Well, they’re at it again! And early this year! News outlets all over are screaming from the rooftops:
“FLU WARNING! This year will be much worse than others!”
Yeah, right. I’m pretty sure they say that every year. In fact, wasn’t last year supposed to be the “winter of death”?
I’m not worried! Homeopathy is standing by, ready for any eventuality or severity of flu. In fact, I provide a free flu chart to help you determine whether you’re dealing with the flu or something else.
That free chart also walks you through various remedy choices to consider for use after you determine if you’re battling the flu, cold or an allergy. Plus, a few years ago, I discussed a variety of medicines for viruses and flu in my blog post, Ferocious Flu Fears.
However, I’ve recently been receiving questions about methods for increasing immunity in advance of flu season, also known as homeoprophylaxis (using homeopathy as a prophylactic). So, today, let’s discuss that a bit.
There are several homeopathic medicines that you may see recommended for flu homeoprophylaxis, depending on the homeopath. But in recent years, I have found success with the method my good friend Joe De Livera, otherwise known as Joepathy, espouses.
The “Joepathy” prophylactic for flu is Eupatorium perfoliatum 200, one dose daily. However, his technique slightly differs from our usual method of popping a few pillules in the mouth.
Joe De Livera, a homeopath for decades and now at the age of 92, recommends placing one dose of Eupatorium 200 in about two cups of water. I use a 16-ounce water bottle with a wee bit of water emptied out to create space. Then, I drop in one dose of the Eupatorium 200 and shake the bottle ten times before sipping one teaspoon each day.
The next question I’m usually asked is, “So, do we keep utilizing this Eupatorium prophylactic throughout the entire flu season?”
In general, I say no but that doesn't mean it's the only way to approach this. Let me start with this: As always, homeopathy is a medicine, not a supplement or a vitamin. It is to be employed prudently — when needed.
In homeopathy, more is not necessarily better. The right number of days and the right number of doses is “just right.” (You can learn how to make these determinations through my Gateway to Homeopathy Study Group Curriculum.)
So, out of respect for the power of our medicines, I would not begin a regimen of Eupatorium right now just because I saw a flu warning in the general media. Taking a prophylactic in September to avoid a potential flu virus in November would be overkill.
I might possibly begin if the flu presented in my area … in earnest. But most likely, I would not start until it became a true personal concern. For instance, if one of my family members came down with the flu and it was a pretty bad case, I would certainly consider beginning Eupatorium homeoprophylaxis for my family.
In other words, I would wait until there was a real reason to begin the medicine. I would not use it just to be proactive.
In fact, in my opinion, “proactive” is not necessarily a good word when it comes to healthcare. It leads people to believe that they need to run to the doctor, the dentist or the urgent care for every this, that, or the other thing. It encourages folks to indulge in test after test after test.
I disagree.
It is my belief that X-rays, mammograms, colonoscopies, etc., are useful as diagnostics when there are symptoms present. Not “just because.” One could go crazy trying to be proactive with conventional medicine! I’ve observed the fallout from this time and again.
But the same thing can happen with overusing homeopathy! We don’t need to be taking our medicines willy-nilly!
As Dr. Prasanta Banerji often said to his patients, “Take your illness in stride. Don't point it out to yourself. Let it roll off your back. Otherwise, we will carry the burdens of the world.”
So, assume that you’re going to be just fine. You probably will be! But if the flu arises — or any other condition, for that matter — you are well-armed to avert or combat it with homeopathy.
Pass on the good news!
Warmly,
P.S. If you are interested in learning more about Eupatorium and the most commonly used homeopathic medicines, let me suggest A Materia Medica: Practical Homeopathy® for Busy Families. It is precisely what you’re looking for. I wrote this in everyday language with the beginner in mind. But I’ve been pleased to hear that even old hands with homeopathy appreciate it, too!
P.P.S. In light of Queen Elizabeth II’s recent passing, I’m reminded how much the royal family has always depended on and advocated for homeopathy. If you haven’t read my blog post, Royal Pains, you might enjoy learning what a remarkable history there is between the royals and our precious medicines. Join me in the hope that amid his new responsibilities, King Charles III will continue his active patronage of The Faculty of Homeopathy.
I am a homeopath with a worldwide practice working with families and individuals via Zoom. I'm also a teacher and most importantly, a mom who raised my now-adult children depending on homeopathy over the last 31 years. I lived decades of my life with food intolerances, allergies, and chemical sensitivities until I was cured with homeopathy, so I understand pain, anxiety, and suffering. You may feel that your issues are more severe or different than anyone else’s, but I have seen it all in my practice and in my work in India. My opinion is that nothing has come close to the reproducible, safe and effective results that my clients, students and I have achieved with homeopathy.
Call today and learn how homeopathy might just be the missing piece in your health strategy.
Joette is not a physician and the relationship between Joette and her clients is not of prescriber and patient, but as educator and client. It is fully the client's choice whether or not to take advantage of the information Joette presents. Homeopathy doesn't "treat" an illness; it addresses the entire person as a matter of wholeness that is an educational process, not a medical one. Joette believes that the advice and diagnosis of a physician is often in order.
We've provided links for your convenience but we do not receive any remuneration nor affiliation in payment from your purchase.
The Author disclaims all liability for any loss or risk, personal or otherwise incurred as a consequence of use of any material in this article. This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
If you have been treating an illness like a cold and realize a week in, that it could be the flu…would you employ Eupatorium 200c? I know you don’t need to have all the symptoms to use a medicine, but if there are no body aches (which is a keynote of Eupatorium), would you still go this route, or for example, focus on the symptoms at hand like a sore throat or a cough?
We focus on the most sobering condition. That is if there’s mild fatigue, mild muscle and joint pain but a cough that’s keeping someone from sleeping, we use the cough as the condition that needs to be included as a keynote of the remedy to choose.
How long would you keep that bottle of water with Eupatorium in it before mixing another batch?
It depends on if you live in South Florida or Manitoba.
When it looks like its getting old, replace it.
So little to lose.
Thank you for asking that question, Stephanie. I, too, wondered how long to keep the water dose bottle of Eupatorium. I figure by the time the person is well, it might be a good idea to get rid of it!
Thank you, Joette…your answer about tending to the most sobering condition first makes sense and we just finished discussing this in our GWI class today!