The new flu vaccine is now available.  Many people are taking this flu shot for protection against the seasonal flu and the swine flu.  You can get the flu shot as an injection or as a seasonal mist.

A homeopathic version of the flu vaccine is called influenzium.  This is a diluted version of the flu vaccine for the year 2010.  This homeopathic medicine can be found in varying potencies from 6C to 200C. 

How effective will this vaccine be?  This is a difficult question to answer.  The flu vaccine does not offer 100% protection against the flu.  Flu vaccine are based on a matching system.  If the flu vaccine is a close match, the vaccine is quite effective in preventing the flu.  However, many vaccines from previous years are not good matches in flu prevention.  The flu vaccine in 2010 has made a match with the southern hemisphere and tropical area flu viruses.  The flu virus really has not hit the US so it is difficult to figure out whether the vaccine will be effective against flu prevention. 

The flu vaccine should not be taken by everybody.  People allergic to eggs, people who have had adverse side effects from the flu shot in the past and people that already have gotten the flu.    There are side effects to the flu vaccine such as soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given, fever and aches and pain.  

The flu vaccine is recommended by the CDC to everyone over 6 months of age.  Health care workers, children between 2 to 5 years of age, nursing home workers, older adults above age 50 and people with chronic illness such as diabetes. 

Should everyone get the flu vaccine even though there is no guarantee that it will work?  I look forward to your comments.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease where joints and tissues become inflamed.  This is an autoimmune disorder where the body attacks itself causing the joint inflammation.  Causes of this disease is unknown.  If affects more women than men.  This disease can happen at any age.  It happens gradually as the joints become inflamed.  Treatments for this disease include medication, physical therapy, exercise and surgery.  Surgery is generally not needed.  These treatments stop most joint destruction.  Many RA patients live normal lives.  However, the pain associated with RA can be really intense.

New research was done by the journal of Rheumatology to see if homeopathic remedies help fight this disease.  A previous study seemed to suggest that homeopathic medicine may help relieve pain associated with this disease.  

Homeopathic consultation were done.  Patients were given 5 homeopathic consults. The homeopathic consults had given patients homeopathic remedies and placebos. It seems that homeopathic consultations help people get pain relief.  The research showed that anyone going to a homeopathic consultation seemed to show a great deal of improvement in their condition regardless of what medicine was given.

Authors of the research concluded that homeopathy consultations are effective in treating rheumatoid arthritis but homeopathic medicine show no greater effect than a placebo.    

Aconitum Napellus also known as Monkshood, aconite, Wolf's Bane, Monk's Blood, or Monk's Hood is a species native to western and central Europe and northeastern United States.

Aconitum Napellus has found its place in mythological history. As wolfsbane, it was believed to repel the werewolf and protect anyone who wore it from the wolf's attack.

Like other species in the genus, Aconitum contains several poisonous compounds, including enough cardiac poison that it was used on spears and arrows for hunting and battle in ancient times. Aconitum has a long history of use as a poison. During the ancient Roman period of European history the plant was often used to eliminate criminals and enemies, Later the Roman government made the use of the herb illegal and punished citizens who grew it.

Aconitum produced from the roots of a number of different species of Aconitum is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat "coldness", general debility, and "Yang deficiency." Misuse of the medicinal ingredients contained in this plant can negatively affect the cardiovascular and central nervous systems, thus resulting in death.

Homeopathy dilutes aconite so that it is not poisonous.  These medicines are typically diluted in alcohol and water.   After the dilutions, there is hardly in poison left in most of the medicine.

Aconite's primary usage in homeopathy is as a fever reducer and treatment of flu and pneumonia.  This medicine has a cooling effect on body which helps to relieve conditions such as fevers and colds.

Aconitum is also used as an homeopathic ointment to the skin that will create a pain-relieving numbing sensation. It is used for treating joint pains from rheumatism, lumbago and neuralgia. This remedy is also used to treat nervousness, emotional trauma, fear and anxiety since it helps calm down people.

Aconitum has been transformed from a medieval poison to a modern medicine that helps to treat a wide range of ailments.

Hamamelis virginiana is a species of Witch-hazel plants native to eastern North America, Nova Scotia west to Minnesota, and south to central Florida to eastern Texas. The bark and leaves were used by native Americans in the treatment of external inflammations. The forked twigs of Witch-hazel are preferred as divining rods. Pond's Extract, a brand of beauty and health care products, was a popular distillation of the bark in dilute alcohol. Commercial witch-hazel, an astringent liniment, is an alcohol extract of witch-hazel bark. Witch-hazel oil has been used in medicines, eye-washes, after shave lotions and salves for soothing insect bites, burns and poison ivy rashes.

Hamamelis Virginiana is primarily used in homeopathy to relieve symptoms of varicose veins and hemmorhoids. This medicine chiefly effects the veins and capillaries. Varicose or dialated veins may be present in esophagus (esophageal varices), rectum (hemorrhoids), abdomen, legs, scrotum (pampiniform plexus) of veins. Veins dilate, elongate and become tortuous and bleed easily. Secondary uses of this medicine are for menstrual disorders, diarrhea relief and bruises or wounds with continuous bleeding.

This medicine can be taken internally or used externally.  Internally this medicine is taken in a pills or a liquid. The remedy is used externally as an ointment.  Hemmorhoids are rubbed with the ointment to promote healing.

