Children

Taking your child’s case

To understand what is troubling your child so you can treat him with the correct homoeopathic remedy, you need to be able to recognize whether his problem calls for simple first-aid measures, is an acute condition, or is chronic. This book can help you with first aid cases and acute condi tions; chronic diseases, however, will require the help of a professional ho moeopath or your family doctor.

First Aid Cases

Homoeopathy has a good track record with bruises, stings, sprains, wounds, fractures, skin abrasions, burns and other such injuries, which generally have an external cause and are not related to a child’s history or susceptibil ity (that is, each person’s own unique response to disease). Conditions such as these may, however, also need additional care. A broken bone, for exam ple, will of course need a cast as well as the required homoeopathic remedy.

Acute Diseases

Acute diseases are those which have a definite beginning and end, and hap pen only occasionally. Frequently these diseases may have an obvious cause, as in the case of food poisoning or catching a cold after getting caught in the rain. All childhood diseases (such as measles and mumps) fall under this category too, as do flu, coughs, earache and other such complaints. With acute diseases we start to see a variety of individual symptoms; they differ in this from cases requiring first aid treatment.

Simple acute disease can often be treated at home quite effectively with homoeopathic remedies. Acute diseases usually disappear of their own ac cord over a period of time, but the proper homoeopathic treatment will help ease suffering and prevent complications

Having said this, some acute diseases such as pneumonia can be lifethreatening. These fall outside the scope of this book and need professionalhelp.

Chronic Diseases

Chronic diseases have several distinguishing characteristics. They tend to recur persistently (as in the case of some types of earache, flu, coughs, colds, tonsillitis and skin problems). Although they may seem acute, the fact that these conditions come back over and over again makes them chronic.

Conditions that get worse as the years go by are also termed chronic. A child may be born with a chronic disorder of this kind, although sometimes it has no apparent or definite beginning

Chronic diseases can also often start after a severe acute disease or a strong emotional trauma. There is a phrase in homoeopathy for such condi tions never been well since

Chronic diseases show no tendency to go away of their own accord, likeacute ones do. They are far more complicated to treat and definitely requirethe skills of a professional homoeopath, as they do involve a child’s susceptibility

We recommend that, if you feel unsure about what is troubling your child.

you contact a professional homoeopath or your medical doctor immediately

How to Take Your Child’s Case

In homoeopathy the term symptoms has a very broad meaning in thatany and all recent changes from the healthy state to illness are taken into ac count Indications such as fever, pulse rate perspiration changes in bowel habits and urine are taken into account, but more important are the symp toms that are unique to your particular child

Each child must be treated not just for a disease but as an individual case of that disease. For example, the mutems of flu are well known: aching. fever, tiredness, weakness. But while a child may have these common flut symptoms, he may also want nothing to drink, for you to stay near him, andto be kept quite warm; another will be extremely thirsty, dislike company and be unable to tolerate heat; a third may feel chilly, be weepy and keep ask ing for a cool drink. These, then, are examples of the symptoms of the sick child, the individual case of the disease. It is to these symptoms that ho moeopathy attaches most importance.

Each of these three children will need a different remedy for the same disease, because their individual symptoms are different. What are the symptoms that make your child’s disease unique? This is what you need to find out in each situation.

As well as physical symptoms, disease can also produce mental and emotional ones. Your normally happy and independent son may suddenly become clingy and irritable, your very affectionate daughter may suddenly want only to be left alone. It is important to take these types of changes into account when deciding which rernedy to use. In fact, homoeopaths some times base their prescriptions almost entirely on these changes alone.

You may also notice a change in your child’s appetite: he may suddenly refuse to touch a food that was his favourite, or he may demand a food he used to hate the sight of a normally thirsty child may now seem never to want a drink at all.

The circumstances that make your child’s condition better or worse are called modalities, they are of great importance. A child with collc may im prove if you give him a hot water bottle. A child with fever may feel better with the window open, or may only stop crying if you carry him about. Your child may have a sore throat that improves if he is given a warm drink The child who never usually complains about the cold now cannot get warm enough. These are a few examples of modalities; taking note of them can help you choose the right remedy for your child

Another useful indication can be the way in which your child describes a pain or sensation He may express it as cramping, burning, heavy, bruised, or as if (as if a ball is in my tummy or as if a tight bandage is around my head’). These descriptions are very useful and must not be forgotten when you are looking for a remedy or reporting symptoms to your homoeopath.

To identify your child’s symptoms effectively you will often have to makecareful observations, particularly if your child is too young too unwell totalk to you. You may find the following list of value to help you find the infor mation you need.

1 Causation this can be very important. Did the problem start, for example, after your child got wet? Are the days warm and nights cold? Did your childget ill after being out in a strong, dry, cold wind? These are indications for aparticular set of remedies.

2 Temperature-check if it is high or low. If it seems to fluctuate throughoutthe day, make a note of what time of day it changes.

3 Breathing-notice if it is affected and how

4 skin colour-look for any changes, for example flushing, paleness, or redcheeks.

5 Perspiration is your child perspiring more (or less) than usual? Does his perspiration smell differently than normal? Is he perspiring from areas ofhis body not normally affected?

6 Temperament and expression is your child irritable, weepy, anxious, fear ful or indifferent? How does he respond to affection, to company?

7 Delirium-Is the child delirious? if so, what is he saying?

8 Voice-what is his voice like? – weak, croaky, faint, etc.

9 Location where is the pain?

10 Sensation- how does he describe the pain?

11 Better/Worse-what makes him and/or the pain better or worse?

12-Appetite and thirst-is the child hungry or thirsty? If so, what doeswant to eat drink? Does he want hot or cold drinks/ food?

13 Energy is he just lying there or watching TV? Is he too ill even to play with his favourite toys, or is he jumping about?

14. Covering-does he want the covers on or off, the windows open or shut

15 Time-what time of the day or night is he worse or better?

16 Unusual symptoms-is there anything unusual about your child’s behaviour or something that you would not expect in the disease he has? Symptoms that seem strange, peculiar or unusual to you are also of value. Examples of this might be a child with a high temperature who nevertheless seems not to be thirsty at all, or a child with an abscess who feels better if you touch it.

17 What is the medical diagnosis?

For Babies and Very Young Children

Carefully watch what babies do. If they continually put their hands to their ears, they may have ear problems if they draw their knees up to their ab domen, they may have colic. Do they grasp at their throat or their head? Do they cry out before they urinate or pass a stool? All these observations will tell you a great deal about the possible location and nature of your child’s ill ness. Adults tell us about their problems; children often show them to us.chapter two history andphilosophy of Homoeopathy

History and the Law of Similars

If Dr Samuel Hahnemann (1755-1843) had kept to his ideas regarding nutrition and hygiene, he would have been recognized as one of the great reformers in medical history. Instead he discovered homoeopathy, and was considered one of medicine’s heretics.

Hahnemann qualified as a medical practitioner in Germany in 1779. During his years as a general physician he grew disillusioned with the pro fession, before finally quitting to research ‘a way less cruel,

At the time, the method of prescribing drugs was haphazard, poisonouspotions were often administered Disease was regarded as a consequence ofbad blood and patients were regularly leeched, purged and bled

To be able to continue to support his family, Hahnemann began translat ing foreign works of chemistry. He became obsessed with the idea of finding a universal principle underlying the nature of disease, and how to adminis ter medicines in order to bring about a safe, effective cure

In 1790, whilst translating an essay by the famous Scottish physician William Cullen on the use of Peruvian Bark in certain types of fevers, Hahne mann was struck by something Cullen reported: the bark worked because of its bitter and astringent properties

Hahnemann knew that other medicines had these same properties, so he could not accept ‘s theory as to why Peruvian Bark had effected this cure Hahnemann decided to take large amounts of the bark himself, within a couple of days he had developed the symptoms of a malaria-like fever. This was the birth of homoeopathy, which has as one of its main precepts like treats like The bark, when taken in large amounts by a healthy person,produced symptoms similar to those of malaria; if taken by a malaria sufferer in small amounts, he would recover. This became known as the law of similars, the basic principle of homoeopathic treatment.

Testing on Healthy People Hahnemann wanted to test his concept and bravely took other medicines of the day. He also administered them to his students, his medical colleagues,and other healthy people who were interested in his theory.

He carefully recorded every change that took place in his volunteers, noting the type of pains they had, how each substance affected the stool, the urine, the menstrual flow, the desire for particular foods, even the person’s reaction to weather changes. He observed how each new substance affected the mind, the emotions, the sleep-in short, the whole human being.

These extremely comprehensive records became known in homoeopathy as the provings. Hahnemann collected these provings into books known as the Materia Medica.

When sick people came with symptoms similar to those listed in the provings of a certain substance, Hahnemann gave them that substance in small amounts. It worked; people recovered. Hahnemann called this branch of healing homoeopathy, from the Greek words homoios (like or similar) and pathos (suffering).

Let us give you an example of a ‘proving Let’s use an everyday occurrence that we are all aware of cutting up an onion. What happens when we cut or eat a raw onion? Our eyes sting or water, our nose may run with a burning discharge, we may start to sneeze. Some people may be so affected that they have difficulty breathing. These symptoms, when recorded, are the prov Ings of onion

When a person comes to a homoeopath with a cold, and demonstrating the above symptoms, he or she will be prescribed homoeopathically pre pared onion (Allium sativa)

In spite of much opposition from some doctors and pharmacists, ho moeopathy’s popularity grew rapidly during Hahnemann’s lifetime Hospi tals and colleges spread throughout Europe and North America By the end of the last century about 15 per cent of all physicians in North America were homoeopaths.

This growth in the practice of homoeopathy was only checked by the advent of antibiotics and other ‘wonder drugs. In the years following the Second World War there was a widespread belief that modern science could banish all ills, including ignorance and poverty. Today we are much more aware of the possible and real side-effects of many of our discoveries, and so the gentle and safe practice of homoeopathy has once more enjoyed a resurgence.

In India homoeopathy has equal recognition with orthodox medicine and with ayurveda, and there are hospitals and colleges of homoeopathy throughout the country supported by the government. In Britain the Royal family have a homoeopathic physician on their staff.

These remedies have been found useful for new-born infants. They are not the only appropriate ones, but seem to be the most commonly indicated. See also the relevant sections elsewhere in this book. Some of these conditions will require professional help. These remedies may be useful before, while or after your baby receives it.

Blueness

Blue babies who are cold, especially if they are also experiencing respiratory or heart problems-Laurocerasus 30: one dose every two to three hours, for three or four doses.

Carbo vegetabilis 30 in the same way if Laurocerasus does not help.

Colic

See colic chapter

Constipation

If the mother has had a lot of anaesthetics during delivery, this can lead to constipation in the newborn One dose of Opium 30C every three hours, for three or four doses.

See Constipation chapter for other remedies.

Diarrhea

One dose of Aconite 30C every two to three hours, for three or four doses, especially if the baby also has a fever.

Rheum 30C in the same way if your child smells sour and his stools are SOUT.

Sulphur 30C every three hours for three doses if your child has offensive diarrhea with no other symptoms.

Do not worry too much if your child has loose stools. It is common for breastfed babies to have loose stools several times a day. They are usually only a problem in newborns if accompanied by excessive weight loss, loss of appetite and/or vomiting.

Fright

After a fright three doses of Aconite 30 if accompanied by restlessness.

Oplum 30 in the same way if Aconite does not help.

Fear may be due to invasive treatment (even just injections) during labour, or may be the baby's reaction to being left alone in an incubator.

Injuries to the Neck and Spine During Delivery

One dose of Hypericum 30 three times a day, for two days.

Milk, Sudden Aversion to

Silica 30-one dose every 12 hours, for three doses.

Lac defloratum 30 in the same way if Silica does not help.

If there are specific problems like vomiting after a feed, see Digestive Disorders.

Sleepy Babies

This term here applies to bables who show no signs of alertness whatsoever They may be so drowsy they find it difficult even to feed

Opium 30-one dose every three or four hours, for three or four doses.

For sleepiness that is an after-effect of shock Aconite 30-one dose every

six hours, for three doses,

Snuffles

Snuffles are caused by a thickening of the membranes in the nose, producing

a mucus discharge that makes it difficult for the infant to breathe or feed. If the following remedies are of no help, seek professional homoeopathic help for constitutional treatment

Sambucus nigra is useful where the nose is dry and blocked, where there is difficulty breathing while feeding or nursing, or when the baby wakes suddenly, almost suffocating. One dose of 30C three times a day, for two or three days.

