Friday, February 29, 2008

Got the Flu? Try Oscillococcinum

Oscillococcinum is a homeopathic remedy marketed by the French company Boiron. While Wikipedia denounces it as mainly a placebo benefit, due to lack of scientific basis, I have used this myself and have known many others who have found it to bring significant relief to the flu, and to shorten the duration by days if taken early enough.

As far as the placebo effect is concerned, that is the mind-body connection at it's simplest. ALL DRUGS have a placebo effect, don't be fooled into thinking otherwise. What we believe in our minds has a direct effect to the immune system. Our cells are eavesdropping every thought and feeling!

This product is inexpensive, simple and safe to take, and I have personally been prescribed this over the counter product by my family physician in the past. It's in my cabinet, waiting for the next flu victim, like my neighbor last week. Though seriously ill with flu, he claims to have experienced 5 hours of relative comfort after taking a dose of oscillococcinum. That is one testimony of many I have heard over the years. This is not a substitute for medical care, of course! But if you are home feeling miserable, waiting out the virus, drink plenty of fluids, get your rest, and give this a try. It can be found at most drug stores and pharmacies, as well as natural food stores.

From the Boiron website: As soon as you start feeling run-down or have other flu-like symptoms, take Oscillococcinum. Oscillo® is regulated as a drug by the FDA and is supported by published clinical studies as well as more than 65 years of use throughout the world.

  • Clinical studies show that Oscillo reduces the severity and duration of flu symptoms
  • Great taste and convenient to take
  • No side effects or interactions with other medications
  • Good for everyone 2 years of age and older
http://www.oscillo.com/

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