The Health Benefits of Oscillococcinum

Oscillococcinum is a brand-name homeopathic remedy used to treat influenza (flu). Taken at the first signs of infection, Oscillococcinum is said to ease symptoms and shorten the duration of the flu. To date, there is little evidence to support the claim.

This article discusses what Oscillococcinum is, how it is thought to work, and how to use it. It also describes the possible side effects and risks associated with Oscillococcinum.

What Is Oscillococcinum?

Ocillococcinum (also known as Anas barbariae hepatis et cordis extractum 200K ) is probably the most well-known homeopathic remedy, having been in production for over 65 years in more than 50 countries.

Homeopathy is an alternative practice of medicine that started during the 19th century. It is based on the principle of "like cures like" in which a substance that causes symptoms of a disease in healthy people can cure similar symptoms in sick people.

Homeopathic remedies like Ocillococcinum are made by placing substances in a solution and diluting the solution by half repeatedly until little or none of the substances remain. Even so, the dilution is thought to have "water memory," meaning that it "remembers" the substances and can activate the body's self-healing properties no matter how many times the solution is diluted.

Oscillococcinum is made from a diluted extract of wild duck heart and liver. The remedy is believed to work because ducks and other waterfowl are reservoir hosts for certain types of influenza (namely, "bird flu"). By exposing someone to a vastly diluted extract of these organs, homeopaths contend that it can stimulate the body's innate ability to heal itself from flu.

Heath Benefits of Ocillococcium

Oscillococcinum is said to reduce the duration and severity of flu if taken at the first signs of illness. According to the manufacturer, it temporarily relieves flu-like symptoms, including headaches, body aches, chills, fever, and fatigue. Studies to date have been sparse.

A 2015 review of six studies involving 327 adults in Russia and 1,196 teens and adults in France and Germany could find no evidence that Occillococcnum was able to prevent flu any better or worse than a placebo (sham drug). While there was evidence that Ocillosoccinum may reduce flu symptoms within the first 48 hours by 7.7% compared to a placebo, the investigators concluded that "given the low quality of the studies, the evidence is not compelling."

However, a 2018 Italian study that followed children and adult patients suffering from respiratory diseases between 2002 to 2011, concluded that the frequency of respiratory tract infections remained consistently lower in patients treated with Oscillococcinum.

Possible Side Effects of Oscillococcinum

Oscillococcinum typically does not cause side effects because it is made almost entirely of sugar. In 2015, there was one report of a person experiencing severe tongue swelling and slurring, which the researchers attributed to Oscillococcinum. No rash or other remarkable symptoms were noted.

Despite the seemingly low risk of side effects, it is important to exercise caution when using Oscillococcinum. As a largely unregulated supplement, Oscillococcinum does not need to undergo the stringent testing or safety trials that pharmaceutical drugs do.

There are no known interactions between Oscillococcinum and other medications. Even so, people with diabetes should note that each dose contains 1 gram of sugar.

Despite containing lactose, the amount contained in each dose (0.15 grams) is unlikely to pose any harm to people who are lactose intolerant.

Dosage and Preparation

Oscillococcinum is sold as a single-dose tube containing 0.04 ounces of quick-dissolving pellets. The pellets are placed under the tongue and allowed to melt.

According to the manufacturer's directions, dissolve the entire contents of one tube every six hours, up to three times a day to treat the flu. Ocillococcinum is said to start working within 24 hours. If symptoms persist beyond three days or worsen, discontinue using Oscillococcinum and consult your healthcare provider.

Oscillococcinum should not be given to children under 2 years of age, taken by anyone pregnant or nursing, or used by people with chronic medical conditions without first speaking with a healthcare provider.

Where to Find It

Oscillococcinum is sold over the counter, typically in the cold medicine section of grocery stores, pharmacies, and health food stores. It is produced by one manufacturer (Boiron) and comes in a white box with yellow and blue print.

Prices can vary, but a 30-count box of Ocillococcinum costs around $30, or roughly $1 per dose.

Summary

Ocillococcinum is a commercial homeopathy remedy made of a vastly diluted extract of duck heart and liver that is sprayed onto sugar pellets. Homeopaths contend that it can lessen the severity and duration of the flu if taken at the first sign of infection. The evidence supporting this claim is inconclusive.