​I touched on the idea of remedy repetition in my recent “broad and shallow sweep through homeopathic potency.” In that article, remedy repetition was more related to various homeopathic ideas that certain potencies (generally low) are more suited to repetition than others.

I understand there are plenty of “classical” homeopaths who work with multiple remedies at a time (for example: a weekly “constitutional” remedy and a daily cell salt and perhaps an occasional “lesional” remedy — all used in the same time frame), but for this article, I will use the term “classical” in regard to homeopaths who practice with one remedy at a time.

“Practical” homeopaths, in this article, are referring to those who use multiple remedies simultaneously or even combination remedies. (I am aware that there are plenty of “classical” homeopaths who apply homeopathy in a “practical” manner, but do not use polypharmacy, for instance.)
--
As we learned in the above mentioned Homeopathic Potency article, it’s important to remember, as always in homeopathy, the individual is the driving and deciding force.
--
Digging through my bookshelves, it’s clear that repetition of remedies during acute conditions is pretty universal and considered to be sometimes necessary even. Let’s take a look at a few different authors and see what they recommend. (All emphases are from original authors.)

Dr. Ratera (2020, p 19), writing about First Aid with Homeopathy (so ostensibly dealing only with acute situations) says:

"Use low potencies (from 6 to 30D and C or K) for milder cases, repeat several times in dry dose or diluted in mineral water…. In severe cases, the frequency of administration initially must be high (every 1-5 minutes in severe poisoning), progressively decreasing the frequency with improvement. In medium and mild cases, every 2-8 hours the first day, and reduce the frequency to 1-2 times daily for 1 or 2 days.… Stop or reduce remedy administration when the patient starts improving. Prolonged, unnecessary repetition of homeopathic remedies can produce proving symptoms in the patient."

Dr. Colin B. Lessell’s The World Travellers’ Manual of Homoeopathy (1999, p 5) in discussing remedies for a sun headache:

"… in an average case, one dose of Belladonna 30c should be given initially every two hours. The strength of the treatment may be varied, however, according to the severity of the case. A mild case may require dosage repetition every four hours, and a severe case every hour, or half hour. For the beginner, it is best to start with the directive of the text. Nevertheless, it should be noted that the frequency of repetition should be reduced as the patient improves, and in most instances the remedy should be discontinued once significant improvement has occurred.

Occasionally, after the administration of a remedy, the patient experiences what is termed homoeopathic aggravation (see below for further explanation). This is a transient worsening of the patient’s symptoms, and may be caused by the use of too high a potency, or by too rapid dose repetition. In fact, it signifies overstimulation of the bodily healing response. Should this occur, the remedy should be discontinued, whereupon the phase of aggravation will be followed by one of remission, often proceeding to cure. However, it sometimes happens that this phase of remission is short-lived, and is followed by a resumption of the previous symptoms, although they are often less severe. In this case, the remedy should be reapplied, but less aggressively. Reduce the frequency of dosage, or select a lesser potency."

Dr. Andrew Lockie’s The Family Guide to Homeopathy (1993, p 30):

"In acute conditions, doses should be taken every 1/2 or 1 hour to begin with, up to a maximum of 10 doses. But as soon as there is some improvement, the interval between doses should be increased to 8 or 12 hours for 2 or 3 days at most. THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO POINT IN CONTINUING TO TAKE A REMEDY ONCE THE SYMPTOMS HAVE STARTED TO DISAPPEAR."

Drs. Jonas & Jacobs in their Healing with Homeopathy state:

"The cardinal rule of homeopathic treatment is that once a remedy begins to work, it should be tapered off and/or stopped. This is because the remedies stimulate the natural healing mechanisms of the body, and once that process begins it continues on its own.… Marked improvement can sometimes occur after only one dose, especially in a particularly intense situation… at other times several doses are necessary before the effects of the remedy are noticed. At the point where an effect is noticed, stop the medicine and wait."

Miranda Castro in The Complete Homeopathy Handbook (Castro 1991, p 26):

"Having selected the remedy for your patient, you will need to decide on the dose. This will depend upon the urgency of the case: frequent doses for an acute illness that has come on suddenly and strongly, and less frequent doses for a slowly developing illness. Some earaches with very severely distressed patients need their remedies repeating every five minutes; a head injury may need the remedy repeating every half hour; and a slowly developing flu may need a remedy every four hours or three times a day.

Once you see that a homeopathic remedy has started to work — once you notice a definite reaction or change resulting from the remedy — then continue with the same remedy but give it less often (that is, increase the gaps between the doses) as the patient continues to improve.

