Cold and Flu Symptoms

The following info covers both the prevention of and the treatment of respiratory ailments. The best defense is prevention and people who are prone to frequent colds and flu can take Anas Barbariae 200c which is an excellent preventative for colds & flu and can be taken fortnightly or monthly during the winter months depending on susceptibility, especially the elderly and those who suffer respiratory problems. A dose can also be taken when you have been in contact with someone who is infected. It is also advisable to take Echinacea with Vitamins A,C,E, and Zinc. Echinacea Herbal Liquid is available for children. 

The first symptoms of a cold or flu can be different for everyone, however these four remedies cover most situations. At the first sign of infection take Anas Barbariae 200c, then Aconite in alternation with Ferrum Phos for rapid onset or Gelsemium with Ferrum Phos for slow onset. 

If and when the illness progresses, consider one of the remedies below, bearing in mind they may cover any or all of the stages, if they fit your particular picture: 

First stage with inflammation of mucous membrane & pain. Minimal or no discharge.  Aconite – burning & pricking in throat, restlessness & heat, fever.  Belladonna – high temperature, sudden onset, profuse sweating, flushed face.  Nat Mur – begins with sneezing.  Bryonia – great thirst, dry lips & nose, headache over bridge or nose, worse for movement and wants to be left alone. Achy pain throughout body.  Nux Vomica – shivering if uncovered, can’t get warm, wants warm drinks, very irritable. 

Second stage with runny nose with clear and heavier mucous changing to white. Eyes may become involved and there is sneezing.  Allium Cepa – clear, profuse, acrid discharge, corrodes nostrils & upper lip, water eyes.  Arsenicum Alb – irritating nasal discharge, better in warm room, hot yet craves heat (drinks, room etc). Restless and easily exhausted. Nat Mur – discharge like egg white, violent sneezing, cracked lips, cold sores. 

Third stage where the discharge becomes thicker, and changes from white to yellow.  Pulsatilla - bland, thick yellow discharge, blocked nose indoors, runs in open air, dry mouth with no thirst, poor appetite.  Mercurius – colds that spread to throat, profuse salivation, intense thirst, bad taste in mouth & bad breath. Night sweats. Mouth ulcers. 

Fourth stage where the discharge is now yellow to yellow/green.  Hepar Sulph - takes cold at the drop of a hat, generally unhealthy, nose blocked when outside, sore throat, sensitive to cold and draughts, cold sores.  Kali Bich - thick yellow or green stringy, ropy discharge, or tough and jelly-like. Maybe be headachy and so congested that there is no discharge. 

See our other information pages for suggestions on treating symptoms of cough, sinus congestion or to help you with the convalescence stage.