Homeopathy for babies and children
Introduction
Homeopathy is a gentle yet highly effective system of medicine, making it ideal for babies and children. Homeopathic medicines (known as ‘remedies’) are non-toxic, making them safe to use1 even in the very young. And what’s more, the mildly sweet pills, powders or liquids are easy to take
What complaints can I use homeopathy for at home?
Adding a few homeopathic medicines to your first aid kit will allow you to deal with some minor fhealth problems at home rapidly and effectively. The remedies suggested below may be purchased from a natural medicine pharmacy. It is best to check with your Homeopath before prescribing at home.
When in doubt and for more acute & chronic condition, you should always bring your child to an Ontario Homeopathic Association registered Homeopathic Doctor before starting f your child on homeopathic treatment.
Nappy-rash
Calendula cream is soothing, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory. Use preventatively and/or as a treatment. Can also be used for minor cuts or abrasions.
Bumps and bruises
Arnica 30c or Arnica cream (do not use on broken skin).
Teething
Chamomilla 30c can give swift pain relief especially when the baby is angry, inconsolable and wants to be carried.
Colic
Colocynth 30c if the baby is angry, draws its knees up from pain and is better from pressure on the abdomen (e.g. lying on their front or over your shoulder
Mag phos 30c if the baby draws its knees up and is better from warmth or gently massaging the abdomen
Chamomilla 30c if the baby is angry, inconsolable and wants to be carried. May have green diarrhoea like chopped spinach
Coughs, colds and fevers
Aconite 30c at the first sign of a sudden high fever, especially after being chilled by a dry, cold wind
Belladonna 30c for high fever with red face that’s hot to touch
Gelsemium 30c for a slowly developing fever with dusky face, aching muscles and fatigue
Pulsatilla 30c if they are clingy and upset with lots of thick, yellow/green mucus
Bryonia 30c for irritability, headache and/or dry cough which get worse on movement
When to consult a professional homeopath
Babies and children tend to respond quickly to homeopathic treatment, so if minor symptoms being treated at home don’t improve rapidly, you should consult a professional homeopath and/or your GP as they may need more specialist treatment.
Any severe, recurrent or long-term (chronic) problems will need to be dealt with by a professional homeopath from the outset. Homeopaths treat babies and children with a wide range of conditions such as cradle cap, eczema, sleep problems, recurrent colds and digestive problems. Because homeopathy is a holistic therapy, it can also be used to treat youngsters suffering with emotional problems, ranging from temper tantrums and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) to severe shyness and anxiety. Menstrual problems and acne in teenagers are problems often seen by professional homeopaths.
What to expect when seeing a licensed Homeopathic Doctor
Homeopathy recognises the importance of considering the individual as a whole at any age. At a first consultation (usually lasting an hour or longer) the homeopath will ask about all aspects of your child’s health, including their medical history, diet, personality type and even any problems which developed during the pregnancy. This information will be used to select a homeopathic prescription matched to your child’s symptoms and how they experience them.
What scientific evidence is there that homeopathy works in children?
High quality research studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of homeopathic treatment in some common conditions of infants and children, such as allergies2, hay fever3, ear infections4 and glue ear5.
For example, a study published in the International Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics compared homeopathic treatment with conventional treatment for ear infections (acute otitis media)6.
Results showed that in the patients treated with homeopathic medicines, pain relief was achieved faster and the infection was less likely to recur than in those treated with conventional medicine. Also, in the group receiving homeopathic treatment only 5 out of 103 children needed antibiotics. The authors concluded that homeopathy should therefore be the first line treatment for this condition.
An integrated approach to your child’s healthcare
It is recommended that you maintain the relationship with your family GP and continue with any conventional medical treatment that may have already been prescribed. When necessary homeopathic and conventional approaches can be integrated to give the most effective and appropriate medical care. In serious conditions such as asthma it can be dangerous to suddenly withdraw conventional drugs. However, under the joint care of a Ontario Homeopathic Association licensed Homeopathic Doctor and your GP it may be possible to reduce and eventually stop using conventional medication.
Childhood vaccination
Sherwoodtowne Homeopathic Family Doctors acknowledge that there is much anecdotal and scientific evidence to support the arguments presented for and against vaccination. As a regulated health care profession our Homeopathic Family Doctors aim to support parents in making an informed decision on the short and long-term implications of vaccination. Whether you decide to opt for the jabs or not, homeopathy can improve natural immunity7 and be used to reduce side effects from vaccination.
How to find a qualified and registered homeopath
A registered Homeopath / Homeopathic Doctor with the DHMS or DHMHS and a HD designation from the Ontario Homeopathic Association is your guarantee of a fully qualified healthcare professional who is fully insured and has agreed to abide by a strict code of ethics and practice.*
To find a qualified and registered Homeopath, contact The Ontario Homeopathic Association at (416) 516- 6109 or visit www.ontariohomeoapth.com
References:
(1) Dantas F, Rampes H. Do homeopathic medicines provoke adverse effects? A systematic review. Br Homeopath J, 2000; 89 (Suppl): 535-8.
(2) Launsø L, et al. An exploratory retrospective study of people suffering from Hypersensitivity illness who attend medical or classical homeopathic treatment. Homeopathy, 2006; 95: 73-80.
(3) Taylor MA, Reilly D, et al. Randomised controlled trial of homeopathy versus placebo in perennial allergic rhinitis with overview of four trial series. BMJ, 2000; 321: 471-6.
(4) Jacobs J, Springer DA, Crothers D. Homeopathic treatment of acute otitis media in children: a preliminary randomized placebo-controlled trial. Pediatr Infect Dis J, 2001; 20(2): 177-83.
(5) Harrison H, Fixsen A, Vickers A. A randomized comparison of homoeopathic and standard care for the treatment of glue ear in children. Complement Ther in Med,1999; 7(3): 132-5.
(6) Friese K-H, et al. Homeopathic treatment of otitis media in children: comparisons with conventional therapy. Int J of Clin Pharmacol and Ther, 1997; 35: 296-301.
(7) Campa C. et al., Homeoprophylaxis: Cuban Experiences on Leptospirosis, International Meeting on Homeoprophylaxis, Homeopathic Immunization and Nosodes Against Epidemics, Havana, Cuba, 11 December, 2008.
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