Viruses are very tiny germs which lay in wait for a host cell to come along. These parasites infect cells and cause disease affecting only certain cells in the body and causing common cold symptoms. It can have an impact on the whole body, such as with an influenza virus which causes all-over muscle soreness and fever. These germs can enter through the nose, mouth or breaks in the skin. Once the virus is inside it finds a host cell to infect. It attaches to living cells and once inside destroys DNA thus taking control of the cell, which is then forced to build more viruses until it explodes. For example, cold and flu viruses will attack cells that line the respiratory or digestive tracts. The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which causes AIDS, attacks the T-cells of the immune system. A special hormone called interferon is produced by the body when viruses are present and this stops the viruses from reproducing by killing the infected cell and its close neighbors. Most viral infections can last from 2 days to 2 weeks. Viral infections are caused by viruses and bacterial infections are caused by bacteria. The most important distinction between bacterial and viruses is that antibiotic drugs usually kill bacteria, but they aren’t effective against viruses.

Homeopathic immunomodulating medications, such as Engystol, are developed to target viral infections. Combination homeopathic preparations have been scientifically proven to significantly reduce the duration and severity of symptoms during an acute viral infection and help protect from subsequent infections. The goal of a treatment is to activate and support the defense mechanisms of the body, strengthening the natural immune response in case of a viral invasion. Numerous studies document the therapeutic and preventive benefits of this type of homeopathic preparation in cases of infections with or without fever such as bronchitis, herpes, otitis, flu, etc.

Homeopathic remedies for acute viral infections have been on the international market for over 35 years and are used for both prevention and treatment of viral infections. There are no known contraindications and they are very well tolerated.

A study evaluating the prophylaxis (preventative) effect of Engystol against influenza demonstrated that treatment with Engystol reduced the frequency of influenza infections compared to the control group. Moreover, the duration and severity of symptoms was considerably lower in the Engystol group.

Combination homeopathic drugs contain botanical and mineral ingredients, each in multiple potencies. For example, Engystol contains two main active ingredients: Vincetoxicum hirundinaria (swallowort), which has been associated with the stimulation of host defense mechanisms and sulfur (sulphur), which has been widely used homeopathically for treating a range of conditions, including skin diseases, acute and chronic inflammation, and hepatic and gastrointestinal complaints.

Andrea Murphy is an Acupuncturist at Acupuncture & Herbs located at 719 SE 5^th Street in Stuart. She offers Engystol injections. For more information, call 772-284-1122 or visit AcupuncturebyAndrea.com