Nux vomica-nose dry and stuffed up at night, nose runs more freely during the day. If Sambucus nigra has not helped, try Nux vomica Nux vomica does not usually apply if the sense of suffocation while feeding is present In such cases, Sambucus nigra is the remedy of choice.

One dose of Nux vomica 30C three times a day, for two or three days.

Stop repeating either Nux vomica or Sambucus nigra once your infant starts to get better

Pulsatilla - snuffles accompanied by a thick, yellow, creamy catarrh. One dose of 30C every four hours, for three or four doses. This remedy is par ticularly useful in children who are generally mild and are better for being cuddled

Sore Eyes

the inflammation has been caused by too much light or oxygen in the incubator: one dose of Aconite 30C every six hours, for two or three days Discontinue the dosage when relief is obvious.

Belladonna-red eyes, swollen lids and watery eyes: one dose of 30C every three hours, for three to five doses, Belladonna is also useful if Aconite does not help

Argentum nitricum eyes are red with a creamy discharge: one dose of 30C every four hours, for three to five doses.

Give Sulphur 30 where there is a profuse creamy discharge and Argentum nitricum does not help: one dose of 30C every four hours, for three to five doses

Urine Retention

One dose of Aconite 30C everythree to four hours, for three or four doses.. Urine retention is often accompanied by screaming and crying before urination.

Pulsatilla 30C(one dose every three to four hours, for three or four doses) if Aconite does not help

ESSENTIAL FIRST AID REMEDIES

Aconite

Arnica montana

Arsenicum album

Hypericum

Ledum

Rhus toxicodendron

mental shock with fear, ailments after a severe frightbruises; problems after falls, accidents and injuries vomiting and diarrhoea; food poisoninginjuries to nerves, fingertips and toesbpuncture wounds, insect stings

sprains and strains

REMEDIES TO BE ADDED WHEN POSSIBLE:

Apis mellifica

Belladonna

Bryonia

Cantharis

Chamomilla

Dukamara

Hepar sulphuris

Ipecacuanha

Mercurius vivus

Pulsatilla

Ruta graveolens

Sulphur

Ferrum phosphoricum Symphytum

Gelsemium

Urtica urens

CREAMS FOR EXTERNAL USE

Calendula cream

Homoeopathic bum cream

Arnica cream

Urtica urens cream (if homoeopathic burn cream is not available) Hypercal ointment

TINCTURES FOR EXTERNAL APPLICATION:

Calendula

Hypericum

Urtica urens

Please read the Materia Medica section for a more detailed account of these remedies.

Animal Bites and Puncture Wounds

Hypericum

puncture wounds

nerve damage, especially with shooting pains

animal bites

Hypericum would be the second remedy (after Ledum) in the treatment of puncture wounds and/or animal bites. It can be used internally or externally. Hypericum is useful if the nerves (such as in the fingertips) are also damaged after an injury involving a tack, nail or similar Animal bites fall into thiscategory, as they are punctures to the skin. If Ledum has been given and ared streak goes up the injured limb, or if pain starts shooting along the nerve pathways, Hypericum must now be given. It will help relieve the pains and heal the wound and nerves

Potency and Repetition

Hypericum 30 can be given every hour for three or four doses to help alleviate shooting pains. If the pains are not shooting, one dose of Ledum 30 every hour for four doses can be given, followed by one dose of Hypericum every three hours for three doses.

Ledum

• puncture wounds from rails, wire, etc

animal bites

Ledum prevents wounds from becoming septic and is the first remedy to be considered for a puncture to the skin. If your child gets a tack in her foot or hand, or steps on a nail, she will benefit from Ledum Please also read Hyper fcum (above) for help with these types of wounds.

Potency and Repetition

Ledum 30 can be given every half hour for three or four doses

EXTERNAL AND COMMON SENSE MEASURES

All puncture wounds should first be washed and soaked for 10 minutes ina lotion of 15 drops Hypericum mother tincture (a solution made from the base plant soaked in alcohol) in half a glass of bolled or mineral water. The wound should then be covered with either Hypercal or Calendula ointment and a plaster

2 If the bleeding is profuse and needs to be stopped, apply pressure with acloth soaked in Hypericunt lotion

WHEN TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP

The most serious warry with these types of wounds is tetanus.

Both Ledum and Hypericum are said to be tetanus preventatives You must really make up your own mind on this. Certainly if you decide to get a Letanus injection, these remedies will help alleviate the pain and stimulate the healing process. The other concern is the possibility of contracting ra bies after an animal bite. Medical help must be sought immediately where this is a possibility.

Bruises

Arnica montana

bruises or pain caused by blows, falls, accidents

problems resulting from over-exertion

This is a wonderful remedy for any type of injury or accident, especially where there is bruising or the potential for bruising. It also deals effectively with shock caused by injuries. In the provings, Arnica produced the follow ing symptom ‘Go away, there’s nothing wrong with me. When a person has an accident, is this not one of the first things she often says? Arnica helps deal with the physical and mental trauma. It also helps heal broken capillar les. You will be pleasantly surprised at its effects.

This remedy is also used for conditions where there is a bruised, achingfeeling after extreme exertion

Potency and Repetition

Arnica 30 depending on the severity. At first it can be given every half hour for three doses, then every two to three hours for a few days if the bruising is not so serious, administer one dose every hour for three or four doses. When given after an accident when the child needs rest, or when there is long term bruising one dose three times a day for a week is usually sufficient

Ledum

bruises and/or swellings that persist after Arnica has been givenespecially indicated if the bruised area feels cold

Ledum is the remedy to give for a bruise or the swelling accompanying abruise as a result of an injury when Arnica has ceased to work. Bruises that can be helped by Ledum may feel cold to the touch, and often improve if you apply a cold compress Even if this symptom is not present, however, Ledum can still be prescribed.

Potency and Repetition

One dose of 30C three times a day for three or four days.

Burns and Scalds

Minor burns can be successfully treated with homoeopathy, but we advise you to look out for the following factors in the case of children’s burns:

1 What caused the burn? Was it a faulty electrical appliance, hot objectsand liquids, chemicals or fire?

2 Where is the bun?

3 How great an area of skin has been burned?

4 Which degree is the burn?

A First-degree burns redden the skin but do not lead to blistering.

B Second degree burns include the formation of blisters as well as rednesswith pain

C Third-degree burns affect deeper layers of the skin, they can be painless

but this means the nerves may be damaged.

FIRST-DEGREE BURNS

urens

ordinary sumbanin

Urtica urens is an excellent remedy to give internally for simple burns and scalds. It can also be very effective when applied externally for sunburns.

Potency and Repetition

For minor burns and scalds give Urtica urens 6 every 15 minutes for five or six doses. For sunburns, soak the area with a lotion of Urtica urens mother tincture. This lotion should be prepared by adding 20 drops of the tincture to half a cup of cooled boiled, distilled or mineral water.

SECOND-AND THIRD-DEGREE BURNS

Cantharis

♦ for burns where there are blisters

very painful burns

Cantharis is extremely effective where there is blistering and/or the burning is extremely painful and the child is very restless. It should be given immediately, not only in the case of second-degree but also third-degree burns, while you are waiting for additional help to arrive. It will help lessen the pain.

Potency and Repetition

Cantharis 30 every 15 minutes for five or six doses.

ALL BURNS WHERE THE SKIN IS BROKEN

Calendula

+ bums where blisters have broken, with or without pus

Calendula can be given internally as well as externally (see point 3 below for external use) when the blisters caused by burns have broken. This remedy is very effective in healing the skin and helping prevent infection

Potency and Repetition

Give three doses of Calendula 6 daily for three days.

NEVER BEEN WELL SINCE A BURN

Causticurn

Causticum is a good remedy to give where there are areas of skin or scars that remain painful after the burns have healed,

Potency and Repetition

Three doses of Causticum 30 a day for two to three days.

EXTERNAL AND COMMON-SENSE MEASURES

1 Remove any clothing from the burned area. If it is difficult to remove completely, cut away as much clothing as you can.

2 Apply a lotion of Urtica urens mother tincture (see above, page 27). Keep the area moist with this. Soak any clothing you have not been able to remove from the burn as well Do not use cotton wool on open areas as it may stick to the wound

3 When the blisters break open, apply a lotion of Calendula mother tincture (prepared in the same way as the Urtica lotion).

4 If the burn was caused by a faulty electrical appliance, unplug the unit before moving your child.

5 For chemical burns, wash with cold running water, then treat as above.

6 Do not break blisters.

WHEN TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP

1 If the burn covers a large area of skin

2 For large second-degree burns to the hands, face, feet, ears, or genitals.

Seek help also for burns to the eyes

3 Go to the hospital or call an ambulance immediately for any third-degree burns. These burns can cause fluid loss, so get your child to drink, if at all

possible, while you wait for help.

4 If your child is short of breath

5 Burns due to chemicals, acids, or caustic sodas

6 Electrical burns

Treatments for newborn babies

These remedies have been found useful for newborn infants. They are not the only appropriate ones, but seem to be the most commonly indicated. See also the relevant sections elsewhere in this book. Some of these conditions will require professional help. These remedies may be useful before, while or after your baby receives it

Blueness

Blue babies who are cold, especially if they are also experiencing respiratory or heart problems-Laurocerasus 30: one dose every two to three hours, for three or four doses.

Carbo vegetabilis 30 in the same way if Laurocerasus does not help.

Colic

See Digestive Problems [page)

Constipation

If the mother has had a lot of anaesthetics during delivery, this can lead to constipation in the newborn One dose of Opium 30C every three hours, for three or four doses.

See Constipation (page) for other remedies.

Diarrhoea

One dose of Aconite 30C every two to three hours, for three or four doses, especially if the baby also has a fever.

Rheum 30C in the same way if your child smells sour and his stools are

SOUT.

Sulphur 30C every three hours for three doses if your child has offensive

diarrhoea with no other symptoms.

Do not worry too much if your child has loose stools. It is common for breastfed babies to have loase stools several times a day. They are usually only a problem in newborns if accompanied by excessive weight loss, loss ofappetite and/or vomiting.

Fright

After a fright three doses of Aconite 30 if accompanied by restlessness.

Opium 30 in the same way if Aconite does not help.

Fear may be due to invasive treatment (even just injections) during labour, or may be the baby’s reaction to being left alone in an incubator.

Injuries to the Neck and Spine During Delivery

One dose of Hypericum 30 three times a day, for two days.

Milk, Sudden Aversion to

Silica 30-one dose every 12 hours, for three doses.

Lac defloratum 30 in the same way if Silica does not help.

If there are specific problems like vomiting after a feed, see DigestiveDisorders.

Sleepy Babies

This term here applies to babies who show no signs of alertness whatsoever They may be so drowsy they find it difficult even to feed

Opium 30-one dose every three or four hours, for three or four doses.

For sleepiness that is an after-effect of shock Aconite 30-one dose everysix hours, for three doses,

Snuffles

Snuffles are caused by a thickening of the membranes in the nose, producinga mucus discharge that makes it difficult for the infant to breathe or feed. If the following remedies are of no help, seek professional homoeopathic help for constitutional treatment

Sambucus nigra is useful where the nose is dry and blocked, where there is difficulty breathing while feeding or nursing, or when the baby wakes suddenly, almost suffocating. One dose of 30C three times a day, for two or three days.

Nux vomica-nose dry and stuffed up at night, nose runs more freely during the day. If Sambucus nigra has not helped, try Nux vomica, Nux vomica does not usually apply if the sense of suffocation while feeding is present In such cases, Sambucus nigra is the remedy of choice.

One dose of Nux vomica 30C three times a day, for two or three days.

Stop repeating either Nux vomica or Sambucus nigra once your infantstarts to get better

Pulsatilla – snuffles accompanied by a thick, yellow, creamy catarrh. One dose of 30C every four hours, for three or four doses. This remedy is par ticularly useful in children who are generally mild and are better for being cuddled

Sore Eyes

the inflammation has been caused by too much light or oxygen in the incubator: one dose of Aconite 30C every six hours, for two or three days Discontinue the dosage when relief is obvious.

Belladonna-red eyes, swollen lids and watery eyes: one dose of 30C every three hours, for three to five doses, Belladonna is also useful if Aconite does not help

Argentum nitricum eyes are red with a creamy discharge: one dose of 30C every four hours, for three to five doses.

