Get Well Soon

I’ve been thinking a lot about convalescence. I’ve been thinking about it partly because I’ve been doing it (Covid, round 2 for our house) and I’ve been thinking about it because I attended a webinar recently given by a naturopathic doctor. She said that when her patients tell her they are feeling better, that then begins their 3 day convalescence. She doesn’t clear them for returning to work or school until they have been 3 days past when they started to feel better.

What a concept!

I get it! It makes so much sense! Get back up to speed before returning to life at full speed! It’s a luxurious thought, though, I think. It shouldn’t be a luxury to recuperate, but I think in today’s day and age, it is. Bills need to be paid, houses need to be cleaned, school work needs to be completed… who has time to take 3 days to get back up to speed?

Maybe it’s time we return to this seemingly outdated idea.

What does it mean to “convalesce,” exactly?

Dictionary.com tells us “convalescence” means, “the gradual recovery of health and strength after an illness.” Victoria State Government recommends setting “recovery goals,” such as:

• Maintaining some level of activity, even if it means just sitting or standing up occasionally. Try getting dressed and move around the house, if possible.
• Gradually increasing your activity each day to ensure your muscles, heart and lungs are working efficiently.
• Get enough rest. Listen to your body and alternate periods of activity with periods of relaxation. Don’t over-do it.
• Maintain social activity.
• Eat healthily — lots of fresh fruit and vegetables. If your appetite is lacking, try eating small amounts regularly. Eating well is more important than eating more.
• As your strength improves, find time to do things you enjoy and aim to get out of the house regularly, even if for short outings.
• If there is any possibility of long-term ramifications following serious illness, make sure to get the appropriate counseling.
• Seek medical advice if there is confusion, dizziness on standing, depression, any new symptoms develop or if things just don’t seem right.

Homeopathy has some lovely remedies to assist with convalescence. For this article, we’ll look at some remedies for recovering from influenza, in particular. For recuperation, we’re not looking at symptoms of the disease so much as we’re looking at the weakness, lethargy, loss of appetite and even wonky sleep.

Homeopathic Gelsemium is the first to consider. Interestingly, Gelsemium is one of the first remedies to consider on the front side of the flu, too. The 4 Ds: droopy, drowsy, dull, dizzy. (Well, the dizzy part is hopefully behind you at this point….) The fatigue following influenza can be pronounced and Gelsemium is a fantastic remedy for fatigue, in general and chronic fatigue in particular.

Phosphoric acid is indicated when mental weakness is a bigger deal than the physical weakness following an acute disease, particularly when recovering from fevers. People who may benefit from Phos-ac may find they are worse from conversation, sensitive to light and sound and smells; worse from cold drafts, worse from sitting and worse from standing.

Sulphur is known to help “clean up” following respiratory illnesses. I liken it to mopping up the gunk — it just kind of clears stuff out. (How’s that for getting technical?!) Another remedy to consider here is Sulphuric iodatum. Sulph-iod has a connection to exertion: weakness from exertion as well as a fear of exertion.

If sleeplessness sets in, try some Avena sativa tincture. It is also excellent for nervous exhaustion and debility.

Calc phos 6x and Ferr phos 6x are two excellent cell salts to help build up what was broken down during the illness. Calc phos can help when there is a lack of energy as well as mental or physical weakness. It can also help with absorption and assimilation of nutrients. Ferrum phos is said to assist in oxygenating the blood and can help with inflammation and sore muscles. Take this cell salt combination 3-4 times a day.

And, don’t forget my favorite non-homeopathic recommendation of bone broth! So many nutrients!

Now, go forth and rest! A few extra days to get back to full strength has to outweigh jumping back in with both feet when you’re still half in the bag!

Julia Coyte, CHom
Classically Practical homeopath

#wellnessawaits

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Victoria State Government, n.d. Convalescence - Better Health Channel [online]. www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au.