If you feel like have the flu, don’t worry about those annoying symptoms because you can get rid of them with the help of Oscillococcinum. Oscillococcinum is a homeopathic alternative medicine which helps relieve influenza-like symptoms. It is manufactured by Boiron, a French company. It is now widely used especially in France. There are also other companies that manufacture similar preparation. But does Oscillococcinum work?
The word “Oscillococcinum” was coined by Joseph Roy in 1925, a French physician, during the Spanish flu. He studied the blood of flu victims and observed an oscillating bacterium which he called Oscillococcus. He also claimed that he saw the same type of bacteria to patients who suffer from viral diseases such as herpes, shingles, and chicken pox. He believed that this bacterium is the causative agent of certain diseases like rheumatism, eczema, measles, tuberculosis and even cancer. He created a vaccine-like therapy but was unsuccessful. Later, medical science has proved Roy wrong about his observations.
Oscillococcinum has been in production in France for decades and a lot attest to its effectiveness in decreasing symptoms of flu. It is derived from the liver and heart of duck. Its active ingredient is anas barbariae hepatis et cordis extractum 200 HPUS. Its inactive ingredients are sucrose and lactose. As a homeopathic product, it is founded on the principle that “like treats like” and “potentiation through dilution”. The principle simply means that influenza could be treated with a substance (highly diluted) that causes influenza in high doses. Homeopath practitioners also believe that the higher the dilution is, the more effective it is. The dilution is so extreme that the preparation contains little to no active ingredients at all. With that, homeopathic products do not have any drug interactions or harmful effects and its effectivity is still controversial and could not be explained by science at this time.
Oscillococcinum comes in packages of three or six unit doses. Each dose is packed in a tube container containing white pellets which can be easily dissolved in the mouth. It tastes sweet like sugar. It can be taken by children at least two years old. The first three doses are advised to be taken on the first signs of flu symptoms and the remaining doses are to be taken six hours apart.
If you want to buy Oscillococcinum, you can purchase this on any health shop or pharmacy. Be sure to check the package. Do not accept opened packages. If symptoms persist even after taking Oscillococcinum, it is best to seek professional advice and management.
John Lifsey says
I just read in Wikipedia where it claims this product is as effective as sugar pills. This past Thursday I developed what I thought, and what my wife who is a Bachelor of Science Nurse thought, to be Flu symptoms. A fever of 100 degrees F with aches and pains accompanied. I immediately began taking the Oscillococcinum along with Sambucol . By Saturday morning I was well. I’ve continued to take the medicines until now (Monday). If no other symptoms occur I plan to cease on Tuesday. It works for me. I trust it.