BENGALURU: With H1N1 cases on the rise and allopathic drugs like Fluvir getting scarce, the Central Council for Research in Homeopathy has recommended use of a homeopathic drug to prevent spread of the deadly influenza.

“Experts have suggested taking one dose of the medicine Arsenicum Album on an empty stomach for 3 days,” reads an official statement by the council.

“Arsenicum Album increases one’s immunity level and helps fight the virus. Since all homeopathic medicines look similar, I suggest that people not buy them over the counter, instead consult a practitioner first. Even if you buy over-the-counter drugs, you must ensure the bottle is sealed,” advised Dr B T Rudresh, governing member of the council, who practises in Bengaluru. An average of 100-150 persons take precautionary medicine from his clinic every day.

Recalling the H1N1 outbreak in 2009-10, Dr Sudha Kumar , consultant at Dr Mathai’s Holistic Homeopathy Clinic, said more positive cases have been reported this time. “We don’t claim we have proven treatment but research is on. We analyze the symptoms of the condition and arrive at the remedy that can provide protection from the virus,” said Sudha. In 1918, when there was a Spanish flu outbreak in Ohio, homeopathic medicines brought down the death toll drastically, added Dr Rudresh.

