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Run with the herb

Homeopathy for the family

By Melvyn Smith DS Hom RS Hom

One of the greatest rewards of being in homeopathic practice is the ability to treat children of all ages, and homeopathy has been doing just that for almost 250 years. I have been in practice for over 20 years and one of a number of events that inspired me to study homeopathy relates to my eldest child, now 27, but at the time a toddler.

One night he awoke with a fever and a classic croup-like cough. I had recently been acquainted with homeopathy, and the only remedy in my possession was ‘Aconite 30C’ so I gave him one dose. Within a few minutes, he had calmed and was able to return to sleep. In the morning his fever had gone, along with the cough, not to recur. His best friend at the time, a neighbour’s child, suffered an attack of croup for some weeks.

I later discovered that ‘Aconite’ is the number one remedy for croup, and should ideally be administered at the start of symptoms. Since then I have witnessed wonderful responses to homeopathic treatment of children experiencing all kinds of ailments both acute and chronic.

What is homeopathy?

Homeopathic remedies are made from plants, animal substances, minerals and salts and are diluted to such a high extent that few or no molecules remain in the remedies. They work at an energetic level stimulating the body’s own healing abilities rather like a message to the immune system – and are prescribed on the principle of ‘like cures like’. Symptoms of illness reflect the body’s healing response to an underlying cause and a well-selected remedy will assist the body to overcome the problem. One simple example is where the remedy allium cepa (onion) is prescribed for hayfever when the eyes are stinging and hot, which is similar to when you cut up an onion.

Is it safe for children?

Parents often prefer this safe but highly effective treatment as there are no side effects and the cause of the symptoms is often addressed. Homeopathy works fast with children, because they are full of vitality. Acute complaints such as fevers can be resolved rapidly using the right remedies, often avoiding the need for conventional medicine. Babies also tend to respond quickly to homeopathic treatment, and there are remedies for colic, teething and nappy-rash, for example.

Complaints that need a proper course of treatment include cradle cap, recurrent vomiting, sleep problems, digestive troubles, recurrent infections, asthma and eczema, ear problems, menstrual problems, acne in teenagers, as well as behavioural problems such as attention deficit disorder, temper tantrums, severe shyness and anxiety. In children with such complaints, a full case history is needed for the homeopath to select the appropriate remedy for the child.

Choosing a treatment

The best protection against disease is to improve the immune system naturally, which will help children deal with illness as they grow. Although there are over 2000 homeopathic remedies available, a homeopath will often select a single remedy to suit both the individual child and the symptoms they are experiencing. Different remedies may be selected for similar symptoms, depending on the temperament and constitution of the individual child. Good health can be maintained by periodic constitutional treatment especially if the child is under stress e.g. starting school, a new arrival in the family, bereavement, illness etc.

More than medicine

It is important for the homeopath to understand the child in the context of the family health, particularly that of mother and father. A few years ago, I was asked to treat a baby who was very sleepy much of the time. He was very dull in his manner and there were early indications of retarded development. During the consultation, it emerged that the mother had experienced a deep trauma during late pregnancy. I treated the baby for shock and in a relatively short time, he became livelier and subsequently developed normally. Even children with inherited or chromosomal health problems can be helped to maximise their health potential.

What’s the alternative?

Many parents whose children are being treated with complimentary therapies will also use conventional treatments. I encourage this integrated approach where appropriate, in order that the best interest of the child can be served. GPs increasingly welcome the contribution that complementary therapies can make and in recent years doctors have been advised to minimise the use of antibiotics for coughs, colds, earaches etc. Concerns about long-term damage to the growing child with the worry of antibiotic resistance make homeopathy a safer option. With support from their GP, homeopathy can help children on long term medication reduce, or come off, their conventional drugs, in a number of conditions including asthma. The best protection against illness is to improve the immune system naturally and homeopathy offers a safe and effective way to achieve that.

Melvyn Smith DS Hom RS Hom is a registered member of the Society of Homeopaths.

He has clinics in Worcester, Malvern and Birmingham, and can be contacted on 01684 5623

Homeopathic remedies

Teething

Chamomilla 30c - inconsolable and angry child

Pulsatilla 30c - clingy and upset

Colic

Magnesium Phos 30c - baby doubles up in pain

Nappy-rash

Caledula 30c and Calendula cream - soothing and antiseptic

Earache

Pulsatilla 30c - clingy child - often follows catarrhal colds

Fever

Aconite 30c - sudden fevers after getting chilled

Belladonna 30c - very high temperatures with a red face

Gelsemium 30c - slow fever with flu-like symptoms

Coughs and Colds

Bryonia 30c - miserable, irritable, better for keeping still

Pulsatilla 30c - plenty of yellow/green mucus; clingy and upset

Vomiting

Nux Vomica 30c - bilious and bad tempered

Arsenicum Album 30c - after bad food with diarrhoea and restlessness

Bumps and Bruises

Arnica 30c - also for shock and exhaustion

NB. If your child’s symptoms are severe or chronic (ongoing or recurrent) consult a registered homeopath and/or your GP