Give Sulphur 30 where there is a profuse creamy discharge and Argentum nitricum does not help: one dose of 30C every four hours, for three to fivedoses

Urine Retention

One dose of Aconite 30C everythree to four hours, for three or four doses.. Urine retention is often accompanied by screaming and crying before urination.

Pulsatilla 30C(one dose every three to four hours, for three or four doses) if Aconite does not help

Cuts and Grazes

Calendula

open cuts and wounds

apply externally as a liquid and/or ointment

Calendula is a wonderful healing and antiseptic agent for cuts and abrasions. All wounds should be washed first of all with Calendula mother tincture put about 15 drops in half a cup of warm water Wash the area well. Apply Calendula ointment, cover the wound with a plaster, leave it for two days and repeat if necessary.

Calendula will help the skin heal quickly and prevent any infection. If the abrasion is deep and very sensitive, some small nerve endings may have been damaged Hypercal ointment, which is a combination of Calendula and Hypericum, can be very effective.

Dental Treatment

There are some useful remedies to have at hand when your child visits the dentist Homoeopathy can help to calm anxious patients, ease the shooting pains after fillings, and heal bruised gums

Aconite

great fear and panic attacks with restlessness

Potency and Repetition

Aconite 30 may be given every hour for three or four doses before theappointment

Arnica montana

after any difficult dental work

Arnica is most useful when there is considerable bruising, bleeding and/orpain after any dental treatment.

Potency and Repetition

Armica 30 may be given every two hours for two or three doses then, depend ing on the seventy of the condition, tailed off over a day or two

Gelsemium

apprehension and weakness, possible trembling

Potency and Repetition

Gelsemium 30 may be given every two hours for two or three closes before theappointment.

Hypericum

child complains of shooting pains or toothache when Armica has nothelpednerve damage

Potency and Repetition

Hypericum 30 may be given every two hours for up to three to four doses.

Phosphorus

persistent bleeding after tooth extraction

Potency and Repetition

Phosphorus 30 every 15 minutes for three or four doses.

EXTERNAL AND COMMON SENSE MEASURES

1 If necessary, you may wash your child’s mouth out with a rinse consisting of 20 drops of Calendula mother tincture to half a cup of cooled boiled water. This will greatly help with any bleeding and will stave off possible septic conditions. This can be done every 15 to 30 minutes.

WHEN TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP

1 If intense pain and/or bleeding persist, contact your dentist.

Eye Injuries and Strains

The eye is a very delicate part of the body, therefore due care and attention: must be given. For the purpose of this book only blows to the eyes and eye strain will be discussed

If the vision is normal even after an injury, this is a good sign. If the vision is impaired or the pain is severe, seek help immediately. You can help your child by giving her the appropriate remedy as you wait for further treatment.

Aconite

fear, pain and restlessness after injury

This is the first remedy to think of when there is excessive fear and restlessness accompanied by severe pain.

Potency and Repetition

Give one dose of Aconite 30 every 15 minutes for three doses. One of the following remedies may have to be given after the initial pain and fear have been reduced

Arnica montana

black eye

bloodshot eye due to injury

Arnica is the first remedy to consider for eye injuries. In cases where Aconite has first been given to alleviate your child’s fears, Arnica is often the logical follow up. It helps to reduce the pain and swelling and heal the damaged capillaries which make the eye bloodshot.

Potency and Repetition

Arnica 30 every half hour for four to six doses.

If the bruising is serious and longer term treatment is needed, give three or four doses daily for up to one week

Ledum

▸ for pain, bruising, and swelling that continue after Arnica has beengiven

Potency and Repetition

Ledum 30, two to three times a day for up to one week

Ruta graveolens

aching of eye and eye muscles due to over-use or strain, e.g.

bad light

Potency and Repetition

Give one dose of Ruta 30 every three hours for three or four doses. If thisproblem persists, have your child’s eyes tested. If eye tests show nothing, long-term homoeopathic treatment will be needed.

Symphytum

injury to the eyeball caused by a blunt object

injury to the bone around the eye

Use Symphytum if Arnica has not removed all the pain. This remedy is par ticularly effective if there is bruising to the bone around the eye.

Potency and Repetition

Symphytum 6, three times a day for up to one week.

EXTERNAL AND COMMON-SENSE MEASURES

1 For all small objects lodged in the eye, such as dirt, flush the eye with a

lotion made from Euphrasia mother tincture: 10 drops in half a cup of dis tilled or mineral water. If you do not have Euphrasia, use Calendula lotion made up in the same way. The common name for Euphrasia is Eyebright,

and it is a wonderful remedy for all eye complaints.

2 For blows to the eye and the surrounding area, apply Calendula lotion.

WHEN TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP

1 If there is an object lodged in the eyeball. Ledum 30 every 15 minutes may also be given while you are on the way for help.

2 Loss of, blurred or diminished vision.

3 If blood continues to collect in the eyeball or it is openly bleedingreading in

4 If chemicals get into the eye. Wash it out thoroughly under running tap water while you are waiting for help.

Finger and Toe Injuries

Hypericum

injury to nerve endings

crushed fingertips and toes

back injuries

shooting pains

If your child gets his fingertips caught in a door or a heavy weight falls on his toes, Hypericum is the first remedy to use. It helps repair the nerve end ings and almost immediately relieves the pain. The skin also heals under its action. If a nail has been damaged, Hypericum will pidly help it get better If your child tumbles from a tree, or falls and injures her back (especially the tail bone), Hypericum will often do the trick

Potency and Repetition

One dose of 30C every half hour to every three hours for three or four doses according to the intensity of the injury. If the injury seems to need longer term treatment, one dose three or four times a day can be given over the fol lowing few days.

EXTERNAL AND COMMON SENSE MEASURES

1 Alleviate bruising by placing an ice pack on the affected area. Rest and ele vate the injured area.

2 Arnica montana can be used as an ointment, BUT MUST NEVER BE USED IN

THIS WAY IF THE SKIN IS BROKEN

WHEN TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP

1 If the injury has been caused by something serious such as a car accidentor a big fall

2 If your child loses consciousness

3 If the pain and/or numbness persist

4 If the limb will not move and you suspect a fracture

5 If there is bleeding under the skin or if the injured limb looks a bit disjointed or deformed this may mean it has been fractured

Fractures

A fracture is a cracked or broken bone. It is accompanied by pain and swelling. The area may possibly look deformed. Due to the intensity of the pain, and depending on the severity of the break, it may almost be impossible to move the affected limb.

Arnica montana

first remedy to give for initial bruising and shock

Potency and Repetition

Give one dose of Arnica 30 every one to three hours for five or six doses. The amount of time between repeat doses can increase as your child’s pain

abates.

Calcarea phosphorica

This remedy is particularly useful to give to a child who has a fracture along with a history of teething troubles or teeth which decay easily

Potency and Repetition

Give one dose of Calcarea phosphorica 6x three timesto help the bone heal

Symphytum

broken or cracked bone

bone refuses to heal

Symphytum is the best remedy to give after Arnica to help heal bones Sym phytum by itself is a great remedy where the bone seems slow to repair itself

Patency and Repetition

Give one dose of 6C three times a day for two weeks to one month, asnecessary.

EXTERNAL AND COMMON-SENSE MEASURES

1 If you suspect your child has a fracture, do not move the injured part

2 Undiluted Symphytum mother tincture can be dabbed on the area with cotton wool, especially if the fracture is close to the surface.

3 Gently clean any area that is exposed and bleeding while you are waiting for help (see Cuts and Grazes, page 29). If the bleeding is severe, you may have to apply pressure to stop it.

WHEN TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP

An X-ray is usually necessary to diagnose a fracture 1 If you suspect your child has sustained a fracture.

2 If the injured part is distorted or deformed.

3 If there is bleeding under the skin (may suggest a fracture).

4 If the injury is very painful and your child cannot move it.

5 If pain continues for some days in the injured part (the bone may havecracked).

Head Injuries

Amica montana

at the beginning, first remedy to considerno other indications

Arnica, here as elsewhere, is one of the first remedies to consider. It will help with bleeding, bruises, pain and shock In most simple cases it is all that will be needed

Potency and Repetition

One dose of 30C every half hour to every three hours for five or six doses,

Hypericum

damage to the nerves in the neck after a head injury

Hypericum is a useful remedy for whiplash or any other injury the nerves in the neck. It is especially indicated if pains start shooting down the arm.

Potency and Repetition

One dose of 12C twice daily for up to three weeks.

Natrum sulphuricum

pains that continue after head injuries

mental or emotional changes that continue after an injury

never been well since a head injury

Natrum sulphuricum is often considered after a head injury has not responded completely to Armica. It is also indicated where there are some changes in the child’s personality, for the worse.

Potency and Repetition

Three doses of Natrum sulphuricum 200 One dose in the morning, one dose the same evening, and one dose the following morning

EXTERNAL AND COMMON-SENSE MEASURES

1 Clean any wounds and/or bleeding as suggested in the Cuts and Grazessection.

WHEN TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP

Children are often banging and bumping their heads, in most cases these injuries present no real problem. If severe, however, they can lead to very se rious consequences, which may not be obvious in the beginning. You should go to the hospital or call an ambulance immediately if the following are present

1 Any loss or change in consciousness within the first 48 hours after the bang or fall

2 Injury caused by a very heavy object, a major fall or serious accident

3 Bleeding or loss of fluid from the nose or ear

4 Increased sleepiness or drowsiness

5 Any signs of damage to the nervous system, such as blurred or doublevision, slurred speech, weakness in the arms or legs, convulsions, differentsize of pupils or unusual eye movements

6 Unusual irritability, confusion, or restlessness

7 Vomiting

8 Neck pain or tenderness

Insect Bites and Stings

Apis mellifica

heat, redness and swelling

relieved by cool applications

Apis naturally follows Ledum (see below) for insect bites. The area swells

rapidly and is painful, burning or itching

Potency and Repetition

One dose every 15 to 30 minutes for three to five doses.

Ledum

the first remedy for stings,

mosquito bites

bee or wasp stings, etc

Stings are in a sense a type of puncture wound, and Ledum is very useful forthese types of wounds

Potency and Repetition

One dose of Ledum 30 every half hour for three to four doses.

As a prophylactic for children sensitive to mosquito bites, Ledum 30 can be given three times on the day before going to an infested area. Three more doses can be given on the day of arrival. If this seems to help, further occa sional doses as needed can be given. Use Ledum in this way only for acute treatment. For more permanent results, you should seek out constitutional

homoeopathic treatment

Urtica urens

itching and stinging (as with hives or nettle rash)

Potency and Repetition

One dose of Urtica urens 30C every 15 to 60 minutes for four or five doses, asnecessary

EXTERNAL AND COMMON-SENSE MEASURES

1 Use mosquito repellent.

2 In the case of stings, try to remove the stinger with tweezers

3 Dab the area with Ledum undiluted mother tincture.

4 If extreme itching persists, apply undiluted Urtica urens mother tinctureto the area

5 A slice of onion applied to the sting may help relieve the pain

WHEN TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP

1 If your child is known to react very badly to stings

2 If breathing becomes difficult 3 If the bite is from something known to be extremely poisonous

Nosebleeds

Nosebleeds are a frequent problem in children. The following remedies are for simple nosebleeds caused by injury, not for recurrent nosebleeds, Trauma to the nose includes blows, nose-picking and sticking foreign bodies up the nose. Nosebleeds can also be associated with coughs and/or fevers. See therelevant sections for this. If the problem is a chronic, recurrent one, seck pro fessional homoeopathic help.

Aconite

great fear and anxiety with bleeding

Potency and Repetition

One dose every 10 to 15 minutes for three or four doses. The first dose may alleviate your child’s fear, if the bleeding persists, follow this treatment with one of the following:

Arnica montana

nosebleed after blows, injuries

Potency and Repetition

One dose of Arnica 30 every 10 to 15 minutes for three to four doses

Phosphorus

if Arnica fails

bleeding caused by violent blowing of the nose

Potency and Repetition

One dose of Phosphorus 30 every 15 to 30 minutes (depending on the severity of the bleeding) for three or four doses.

