When many of us think winter, we think of sick days, stuffy noses, and gagging on green cough syrup. Often, the medications and OTCs we take to make us feel better just leave us feeling drowsy and wondering if they’re actually good for us at all.
If you’re looking for sickness solutions you can truly feel good about, look no further. Homeopathic medicines use natural extracts to help your body bounce back—and there are three in particular that can help. Here’s what to know about Oscillococcinum, Chestal Honey, and Coldcalm.
1. Oscillococcinum
Pronounced ah-sill-oh-cox-see-num and known as ‘oscillo,’ oscillococcinum is perhaps the most well-known homeopathic medicine in the book.
Made with an extremely diluted extract of duck liver and heart (called Anas Barbariae Hepatis et Cordis Extractum), it’s an absolute all-star during cold and flu season. In fact, it’s one of the most popular over-the-counter flu solutions used in Europe.
The natural medicine works with your bod to help relieve symptoms like:
- Body aches
- Headache
- Fever
- Chills
- Fatigue
Research shows that taking oscillo not only helps reduce severity of flu symptoms, but also helps shorten the duration of symptoms. In fact, one British Homeopathy study found that 63 percent of people who took oscillo within 24 hours of experiencing flu symptoms saw significant improvements in just 48 hours.
Related: When A Cold Is Not Just A Cold
Plus, unlike many anti-viral medications or OTCs typically used in cases of the flu, oscillo doesn’t cause side effects like drowsiness or interact with any medications.
Another perk: Oscillo is safe for anyone two-years-old and above.
Taking Oscillo
For best results, dissolve the contents of one tube of oscillo under the tongue every six hours as soon as flu-like symptoms pop up.
2. Chestal Honey
Wintertime coughs and respiratory woes often leave us guzzling down all sorts of cherry-red and neon green syrups—but luckily, they’re not our only option.
Homeopathy’s alternative: Chestal Honey.
A honey-based syrup infused with a blend of homeopathic medicines, Chestal Honey helps to:
- Coat and soothe the throat
- Loosen chest congestion
- Ease dry coughs
Unlike many of the syrups that line drugstore shelves, it’s free of dyes and artificial flavors, so you can sip it down knowing it contains only the good stuff. Chestal Honey is also non-drowsy and free of any drug interactions, making it a great day and nighttime aid to anyone dealing with the common cough.
Taking Chestal Honey
Children between ages two and 12 should take one teaspoon every two hours, while kids over 12 and adults should take two.
3. Coldcalm
If your wintertime woes consist of congestion and constant sneezing, homeopathy has a solution for you, too.
Coldcalm tablets contain a variety of homeopathic medicines shown to relieve:
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Nasal congestion
- Sinus pain
- Cold-related headaches
- Minor sore throats
- Cold-related loss of taste and smell
Together, Coldcalm’s active ingredients make it the ultimate formula for when pesky colds strike.
Taking Coldcalm
For best results, start taking Coldcalm as soon as symptoms like a slightly sore throat and congestion pop up. Adults and kids over three should dissolve two tablets under their tongue every 15 minutes for the first hour, and then take two tablets every two hours.
Related: 5 Supplements Nutritionists Take During Cold Season
For kids ages three to six, dissolve the tablets in a tablespoon of water for easier intake.
For quick reference, pin this infographic:
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