Download Article
Download Article
Oscillococcinum is a homeopathic medicine used to treat the flu or prevent the infection altogether. It's made from wild duck heart and liver. [1] X Trustworthy Source Consumer Reports Nonprofit organization dedicated to consumer advocacy and product testing Go to source Although the main ingredients in Oscillococcinum are lactose and sucrose (sugar), some people find that this medication helps their flu symptoms, and it won't hurt you to take it. [2] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source In addition, you can take steps to prevent the flu, such as getting vaccinated every year, and taking an antiviral medication if you begin to develop symptoms.
Steps
-
Wait 15 minutes after you eat to take this medication. According to homeopathic practice, you shouldn't have strong flavors in your mouth when taking a medication. Allow 15 minutes after you eat, drink, or brush your teeth for the most benefit. [3] X Research source- Similarly, wait 15 minutes before you eat, drink, or brush your teeth after taking the medication.
-
Empty 1 tube under your tongue. A single dose is 1 tube, which is 0.04-ounce (1 g) dose. Screw open the tube and pour the small balls under your tongue. Don't try to swallow them; just let them hang out under your tongue for a few minutes. [4] X Research source- The active ingredient in this medication is Anas barbariae at 200CK HPUS. The "200CK" indicates it's dilution in water. A dilution of 1C is 1 part active ingredient to 100 parts water; a 5C would be 1:1,000,000,000,000,000. That means this medication's dilution is 1 to 1 with 600 zeros behind it. [5] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source
- This medication also contains 1 gram of sugar.
Advertisement -
Allow the contents to dissolve under your tongue. Wait 5 minutes or so for the balls to break up. As they dissolve, swallow the liquid they produce with the saliva in your mouth. [6] X Research source- Close your mouth while the balls are dissolving.
-
Take a dose 3 times a day for 3 days to combat flu symptoms. Aim to take a dose every 6 hours or so if possible. If your symptoms aren't improving after 3 days, talk to your doctor before taking more of this medication. [7] X Research source- You can also take 1 dose a week for flu prevention. [8] X Research source
-
Try this medication for other diseases, such as a cold. Because this medication is just sugar, you can try it for other symptoms. If you are coughing or sneezing, it won't hurt to take this medication; just be sure you're also treating your symptoms and seeing a doctor if your symptoms linger.- This medication is perfectly safe for children and has no interactions.
Tip: If you use Oscillococcinum as directed, it might help you recover from the flu faster than if you didn't use the treatment. [9] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
Advertisement
-
Get a flu vaccine every year. The flu vaccine is your best defense against the flu each year. Try to get it early in the fall for the best results, before the flu season really gets going. Aim to get the vaccine by the end of October.- The vaccine will help prevent you from getting the flu, but even if you do get it, it can reduce the severity of your symptoms.
-
Wash your hands often during flu season. When washing, use warm water and soap, making sure to scrub for at least 20 seconds before rinsing. Always wash your hands before you eat or touch your face.- If you can't wash your hands, use hand sanitizer instead.
-
Disinfect surfaces after people who are sick touch them. Wipe down doorknobs, countertops, faucet handles, and other hard surfaces when people with the flu touch them. Use disinfecting wipes or a disinfecting spray with a paper towel. Disinfecting these areas at least once a day will decrease your chances of catching the flu from those around you.- Flu germs can linger on things like doorknobs and countertops. If you touch those surfaces, you can be infected with the virus.
-
Avoid getting too close to people with the flu. Typically, when someone has the flu, it's best to keep your distance. Of course, that's not always possible, but you should at the very least avoid drinking or eating after people who have the flu. [10] X Research source- If you're caring for someone the flu, be careful about disinfecting after them. Always wash your hands after being around them. Avoid touching your face, particularly your nose, mouth, and eyes.
