Hyderabad, June 22:: It seems the H1N1 influenza virus has had it effects on the realm of alternative medicine as well. With a citybased homeopath claiming that incidence of swine flu can be prevented by administering certain homeopathic medicines, the disease has surely provided some room for alternative therapy.
Though some people may have debunked it as a pseudoscience, believers in the mode of discipline have dubbed homeopathy as an effective supplementary treatment to traditional medicine. Its efficacy, often regarded with suspicion from doctors, has nevertheless had it share of followers in the country.
Dr B Sohan Singh, who is the chairman of the P G Education committee of the Central Council of Homeopathy said that the preventive agent, Gelesemium 6 may be used in conjunction with conventional medicines. “On the onset of suspected symptoms of the disease, including sneezing, nasal dryness, dull headache accompanied by fever and muscular pains, individuals can be given the pill, which would act as a preventive measure against the viral condition,” Singh said.
The airborne disease, adds Dr Singh, “can be prevented by following up the medicine along with undertaking some precautions, like avoiding contact with infected persons and basic hygiene measures can reduce the chance of infection.” Among other treatments offered by homeopathy are Eupatorium, Rhustox, Bryonia, Belladona and Influenjinum, he added.
Stressing on the cheap availability of the homeopathic
alternative, Dr Singh said that a bottle of Gelesimum, containing about 150 pills would cost around Rs 10, which would be sufficient for one family, and could become an economical preventive. “The course of medication should be followed for two days only, whereby five pills are to be given to individuals thrice daily,” The homeopath however warns that in the case of suspected infection, individuals should call the NICD helpline and not take any medicine without due consultation. He also noted that the preventive homeo medicine “will not cause any side effects”.
–Agencies–