EXTERNAL AND COMMON-SENSE MEASURES

1 Pinch the soft part of the nose (just below the bony part) for 10 minutes. As you do this, have your child lean forward over a table. If the bleeding per sists, repeat

2 Make sure there is nothing up your child’s nose. If there is, remove it your self or seek help in getting it removed.

3 An ice pack may help stop the bleeding

4 Make sure your child doesn’t lie in a position that will allow her to swallow the blood.

5 A tissue soaked in Hamamelis (witch hazel) mother tincture and insertedin the nose may help stop the bleeding.

WHEN TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP

1 If profuse bleeding persists

2 If there is any other bruising accompanying the nosebleed for example if your child has had a fall, recurrent nosebleeds can be a sign of concussion

Puncture Wounds

see Animal Bites and Puncture Wounds

Shock

Aconite

after-effects of a fright, severe shock, loss of blood, especially when accompanied by fright + extreme fears, especially fear of death

Aconite is often indicated for injuries where the child is extremely fearful and restless, or if she is bleeding and her fright becomes overwhelming. This remedy will help calm the child down; other remedies can be given for the specific physical problem as needed.

Aconite is generally most useful when a problem begins. See the specificphysical problem for remedies that may be used after Aconite.

Potency and Repetition

Aconite 30 should be given immediately. It can be given every 15 to 30 minutes for three doses, or until your child calms down. If this is the correct remedy your child will usually relax within half an hour, she may even go tosleep.

Sprains and Strains

These are caused by the sudden tearing of tissues and muscles. A sprainis an injury around a joint and is usually accompanied by tenderness with pain and swelling. A strain happens to a muscle and is accompanied by sud den sharp pains and swelling.

Amica montana

first remedy to give

bruising, pain and swelling

shock from injury

Arnica is the first remedy to think of for either sprains or strains-or indeed for any injury. It will help deal with any initial shock and bruising For best results, follow up your use of Armica with one of the remedies listed below.

Potency and Repetition

One dose of Arnica 6 should be given anywhere from every half hour to every three hours for three to five doses according to the severity of the pain and swelling

Bryonia

joint or muscle pains

sharp painshot, swollen jointspains that are made worse by even the slightest movement

Bryonia can be useful for muscles that are injured and are accompanied by sharp, stitching pains. These pains will be sharper if there is any motion at all, even a motion as slight as breathing.

Potency and Repetition

One dose of Bryonia 30 every three to four hours for two to three days, asnecessary

Rhus toxicodendron

sprained joints

pulled muscles, swollen joints from injury

This type of pain will feel worse when the child first starts to move theaffected area, but will lessen as the motion continues.

Rhus toxicodendron is one of the primary remedies in homoeopathic medicine for these injuries accompanied by swelling, stiffness and bruised pain, and often follows Arnica well. Frequently the pain will decrease as gen Lle motion continues. If you observe this in your child, Rhus toxicodendron is definitely the remedy to give. Rhus toxicodendron, however, will often helpafter Arnica even if the pain is not made better by movement.

Potency and Repetition

Rhus toxicodendron 30 every hour to every three hours for the first day. After that give it three times a day for two to three days more.

Ruta graveolens

damage to cartilage of bones and tendons

injuries where the bones are close to surface (in those cases where itmight be easy for the bone to be damaged)

Ruta graveolens is another remedy that follows Amica well in injuries where there is bruised aching, the bones are injured, and/or tendons have been overstretched. If Rhus toxicodendron or Bryonia have not effect ed a cure, this remedy will help. It can be especially useful for injuries around the wrists and ankles.

Potency and Repetition

One dose of Ruta 6C three times a day for up to three weeks as necessary.

Strontium carbonicum

lingering ankle sprain

repeated ankle sprains

Strontium carbonicum should be considered where there is a swollen, sprained ankle that has not responded well to other remedies. It can also be considered as a first-aid remedy for recurrent ankle sprains.

Potency and Repetition

One dose of 6C three times a day for up to three weeks.

EXTERNAL AND COMMON-SENSE MEASURES

1 There is a formula called RICE that is always helpful

R-Rest. Make sure your child and her injured limb get enough rest.

I– Ice. Apply an ice pack to the injured area.

C – Compression. Wrap a tight bandage around the injured part.

E– Elevation. Keep the injured part elevat ed.

2 Arnica may also be applied as an ointment, as there skinis no broken

3 If there is an open wound and/or bleeding, clean the wound with the measures listed in the Cuts and Grazes section, and take steps to stop thebleeding.

WHEN TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP

1 If the pain of a strain persists or is very intense, and the injured area isimpossible to move

2 If an affected limb looks shortened, distorted, blue, numb or cold

Administering the appropriate remedy on the way to the doctor or hospital will help immensely.

Stings

see Insect Bites and Stings

Sun Stroke and Heat Sickness

Sunstroke can be a serious problem. The temperature regulation mechanism may temporarily stop functioning properly. Along with making her feel hot, dry and red, this can make your child confused, weak, dizzy and faint. She may also experience muscle cramps, and have difficulty breathing. If the symptoms seem serious, do not hesitate to seek help.

Belladonna

face is very red and hot

throbbing headache

sensitivity to light

Belladonna is a remedy to consider when the symptoms come on quickly. This remedy presents a picture of great intensity of heat, redness and dryness. Your child’s face and eyes will be extremely red and hot. She will be highly agitated and may have a severe, pounding headache

Potency and Repetition

One dose of Belladonna 30 every 15 minutes for five or six doses.

Cuprum metallicum

severe muscular cramping or twitching along with possible sweats afterexposure to sun

Potency and Repetition

One dose of Cuprum 30 every half hour

Glonoine

blood rushes to the head

sense of head bursting

mental confusion

Glonoine is similar to Belladonna. The blood rushes into the head and may produce confusion. Your child’s face will be red and she may experience a sensation that her head is expanding or will burst. If there is no improve ment after two or three doses of Belladonna, try Glonoine (or vice versa).

Potency and Repetition

One dose of Glonoine 30 every 15 minutes for five or six doses.

Natrum carbonicum

weakness from exposure to the sun

nausea and/or diarrhoea from exposure to the sun

Natrum carbonicum does not usually show the same intensity as Belladonna and is usually indicated for problems brought on by heat exhaustion, rather than for severe heat stroke Your child will feel very, very weak and possibly dizzy. She may also feel nauseated and/or have diarrhoea

Potency and Repetition

One dose of Natrum carbonicum 30 every half hour.

EXTERNAL AND COMMON-SENSE MEASURES

1 For the first few days of summer or when on holiday in a hot climate, take care Make sure that your child does not stay out in the open sun all day. Keep her covered up with sunblock and a hat. These simple precautions are easy to forget but can save your child a lot of discomfort

2 If your child gets a sunburn, treat as directed on page 26 (Burns and Scalds),

3 If the heat stroke or exhaustion is severe, drinking a solution of a quarter to a half teaspoon of salt in half a litre of water every half hour can help with dehydration.

4 Place a cold compress on your child’s head; cool her body down with wet cloths

WHEN TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP

1 True sunstroke requires immediate medical attention. If your child’s body temperature rises very rapidly this can quickly lead to collapse This can damage important organs of the body. If this happens, give Belladonna or Glonoine while waiting for help.

Toe Injuries

see Finger and Toe Injuries

Bedwetting

Bedwetting (enuresis) can simply be the result of a delay in the maturity of the part of the brain that controls urination, so try not to make too much of a fuss about it. It is only considered to be a problem if your child is over six. If you are worried, check with your doctor to be sur there is nothing wrong with your child’s bladder, and then seek homoeopathic help

Sometimes bedwetting may be a sign that your child for some reason wants attention during the night Perhaps he has not seen enough of your during the day. If no other cause can be found, it may be an emotional issue that is at the heart of the problem Even teenagers have been known to wet the bed during stressful times. And numerous other theories abound: jealousy at the birth of a new sibling, a change of residence, problems at school, family stresses such as grief or fear. A child may simply be of a rather nervous disposition, or perhaps he was tollet trained before he was truly physically ready. Very occasionally there is a physical problem, such as cystitis. For this you will need professional help. In some instances where no cause seems apparent, constitutional treatment may be necessary

Causticum

child wets the bed in the first part of the night, soon after falling asleepmay involuntarily lose urine during the day if overexcited, coughing orsneezing

Equisetum

if your child has no symptoms and common-sense measures have nothelped

child has dreams of urinating

if other remedies have not helped

Kreosote

for sound sleepers who are difficult to wake up

child dreams of urinating, often while wetting the bed

Pulsatilla

timid, sweet, weepy, affectionate children

clingy to parents

prefer open air; dislike heat

Sepia

wets the bed in the first part of sleep

more commonly used with girls ◆ child likes sports, dancing or rapid movement

usually prefers to be alone

Potency and Repetition

One dose of 30C of the appropriate remedy every 12 hours for three doses; then wait for two weeks. If the remedy helps at first but then there is a relapse, repeat the course of treatment one more time. If there is another re lapse, seek the help of a qualified homoeopath

EXTERNAL AND COMMON-SENSE MEASURES

1 Make sure your child goes to the toilet last thing before bed.

2 Limit his fluid intake during the evening.

3 Lift him from bed and take him to the toilet before you go to sleep.

4 Go to your doctor or homoeopath to check for urinary infections.

5 If the bedwetting starts suddenly when there have been no previousproblems, check for allergies and food sensitivities (has a new food been introduced into your child’s diet?). 6 Do not scold or shame your child. He will already be feeling demoralized,

even if he does not show it. Try to work together in a positive way to overcome the difficulties.

7 Limit his intake of salty and spicy foods (which could lead him to drinkmore).

8 Try to make sure the lower parts of your child’s body are covered up and warm at night.

9 Some studies have shown that watching a violent or disturbing television programme before bed can lead to bedwetting.

Circumcision

One dose of Arnica 200 about one hour before the circumcision, and a second dose as quickly afterwards as possible. About one hour after the seconddose of Arnica, give one dose of Staphysagria 30

These remedies will help ease the pain for a child of any age, as well aspromote quick healing. Staphysagria helps with urinary difficulties and, in older children, will ease any feelings of humiliation caused by the need to have a circumcision

Colds, Coughs and Chest Complaints

These conditions, as well as sore throats are often hard to distinguish one from the other, as their symptoms can be very similar and most children seem to run from one complaint into another. There are many different remedies available for the variations that can appear, and they cannot all be covered in a book such as this. We have provided the most commonly indicated remedies here, and have divided the complaints into two main groups to try to make it easierfor you to pick the right remedy. You may also want to consult the other rele vant sections in this book

BRONCHITIS

This generally starts as a cold with fever, malaise and a sore throat, followed by a cough. The cough is often dry and painful to begin with, later producingphlegm. There may be wheezing or whistling sounds during breathing

Bronchitis is common in children and can happen after exposure to cold, damp or dry weather. It can also take place during teething and can linger for two to three weeks. Bronchitis can become chronic. Some children seem to have a predisposition to bronchitis. Chronic cases need constitutional treatment by a professional homoeopath.

Aconite, Belladonna and Ferrum phosphoricurn

May be indicated in the beginning. See the Colds, Cough and Croup sections for indications, potency and dosage

Antimonium tartaricum

rattling of mucus in the chest

child is extremely drowsymay want to sit up

child is pale and sweaty, or may be blue around the lips

Antimonium tartaricum is useful in the late stages of bronchitis Comparewith Ipecacuanha, below.

When Antimonium tartaricum is usually indicated your child is very ill As well as giving him this remedy, you should seek the help of a doctor or pro fessional homoeopath

Bryonia

dry cough which may hurt your child’s head and chest

dry mouth with thirst for large quantities of water

aversion to being too warm

worse from moving, prefers to lie still

dryness of mouth and lips; constipation

Dulcamara

during a sudden change in the weather (from warm to cold)

during times when the days are warm and the nights cold ◆ child produces a lot of mucus

increased urination

Hepar sulphuris

child is very chilly and feels worse for all things cold

extremely oversensitive to all things, such as touch, pain, cold air, cold

draughts

prefers warm drinks

may have splinter-like sensations in chest

sweats at night

may be irritable

Ipecacuanha

spasmodic coughing with possible nausea and/or vomiting

chest full of rattling mucus

the child is too weak to bring up mucus

wheezing

clean, pink tongue

worse for motion and open air

nose bleeds caused by the coughing

Ipecacuanha is usually indicated at the beginning of a bronchitis that comes

on very rapidly. Antimonium tartaricum is indicated later on. Ipecacuanha is commonly used where there is a combination of wheezing along with nau sea and/or retching.

