What are the most effective homeopathic remedies and treatments that can act on the disorders that commonly affect children
The homeopathic remedy
Homeopathy (from homòios, similar, and pàthos, disease) aims to treat symptoms or diseases with infinitesimal doses of the substances that in larger doses would cause the same disorders or diseases in healthy subjects (“Similia similibus curantur“). Homeopathic remedies tend to respect the body, not by eliminating the symptom, but rather by stimulating the individual to overcome the disease, strengthening the constitution. Homeopathic substances for therapeutic purposes are 70% of plant origin, but there are also substances of animal and mineral origin. They are all subjected to dilution and shaking, to eliminate the toxicological properties, enhancing instead the therapeutic ones.
The homeopath prescribes the remedy according to the different psychophysical characteristics for each patient. This implies a human listening and approach to the person, and not only to the disease, as often happens with traditional medicine.
This is the most important benefit of the homeopathic approach. The dispute between homeopathy and traditional medicine is resolved in the unscientific nature of homeopathic remedies, attributable to the placebo effect and the question of the interest of pharmaceutical companies is often called into question. Nevertheless, the effectiveness of homeopathy leads to many people disappointed by conventional medical treatments. This applies to adults. Today the interest of mothers and fathers for homeopathy for children is growing. Let’s better understand what it is.
Homeopathy for children
Homeopathy for children is a hotly debated topic. If it is true that the natural remedy is controlled and that, as opponents say, it is attributable only to the placebo effect, the risk remains, for the child, related to the suspension of a traditional medical therapy. According to some studies, children who opted for homeopathy then had serious problems. According to other studies, and other points of view, homeopathy is harmless and cannot be linked to these problems.
But why should homeopathy for children be so effective? The child’s body has a very pure reactivity of the immune system and consequently is very sensitive to any stimulus. Having never used too many allopathic drugs, the child’s organism is pure and reactive. Here the homeopathic remedy seems to work, stimulating the body’s natural self-healing process.
What heals? In the child, homoepathy frequently turns to dermatitis, diarrhea, fever, loss of appetite, sleep disturbances, inflammations such as sore throat, stomach ache, hay fever and constipation.
How are homeopathic medicines taken? Drops, syrups, tablets and the so-called ‘globules’, sugar balls impregnated with homeopathic solution to be dissolved under the tongue.
Children respond well to homeopathy
Of course, at the beginning of every small emergency that the child suffers, there is: consolation. Holding your hand, gently rocking and blowing on the wound helps to get through the first few seconds of shock. In addition, the low-side effect but effective approach via homeopathy is now suitable.
Children in particular respond to cautious remedies, because the body’s regulatory powers work particularly well at a young age. Often the child’s organism only needs a little push to get back on track.
Homeopathic remedies are made from plant, mineral or animal substances and are diluted to such an extent in what is known as potentization that the active ingredient is only minimally contained. Nonetheless, the information from the drug is amplified at a subtle level through a process called shaking or dynamization.
Alleviating children’s complaints homeopathically
Homeopathic remedies have proven effective for the following complaints in babies and children:
- (sports) injuries
- Fever
- colic
- gas
- teething problems
- neonatal acne
- cradle cap
- rashes
- Sniffles
- grief
- nausea
- Diarrhea
- constipation
- Sunstroke , sun allergy
Dosage of homeopathic remedies for children
Whether tablets, pellets or drops: Homeopathy knows different dosage forms. Globules are ideal for children because the small sugar pearls also taste good. They can even be pushed easily into the cheeks of babies and gently melt there.
Low potencies such as D12 or C12 are suitable for self-medication. Higher potencies from 30c upwards should only be used by experienced homeopaths
In general, medical emergencies belong in the hands of a doctor! Complaints that do not improve with the recommended remedies should also be examined by a doctor.
9 remedies for typical complaints in children and babies
Arnica for injuries
Whether bruises, bruises or strains: for blunt injuries, homeopathic medicines from Arnica – also known as Bergwohlleih – are the first choice and accelerate wound healing . Then Arnica D12 as an ointment or tincture is dabbed onto the affected area and gently rubbed in. Arnica has also proven to be effective for emotional wounds, such as hurt feelings.
Other remedies that can help with physical injuries include: Apis mellifica, Belladonna , Cantharis , Aconitum , Staphisagria.