Hamamelis treats a wide range of ailments including varicose veins, hemmorhoids, menstrual disorders, diarrhea and continous bleeding.  This is why Hamamelis is called the witch that cures.

Passiflora incarnata, commonly known as Maypop, Purple passionflower, True passion flower, Wild apricot, and Wild passion vine, is a fast growing perennial vine and the State Wild Flower of Tennessee. In 1569, Spanish explorers discovered passion flower in Peru. They believed the flowers symbolized Christ’s passion and indicated his approval for their exploration. 

In cooking, the fruit of this variety is sometimes used for jam and jellies. The fruit can be eaten out of hand and when encountered makes a very tasty snack. Historically it was a favorite of colonial settlers of the South and Native Americans.  The dried, ground herb is frequently used in Europe by drinking a teaspoon of it in tea.

Traditionally, the fresh or dried whole plant has been used as homeopathic medicine to treat nervous anxiety and insomnia.  The chemicals in passionflower have calming, sleep inducing and muscle spasm relieving effects. Studies have shown that Passiflora can reduce symptoms of anxiety, sometimes as effectively as some prescription medications.

Secondary uses of this medicine include gastrointestinal upset related to anxiety or nervousness, relieve from symptoms related to narcotic drug withdrawal, psychiatric disorders hysteria, asthma, symptoms of menopause, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), palpitations, irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, fibromyalgia, and pain relief.

Passiflora is used topically on the skin for hemorrhoids, burns, pains, swellings (inflammation) and maybe rubbed into the skin to promote relaxation.  Passiflora is the passionate homeopathic remedy because to helps to promote relaxation and restfulness.

Chamomilla also known as Matricaria recutita, pineapple weed or German camomile, is an annual plant usually grows near populated areas all over Europe and temperate Asia. It is widely introduced in temperate North America and Australia. Chamomile is sometimes known as "the plant doctor", because it is thought to help the growth and health of many other plants, especially ones that produce essential oils.

Chamomile has demonstrated moderate anti-bacterial, anti-oxidant, anti-platelet activity, and anti-viral, anti-fungal, and anti-cancer activity. Chamomile is also used cosmetically, primarily to make a rinse for blonde hair, and as a yellow dye for fabrics.  It also taken as a tea.  Chamomile tea provides rest and relaxation.  It actually helps people go to sleep.

Chamomile is used primarily in homeopathy to treat sore stomach, irritable bowel syndrome, colic and as a gentle sleep aid.  . Secondary uses include treatment of toothaches aggravated by cold air and warm food, painful menstrual periods with severe cramping and a feeling of anger or restlessness, extremely painful ear aches and teething pain in irritable children.

Chamomilla is a plant that treats a wide variety of ailments.  This plant helps to grow other plants.  This healing property is also used a medicine.  This medicine comes in a tea form and as a homeopathic 

Hylands, a large manufacturer of homeopathic medicine, has recalled Hylands Teething tablets.  This is a voluntary recall of a very popular teething tablet for children. 

Hylands teething tablets contain the following four homeopathic remedies which are Calcarea phosphorica, Chamomilla, Coffea cruda and Belladonna in a lactose based pill.  The first three substances in these medicines did not contain in toxicity.  However, the Belladonna seem to show toxicity. 

The FDA and Hylands believe there maybe some Belladonna toxicity in the tablets.  Belladonna is a poisonous substance that homeopathy dilutes.  Properly diluted homeopathic belladonna is harmless.  However, Hylands and the FDA believes that Belladonna may have not been properly diluted.

Children were complaining about dry mouth after taking the teething tablets.  Kids were showing other signs of Belladonna toxicity such as dilated pupils, blurred vision, light sensitivity, confusion, rash and constipation  This lead to the investigation by the FDA and Hylands on this product.  Hylands has voluntarily recalled this product. 

All Hylands teething tablets should be returned back to the manufacturer.  The medicines should be discarded if your children are taking them. Parents should contact Hylands via the web hylandsteething.com/recall or call 877-496-5044 for replacements or refunds. The customer service call center is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern Standard Time and Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Cina is native to a wide area ranging from the eastern Mediterranean to Siberia. Cina has been used for treatment of intestinal worms, seizures, muscular spasms, insomnia, colds, violent coughs, fever, and temper tantrums in children. Cina is named after Artemisia, the queen of Persia in the 4th century BCE who was renowned for her botanical skills, this family of plants has been valued by many medicinal traditions. Artemisia cina was identified as a remedy for intestinal worms by the ancient Greeks, and its active constituent, santonin, is still used in worm medicines.

Cina is primarily used as a children's remedy, and is given for intestinal worms as homeopathic remedy. Symptom of worms in body could be felt as pinching pain in the belly, which may be bloated. There is an urge to grind the teeth at night, and to pick the nose and scratch the rectum, which are both itchy. The appetite may be nonexistent, enormous, or changeable, with potential cravings for sweet foods. There is often intense irritability and great restlessness.  Cina is also an affective homeopathic treatment for temper tantrums, extreme irritability in children, especially chubby ones with variable appetites. Tantrums may be due to being scolded or to worms. Symptoms such as teeth-grinding maybe present.

Secondary uses of Cina include coughs, insomnia, seizures, muscle spasms, and muscle twitches associated with great irritability. Those affected cannot bear to be touched, held, or even observed. Restlessness, a frantic state of mind, picking the nose, and grinding the teeth are typical symptoms.