Kali carbonicum

worse early morning (between 2 and 5 a m.)

worse for cold air

child needs to sit up or lean forward

Mercurius vivus

excessive perspiration at night

increased salivation may dribble on pillow

bad breath

mucus coughed up from chest

Phosphorus

thirst for cold drinks

wheezing and coughing worse for talking and laughing

very tight, constricted chest as if a weight is on it

anxious, fearful needs company

Pulsatilla

dry cough at night which often forces the child to sit up

cough is worse in a warm room, child wants open air

little or no thirst, even if feverish

may take a sip of drink only because his mouth is dry, not because he feelsthirsty

weepy, with a desire for company

Potency and Repetition

One dose of 12 or 30c of the appropriate remedy every three to five hours for two or three days. The frequency of repetition depends on the Intensity of the bronchitis. Lengthen the amount of time between doses as your child starts to improve.

COLDS

Common colds affect all of us. They account for more time off school than any other cause. Many treatments are offered at the chernist for colds, but none is curative; they only help give temporary relief to the symptoms. Homoeopaths believe that colds should be allowed to run their course. Dis charges are the body’s way of expelling toxins and should not be suppressed Only if a cold is severe is homoeopathic treatment really necessary to aid the body’s natural recovery process.

The symptoms vary in intensity but generally start with a runny nose, malaise, sneezing and often a sore throat and coughing. As a cold progresses the ‘stuffed up feeling passes and the runny nose and discharge may be come thickened and possibly green or yellow. In some children a cold may develop into a chest complaint or be associated with ear problems.

Some children seem to get repeated colds or to have constant colds withrunny noses. These children should be treated constitutionally,

Aconite

at the beginning

sudden, intense onset

after exposure to dry, cold wind

extreme restlessness, anxiety and fear

high fever

chest may be affected and croup is commonrapid, hard pulse

choking cough

Belladonna

at the beginning

sudden, intense onset

flushed, hot, bright red face

high fever

sensitivity to light

hot head with cold feet and hands

often affects the throat or glands

delirium

Ferrum phosphoricum

at the beginning of colds with fever and no other symptoms

flushed cheeks

Gelsemium

often worse for warm, moist weather

slow onset

low-grade fever

heaviness, weakness, tiredness, dizziness

child keeps still; wants no one around

drooping eyelids- child can hardly keep them open

no thirst

aching limbs and back

slow, weak pulse

The above four remedies are usually more useful at the beginning of colds or inflammations. Aconite and Belladonna are best for a cold that comes on rapidly and is very intense at the outset. Gelsemium is for colds that develop more slowly; the symptoms of Ferrum phosphoricum arise at a pace some where between the two.

Potency and Repetition

Choose the correct remedy according to the symptoms. Give one dose of 12C or 30C according to the intensity of the symptoms every 15 minutes, half hour or hour, for a few doses. You will probably have to repeat the dosage of Belladonna or Aconite quite frequently Gelsemium can usually be repeated every three to four hours.

Allium cepa

eyes and nose run

burning discharge from nose, making the upper lip red and sore

child feels better in the open air

tickling in the larynx

non-irritating discharge from the eyes

Arsenicum album

nasal discharge which reddens the skin

burning in nose

child feels chilly; is better near heat

restless, anxious, fearful

Dulcamara

after exposure to cold, wet weather

child gets chilled or wet after being warm or overheated

Euphrasia

opposite of Allium cepa

running eyes and burning discharge from the eyes and bland, non-irri tating discharge from the nose

cough is worse during the daytime

Kali bichromicum

thick yellow, ropey discharge difficult to expel

Nux vomica

irritability

child desires warmth

the slightest movement increases the chill

Pulsatilla

child is clingy, weepy

does not want to be alone

usually no thirst

likes open air

thick yellow-green mucus

Rhus toxicodendron

child is restless, can’t keep still

worse for cold, damp weather

tosses and turns in bed

Sticta

needs to blow nose but nothing comes out

dryness with obstruction and pressure, especially at root of nose

Potency and Repetition

One dose of 12 or 30C every three hours for three to five doses. Stop the rem edy when your child is definitely getting better.

COUGHS AND CHEST COMPLAINTS

Coughs are often protective in that they serve to expel mucus from the respiratory tract. They can be shallow or deep, dry or productive. Noticing these differences will help you to choose a remedy.

Generally, as with colds, homoeopaths prefer not to treat coughs unless they are prolonged, very distressing, or there seems to be a danger of a more

serious disorder developing.

The treatment of coughs can sometimes be difficult Distinguishing characteristic symptoms requires careful observation.

We have broken the chest complaints into specific types. There is also a section here on coughs in general. You will often find that the symptoms (and remedies) seem to overlap, so you may have to look from section to section to find the most suitable remedy.

If coughs continue or have a tendency to return, consult a professional homoeopath about constitutional treatment.

COUGHS (IN GENERAL)

Can be caused by a simple inflammation, often after exposure to sudden or extreme weather conditions. They may also be due to allergies. Coughs can accompany a simple cold or can progress to bronchitis, pneumonia or asthma. Children may have a constitutional tendency to repeated coughs and you should ask a professional homoeopath for assistance. Refer to Bron chitis and Colds for more indications and remedies that may not be listed in this section.

At the outset:

Aconite

dry, sudden ugh after exposure to dry, cold wind

See Colds and Croup for more indications.

Belladonna

child is extremely hot, with a flushed red face See Colds and Croup for more indications.

Ferrum phosphoricum

short, tickling cough, with few other symptoms

See Colds for more indications.

Potency and Repetition

One dose of 12 or 30C every one to two hours, depending on the intensity of the symptoms, for three doses. If three doses do not provide relief, you have not chosen the correct remedy. If one of the above remedies has helped but then seems to stop working, the picture may have changed and anotherremedy may be needed.

Antimonium tartaricum

See Bronchitis

Bryonia

a hard dry cough which may hurt the chest

thirst for cool drinks

worse for motion

child prefers to be alone, may be irritable

cough or chest pain is worse when breathing deeply

child may hold his hand to his chest-he finds this helps to keep him frommoving

may have a headache from coughing so much

Drosera

See Croup and Whooping Cough

Hepar sulphuris

See Bronchitis

Ipecacuanha

See Bronchitis

Kali bichromicum

thick, tough, ropey yellowish mucus from chest and/or nose that isdifficult to bring up

hacking cough with a tickle in the pit of the throat

Manganum

cough is better when lying down and resting; often occurs only duringthe day

worse in cold, damp weather

Phosphorus

thirst for cool drinks or fruit juice

may have a headache from coughing

cough is worse for talking, laughing, cool air

child neexis company

fear of the dark

child feels chilly

worse when lying on the left side

Pulsatilla

dry cough during the evening

cough may be loose in the morning

thick, yellow mucus

worse in a warm room, prefers open air

child is mild, affectionate, wants company

cough is better for sitting up

Rhus toxicodendron

restlessness-needs to move

cough may be better for motion

coughs during sleep

+ worse for exposure to cold damp even exposing an arm out of his blan

ket aggravates the cough

Rumex

+ cough due to tickling in the throat or chest

+ worse in cold air, especially when inhaling cold air

Spongia

dry, harsh, hoarse cough

prefers warm drinks

wakes from sleep feeling suffocated because of the cough

cough may sound like a saw going through wood

Potency and Repetition

One dose of 12 or 30C every four hours for four to six doses. Stop, or increase the length of time between doses, as your child begins to improve.

CROUP

This is the name given to a hoarse, metallic-sounding cough usually centred around the larynx (volce box). It often causes the child to wake up at night, though he can seem better during the day.

Children from three months to four years old are often susceptible to croup. The cough can last as long as three to four days and be very distressing to watch. Its duration and intensity can be helped greatly by homoeopathic remedies.

Rhus toxicodendron

restlessness-needs to move

cough may be better for motion

coughs during sleep

worse for exposure to cold damp even exposing an arm out of his blan ket aggravates the cough

Rumex

cough due to tickling in the throat or chest

worse in cold air, especially when inhaling cold air

Spongia

dry, harsh, hoarse cough

prefers warm drinks

wakes from sleep feeling suffocated because of the cough

cough may sound like a saw going through wood

Potency and Repetition

One dose of 12 or 30C every four hours for four to six doses. Stop, or increase the length of time between doses, as your child begins to improve.

Aconite

child wakes in the night with dry, hoarse, barking cough, restless andanxious

one of the first remedies for sudden croup, especially if it starts atnight

See Colds for more indications.

Belladonna

high fever with flushed red face and dry, barking, painful cough

See Colds for more indications

Ferrum phosphoricum

See Colds for indications.

Potency and Repetition

The three above remedies may be given in either 12C or 30C, one dose every half hour for two to three doses will usually be enough. This will either clearup the condition completely or at least let you and your child sleep. If the symptoms do not clear up, another remedy may be indicated try one of the following

Drosera

dry, barking or ringing metallic-sounding cough

cough worse when lying down or as soon as the child’s headpillow

cough may come from deep in chest

cough may end in vomiting

worse for eating or drinking

Hepar sulphuris

often follows Spongia well (see below)

useful in the later stages of croup, rarely the beginninghits his

usually the mucus rattles more than If Spongia or Aconite is required

cough is much looser

worse early in the morning

worse for all things cold-food,

chilly, needs warmth

coughs or sneezes when exposed to cold things

Spongia

follows Aconite well (see above)

dry, hard, harsh, hoarse, ringing-sounding cough

cough sounds like a saw going through dry wood

loud, barking cough

sometimes child wakes with a cough just before or around midnight

sense of suffocation due to constriction of the throat or larynx

better for warm drinks

worse when the child inhales, talks, sings or swallows

Potency and Repetition

One dose of 12 or 30C every two to three hours for three to five doses. Stopwhen your child shows signs of improvement.

LARYNGITIS

An inflammation of the voice box. It is usually associated with colds,whooping cough or measles. Other causes can be excessive mouth-breath ing, allergies and/or pollutants. The signs of laryngitis are hoarseness oreven a complete loss of the voice. Your child may complain of pain when speaking and/or swallowing May be accompanied by a dry cough. Generallylaryngitis resolves itself, though some children have a tendency to recurrent laryngitis and need constitutional care.

air, drinks

At the outset:

Aconite

See Colds, Coughs and Croup

Belladonna

See Colds, Coughs and Croup

Ferrum phosphoricum

at the outset, when there are no clear symptoms

there may be a nosebleed

Potency and Repetition

One dose of 12 or 30C every half hour to every two hours, depending on theintensity of the symptoms, for three or four doses.

Causticum

after exposure to cold weather or dry, cold wind

a sense of rawness may be present

hoarseness that is worse in the morning

child may leak urine while coughing

Phosphorus

hoarseness is worse in the evening

child is thirsty for cool drinks

there may be a hard, painful cough

Rumex

tickling in the larynx, worse for inhaling cool air

Spongia

dry, burning, tight sensation in larynx,

larynx sensitive to touch

See Croup for more indications

Potency and Repetition

One dose of 12 or 30C three times a day for two or three days. Discontinuethe remedy when your child gets better if there is a relapse, repeat the rem edy one or two more times at three hourly intervals

EXTERNAL AND COMMON-SENSE MEASURES

1 Try to stop your child from talking, to give his voice a rest

2 Give him lots of warm fluids, such as honey and lemon drinks 3 Steam inhalation will help, as will a humidifier kept going in the sick

PNEUMONIA

An inflammation of the lung tissue itself Your child may have a fever up to 40.5°C (105°F); in some cases there may be convulsions. Your child will sweat, his breathing will be rapid and he will look absolutely wretched His suspect pneumonia at all or are the least bit uncertain, seek help immediately. This can be a serious condition which you should not try to treat yourself You can give the indicated remedy from the Bronchitis section while you are waiting for additional help.

sputum may be blood-streaked and he may feel nauseated or vomit.

EXTERNAL AND COMMON-SENSE MEASURES

1 Be alert to your child’s breathing

2 Holding and rocking your child can relax and comfort him.

3 Give him fluids: water and fruit juices (warm)

4 Steam inhalations or a humidifier will help

5 If you have no steam inhaler or humidifier, turn on the hot water in the bathroom, fill it with steam and have your child sit in there for about a halfhour. This heat will not help every child so check on how he feels after thefirst 10 minutes or so.