Aconite for fever
The homeopathic remedy is used for sudden fever that is accompanied by cold spells. It is also used for panic attacks and shock states. Children who are helped by Aconitum are restless, tense, harbor fears and suffer from nightmares from which they wake up with palpitations. They tremble and their extremities are cold or numb.
Other remedies that can help with fever include: Belladonna, Chamomilla , Bryonia , Ferrum phosphoricum , Gelsemium , Pulsatilla .
Chamomilla for colic and teething pain
Chamomile is well known as a beneficial medicinal plant. In homeopathy, it is considered the remedy of choice for flatulence and colic as well as teething problems in babies. You can see the need for chamomilla in the behavior and characteristics of the baby: he writhes, his stomach is distended. He screams inconsolably and only calms down when you carry him around. Teething problems often cause one cheek to be red and the other pale.
Other remedies that can help with flatulence and colic include: Argentum nitricum , Belladonna, Calcium phosphoricum, Nux vomica, Sulfur .
Sulfur for rashes
Weeping inflammation, neurodermatitis , eczema and itching can indicate the use of Sulfur. The skin is dry and flaky. Scratching helps only briefly and then turns into burning. In older children, sulfur also shows effects against acne and purulent rashes.
Children who are helped by this medicine do not like to wash themselves because they find it unpleasant. They often wake up at night. The body openings are red, the sweat smells unpleasant.
Other remedies that can help with rashes include: Apis mellifica , Belladonna, Arsenicum album.
Calcium carbonicum for defence
The remedy is used for frequent infections, especially of the respiratory tract, eyes and ears and the digestive system. Other symptoms include enlarged tonsils or adenoids . Disorders of tooth development or malpositions of the feet or legs also make one think of Calcium carbonicum .
It is also used in infants to treat newborn acne and cradle cap, and in older children to treat learning and concentration difficulties as well as hearing problems.
Calcium carbonicum is the right choice for children who are self-sufficient and content when healthy, but are lazy and tend to be overweight . When you exert yourself, you perspire quickly and are quickly exhausted. Calcium carbonicum children love sweets and egg dishes.
Other remedies against susceptibility to infection include: Echinacea , Dulcamara, Calcium phosphoricum, Silicea, Pulsatilla.
Pulsatilla for colds
The pasque flower is also used for frequent colds. These tend to be characterized by a mild course. The little patients are not thirsty and suffer from a thick runny nose or sputum.
Other symptoms are tearfulness, rapid freezing or diarrhea. Both the physical and emotional symptoms are very changeable.
Other remedies for colds include: Ferrum phosphoricum, Natrum muriaticum, Nux vomica.
Natrum muriaticum in grief
Sensitive, very vulnerable children may benefit from Natrum muriaticum. The reason for the grief can be the separation of the parents, a new sibling or a perceived humiliation at school. The problem can manifest itself through bedwetting, nail biting or even eating disorders.
Natrum muriaticum can also help with sunstroke or allergies.
Other remedies that can help with grief include: Ignatia , Pulsatilla.
Belladonna for inflammation
A burning sensation, for example in the mucous membranes or in the bladder, suggests belladonna. The children suffer from an inner heat, glow with fever, but hardly want to drink anything. Throat or ears are inflamed. The pain feels throbbing or throbbing.
Children who are helped by belladonna can also experience cramping stomach pains and often get angry all of a sudden.
Other remedies that can help with inflammation include: Cantharis, Hepar sulfuris, Mercurius solubilis.
Nux vomica for nausea, diarrhea and constipation
Adults help agents with this active ingredient, especially on hangover days or morning sickness during pregnancy. However, homeopathic doses of vomit can also help children: it has proven its worth in the case of stress, overstimulation, headaches and gastrointestinal complaints – from nausea to diarrhea or constipation.
One should think about Nux vomica if the child has a choleric temperament, if he feels bad, especially in the morning. In addition, there is a sensitivity to noise and light, as well as an aversion to strong odours.
Other remedies that help against nausea include: Bryonia, Ignatia, Okoubaka , Pulsatilla.
Other remedies that help against diarrhea include: Argentum nitricum, Arsenicum album, Bryonia, Chamomilla, Okoubaka, Pulsatilla, Sulfur.