Once there is a marked improvement — once a strong positive reaction has occurred — it is essential to stop taking the remedy altogether. This is the absolute opposite of the instructions you receive when taking orthodox medicines (for example, antibiotics), where it is often necessary to finish the whole course of pills. A homeopathic remedy acts as a trigger, a catalyst — it stimulates the body to begin to heal itself, and once that has happened the body’s own healing process will take over. In some cases, taking another tablet after this reaction has occurred can actually stop the remedy working and even exaggerate the symptoms and consequently you can be persuaded into thinking it was a poor prescription."

With these, we see the theme of remedy repetition for acute situations from what I would term the more classical homeopaths and they are all pretty much in agreement, with just a little fine tuning here or there.

Let’s talk about the homeopathic aggravation a little bit.
Dr. Hahnemann in §158 says:
"A small homeopathic aggravation is a good indication in an acute disease.

This small homeopathic aggravation in the first hours is a very good portent that the acute disease will be mostly finished by the first dose. Such an aggravation is not infrequent, since the medicinal disease must naturally be somewhat stronger than the malady in order to over-tune and extinguish it…"

Translation:
Unlike conventional (allopathic) medicines, which treat disease with “anti” remedies — meaning “against” or “opposite,” as in antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, antipyretics (fever reducers), etc, homeopathy is based on similarities (Homoeo means “similar” or “same”). (See also, Hom, not home). A homeopathic remedy for a fever would match the totality of the patient’s symptoms, including the unique symptoms of the person’s fever (sudden onset, throbbing, causing restlessness, etc). This remedy would then gently stimulate (“over-tune”) the vital force* — the body’s self-regulating life principle — creating a similar but slightly stronger “medicinal disease” (the dynamic, artificial disturbance produced by the potentized homeopathic remedy). This “medicinal disease” gently nudges the vital force in a similar direction to the existing illness, enabling the body to kick in and extinguish the fever on its own. It’s important to mention here that it’s not literally about inducing a full-blown fever in an already sick person — it’s about matching the energetic signature of an illness to a potentized homeopathic remedy which would support the body’s own self-healing process.

“Similia similibus curentur” — Like cures like. If a remedy or substance can create or provoke a symptom in a healthy person, that same remedy or substance in homeopathic form can help relieve that symptom in an unwell person. (See also, The original drug testing… Homeopathic Provings.)

What about the Banerjis? What do they say to do for acutes?
Interestingly, their written instructions show that remedies are actually given a little less frequently than the traditional homeopaths. To be fair, their book isn’t really aimed at treating acutes.

For example, their first line remedies for influenza suggest:

• Rhus tox 30c and Bryonia 30c, one dose every 2 hours alternately.

Being the Banerjis, they also suggest other remedies to be taken in conjunction with the main remedy/ies.

• in case of temperature — Belladonna**, one dose every one hour (SOS***)
• for nausea and vomiting — Arsenicum album**, one dose every 30 minutes (SOS)

The Narayanis, on the other hand, address the full range of issues in their selection of remedies (see also, Quickie: Narayani Books). It’s important to note that potency selection has already been done for us with Narayanis — there’s nothing to do except purchase the ready-made combo and decide how often to take it.
​
Contrary to classical homeopathy, the Narayanis repeat remedies quite frequently, regardless of potency. Here are some examples:

• Throat, mix 30, (200c) repetition is suggested every 15 minutes for acute sore throat. Reduce on improvement.
• Cold, mix 11 is in a 6x and they suggest it every 15 minutes until eased, then reduce to three times a day (which is technically equivalent to every 8 hours but is more often used upon waking, in the afternoon and before bed).
• Flu Pack, mix 79 is a 10M combination and they say: “as soon as one feels flu is coming on, take this remedy every 15 minutes. Take 2 pills once a day as a preventative. Every 15 minutes in an attack.”
• Injury, mix 20, (200c): 6 times a day (which is equivalent to every 4 hours). Reduce as condition eases.

Let’s recap the general rules of thumb for acutes:

• Remedies are repeated, depending on the intensity and severity of the symptoms.
  • Very intense symptoms may warrant repetition every few minutes and once there is some level of improvement, then the remedies are spaced out further (e.g., severe injury).
  • Less intense symptoms would warrant repetition every hour or two (e.g., sore throat).
  • Milder symptoms would be repeated every 2-4 hours (e.g., feeling like you are beginning to come down with a bug).
• Use dry doses or pellets diluted in mineral water
• If there is an aggravation/worsening of symptoms, space the timing out further. (Note: sometimes this may be a result of an incorrect remedy. If there is no improvement, move to a different remedy.)
• If the symptoms return, repeat the remedy.
• The Banerjis standard repetition is twice daily, though they often mix in other remedies to address accompanying concerns making the actual dosing more frequent.
• Narayani remedies often begin with every 15 minutes and taper off with improvement.
  • A standard repetition for many of their acute remedies is 6 times a day, reducing on improvement.

We see, a good deal of common ground between classical and practical homeopaths in terms of remedy repetition when it comes to treating acute conditions.