6 Be patient.

7 Make sure your child gets plenty of rest

8 Also see Fevers

9 Give your child 1 gram of vitamin C per day

10 For coughs and colds, cut up a large red onion, boil it in a pint of water, add a pinch of salt and a pat of butter, simmer until the onion is soft and give it to your child to drink (as hot as he can stand). This helps stimulate perspiration

11 Wash 2 oz/50 g of barley and boil it in 1 pint/500 ml of water for about 10 minutes. Discard the water Recook in 4 pints/2 litres of water, boiling it down to 2 pints/1 litre Strain, add honey and feed this water to your child. This is often useful for colds.

12 Grate a piece of ginger the size of the top half of your thumb and boil in 1/2 pints/750 ml of water for 20 minutes. Add honey to each cupful you give your child. This is very helpful for colds and chest congestion, and can be given several times during the day. You can dilute this ginger drink withmore water if it is too strong for your child.

13 Avoid feeding your child dairy products, raw foods, sweet drinks or sweets, as these may encourage mucus production.

WHEN TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP

1 If your child’s breathing is shallow and rapid

2 If your child stops breathing for a moment

3 If he is blue in the face, lips or nails, if his limbs feel cold

4 If he has a persistent high fever, with or without shallow breathing

5 Go to the hospital if your child inhales anything that cannot be coughed up and/or causes violent coughing

6 If there is any change in consciousness: drowsiness, confusion, convul sions

7 If your child coughs up blood

8 If he complains of chest pain

9 If he vornits along with coughing

10 If the cough or cold has not improved after a week to 10 days

Case Study

With children so many crises seem to occur at night or at the weekend. Ear infections, coughs and fevers often begin with a screaming cry in the mid dle of the night. A familiar scene is an anxious mother trying to describe the symptoms to a very sleepy hornoeopath over the phone at 2 a.m.

Rohan, eight, woke up at three in the morning with a very severe cough. Itwas a ‘croupy type’ cough. He became very distressed and unable to breathe.

His face began to turn red. He was unable to catch his breath betweencoughs. His mother wisely took him into the bathroom, turned on theshower to steam up the room, opened the window, then ran to the phone.

The child was extremely fearful. In between coughs he would say in a choking voice that he was going to die. His mother described him as looking fearful and anxious, his eyes wide, pupils dilated and his face bright red. Thecough sounded very dry, like the barking of a seal. Peter did not want to beheld and consoled. He was frightened, yet did not really want reassurance.

He refused anything to drink to help stop the cough. The previous day he had been fine and happy, playing football in the afternoon-his mother said she could not believe his stamina. It had started to rain while the football game was going on, but that had not deterred him. He played even harder in the second half.

With this last bit of information the pieces of the puzzle that make up a remedy ‘picture fell into place. The suddenness of the onset, the fearful look in his eyes, the sound of the cough, the redness of the face. We recom mended Aconite 200 (luckily Peter’s mum had some in the house). The next day she called to say that, within five minutes, Rohan had settled down. In 15

minutes he was back in bed and slept through the night quietly. In the morning he was fine,

The correctly indicated homoeopathic remedy can act so quickly it seems like a miracle.

Convulsions

A seizure or convulsion is a brief disorder of the brain accompanied by a change in consciousness, and twitching and/or jerking of the limbs. There may be breathing difficulties, rolling of the eyes, leakage of urine or stools. The seizure may last some seconds or even minutes. It is sometimes accompanied by a high fever and is very frightening for parents to witness

Fits may also happen during teething, with whooping cough, after emotional upsets, or independently of any obvious cause. If the fits happen along with another problem, refer to the relevant section of this book as well.

If your child is having a convulsion for any reason at all, stay with him, placehim on his side and have someone call an ambulance immediately. While youare waiting for help, if the fit is accompanied by a high fever you can spongeyour child down with tepid water and try the following remedies.

Belladonna

seizures with high fever, burning skin, wild staring eyes and a flushed face

twitching, jerking, trembling

comes on suddenly

throbbing fontanelle (Infants only)

Chamomilla

convulsions that occur during teething

child is very upset and irritable

worse at night, from 9 p.m. on

one cheek red, the other pale

convulsions caused by anger

green, loose stools

Cuprum metallicum

convulsions that accompany whooping cough

Potency and Repetition

One dose of 12 or 30C immediately. If one dose helps, leave it. If the fits continue or keep recurring, give the remedy every 15 minutes, or at the time of the relapse, until help arrives.

APPENDICITIS

This is rare in young children, but very difficult to diagnose. Vomiting may be the major sign in a very young child. In older children it is abdominal ten derness centred over the right lower abdomen. The pain is often worse when your child moves. Appendicitis is most often indicated by two additional factors.

1 Guarding:

a stiffening of the muscles in the sore area when approached

2 Rebound Tenderness:

the area is not painful when pressed, but does hurt when the pressure is cased

Professional help should always be sought if you suspect your child has ap pendicitis. If the pain in the area is severe, go to the hospital immediately.

Bryonia

this remedy fits the two above symptoms well. It is one of the best reme dies to consider while you are awaiting help,

Potency and Repetition

Give one dose of 30C every 15 to 30 minutes until you receive help or there issignificant improvement.

Iris tenax

6C every 15 to 30 minutes for a few doses while waiting for or seeking help this has been found helpful in some cases where symptoms are not marked

COLIC

This is a name for severe abdominal pain which comes and goes with vari able intensity. Infantile colic can begin a few days after birth and can last up to three months. It is caused in babies and young children by spasmodic contractions of the intestines and distension caused by gas. Colic occurs be cause the digestive tract is still maturing

Your child may have a normal appetite and be gaining weight, yet may still howl with pain after meals. Colic is a common problem, yet there is no known reason why it happens to some children and not others.

Infantile colic can be extremely distressing for parents and their childalike. It can certainly lead to many broken nights.

In order to find the most suitable remedy, observe your child carefully. Is he bringing his knees up towards his abdomen? Is he bending backwards? Is he better if you carry him?

Chamomilla

child is extremely irritable and complaining with the pains

nothing satisfies the child or the pains

better as long as he is carried

often accompanies teething

may be diarrhoea, with green stools

Colocynth

pain is alleviated by bending double or applying hard pressure to the area

your child improves when he brings his knees up to his abdomen

better for warmth

worse after eating or drinking

Dioscorea

pains are worse when the child bends forward

child straightens his body or may even arch backwards for relief

Magnesia phosphorica

✦ pains are better for warm applications, warm drinks or rubbing • severe cramping, griping pains

Pulsatilla

colic after the mother (if breastfeeding) or child eats rich foods

child is mild, timid, weepy; wants affection

Both Pulsatilla and Chamomilla may be indicated if the child cries a lot and wants to be carried. Constitutionally, the Chamomilla child is irritable and demanding with his crying. The ‘Pulsatilla baby is more sweet-tempered and clingy, and tends to evoke more sympathy than the Chamomilla child.

Potency and Repetition

Give one dose of 12C or 30C every one to two hours, depending on the sever ity of the symptoms. When the pain diminishes you can increase the length of time between doses to every three to five hours. You may even find that one dose daily may be enough. If the pain continues in severity after three to four doses, and/or the relief is very short lived, another remedy may be needed and you should seek professional help.

EXTERNAL AND COMMON SENSE MEASURES

1 Give your child smaller, more frequent feeds.

2 If breastfeeding, the mother should avoid eating foods from the cabbage family (cabbage, Brussels sprouts, etc.). Citrus fruits or caffeinated drinks can also cause gas. Experiment with your diet and see if it affects your breast milk

3 Nurse in a quiet, secure environment where you can maintain good physical contact with your baby. This can be calming and possibly help with digestive disorders.

4 If your baby is bottle-fed, make sure he is not sucking in too much air with his feed.

5 In older children, ginger water in chamomile tea with honey may help soothe digestion.

CONSTIPATION

Constipation can be caused by dietary factors (such as changing from a fluid to a solid diet) or while travelling. It can also be psychological, as when a child rebels against toilet training.

Constipation comes and goes in children. If it lasts for a couple of days every now and then and there is no pain, do not worry. If persistent, or if di etary changes do not help, your child may need constitutional help.

Alumina

difficulty passing the stool, even though soft

constipation after starting on a formula

Bryonia

dryness of mucous membranes

large, hard, dry stools

child can go for days with no urge

Nux vomica

urging and then, when the child passes a stool, he still feels as if more isleft

frequent urging but passes small amounts

a history of taking a lot of laxatives

hard, painful stool, causing the child to weep as it passes

Opium

no sense of urgency

stools resemble hard, round, black balls, like sheep dung

Potency and Repetition

One dose of 30C three times a day for two or three days. If the constipation continuously returns, do not continue with a remedy but seek professional help, as well as trying the measures listed below.

EXTERNAL AND COMMON-SENSE MEASURES

1 In bottle-fed babies, try changing the formula.

2 In older children, make sure they get enough fibre Fruit, vegetables, fruit juices and exercise should help.

3 If your child shows resistance to toilet training, be gentle. Do not put too much emotional pressure on him

4 Simmer five or six prunes slowly for a couple of hours in a few cups of water. Give your child the juice in the morning and the prunes to eat atnight.

5 Avoid commercial laxatives as much as possible they will not help the body develop its own capacity to pass stools. In some cases they can lead to more constipation in the long term.

If the above measures, along with the indicated remedies, do not help and the constipation does not improve after a week, seek professional help.

6 Psyllium seeds or linusit are available in most health food shops and can be very helpful

WHEN TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP

1 If there is vomiting, pain and no bowel movement over 24 hours, go to thehospital immediately. There could possibly be some type of obstruction.

DIARRHOEA

Diarrhoea is a common problem with infants. As long as your child’sappetite is good and there is no accompanying vomiting or weight loss, itwill usually clear up by itself. You will know by the severity of symptoms

whether you need professional help or not.

There are many causes of diarrhoea. Infants can often have diarrhoea when they are teething. Poor eating habits, or eating too many sweets, unripe fruits, excess ice cream can be factors, as can the frequent use of an tibiotics. Bad meat or food poisoning can cause simultaneous vomiting and diarrhoea. Sudden upsets or frights can lead to this problem, and diarrhoea is also common among visitors to countries where the standard of hygiene or the quality of the water is poor

Aethusa

during teething

during summer

diarrhoea caused by an inability to digest milk

weakness

Aloe

whenever the child passes wind, he passes stools

lots of wind

child has a sense of insecurity of the rectum. He feels he has to hold ontight to stop himself from having an accident

Arsenicum album

commonly used for traveller’s diarrhoea’

sudden extreme weakness and exhaustion

thirsty, needing frequent small sips of a drink

chilly

vomiting and diarrhoea together

after bad food

anxiety, with a possible fear of death

burning pains

worse after midnight

combination of weakness, anxiety, chill and thirst

Slools : Very offensive, small, green yellow jelly type, very bed smelling, seen undigested food.

Chamomilla

diarrhoea accompanied by painful colic

during teething

offensive green, slimy stools, resembling spinach

child is extremely irritable and complaining, nothing satisfies him

rotten egg odour to the stools

watery, painless diarrhoea with much wind

child wants to be carried

Colocynth

colicky pain which is better for hard pressure,

on abdomen

worse after eating or drinking

Cuprum

diarrhoea where no symptoms are clear, but cramps are the most

apparent

Ipecacuanha

diarrhoea accompanied by continual extreme nausea

frothy green stools

no thirst

clean or pink tongue

Nux vomica

after overeating

child strains and passes small amounts of stool

feels temporarily better after each stool

Podophyllum

worse in early morning

profuse, explosive, squirting diarrhoea with lots of rumbling noises and wind

stool comes out forcefully in a shot, like water from a fire hydrant

offensive stools

worse after eating

Intense cramps (may cause the child to double up with pain)

bending double or lying

diarrhoea, and drooling (from the mouth) during teething

during summer

prolapse of the recturn during bouts of diarrhoea

The traditional books stress that Podophyllum stools are extremely offensive. We have often missed prescribing this remedy because this symptom was not present. Our experience has shown us that sounds in the abdomen and noisy, spluttering explosive stools are more important symptoms. If these are present, this is enough to indicate Podophyllum.

