Oscillococcinum
Scientific names: Cairina moschata, Anas barbaria, Anas moschata
Alternate names: Anas Barbariae, Anas Barbariae Hepatis et Cordis Extractum HPUS, Avian Heart and Liver, Avian Liver Extract, Canard de Barbarie, Duck Liver Extract, Extrait de Foie de Canard, Muscovy Duck, Oscillo, Oticoccinum
Background
Oscillococcinum is a patented homeopathic product manufactured by Boiron Laboratories. It is made from the heart and liver of wild duck.
Homeopathic products are extreme dilutions of active ingredients. They are often so diluted that they don't contain any active medicine. The basic principles are "like treats like" and "potentiation through dilution." For example, the flu would be treated with an extreme dilution of a substance that causes flu-like symptoms.
People use oscillococcinum for symptoms of the common cold and flu, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Homeopathic products have been permitted for sale in the US since 1938. But homeopathic products are not held to safety and effectiveness standards the way that conventional medicines are.
Homeopathic products are extreme dilutions of active ingredients. They are often so diluted that they don't contain any active medicine. The basic principles are "like treats like" and "potentiation through dilution." For example, the flu would be treated with an extreme dilution of a substance that causes flu-like symptoms.
People use oscillococcinum for symptoms of the common cold and flu, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Homeopathic products have been permitted for sale in the US since 1938. But homeopathic products are not held to safety and effectiveness standards the way that conventional medicines are.
Safety Safety definitions
When taken by mouth: Oscillococcinum is possibly safe when taken three times daily for up to 3 days. This is a homeopathic product that does not contain any active ingredient. Most experts believe that it will have no beneficial or harmful effects. But cases of severe swelling, including swelling of the tongue, and headache have been reported after taking oscillococcinum.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if oscillococcinum is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. But it is a homeopathic product that contains no active ingredient. Therefore, this product is not expected to cause any beneficial or harmful effects.Effectiveness
Effective Effectiveness definitions
There is interest in using oscillococcinum for a number of purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Dosing & administration
Oscillococcinum has most often been used by adults under the tongue. One tube (200 globules) has been taken at the start of symptoms, and then taken up to three times daily for up to 3 days. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.
Interactions with pharmaceuticals
It is not known if Oscillococcinum interacts with any medicines. Before taking Oscillococcinum, talk with your healthcare professional if you take any medications.
Interactions with herbs & supplements
There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.
Interactions with foods
There are no known interactions with foods.
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This monograph was last reviewed on 17/12/2024 11:00:00 and last updated on 29/01/2014 16:57:47. Monographs are reviewed and/or updated multiple times per month and at least once per year.
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Natural Medicines rates safety based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Likely Safe, Possibly Safe, Possibly Unsafe, Likely Unsafe, Unsafe, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate. For more information about Natural Medicines’ Safety Rating System, click here.
The Natural Medicines Effectiveness Ratings are assigned for specific indications. A product might be rated "Possibly Effective" for one condition, but be rated "Likely Ineffective" for another condition, depending on the evidence. For more info click here.
