Health Benefits of Oscillococcinum

Also known as Anas barbariae hepatitis and Cordis extractum 200 c, Oscillococcinum is a brand name homeopathic remedy used in the treatment of influenza. Taken at the first sign of flu-like symptoms, Oscillococcinum is said to relieve symptoms and shorten the duration of the flu. However, research to support this is limited.

Based on the theory that "like cures like," homeopathy aims to treat illness by delivering very small doses of a substance that produces symptoms characteristic of the illness being treated. According to homeopathic philosophy, these highly diluted doses can activate the body's innate self-healing mechanisms.

Oscillococcinum is made from extracts of duck heart and liver, which homeopaths believe to be reservoirs of the influenza virus. The remedy is prepared using 200 dilutions. The first mixture contains 1% of the duck extract, the second mixture contains 1% of the first mixture, the third mixture contains 1% of the second mixture, and so on until it has been diluted 200 times.

While a small number of studies suggest that Oscillococcinum may have some beneficial effects for people with the flu, there's no evidence that the remedy can prevent flu or serve as a first-line treatment for the virus.

A 2015 review found only two trials containing sufficient information to enable data extraction, and the risk of bias in these two trials was not clear. The evidence limited to these two studies did not find evidence supporting the preventive use of Oscillococcinum. An earlier review of seven studies including 2,265 patients found no evidence that Oscillococcinum can prevent the influenza-like syndrome.

Since they're so diluted, homeopathic remedies such as Oscillococcinum typically do no cause adverse effects. In some cases, however, patients may briefly feel worse after first beginning their homeopathic treatment. In one case, the use of Oscillococcinum was tied to the development of angioedema secondary to an allergic reaction.

Despite the low risk of side effects, it's important to take caution when using Oscillococcinum in the treatment of the flu. Because the flu virus can lead to complications like pneumonia (a potentially life-threatening condition), you should seek medical attention if you experience flu symptoms such as coughing, sore throat, muscle aches, fatigue, headache, and high fever.

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Oscillococcinum is a name brand homeopathic treatment that packages doses in individual 0.04 ounce serving sizes of quick-dissolving pellets. Always follow the package instructions.

Oscillococcinum is sold over the counter and is found in the cold medicine section of grocery stores, pharmacies, and health food stores. It comes in a white box with yellow and blue print.

Due to a lack of supporting research, it's too soon to recommend Oscillococcinum for the flu. If you're considering the use of homeopathy, talk with your primary care provider first. Self-treating a condition and avoiding or delaying standard care may have serious consequences.