Alternative Medicine’s Answer to Seasonal Wellness—Part 2

Posted by Ben:

On Monday, I introduced my first-ever three-part series focusing on one topic: seasonal wellness. In Part One I discussed how people use silver for immune system support. Today, I’d like to talk about one of the most popular homeopathic remedies for treating the symptoms of the flu. Those who use it, swear by it. Can you guess what it is?

 

Part Two: Oscillococcinum

 
Every time you turn on the TV or radio, you run the risk of scaring yourself half to death just by listening to the reports of this year’s outbreak of the flu. It’s hitting sooner than usual and impacting younger age groups especially hard. Every day it seems to get worse, and the only answer offered up is to go in and get a shot. 

 
Oscillococcinum is the homeopathic answer for those who wish to avoid chemical concoctions. It is one of those peculiar homeopathic remedies that fits somewhere between urban legend, myth and reality. It is one of the most popular homeopathic preparations, particularly in Europe, and many people claim it is the most effective natural defense against the flu.

 

Oscillococcinum has been among the top 10-15 bestselling “drugs” in Europe for years, because nearly everyone who uses it swears it works. Both the manufacturer and users claim it significantly reduces recovery time if taken at the first sign of flu-like symptoms.
 

What is Oscillococcinum made from?

 
The popularity of this homeopathic preparation certainly has nothing to do with what it’s made from. Oscillococcinum is derived from duck livers that are highly diluted. Yes, duck livers. But odd as it sounds, the particles are diluted so much there really aren’t any remnants of the duck liver itself. Even Boiron, the French manufacturer of Oscillococcinum, says there really isn’t anything in the finished product.
 

While there is no scientific evidence to support its efficacy beyond a simple placebo effect, one wonders why it would be so wildly popular if it didn’t help relieve symptoms of the flu as effectively as its proponents claim. It’s a relatively odorless and tasteless tablet that you dissolve in your mouth, making it perfect for people who dislike swallowing pills.
 

Though this year’s flu is becoming quite notable in the media, faithful users of Oscillococcinum are not fazed. You might have to try it for yourself to see if it really does shorten the duration of flu-like symptoms. But remember, you need to use it at the first sign of symptoms for it to have its greatest effect.
 

Don’t forget to check back on Friday for the third and final installment to my three-part series on seasonal wellness. (Read Part One on Silver here) To make sure you don’t miss it, sign up for our RSS feed to be automatically alerted when the next post is up. Or enter your email address up on the right side of this page to have the post emailed right to you.
 

P.S. Thank to our Facebook Fans for their ideas. I might have to make some additions to Friday’s post!

Posted by Ben