Using Homeopathic remedies is a very safe, effective way of naturally treating common childhood ailments. I’ll be discussing a couple of the common childhood issues and a few of the common remedies that can be indicated.
I’d like to recommend that if you want to self treat acute issues with Homeopathic remedies, that you get yourself a good book. The two I have and can recommend are here and here. (These are not affiliate links) A good book is invaluable to guiding you through the process of choosing the correct remedy and dosing process. It’s also very important to know what conditions can and cannot be treated by yourself.
Using Your Powers of Observation
Becoming more observant is a necessity when using Homeopathy. When trying to choose between similar remedies, sometimes that small distinction can be crucial in the final decision. Some things to look for are mental and behavioral symptoms. Is the child really cranky and irritable, or whiny and craving attention? Pay special attention to the things that make symptoms better or worse. Notice if the child is better or worse from heat, cold, open air, or at a certain time of the day. Many remedies can be specific in these types of modalities.
Another thing to keep in mind is that you may not see a reduction in symptoms as a first sign that the remedy is working. Homeopathy is not working on a molecular level like pharmaceuticals do. Homeopathy works with the body’s vital force energy. One of the first signs you may see when a remedy is working is a general sense of well being. A really irritable, cranky child may go down for a nap. A child who wants to be carried around constantly may sit down and start playing on their own. So please keep this in mind if you’re looking only at symptoms as a guide on if a remedy is working.
Let’s get started!
Teething
Ah, teething! The excitement of your child reaching a new milestone and watching those little teeth grow is so fun! On the other hand, the discomfort and crankiness…not so much! These two remedies are often indicated, but not the only two remedies that can be indicated. This is where I tell you to get yourself a good homeopathy book because a book will have a more comprehensive list of remedies.
- Chamomilla – The Chamomilla child will be very cross and irritable. They are the ones who will demand an object and then throw it away when they get it. They may not necessarily like to be touched, but they may want to be carried around everywhere and will be better for it. Another characteristic of this remedy is one cheek may be red and the other pale. They may have greenish diarrhea.
- Pulsatilla – On the flip side of Chamomilla, is Pulsatilla. This child may be very timid, emotional, and weepy. They really crave sympathy and are quite whiny.
Fever
The dreaded fever! Please don’t fear fevers. Fever’s are the body’s way of fighting infection and when it accomplishes this, the immune system and vital force are stronger for it. Think of it as a workout for the immune system! Homeopathy will help correct the underlying imbalance and assist the vital force in its work.
Any alarmingly high fever should be checked out by a physician, especially if the child has any change in mental status!!!
- Aconite – This is a good remedy to think of during the first 24 hours of an illness that comes on very fast. Think sudden and violent. Intense heat, burning, and dry. May have a strong thirst for cold drinks. A child in which Aconite may be indicated may also be very fearful and anxious.
- Belladonna – This remedy is also indicated in the early stages of illness because there will be a sudden onset. There are several things that will distinguish it from Aconite. While Aconite will be mentally alert, the Belladonna child will often have some mental dullness, confusion, or agitation. Also think red. Red, flushed face, congestion, and glassy eyes. The pupils may be dilated and they may have an aversion to light. They will also have very hot, burning skin and may drink in small sips.
- Pulsatilla – Yes, our friend Pulsatilla again! Pulsatilla may be indicated in a clingy, weepy child who is better in a warm room and has little thirst.
Remember that these are not the only remedies that can be indicated for fevers! Get thee a good book!
Colds
It was super challenging to pick only 3 remedies for colds because there are so many remedies that can be indicated based on the symptom picture! Here’s what I have for you…
- Arsenicum – The Arsenicum child will be anxious and very restless. They may feel chilly and be better for heat. The nose may run freely and the discharges will be acrid. If the child has that red, excoriated upper lip right under the nose, this may be the right remedy. Typically worse from midnight to 3 am and better with warm drinks.
- Pulsatilla – Do you remember the mental picture of Pulsatilla? The nasal discharge will typically be thick, yellow/green and non irritating. The cough may also produce thick, yellow/green sputum.
- Euphrasia – I have less experience with this one, as other remedies have typically been indicated for my children. Euphrasia typically has bland nasal discharge and burning tears.
I hope this is helpful!
Bene vale!