When we get to chronic treatment next week, however, that’s where the waters start to part…


Julia Coyte, CHom
Classically Practical homeopath


#wellnessawaits


*Vital Force is Hahnemann’s term for the dynamic, spirit-like power that maintains health and produces symptoms when it is “untuned.”
**Their book does include potencies but they are not readily available potencies so I left them off — 30c is a good alternative.
***SOS stands for, as needed. Translation: no fever = don’t repeat the remedy.

Reference list
Banerji, P. and Banerji, P., 2013. The Banerji protocols : a new method of treatment with homeopathic medicines. India: Pratip Banerji.

Castro, M., 1991. The complete homeopathy handbook : a guide to everyday health care. New York: St. Martin’s Press.

Hahnemann, S. and Brewster O’Reilly, W., 2001. Organon of the medical art. Kindle. Palo Alto, Ca: Birdcage Books.

Jonas, W. B. and Jacobs, J., 1998. Healing with homeopathy : the doctor’s guide. New York, Ny: Warner Books.

Lessell, C. B., 1999. The World Travellers’ Manual of Homoeopathy. Random House UK.

Lockie, A., 1993. The family guide to homeopathy : the safe form of medicine for the future. New York: Simon & Schuster.

Ratera, M. M., 2020. First aid with homeopathy. Kandern, Germany Narayana Verlag.

We've never really talked about, have we?

I mean, I have mentioned Arnica in more than 35 previous articles (too many to list here, go here or here and search "Arnica" if you would like to read those, or you can keep reading and I have linked to separate articles throughout), but I haven't really talked about Arnica specifically.

I have always just sort of assumed that everybody reading Ruminating on Remedies already had a general grasp of Arnica. Maybe not, though. With that, let's take a look at what is considered to be the "gateway" homeopathic remedy. 

Before it was made into a homeopathic remedy, it was used herbally. I remember Arnica being taught to me as a plant that was in a useful place -- hikers would be tired and sore after climbing in the mountains and there sits the answer to their troubles, right at their sore feet.

Excerpted from Encylopedia of Herbal Medicine (Chevallier 2000, p 172):

Let's turn to my favorite place to hang out… the repertory. I have to say that repertory software makes searching all this so much easier and even more fun! (Look for an upcoming "Quickie" on software👀.) I searched for Arnica and level 4 symptoms, from Dr. Murphy:

• concussion
• blows
• bruises
• contusions
• extravasations from injuries
• falls
• injuries, general
• shock, traumatic
• bruised pain, as if beaten
• mind, fears, phobias, of others approaching them
• sore pain

A.L. Blackwood (2016) in A Manual of Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacology (originally published in 1906) says, "The [homeopathic] remedy is indicated following mechanical injuries, strains and wrenching of muscles, in hemorrhages from injuries, injuries of the soft parts that accompany fractures, and bruises, and ecchymosis, and in concussions of the spine and brain, and in inflammation of the skin and cellular tissues, with extreme tenderness to pressure." Well, that sums up a lot of situations, actually. No wonder it's the first remedy to think of following an injury. "… when the patient feels as if bruised all over, and everything upon which he lies feels too hard, compelling him to change his position on this account."

INJURIES: now there's a big topic… Sprains. Strains. Contusions. Fractures. Overuse injuries. Concussions. Dislocations. Guess what? Arnica would most likely be helpful in all these situations. Why? If for no other reason than they are all painful.

Going back to 1855 to Dr. William Helmuth's Surgery and Its adaptation into Homoeopathic Practice: "Arnica is useful in all cases and ages to allay the extreme sensibility of the whole body, the general restlessness and intense pain in the seat of injury."

Let's look again to Dr. Murphy to see where Arnica really shines -- pain -- using both level 3 & 4 rubrics:

• "sore" pain
  • Sore pain. Is that pain from a sore? Could be, as there is the rubric Skin, Eruptions, painful — that sounds like a sore.
    “Sore” is actually met by Arnica in both of its definitions, according to Taber's Medical Dictionary (Venes 2017):
    1. tender; painful
    2. any type of tender or painful ulcer or lesion of the skin or mucous membrane.
• "aching" pain
  • Aching pain, again from Taber:
    1. pain that is persistent rather than sudden or spasmodic. it may be dull or severe.
    2. to suffer persistent pain.
• pain from injuries
• "rheumatic" pain
  • “a general, imprecise, colloquial, and somewhat old-fashioned term for acute and chronic conditions marked by inflammation, muscle soreness and stiffness, and pain in joints and associated structures. It includes inflammatory arthritis (infectious, rheumatoid, gouty), arthritis due to rheumatic fever or trauma, degenerative joint disease…” (Venes 2017)
• "bruised" pain, as if beaten (4)
• aching pain in the periosteum (tissue around the bones) -- resembling bruising pain, actually
• sore muscles (4), following overexertion
• teeth pain after dental work or injury
  • Calvin Knerr’s repertory (2022) often has a little different (but unquestionable) take on the remedies and says: Teeth, abscesses at roots, injuries to dental nerves, sensitive after filling. (I suppose we could chalk that up to bruises, contusions, injuries, and pain, but I think it’s important to remember that it’s specifically helpful in dental issues.)

