Minutus

Hi,
Is it ok to take sambucol at the onset of flu/fever?

My homeopath thinks it's best not to use any herb as they will suppress symptoms. However, I have read that sambucol strengthen the immune system and prevent the virus fr. replicating itself. How is it that it suppresses symptoms?

Anyone has any insight on this? Should one stick strickly to homeopathy remedies and NOT take any herbs during sickness? (herbs include olive leaf extract, garlic etc..)

--
Priscilla

Unless the Lord builds the house, it's builders labour in vain. Psalms 127:1

Dear Priscilla
I think you should do what your homeopath says - if he says 'no herbs' then it should be no herbs. You need to follow his/her advice, and if you want to do something different, you should tell your homeopath. He needs to be able to evaluate exactly what is working - or not working. Is it his remedy or is it an 'over the counter' herbal preparation?
It is very important in the homeopathic relationship that you tell your homeopath everything about the medications you are taking - and that you follow his prescriptions. After all, if your conventional doctor said 'No aspirin' you wouldn't take any, would you? So I would stop looking at all the other possibilities like herbs or tissue salts and stick with what your homeopath gives you. Otherwise, you make his/her job impossible.
You should be able to ask your homeopath about this - if you don't have a relationship of trust, in which you can ask such questions and abide by his recommendations, then you should find another homeopath.
Liz

May I know how would herb hurt when treating a person's symptoms? For example, if I have flu and cough and is being prescribed by western doctor some flu and cough medicine, it wouldn't hurt if I take a lilttle garlic pill or honey to help speed up the recovery or support the body in the process, would it?
How is it different fr. that I take plenty of rest, eat healthy diet and drink lots of water during homeopathic treatment to help in recovery?

Are all herbs suppressive in nature?

Just an example for discussion purposes.

Hi Priscilla,

My thinking is similar to yours on this point--you will find different homeopaths having different opinions on the matter!

There are a number of issues: For one thing, it depends whether the action of the herb (or whatever) is nutritional (as I believe is the case with Sambucol and most of the immune supportive herbs) or symptom-quieting (as may be the case with e.g. a pain-relieving herb). Treating by homeopathy has the *potential* to be more healing and more balancing, but it's not necessarily done that way; it depends.

Also one can generally speaking be freer in treating acutes, versus chronic conditions; in an acute, the body is already working hard on fixing the situation, and is in a position to take and make use of any extra help it is given--whether by even an imperfect homeopathic, or by simple nutritional or herbal support.

Nutrient needs are much higher during times of illness; to me it makes sense to supply the needed extra nutrients (and I favor remedies and herbs and foods over vitamins, generally speaking, but use vitamins when that is the best available!).

While we have the *ideal* of the body healing without need of anything except remedies, that's not always feasible, and not always the best approach. Trust your instincts and your experience, and learn as you go!


Shannon

in homeopathy you take a remedy that matches your symptom picture (the substance would cause a similar set of symptoms in a healthy person)

you don't take a remedy to STOP a symptom - you don't give a remedy thinking of only one symptom or disease name.

most of the time herbs are used like drugs by practitioners who are not very aware of how to use them and then they can be suppressive.

A chinese medicine practitioner well versed in herbs will use them differently - to assist the symptoms.
Same as a good homeopath will use remedies.

You don't need to mix all of these things

Find a good homeopath, is my suggestion
Sheri

At 02:18 AM 1/24/2010, you wrote:
------------------------------------------
Sheri Nakken, R.N., MA, Hahnemannian Homeopath
http://vaccinationdangers.wordpress.com/ & http://www.wellwithin1.com/homeo.htm
ONLINE/Email classes in Homeopathy; Vaccine Dangers; Childhood Diseases Reality
Next classes start January 27 & 28

exactly
and you are also learning what makes a good homeopath - maybe you don't have a good homeopath yet
sheri