This is an update of my previous post about treatment of Covid-19, more specific for Omicron.
The vaccine does not prevent you from being infected with or transmitting Omicron, so being prepared whether you are vaccinated or not is important. Especially because if you come into contact with someone who tests positive you will be isolated and may not be able to go out to get supplies.
One major point of difference for Omicron compared to Delta and previous variants, is that Omicron appears to stay in the upper respiratory tract, instead of heading to the lungs, which makes symptoms less severe on the most part. It is still worth treating, just as I recommend treating a cold to reduce three length of time you are unwell and support the immune system to fight effectively.
Symptoms of Omicron include sore throat, runny nose, sneezing, headache and fatigue. However it can also cause nausea or diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and a lack of appetite. Symptoms of previous Covid strains such as a cough and loss of smell are much less likely.
Before we get into homeopathic remedies I want to touch on nutrition and supplements.
A diet of whole foods has many nutrients, which help our immune system function. When you have a varied diet you also have a varied gut flora, and a lot of our immunity is mediated by our gut. Lowering processed food, as well as inflammatory foods like sugar and gluten will also support your immune function. Glucose particularly will compete for vitamin C on white blood cell receptors, so a diet low in sugars and refined carbohydrates will support those white blood cells to kill infected cells before they reproduce the virus.
There are many early treatment protocols from integrative doctors on the internet. They all talk about several key nutrients, the same nutrients we have been using for respiratory viruses for years:
Vitamin C – I like liposomal C as you can take it less often (3-4 times daily when acutely unwell), but sodium ascorbate or a combination of sodium ascorbate and Ascorbic acid is also helpful, it just needs to be taken more frequently, up to every hour until you reach bowel tolerance.
Zinc – another essential nutrient for immune functioning a deficiency is associated with increased infections and poorer outcomes. Daily supplementation of at least 15mg from the first point you suspect you have contracted Covid.
Vitamin D3 (if possible in combination with Vitamin K2) – not just important for bones and calcium, this vitamin has an important role modulating both innate and adaptive immunity. We are in summer and if we have been getting plenty of sun vitamin D levels should be ok, but those who avoid the sun or have darker skin should supplement with this if you suspect Covid infection at 1000IU daily, or up to 5000IU daily.
There are a couple of other supplements that you can add to the nutrients above:
Quercetin- this is a flavonoid found in fruits and vegetables, and has antioxidant properties. It is also anti inflammatory and supports immune function. One of its proposed mechanisms as an antiviral is as a zinc ionophore- that it facilitates movement of zinc into the cell, increasing the pH and decreasing the replication of RNA viruses. Recommended dose is 500mg once daily for prophylaxis or twice daily for treatment.
Another compound with a similar zinc ionophore action is Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) which is found in green tea extract. It is a polyphenol like Quecertin but from the catechin family, not a flavonoid. It also has antioxidant, anti inflammatory and immune modulatory activity. The dose for EGCG is 400mg daily. I would recommend either Quecertin or EGCG, you do not need to take both.
Over the counter Pharmaceuticals
One option you have for both prevention and treatment is Povidone Iodine- brand name Betadine. This can be used as a gargle once or twice daily as prevention if you are exposed and at risk from close contact with someone positive for Covid, or two to three times daily from first signs of infection. Please check when you buy Betadine if you are getting the concentrate – which you need to dilute – or the ready-to-use solution.
Another simple option from a Pharmacy is a nasal rinse or nasal spray. Flushing the area reduces the viral particles in the mucus, and can also be used as a preventative.
Homeopathy
The key with Homeopathy is to match your symptoms to the remedy. In general remedies in the 30c potency are safe and effective for home use. Discuss with your Homeopath if you have or want to use a higher potency. For acute use you can take one dose every 15 minutes for up to six doses. If you have had no change in anything (including mental emotional symptoms) after three or four doses then do not continue that remedy, and if you are finding it hard to find the right remedy then contact myself or another Homeopath for help. Even if it’s 2am you can still connect to a Homeopath via www.homeopathy247.com
Aconite – first signs of illness or in anticipation of getting ill. Symptoms may start after exposure to a cold, dry wind. Best taken in first stages, symptoms may include sneezing, sore throat, dry cough, and they are thirsty and restless at night. May also feel anxious at night or even have panic attacks.
Arsenicum – restless, anxious and irritable, they are thirsty, and better for warm drinks. Burning pains, may have a watery nasal discharge, blocked nose (especially indoors), sore throat and dry cough. They feel worse after midnight. Diarrhoea and burning pains in stomach can be part of the remedy, and they are only thirsty for small sips of water. They are often not hungry.
Bryonia – someone needing this remedy wants to be left alone and lie perfectly still. They are irritable and may even snarl like a bear of disturbed. They have a hard, dry cough that hurts the chest, they need to sit up and may need to hold their chest while coughing. Worse in a warm room, and for movement, they are thirsty for cold drinks.
Kali Bichromicum – nasal discharge which is thick, yellow and stringy. They can have pressure and fullness at the root of the nose, through the sinuses, a nasally sound to the voice, and a headache which can feel like it is in one spot and the size of a 50c piece. They are chilly, can have burning pains in the stomach, and diarrhoea.
Phosphorus – not many nasal symptoms, they can have a hoarse voice or lose it entirely, and sensitive throat, but symptoms are mostly in the chest, particularly a dry cough with tightness in the chest. Can feel very weak and be thirst for icy cold drinks.
It is likely that some people will respond well to other remedies, and if you have a constitutional remedy or one that you find usually works for you then consider trying that remedy.
It is important to note with the supplements that if you suspect you have Covid-19, start the supplements and appropriate homeopathic remedies at that time, do not wait for a positive result.
Please contact me if I can help, or contact another Health Professional. Mental health is also important in these difficult times, so reach out for support if needed, and try to stay sane amidst the fear and chaos.
Arohanui x