BRUISING -- also known as ECCHYMOSIS -- is superficial bleeding under the skin or a mucous membrane; a bruise (Venes 2017). Arnica is the only level 4 remedy for skin, ecchymosis in Murphy. (Symphytum is the exception here, level 4 specific for eye injuries -- black eyes -- but I digress.) Bruising results when blood vessels (external or internal) are broken but the tissue surfaces remain intact (Venes 2017). As we saw above, Arnica in herbal form is known to increase the rate of reabsorption of internal bleeding and it does so also in homeopathic form. If I had a nickel for every time I have heard about an injury that looked like it was going to end up with an enormous bruise only to have disappeared to nearly nothing after taking Arnica…

"Sore, lame, bruised feeling all through the body, as if beaten" (Allen). Feels as if been hit by a bus is another way of saying that.

Another keynote of Arnica is they feel the bed seems too hard.

Not only does the bed just seem hard, Arnica is useful for bed sores. Another injury, actually, in a strange sort of way -- a localized injury, a sore, to the skin or the underlying tissue.

What else to look for which may strongly indicate Arnica? They say they are fine… "nothing is wrong with me" when there is clearly something wrong with them. (rubrics: Mind - Irritability, general - sends the doctor home, says he is not sick; Mind - Refuses, general - treatment, every - very sick, in spite of being.)

Massimo Mangialavori has a brand new book, Arnica and Similar Remedies. He takes the understanding of Arnica well beyond the "gateway to homeopathy remedy for injuries." In Mangialavori's Suggesta repertory (accessed through Radar Opus software), he shows a level 3 rubric: Apathy, indifference - anosognosia**, thinking that he is not ill.

Back to his new book, Arnica & Similar Remedies (2025, p 4):

​Prompted by Mangialavori, let's return to Murphy and see what comes up for the mind rubrics with Arnica (again, using just levels 3 & 4):

• ailments from sexual abuse or violence
  • "Arnica tries to stoically suppress his emotions and not share them with others; to do otherwise generates shame" (Mangialavori 2025, p 8).
• accident prone
• aversions to being approached by others; don't want to be touched; fears of being injured or touched or struck
  • As mentioned earlier, there is a fear of being approached or touched. Why? Because they are afraid of being touched when they are in pain. They are very protective of themselves and their injuries. There is a feeling of delicacy. They are afraid of being injured. An oversensitivity to pain and touch. 
  • "They do their best to show that they are fine, despite their injury. A touch -- whether physical or emotional -- threatens to disrupt this strategy, and reveal that they are not so invulnerable after all" (Mangialavori 2025, p 3).
• cautious behavior
• distracted
  • William Burt (1896( says: "very forgetful; absent minded; thinks rightly but uses the wrong word; sits as in a waking dream." This reads a little like what happens after a head injury.
• mental symptoms from injuries or from emotional shock
  • "Arnica does whatever he can to avoid decompensation, but when this occurs, it happens quickly. The fall is dramatic, often all the way to collapse, with a feeling that he can't repair and all is lost" (Mangialavori 2025, p 9). 
• whimpering, moaning or groaning

SUMMING IT ALL UP:
Jo Evans' Asteraceae: remedies of the sunflower family (2020, p 11) gives us a nice little list of where Arnica is helpful -- here are some standouts:

• immediate or chronic trauma
• jet lag
• over-exertion, sprains
• fractures
• concussion
• infected wounds, abscess, boils, bedsores and pustules
• after dentistry, surgery, childbirth, anaesthetic
• pain everywhere. sensation as if bruised, beaten, broken, dislocated. unable to find any comfortable position.
• influenza
• a rotten egg smell (belching, flatulence, taste in mouth)
• bruising, contusions, ruptured blood vessels. hot, hard, shining swelling.
• stings
• shock
• PTSD (see also: PTSD; Honoring All Who Served).
• claims to be fine, despite great trauma. refuses medical intervention.

​
Arnica is without question my number one homeopathic remedy that I would not be without and now you know why.
​

Julia Coyte, CHom
Classically Practical homeopath

#wellnessawaits

* Do NOT use Arnica on open skin!
** Anosognosia is a fascinating thing I recently learned about. It is the apparent denial or unawareness of one’s own neurological defect (Venes 2017). Visual anosognosia is “a neurological syndrome in which patients who cannot see deny that they are blind. An excuse such as ‘I lost my glasses’ may be offered."

