce a fever to try and remove the bacteria or illness from our system.

Homeopathy is unique in its healing mechanism as it supports the body by triggering self-healing, which means long-term use of homeopathy builds the body’s immunity and vital force (or ‘Chi’). By building the vitality and reliance of the body, it can more vigorously fight against colds and flu. One study published in the European Journal of Pharmacology showed that homeopathic medicine, Silicea, stimulated macrophages (macrophages are a part of the body’s immune system that engulf bacteria and foreign substances). Homeopathic preparations do not just boost the body’s immune system, they also calm it when this is necessary for the individual to heal. For example, those who have autoimmune ailments suffer from the body immune system being overactive.

A homeopathic remedy selection is based on the principle of ‘like cures like’. This means that a remedy is selected according to the symptoms and picture state that the person presents. Each of our preparations has a different picture state, and we match that to the individual picture state. When someone comes in showing symptoms of what might be a cold, each person will present this differently. One person may have a runny nose while another will have congestion, so both will get different preparations.

Here are the symptom picture states of three common remedies:

Aconite: The first stage of symptoms, such as a dry cough, slight fever, earache, runny nose. There is a sudden onset after being outside in the cold.

Anas Barb: Specially used for immune support during flu season. It is taken fortnightly or monthly, but can also be used for the onset of flu-like symptoms such as weakness of muscles, headache and fever/chills.

Pulsatilla: Sticky eyelids, yellow, green mucus associated with colds. Clingy, weepy moods and desiring company; better for fresh air and being outside. This is a great one for little kids as they usefully present this way.

You should also be aware of your gut health as this houses 80% of our immune system. What we eat is also extremely important, as this fuels our gut health and the health of our whole body. Specific vitamins and minerals keep our immune system in optimal form.

www.northlakeshomeopathy.com.au