Rheum (Rhubarb)

extreme acidity in the stomach

stools and whole body smell sour

during teething

child has little appetite and not much need for sleep

Sulphur

offensive stools with no other symptoms

anus may be red

Veratrum album

vomiting and diarrhoea together

very cold sweat, icy, pale face and tip of nose

exhaustion

severe cramps

rapid, feeble pulse

Potency and Repetition

Give one dose of 12C or 30C every half hour to every two hours depending

on the severity and frequency of the diarrhoea. As soon as there is a marked

reduction in the frequency of the stools, give one dose after each stool. Three to four doses should be enough if the remedy is well chosen.

EXTERNAL AND COMMON-SENSE MEASURES

1 Avoid eating heavy, rich foods.

2 Add a cup of rice to six cups of water and simmer for one hour (add water as necessary so it does not dry out). Strain and keep the liquid. Add salt and drink it. You can give your child a cup of this drink every few hours

3 Let your child eat yoghurt and bananas, which are easy to digest.

4 Avoid sweets, cold foods and sugared drinks

JAUNDICE

This occurs quite frequently in children, it normally resolves itself in a week. You should, however, always seek professional help Five or six doses of Chelidonium 6C may help this condition resolve itself without complications.

VOMITING AND NAUSEA

Vomiting can be caused by a wide variety of things, quite apart from contaminated food. It can be associated with earache, worms, injury or evena respiratory problem. However, it is not uncommon for young babies toregurgitate small amounts of milk after a feed. This can sometimes be worse during teething, and is usually nothing to worry aboutIf your child has severe colic and/or diarrhoea as well as nausea, please refer to these sections as well. You may find a more relevant remedy there

If the vomiting is associated with a respiratory disorder or a childhooddisease such as whooping cough, refer to these relevant sections.

Aethuse

intolerance of milk, with vomiting of curdled masses

extreme vomiting, rapidly making the child weak and sleepy

Antimonium crudum

thickly coated, milky white tongue

child vomits after eating and drinking

loss of appetite

after overeating or too many rich foods

irritability, aversion to being touched or looked at

Arsenicum album

child is extremely restless, constantly shifting around

anxiety

weakness that comes on suddenly

vomiting and diarrhoea together

bad food or water, or ptomaine poisoning

thirst for frequent sips of cool drinks, which may then be brought

straight back up

child feels chilly, desires warmth

burning pains, better for warmth

often worse after midnight (around 2 to 3 a m.)

Bryonia

all complaints made worse for any motion; child prefers to keep completely still

dryness of mouth with thirst for large amounts of water

child wants to be left alone

bitter taste in the mouth

worse for fatty or rich foods

Ipecacuanha

continual nausea and vomiting, not made better by being sick

extreme nausea

usually worse after eating

clean or pink tongue

colicky, griping pains around navel

vomiting after coughing

Nux vomica

lack of appetite

irritability

after overeating

child feels as if he would like to vomit but can’t

Phosphorus

thirst for cold water

child often vomits once this water warms up in his stomach

burning pains

child desires company

Pulsatilla

child vomits after eating fats, rich foods, ice-cream or fruit

no thirst

bitter taste in the mouth

child is often shy, and wants affection

Silica

infant brings up breastmilk

projectile vomiting

Veratrum alburn

vomiting and diarrhoea together

cold sweat, especially on forehead

weakness

Potency and Repetition

Give one dose of 12C or 30C every one to two hours, depending on the sever ity of the symptoms. After their intensity has lessened somewhat, you can give the remedy every three to four hours. In most cases four to five doses should be enough. If relief is gained after the first dose, but your child then has a relapse, give him one dose each time he vomits. If there is no relief of symptoms or your child keeps relapsing even after three to four doses, this usually means that the situation calls for a constitutional remedy, or that the remedy needed is not listed in this book. Seek the help of a professional homoeopath

WHEN TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP

If your child becomes dehydrated

In babies and toddlers, signs of dehydration are sunken eyes and fontanelles (the soft spot at the top of the head), loss of skin tone, dry nappies (little urine is being passed), dry eyes and mouth.

In older children, weight loss of more than 10 per cent of body weight could

indicate dehydration.

2 If your child vomits incessantly, especially if what he brings up is blood stained, or if the vomiting starts after your child has sustained a head injury.

If your child exhibits any of the following:

3 If your child seems extremely sleepy over a prolonged period of time (six to12 hours)

4 If your child screams or cries inconsolably for longer than five hours

5 If the stools are black

6 If pain comes on rapidly

7 If constipation is prolonged and accompanied by vomiting and signs ofpain or distress

8 If you have any reason to suspect your child has swallowed poison or drugs

9 If the abdominal pain is severe

Ear ache

The ear is divided into three parts:

1 The external ear canal, into which children sometimes put small objects.

2 The middle ear, which consists of the eardrum and an air-filled cavitywhich has a tube (called the eustachian tube) connecting it to the mouth

This tube helps keep the pressure balanced between the air inside and outside the ear

3 The inner ear chamber, involved in transmitting sound waves to the brain

Most common problems affect the external and middle ear.

External ear problems can occur after swimming, or when children put small objects into their ears. Boils and eczema can also cause problems with this part of the ear

Middle ear inflammation is called otitis media. This condition can be acute or chronic It can flare up as a complication of tonsillitis, flu, whooping cough, measles, sinusitis or a cold. Some children have inflammation of the middle ear without these other problems. The inflammation may or may not be accompanied by a build-up of pus or catarrh. Sometimes pus and catarrh can fill the Eustachian tube and produce pain, loss of hearing, bulging of and sometimes damage to the eardrum. Fluid build-up behind the ear drurn can cause the ear drum to burst. This can be a thick and at times bloody discharge. It will usually heal by itself if there are no complications.

Chronic otitis media is a recurrent inflammation of the car. It is found in an increasing number of children these days. The condition known as glue ear can develop as a result, especially where there have been repeated courses of antibiotics.

Both acute and chronic middle ear inflammation respond extremely well to homoeopathic treatment. If your child has had repeated doses of antibiotics and still has recurrent ear problems, do not hesitate to seek constitutional treatment from a professional homoeopath Good homoeopathic treatment usually prevents the need for tubes or grommets to be inserted.

The first three remedies listed below are generally useful only in the early

stages of otitis. If they seen appropriate and are given early enough, they can often stop an attack.

Aconite

at the outset for sudden, painful earache accompanied by restlessness, fear and anxiety

after exposure to cold, dry wind

if the ear is red and hot

worse at night

Belladonna

for sudden, painful onset

often affecting the right ear, but not necessary if other symptoms fit

bright redness of face and/or affected ear

dry, burning skin with fever

glazed eyes, dilated pupils

no thirst, and irritability

Ferrum phosphoricum

at the beginning, sometimes accompanied by pink cheeks and no charac teristic symptoms

Calcarea sulphurica

if the ear drum has burst and there is a continual thick creamy discharge of pus

Chamomilla

extreme sensitivity to the pain

child is very irritable and difficult to please with the pain

nothing satisfies the child, yet he continues to be demanding

child is weepy in a rude, demanding, irritable way

extreme pain

red cheeks, or one cheek red and the other pale

pain worse for warm things

Hepar sulphuris

irritability with extreme pain

sensitive to cold air and cold applications

possible relief from warm applications

Mercurius vivus

often associated with swollen glands

pain extends to the face and teeth

sweaty, worse at night

offensive mouth odour

profuse saliva- may dribble onto pillow at night

shooting pains

smelly, possibly bloody discharge from the ear

Plantago

for earache associated with toothache

Pulsatilla

child cries with the pains

child is clingy, feels better if held, pampered or rocked

pains usually worse at night

often prefers cool air

if thirsty, prefers cool drinks

thick creamy yellow, possibly greenish discharge

Potency and Repetition

One dose of 30C every half hour to every two to three hours for three to fourdoses, depending on the intensity of the pain. There should usually be somerelief after the first couple of doses

WHEN TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP

1 If your child is drowsy, has a stiff neck, headaches and a high fever

2 If the pain continues for more than 24 hours

3 If the bony area at the base of the ear becomes painful or red (possiblemastoiditis)

EXTERNAL AND COMMON-SENSE SURES

1 A couple of drops of Mullein oil (Verbascum) every few hours in the affected ear. Mullein oil is available at most,health food stores or chemists which sell homoeopathic remedies.

2 If your child gets repeated earaches after swimming, you may have to stophim from going until you have been to a professional hornoeopath for treatment. The remedies will build up his body’s natural resistance. 3 Equal drops of Plantago mother tincture and warm water. Put a few drops into his car every hour for several hours. This may help the remedy along. Ifyour child also has toothache, a few drops on the affected tooth will help.

Case Study

A 20 month-old boy started having health problems at the age of about eight months. He had a history of coughs, colds, swollen tonsils and ear in fections; he had frequently been prescribed antibiotics.

Five months before coming for homoeopathic treatment, tubes (grom mets) had been inserted in his ears. He had nevertheless suffered with eight ear infections since that time, along with chest complaints.

The night before our first consultation he was pulling at his ear and was complaining of pain. Once again, he was given antibiotics.

The morning of the homoeopathic consultation his right ear drum burstand was leaking a thick, gluey discharge.

He is an extremely friendly, outgoing child who can also play happily by himself for long periods of time. He is afraid of large dogs, and of falling. He does not feel the heat, but tends to be hot and hates direct sunlight

We prescribed several doses of Calcarea sulphurica 200; a year later he has needed no further antibiotics. He rarely gets colds, and has had no ear problems.

What homoeopathy can do in the treatment of both acute and chronic otitis media is really wonderful.

STYES

These are small boils or pimples that occur on the eyelids. Your child may rub his eyes or complain that it feels as if something is stuck in his eye. Asmall red inflamed spot appears that becomes filled with pus and eventuallybursts.

Apis mellifica

burning, stinging, swollen eyelid

better for cool applications; worse for warmth

Hepar sulphuris

stye slow to come to a head

very painful and sensitive to touch and to cold applications

pain may be better for warm applications

Lycopodium

affecting the right eye, especially towards the inner corner

Pulsatilla

the major remedy if there are only a few symptoms

for styes affecting the upper lid

pus turns yellow green

Staphysagria

may appear after suppressed anger

styes form hard lumps

recurrence of styes, or repeated crops of styes

EXTERNAL AND COMMON-SENSE MEASURES

1 Bathe the eye with quite warm water to help the stye come to a head Dothis several times a day

WHEN TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP

1 If vision becomes distorted

2 If the stye persists for more than a couple of days despite bathing andusing one of the above remedies

3 If there are systemic symptoms, such as fever and fatigue, or if the stye points inwards towards the eyeball

Exam Nerves

Some children get anxious before exams to such an extent that it almost seems to make them ill. One of the following remedies may be of help

Anacardiam

the child’s mind goes completely blank as he sits to write, he is so lacking in confidence

Argentum nitricum

hurried, anxious, irritable and nervous before exams

diarrhoea before events

may crave sweets

Gelsemium

weakness and trembling before events or exams

may have diarrhoea

Picric acid

for the good student who has studied hard but cannot take any more

he may even want to throw his books away

he fears his mind will let him down’ during the exam

exhausted from studying

Potency and Repetition

One dose of 30C the night before the exam, one dose the morning of and another just before the exam.

Eye Problems

Mild eye complaints can be treated at home. It is important, however, to remember how delicate the eyes are. If you are the least bit uncertain, seek professional help immediately.

CONJUNCTIVITIS

This is also known as pink eye or sticky eye. It is an inflammation of the del icate lining that covers the eyeball. It can be caused by allergy or infection.

Allergic pink eye can be brought on by pollen, dust, chlorine in swimming pools, chemicals and pollution. The eye becomes itchy, red and weepy.

Infectious pink eye can have either a bacterial or viral cause.

In both cases the eyes are red and itchy. Viral conjunctivitis is accompa nied by a clear, thin discharge; the bacterial kind produces a thick, creamy discharge.

Your child may come home complaining of a gritty, sandy feeling in hiseye. He may even have swollen glands and a fever. Repetitive or allergic conjunctivitis needs the help of a professional homoeopath.

Apis mellifica

burning, stinging eye pain

better for cool applications; worse for warmth

possible puffy swelling of the eyelids

Argentum nitricum

thick pus-like, creamy discharge

swollen red lids and eyes

this remedy often useful in babies

better for cool applications

sensitivity to light

Arsenicum album

burning inflammation, better for warm applications

restlessness and anxiety

acrid excoriating discharge

Belladonna

for sudden intense onset

very red and bloodshot eyes

sensitivity to light

Euphrasin

red eyes with acrid, burning tears- the tears may redden the cheeks

sensation of sand or grit in the eyes

The common name for this remedy is Eyebright. It is used both in herbalism

and homoeopathy. It can be used as an external lotion for many eye com plaints as well as internally.