Reference list
Allen, H. C., n.d. Keynotes and Characteristics. accessed through Radar Opus software.

BLACKWOOD, A. L., 2016. A Manual of Materia Medica Theraoeutics and Pharmacology. accessed through Radar Opus software. B. Jain Publishing.

Burt, W. H., 1896. Physiological Materia Medica, Containing All that is Known of the Physiological Action of Our Remedies. accessed through Radar Opus software.

Chevallier, A., 2000. Natural health encyclopedia of herbal medicine. New York: Dk Pub. Inc.

Evans, J., 2020. Asteraceae: remedies of the sunflower family. Harlem, NL: Emryss.

Hellmuth, W. T., n.d. Surgery and Its Adaptation into Homoeopathic Practice. accessed through Radar Opus software.

Hoffmann, D., 2003. Medical herbalism: The science and practice of herbal medicine. Healing Arts Press.

KNERR, C., 2022. REPERTORY OF HERING’S GUIDING SYMPTOMS OF OUR MATERIA MEDICA (CLASSIC REPRINT). accessed through Radar Opus software.

Mangialavori, M., n.d. Suggesta. accessed through Radar Opus software.

Mangialavori, M., Heron, K., Sobraske, J. and Wood, B., 2025. Arnica & Similar Remedies. Independently Published.

Murphy, R., 2006. Nature’s materia medica : 1,400 homeopathic and herbal remedies. accessed through Radar Opus software. Blackburg, Va.: Lotus Health Institute, November.
​
Venes, D., 2017. Taber’s cyclopedic medical dictionary. Kindle. Philadelphia: F.A. Davis Company.

The flu is for the birds and the bird flu, well… 

​I was asked about homeopathic remedies the other for backyard chickens. We used to have chickens (and a peacock and a Chinese pheasant adopted us for a while, too) and I can tell you that homeopathic remedies work beautifully for birds. (See Homeopathy to the Rescue.)

​Let’s start with giving remedies to the birds. Some say to put the remedies directly in their water. If you have a large flock, this might be the only way to do it. But, if you have a small backyard flock and it’s easy to see if only 1 or 2 birds are sickening, I like to put the pellets in a little water (or bone broth) and add some rice to the small bowl because I knew they would always go for the rice, even if they weren’t going to go for the water. (See also Making a Water Dose.) This way, you can isolate the sick chickens and make sure those who are most in need are actually getting the remedy. Another reason I like to give the remedies in a small bowl of water is that when you put the remedies directly in the birds’ waterer, it’s important to remember that every sip is a dose. However, if you have a large flock and you already have some sick birds, “dosing” the entire flock is probably the best way to approach this problem.

As for the bird flu that is going around, the first thought that comes to mind is Oscillococcinum. (“Oscillococcinum 200 actually a patent property of Boiron Laboratory, France” (Julian 1980)).

​Well, that’s a bit simplistic, isn’t it… just to suggest using a major homeopathic flu remedy for the bird flu?

Well, no, actually. The main ingredient in Oscillococcinum* is Anas barbariae which is made from the heart and liver of wild duck.

​Pierre Schmidt (Schmidt 2025), a homeopath of the 20th century (1894-1987), says “Oscillococcinum is for ‘influenza at the beginning as a preventative, as well as during convalescence.’” “This is the remedy at the beginning of influenza, of rhinitis and otitis. Given early it is very efficacious. To obtain good results in a case which begins and to cut short the manifestations of influenza, it is necessary to use one dose of Oscillococcinum 200c every 2 to 3 hours or repeat only if necessary” (Murphy).

See here and here and here and here and here for some studies and here* for a review of Oscillococcinum trials. (Note: I think it is fair to say that at this point in history, there are not many fans of homeopathy in the mainstream medical system, and that includes researchers. Finding positive research on homeopathy is tough going for a couple of reasons: The main one, in my opinion, is that mainstream medicine has not been educated about homeopathy and therefore dismiss it as quackery. The other important reason why it is hard to find good research on the efficacy of homeopathy is that at its core, homeopathy is individualized medicine — a remedy that works for one person’s symptoms may not necessarily work for the next person’s symptoms. (See also: What to Expect.)

Could Oscillococcinum work for birds and bird flu? I would certainly be willing to try it if I still had my backyard flock and if I was worried about bird flu.

​Apparently, bird flu is in my area (said my chicken-keeping neighbor), so I looked up what to look for in the flock.

​According to the Australian Government (2023):

• coughing, sneezing, watery eyes, lack of appetite, ruffled feathers, fever, weakness and staggering
• combs and wattles may look swollen, enlarged and discolored (purple or blue)
• hens may lay soft-shelled eggs before ceasing to lay

The Scottish Government (2025) says to look for:

• respiratory distress, diarrhea, loss of appetite or a drop in egg production of more than 5%.