Advertisement
-
Start antiviral drugs within 2 days of noticing symptoms. Antiviral drugs can lessen the duration and severity of flu symptoms. They are most effective if you take them within 48 hours of noticing symptoms, but they may be helpful later, too. You can only get these medications from a doctor, so visit an urgent care or your regular doctor as soon as possible.- Signs of the flu include a runny nose, cough, fever, aches, cough, chills, fatigue, and headaches. You might also have stomach issues.
-
Use over-the-counter pain medications to help with aches and fever. Take acetaminophen (paracetamol in the U.K.) or ibuprofen as directed by the package. Always check any other medications you're using to treat the flu, as they can contain these ingredients, too. If you see them in the ingredient list, don't take them separately. [11] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source -
Rest up at home. Rest is one of the main ways to get over the flu! Get plenty of sleep at home to help your body heal. Plus, you should stay home so you don't pass the virus to other people, as the flu spreads easily. [12] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source- If you do need to go out, make sure to cough or sneeze into a tissue and wash your hands often to keep from passing the virus to others.
-
Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. It can be hard to stay hydrated when you're sick because you lose a lot of fluids. Drink water, tea, and juices to help you regain what you've lost. You can also sip broth or other soups to help your fluid intake. [13] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source- If you have a sore throat, try sucking on a popsicle. You'll get fluids, and it will help with the pain.
Advertisement
Expert Q&A
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
Advertisement
Tips
- There are 2 major studies that show that Oscillococcinum can be effective for treating the flu. [14] X Research source Papp, R., G. Schuback, E. Beck, et. al. “Oscillococcinum® in Patients with Influenza-Like Syndromes: A Placebo-Controlled Double-Blind Evaluation.” British Homoeopathic Journal 87, no. 2 (1998): 69-76. doi:10.1038/sj.bhj.5800208. [15] X Research source Ferley, J.P., D. Zmirou, D. Dadhemar, and F. Balducci. “A Controlled Evaluation of a Homoeopathic Preparation in the Treatment of Influenza-Like Syndromes.” British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 27, no. 3 (1989): 329-35. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2125.1989.tb05373.x.Thanks
Submit a Tip
All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
Name
Please provide your name and last initial
Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
Advertisement
References
- ↑ https://www.consumerreports.org/flu/the-best-flu-treatment-for-you/
- ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/natural/1080.html
- ↑ https://www.theaahp.org/consumer-information/faqs/
- ↑ https://oregon.providence.org/forms-and-information/n/natural-approaches-to-preventing-and-treating-colds-and-flu/
- ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/natural/1080.html
- ↑ https://oregon.providence.org/forms-and-information/n/natural-approaches-to-preventing-and-treating-colds-and-flu/
- ↑ https://oregon.providence.org/forms-and-information/n/natural-approaches-to-preventing-and-treating-colds-and-flu/
- ↑ https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/bf32/f46d8fedc6ffe8812e5878afa1b45f826725.pdf
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1379831/
- ↑ https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/all-about-flu-and-how-prevent-it
- ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/flu/
- ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevention/actions-prevent-flu.html
- ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/flu/
- ↑ Papp, R., G. Schuback, E. Beck, et. al. “Oscillococcinum® in Patients with Influenza-Like Syndromes: A Placebo-Controlled Double-Blind Evaluation.” British Homoeopathic Journal 87, no. 2 (1998): 69-76. doi:10.1038/sj.bhj.5800208.
- ↑ Ferley, J.P., D. Zmirou, D. Dadhemar, and F. Balducci. “A Controlled Evaluation of a Homoeopathic Preparation in the Treatment of Influenza-Like Syndromes.” British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 27, no. 3 (1989): 329-35. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2125.1989.tb05373.x.
About This Article
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 41,437 times.
Reader Success Stories
- "I was simply reading about the natural supplement, but the other info was good as well, thanks!"
Advertisement
89%
of readers found this article helpful
.
Click a star to add your vote
% of people told us that this article helped them.
"I was simply reading about the natural supplement, but the other info was good as well, thanks!"
"Thank you for the detailed information. Very helpful."
