Your head aches. Your body is stiff and sore, and you’re exhausted. You can’t tell if you’re hot or cold, and your nose just won’t stop running. Relieve those horrible flu-like symptoms in a more natural way with the homeopathic flu medicine Oscillococcinum.

What is Oscillococcinum?

Oscillococcinum is a homeopathic over-the-counter medicine from Boiron that may temporarily help reduce the severity and duration of flu-like symptoms, such as body aches, headache, fever, chills, and fatigue. It's pronounced o-sill-o-cox-see-num and often called "Oscillo" for short.

Homeopathic medicines are made of natural substances, including animals, plants, and minerals. An alternative to allopathic or Western medicine, homeopathic medicine has been used for centuries to treat a range of different ailments. The ingredients in homeopathic medicines for cold and flu like Oscillococcinum help promote a stronger immune system.

Oscillococcinum ingredients

The active ingredient in Oscillococcinum is Anas barbariae hepatis et cordis extractum, Latin for duck heart and liver extract. The inactive bonding agents in Oscillococcinum are sucrose and lactose.

How do you take Oscillococcinum?

You should start taking Oscillo medicine at the onset of flu symptoms, so stay prepared by stocking up at the start of flu season. As with all medications, follow the instructions for use on the label.

Oscillococcinum comes in small pellets that dissolve under your tongue. Each dose is packaged in a single tube for easy consumption. Moisture or oil from your fingers can potentially prevent proper absorption of this homeopathic flu medicine, so instead of handling the pellets with your fingers, pour them directly into your mouth, under the tongue.

For the best experience, take Oscillococcinum 15 minutes before or after eating, drinking, or consuming anything with strong flavors. For example, take Oscillo at least 15 minutes before or after brushing your teeth, using mouthwash, or drinking coffee.

How long should you take Oscillococcinum?

Start using Oscillococcinum at the first sign of flu-like symptoms. Adults and children two years and older can take one tube of pellets every six hours, or up to three times a day. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding with the flu or if you have a child under two years old who is experiencing flu-like symptoms, consult a doctor before using Oscillo.

If your symptoms get worse or continue after three days of using Oscillococcinum homeopathic medicine, consult your physician.

Side effects and interactions

Like most homeopathic medicines, Oscillococcinum can typically be used with other types of medications with no negative interactions. It's non-drowsy, and there are no side effects – other than temporary relief from your flu symptoms! As always, talk to a healthcare professional about any supplements, herbs, homeopathic remedies, or prescription medications you currently take before adding Oscillo to your regimen, and see your doctor if your flu symptoms do not improve after taking Oscillococcinum for three days.

Find Oscillococcinum homeopathic flu medicine at The Vitamin Shoppe online or in any of our store locations near you. Shop our full selection of homeopathic remedies for colds and flu-like symptoms, muscle and joint pain, allergies, and other ailments to start feeling like your best self again sooner.