So, what I’m seeing in these government documents, other than the combs and wattles and egg laying, are signs of the flu, but in chickens. With that in mind, symptoms are symptoms and remedies are remedies… meaning… it doesn’t matter if it’s a bird or a dog or a human, the symptoms will be noticeable and those symptoms can be addressed through the same homeopathic remedies regardless of showing up in a bird or a dog or a human. Sneezing is sneezing. Watery eyes are watery eyes. Fevers are fevers. Weakness is weakness.

​The only difference here, though, the chicken can’t tell us if the watery eyes or the diarrhea are acrid or bland. They can’t tell us if they they ache. Chickens run hot compared to humans (106 F) (Hobby Farms 2019), so telling if they have a fever could be a little tricky to begin with.

​My last article, When you have to get up… has a nice, long list of flu symptoms and possible remedies. I would say any chicken symptoms you could match with that list would work fine and dandy. The trick is translating what you’re seeing in your birds into human language.

​A more severe form of this disease which “presents suddenly, often with very high mortality, with affected birds developing swollen heads [emphasis mine], a blue coloration of the comb and wattles, dullness, lack of appetite, respiratory distress, diarrhea and significant drop in egg production” (2025) is another matter.

​Looking back in time a bit, The Poultry Doctor (Chambers 2018) originally published in 1891, mentions a swelled head:

All three of these remedies are excellent flu remedies, in general.

What else may help ward off the bird flu in your flock? This article has a short list of possible flu preventatives which may be applicable:

• Aconite 200c + Bryonia 30c at the first sign of anything.
• Ferrum phos also at the first sign.
• Nat mur, especially if you can catch that first sneeze.
• Narayani Flu Pack, Mix 79 could also be considered.

​Prior to any symptoms showing up, Hyland’s Bioplasma* (or any other source of the combined cell salts — this is just the easiest to come by in most natural food stores in the US) is another good option. A couple of pellets of this combination of the twelve cell salts could easily be dropped in the flocks’ waterer for a while to help shore up their immune systems.

We birds of a homeopathic feather need to flock together to keep sharing information on homeopathic remedies for humans and fowl alike!

​— if you would like to schedule a consult with me, drop me a line at [email protected].

Julia Coyte, CHom
Classically Practical homeopath


#wellnessawaits

​

* I have no affiliation with this company, I just like their products.
** This review is not really in favor of Oscillococcinum, however, I think it’s very important to note that in the “Authors’ conclusions” that it “could have a clinically useful treatment effect but, given the low quality of the eligible studies, the evidence is not compelling. There was no evidence of clinically important harms due to Oscillococcinum.” [emphasis mine]

Reference list

Australian Government, 2023. Bird flu (Avian influenza) - DAFF [online]. Agriculture.gov.au.

Beghi, G. M. and Morselli-Labate, A. M., 2016. Does homeopathic medicine have a preventive effect on respiratory tract infections? A real life observational study. Multidisciplinary Respiratory Medicine, 11 (1).

Boericke and Tafel, 2018. The Poultry Doctor: The homeopathic treatment and care of chickens, turkeys, gees, ducks and singing birds. 2018 ed.

Colombo, G. L., Di Matteo, S., Martinotti, C., Oselin, M., Bruno, G. and Beghi, G. M., 2018. The preventive effect on respiratory tract infections of Oscillococcinum®. A cost-effectiveness analysis. ClinicoEconomics and Outcomes Research [online], Volume 10, 75–82.

Dutta, A., Manna, A., Ghosh, S., Mundle, M., Saha, M., Kumar Gourav, Sukhdeb Maiti and Chattopadhyay, B., 2024. Prespecified Homeopathic Medicines in the Prevention of Confirmed and Suspected Cases of COVID-19: A Community-Based, Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Prophylaxis Trial. Complementary Medicine Research, 31 (2), 140–148.

Hobby Farms, 2019. Chickens & Body Temperature: What You Need to Know [online]. Hobby Farms.

Homeopathy Plus, 2024. Bird Flu: Are We at Risk [online]. Homeopathyplus.com.

Julian, O. A., 1980. Treatise on Dynamised Micro-Immunotherapy. First Indian Edition, 1980. New Delhi - 110055 (India): B. Jain Publishers (P.) Ltd.

Mathie, R. T., Frye, J. and Fisher, P., 2015. Homeopathic Oscillococcinum® for preventing and treating influenza and influenza-like illness. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.

Murphy, R., 2006. Nature’s materia medica : 1,400 homeopathic and herbal remedies. Blackburg, Va.: Lotus Health Institute, November.

Schmidt, P., 2025. Pierre Schmidt [online]. Remedia-homeopathy.com.

Scottish Government, 2025. Avian influenza (bird flu): how to spot and report the disease - gov.scot [online]. www.gov.scot.
​
UCHealth, 2024. The bird flu has spread to dairy cows. Do you need to worry about another pandemic? [online]. UCHealth Today.

Vickers, A. J. and Smith, C., 2004. Homoeopathic Oscillococcinum for preventing and treating influenza and influenza-like syndromes. Cochrane Database System Review.

I was beginning to think the flu season may have just skimmed over the world this year, but here it is … a little later than usual, but, just like always, it is no fun. And, just like always, a little prevention can go a long way.
​
(See also: Calming the Cold; Flu Remedies to Consider; Ho Ho Ho, (not Oooooh No!); Ahh-choo; On the 4th Day of Cell Salts… Ferr Phos.)

Let’s jump ahead to the unfortunate situation we see in the picture above where those early signals were missed (or, ignored) and, here we are, unable to get out of bed … feeling just awful and the kids are hungry. (Oh, man, I remember those days. So painful!) So, where would one start in this scenario?

​Below are seven MAIN COMPLAINTs, followed by 4 or 5 commonly found remedies with 4 or 5 symptoms each which may help to choose a remedy to get back on your feet quickly. Remember! We are not looking for perfection. We are looking for improvement. We are looking to move the worst symptom out of the way for a minute so you can do what you need to do and then, when that’s done, get back into bed to rest properly.

This is far from a complete flu repertory. The intent here is to put as many remedies as possible in a quick list. Note: All of these homeopathic remedies could (pretty much) be listed under all of the headings. In other words, they are (for the most part) wide-reaching flu remedies.

Choose the worst MAIN COMPLAINT (found in BOLD CAPS) you are experiencing at the moment and then choose the remedy that best fits your current symptoms.

GASTRO:​​

Arsenicum album

• nausea and vomiting worse from anything being put in the stomach (even thinking of food makes it worse); no relief from vomiting
• stomach pain, nausea during fever
• burning pains: excoriating diarrhea
• anxious/restless
• thirsty for small sips
• Ipecac
  • constant nausea; diarrhea with nausea
  • vomiting, violent; no relief from vomiting; headache during vomiting; vomiting during cough
  • lots of salivation
  • thirstless
• Nux vomica
  • nausea and vomiting; lots of retching; feels better from being able to vomit; vomiting with urge for bowel movement at the same time
  • lots of burping; sour burps
  • headache during nausea
  • cramping pains
  • mental dullness; irritability; sensitive; 
• Phosphorus
  • craves ice cold things/drinks but vomits as soon as those drinks warm up in the stomach
  • exhausting diarrhea; painless diarrhea
  • great weakness after bowel movements
  • lots of burping; burps coming on suddenly
  • fearful

It’s important to remember that there are many, many homeopathic remedies for each of these main symptoms. This is just a brief list which may help to get dinner on the table or that important email answered.



Julia Coyte, CHom
Classically Practical homeopath


#wellnessawaits


* Be sure to seek treatment if the fever is very high, continues to climb or is accompanied by seizure or fainting or severe headache or stiff neck (to name but a few concerning symptoms). For more information:

• Johns Hopkins Medicine
• Mayo Clinic
• Merck Manual

If you have already been through the worst of the flu, check out “Get Well Soon” to find a few helpful tips on recuperating.

Flu season has returned. Well, colds, flu, Covid, influenza, whatever you want to call it — it’s back.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again - homeopathy doesn’t give a hoot what you call it. Homeopathy only cares about the symptoms you are experiencing.

Here is a short and sweet list of remedies to keep handy - to take at the first sign of feeling unwell; whether that be cold symptoms or fatigue setting in or aches or sneezing. 

1. The Banerji Protocol of Aconite 200c mixed with Bryonia 30c is a marvelous place to start for when any kind of symptoms kick in. This combination remedy can be purchased from certain pharmacies and distributors, but there is no need for that… just put a dose (whatever the manufacturer suggests as a dose) of each remedy in your mouth at the same time.
2. Boiron’s Cold Calm is a marvelous little remedy. (For previous article with detailed information on this remedy, see Calming the Cold.) Boiron’s instructions say to take 2 tablets every 15 minutes for 1 hour and then back off to every 6 hours.
3. Ferrum phos, either in potency (30c, for example) or as a cell salt (6x, for example). I have seen this one turn around those early symptoms right before my eyes, especially sore throats.
4. Natrum muriaticum, Nat mur, is another cell salt/remedy which can nip things in the bud. If you have sneezing that comes out of the blue, this one might be for you.
5. Eupatorium is one of my favorites. If there is a lot of fatigue and aching that shows up out of nowhere, try some Eupatorium. (This one is a good one if the virus has already taken hold, too.)
6. Oscillocinum, also from Boiron. Their packaging says: “At the onset of symptoms, dissolve the entire contents of 1 tube in the mouth every 6 hours, up to 3 times a day.”

• This remedy can be used preventatively — if you have been exposed to the nasties, take 2-3 doses every 4-8 hours and cross your fingers.
• This remedy can also be used preventatively throughout the flu season… take one dose per week during the winter months, says homeopath Jacques Jouanny, MD.

Not homeopathic but pretty impressive… Last December while traveling in England, everyone around me was coming down with whatever it was everybody was coming down with. I was in Helios pharmacy picking up some remedies and I saw A. Vogel Echinaforce tablets on the shelf. I took these, as well as Ferrum phos 6x and never had so much as a sniffle. I would use that combination again in a heartbeat.

If you don’t get there in time with the above remedies and the yucks have made themselves at home, see Flu Remedies to Consider.

With all of these remedy suggestions (unless otherwise noted), take a dose at the first sign of feeling unwell. Repeat every 3-12 hours. When feeling better, stop the remedy. If the symptoms return, start the remedy again.

Now, go out there, make merry and celebrate the joyous season like you used to!


Julia Coyte, CHom
Classically Practical homeopath


#wellnessawaits

I’ve been thinking a lot about convalescence. I’ve been thinking about it partly because I’ve been doing it (Covid, round 2 for our house) and I’ve been thinking about it because I attended a webinar recently given by a naturopathic doctor. She said that when her patients tell her they are feeling better, that then begins their 3-day convalescence. She doesn’t clear them for returning to work or school until they have been 3 days past when they started to feel better.

What a concept!

I get it! It makes so much sense! Get back up to speed before returning to life at full speed! It’s a luxurious thought, though, I think. It shouldn’t be a luxury to recuperate, but I think in today’s day and age, it is. Bills need to be paid, houses need to be cleaned, school work needs to be completed… who has time to take 3 days to get back up to speed?

Maybe it’s time we return to this seemingly outdated idea.

What does it mean to “convalesce,” exactly?

Dictionary.com tells us “convalescence” means, “the gradual recovery of health and strength after an illness.” Victoria State Government recommends setting “recovery goals,” such as:

• Maintaining some level of activity, even if it means just sitting or standing up occasionally. Try getting dressed and move around the house, if possible.
• Gradually increasing your activity each day to ensure your muscles, heart and lungs are working efficiently.
• Get enough rest. Listen to your body and alternate periods of activity with periods of relaxation. Don’t over-do it.
• Maintain social activity.
• Eat healthily — lots of fresh fruit and vegetables. If your appetite is lacking, try eating small amounts regularly. Eating well is more important than eating more.
• As your strength improves, find time to do things you enjoy and aim to get out of the house regularly, even if for short outings.
• If there is any possibility of long-term ramifications following serious illness, make sure to get the appropriate counseling.
• Seek medical advice if there is confusion, dizziness on standing, depression, any new symptoms develop or if things just don’t seem right.

Homeopathy has some lovely remedies to assist with convalescence. For this article, we’ll look at some remedies for recovering from influenza, in particular. For recuperation, we’re not looking at symptoms of the disease so much as we’re looking at the weakness, lethargy, loss of appetite and even wonky sleep.

Homeopathic Gelsemium is the first to consider. Interestingly, Gelsemium is one of the first remedies to consider on the front side of the flu, too. The 4 Ds: droopy, drowsy, dull, dizzy. (Well, the dizzy part is hopefully behind you at this point….) The fatigue following influenza can be pronounced and Gelsemium is a fantastic remedy for fatigue, in general and chronic fatigue, in particular.

Phosphoric acid is indicated when mental weakness is a bigger deal than the physical weakness following an acute disease, particularly when recovering from fevers. People who may benefit from Phos-ac may find they are worse from conversation, sensitive to light and sound and smells; worse from cold drafts, worse from sitting and worse from standing.

Sulphur is known to help “clean up” following respiratory illnesses. I liken it to mopping up the gunk — it just kind of clears stuff out. (How’s that for getting technical?!) Another remedy to consider here is Sulphuric iodatum. Sulph-iod has a connection to exertion: weakness from exertion as well as a fear of exertion.

If sleeplessness sets in, try some Avena sativa tincture. It is also excellent for nervous exhaustion and debility.

Calc phos 6x and Ferr phos 6x are two excellent cell salts to help build up what was broken down during the illness. Calc phos can help when there is a lack of energy as well as mental or physical weakness. It can also help with absorption and assimilation of nutrients. Ferrum phos is said to assist in oxygenating the blood and can help with inflammation and sore muscles. Take this cell salt combination 3-4 times a day.

And, don’t forget my favorite non-homeopathic recommendation of bone broth! So many nutrients!

Now, go forth and rest! A few extra days to get back to full strength has to outweigh jumping back into life with both feet when you’re still under the weather!

Julia Coyte, CHom
Classically Practical homeopath

#wellnessawaits
​

Victoria State Government, n.d. Convalescence - Better Health Channel [online]. www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au. ​