Ferrum phosphoricum

inflammation at the outset; few other marked symptoms

child feels as if bits of dirt or grit are trapped under the upper eyelid

Hepar sulphuris

thick, pus-like discharge; eye pain worse for cold

Pulsatilla

thick, bland, yellow-green discharge

better for open air and cool applications

the child is often weepy and needing of affection

Rhus toxicodendron

eyes stick together at night

tears rush out when the child opens his eyes first thing in the morning

sensitivity to light

painful eyes, made worse by motion

general restlessness

Potency and Repetition

One dose of 12C or 30C every three hours for four to six doses. Stop the remedy when the eye starts to get better; repeat it if improvement slows or censes.

COMMON-SENSE AND EXTERNAL MEASURE

1 Do not let your child rub his eyes.

2 Do not share towels or flannels if the infection is contagious.

3 Use clean linen (not sponges) every time you clean the eye.

4 Moisten the eye with a cloth or eyebath to help remove stickiness. Use a solution of 5 drops of rose water and 5 drops of Euphrasia mother tincture in half a cup of warm sterilized water. If rose water is not available, use 1-2 drops of Euphrasia in an eyebath of sterilized or distilled warm water

5 If the infection is caused by an allergy, try to discover what your child might be allergic to and remove it from his diet or environment.

WHEN TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP

1 For any loss of vision, including blurred or double vision.

2 If the eye has been injured.

3 If the pain is severe.

4 If your child’s eyes hurt in bright light.

5 If the pupils are irregular sizes.

6 If any chemicals have gone into the eye: wash well with water while seekinghelp.

7 If the lid or surrounding skin is extremely swollen with a yellow-greendischarge

Fever

Normal oral temperature is 37°C (98.6°F). Rectal temperature is 0.5°C (1°) higher, fever taken from the armpit is 0.5°C (1°F) lower. Infants may have a slightly raised temperature in the evenings. This is normal and is not nec essarily a cause for alarm. Fever is nature’s way of helping your child’s body fight off disease; unless it is extremely high or complicated by other factors, this is actually beneficial and not a cause for worry Fever is not a disease but a result. Make yourself familiar with the section below on when to call for help.

There are three major types of fever

1 A sustained fever, constantly hight

2 An intermittent fever: falls back to normal, particularly in the morning, and rises in the evening

3 Relapsing fevers: feverish episodes marked with one or two days of com pletely normal temperature, then fever again.

Along with constitutional homoeopathic treatment, here are some sug gestions for parents to help a child who develops repeated fevers. The best counsel is not to expose your child to sudden changes in weather or temper ature. Do not overdress him or introduce sudden changes in his diet

The remedies listed below are beneficial for most simple, uncomplicated fevers. Fevers often precede earache, respiratory problems or childhood con tagious diseases, or may accompany teething and flu (influenza). When and if other symptoms arise affecting specific parts of the body, please refer to the relevant section(s) of this book.

When looking for the correct homoeopathic remedy, it is not only the fever that is to be observed. It is what kind of fever and how your child be

haves when III that is important. The aim is to cure your child, not simply to reduce his fever. A positive change after a remedy may not take the form of the temperature dropping straightaway, but your child will seem better in himself, or perhaps his appetite may return. If your child falls asleep shortly after taking a remedy, this is a good sign. The fever should then improve.

Some of these remedies are often indicated at the beginning of conta gious childhood diseases. If this is the case the remedy will not effect a cure, but will make your child more comfortable during the course of the disease. If the problem proves to be one of these diseases, refer to the relevant section of this book.

EMERGENCY:

Aconite

sudden, rapid onset, accompanied by high fever

exposure to cold, dry weather

child is very restless, anxious, fearful

child is dry, hot and thirsty

rapid pulse

fear often accompanies an Aconite fever, or the fever can start after fear

Belladonna

sudden, rapid onset, accompanied by high fever

bright red, flushed face

dilated, shiny pupils; eyes red

skim burning hot, can feel steamy

hot head but cold feet

Irritability

may have no sense of thirst

throbbing headache

These two remedies can be difficult to distinguish at times. They both come on rapidly and are accompanied by extremely high fever, in both cases the child can become very red in the face. If Aconite is the required remedy, the child tends to be thirstier and is extremely fearful and anxious. If your child can speak, he may even indicate that he is afraid of dying or may ask for re assurance that he won’t die. If Belladonna is necessary, the child tends to be more angry and irritable. His face is usually rudder and his eyes may glisten.

Potency and Repetition

One dose of 12C can be given anywhere from every 15 to 30 minutes at first, according to the severity of the fever. If after three doses the fever has improved but tends to keep coming back quickly, give the 30C potency and repeat as needed for a few more doses. Increase the length of time between doses as your child improves

Simple, uncomplicated fevers should respond rapidly to these remedies when they are indicated. If there is no noticeable change after an hour, an other remedy may be required. Remember that a beneficial change may not take the form of an immediate absence of the fever, you may first notice that your child perks up or even starts to ask for food again, before the tem perature drops.

Ferrum phosphoricum

fever with pink cheeks and a pale face

useful at the beginning of inflammation

fever is not as rapid or extreme as if Belladonna or Aconite were indicated; sometimes accompanied by prostration and at other times by no marked symptoms (however hard you look for them)

Potency and Repetition

One dose of 12C every half hour to every hour, depending on the severity of the experience Three doses of this remedy is usually enough for a simple fever where there are no other marked symptoms.

GRADUAL ONSET:

Bryonia

dryness of mucous membranes

worse for all movement child wants to keep still

slow onset, often in warm muggy weather, but possibly in cold dry

weather as well

child is very thirsty

constipation, with dry stools

child is irritable, wants to be left alone

Eupatorium perfoliatum

extreme aching deep in the bones

lower back pain

thirsty

Gelsemium

slow onset in warm, muggy weather

child is drowsy, lethargic, feels heavy

drooping eyelids

dizziness and dullness

aching with chilliness up and down the back

child is so lethargic he wants to lie still and be left alone

no thirst

The above two remedies are often useful for the ‘flu

Pulsatilla

child is weepy, affectionate, wants company

no thirst

desires open air, averse to heat

Rhus toxicodendron

fever with extreme restlessness after exposure to cold, damp weatheror after getting overheated and then cooling oft too quickly

Sulphur

child is lazy and untidy, with a desire for open air and possibly sweetsof particular use if other indicated remedies have not worked

Potency and Repetition

One dose of 12C or 30C every two to three hours depending on the intensityof the symptoms. Give three to four doses as needed. You may be surprisedto find how often one dose will be enough.

WHEN TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP

1 If the fever is extremely high (40.5°C/105°F).

2 If your child is less than six months old.

3 If he suffers convulsions

4 If his neck is stiff

5 If he suffers continuous fevers after returning from a trip abroad

6 If within 12 to 24 hours there is no response to a homoeopathic remedy

7 if sponging your child down with a wet cloth does not lower his temperaLure

8 if he has extreme difficulty breathing

9 if his consciousness is very altered, with great confusion and drowsiness

EXTERNAL AND COMMON-SENSE MEASURES

1 Provide open air and rest.

2 Give plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.

3 Give him meals that are light and easy to digest.

4 Sponge his face and body down with a lukewarm wel cloth (about18°C/65°F is suitable).

5 Cool him down with drinks of hot water with lemon and honey.

6 Help to bring the fever down with sage tea with honey, one teaspoonful to

a cup, steeped for no longer than 10 minutes.

Headache

A child’s headache can be triggered by emotional upset or by stresses at home or at school We have also noticed that eating too much junk food cancause headaches as well as digestive upsets and constipation.

Children who catch a lot of colds can develop headaches across the fore head or the eyebrows, due to the pressure of catarrh

At puberty many young girls suffer from headaches due to hormonal changes.

Headaches may also be associated with other conditions like flu or excess sun; it may be helpful to look at the relevant section(s) of this book

Children who get frequent headaches that are not associated with acuteillnesses such as flu or colds should have constitutional treatment from aprofessional homoeopath

Arsenicum album

for headaches caused by food poisoning, accompanied by restlessnessand anxiety

child is chilly

thirsts for frequent small sips of water

Belladonna

intense throbbing, pulsating headaches

onset is often sudden

child can’t bear light, motion, noise or being jarred

child feels worse when lying completely flat-better

face may be very flushed

may be associated with a high fever

pupils may be dilated

pain is often right sided

head may be hot while hands and feet are cold

for headaches caused by exposure to sun

Bryonia

child is worse for the slightest motion even moving his eyes can increase the pain

the pain often starts on the left side (often the left eye) and travels allover the head (possibly over the whole body)

child is irritable, wants to be left alone

may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting and constipation

child may be thirsty

Gelsemium

pain often starts on the back of the head or neck and can extend to theforehead

child feels drowsy, dull and heavy finding it difficult to keepopenhis eyes

headaches can come from over-exposure to the sun, accompanied by asensation of heaviness

can be associated with flus and fevers

the headache may be relieved by urinating

child is lethargic, wants to be left alonewhen seated

Ignatia

from grief, loss of a loved one or a pet

pain that feels like a nail in the head

Natrum muriaticum

pain feels like tiny hammers, usually starting in the morning and ending by late afternoon

worse for sun and heat

useful for introverted children who may be having emotional difficulties and who keep their fellings to themselves

Nux vomica

irritability with the headache

worse for overeating

worse for moving or shaking the head

may be accompanied by constipation

Pulsatilla

useful for sensitive, weepy children who crave affection

may be needed at puberty, for menstrual difficulties

worse after rich fatty foods or ice-cream

digestive problems may accompany this type of headache

better for open air and cold applications

Staphysagria

useful for children who suffer from headaches after quarrels or family upsets, especially if they suppress their emotions

for children who are bullied at school and have no way to express theirfeelings

headaches after anger, or when anger is suppressed

EXTERNAL AND COMMON-SENSE MEASURES

Cold applications at the base of the neck can relieve some headaches.

WHEN TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP

1 After an injury

See also the relevant first aid section of this app

2 If there is a combination of fever, neck stiffness and headache.

3 If accompanied by severe drowsiness, confusion and vomiting

4 If there are any visual disturbances with nausea and/or vomiting

5 For headaches that continue for more than 24 hours, or keep recurring

Influenza

The term ‘flu’ is used very loosely these days and can mean anything from a fever to a cold to true influenza. This section describes true flu. Please refer to the appropriate section for simple fevers and colds, although frequently the symptoms (and therefore the remedies) will be similar

The incubation period for flu can be up to three days. Early symptoms are chills, fever and usually exhaustion, with aches and pains in the back and legs. These symptoms can be accompanied by sore throat, headache, cough and diarrhoea. The rise in temperature can be steep (38.9-40.6°C/102 105°F). There can also be prostration and at times delirium, which can be frightening. Your child may also be apathetic and irritable.

The duration of uncomplicated cases is usually up to seven days. How ever, in some cases the fatigue, sweating and weakness can last several days longer, and sometimes the exhaustion can hang on for weeks.

In the winter there are often epidemics of influenza, and they can be ac companied by ear complaints and bronchitis. If such problems occur, refer to the relevant sections of this book

Some children have a tendency to recurrent influenza. Constitutional ho moeopathic treatment is highly recommended.

Aconite, Belladonna and Ferrum phosphoricum

may be useful at the outset. See Fever.

Gelsemium and Eupatorium perfoliaturnused very frequently for the flu. See Fever.

Arsenicum album

exhaustion

restlessness and anxiety

child is thirsty for small sips of water

chilliness

burning pains

Baptisia

rapid onset with sudden prostration

flu accompanied by digestive disorders, diarrhoea

aches, offensive breath

dull, red, drugged look

high fever, child falls asleep while talking to you

Bryonia

thirsty, dry

worse for all motion

wants to be left alone

stitching pains in chest

Dulcamara

after exposure to cold, wet weather

profuse mucus discharges

frequent urination

Nux vomica

child is extremely chilly, must keep warm

chilly on slightest motion; lies under blanket and even the slightest motion causes chilliness

chilliness after drinking

Oscillococcinum

useful at the very beginning of a fever (flu), when there are few othersymptoms

this remedy has been found to be useful in 200c potency

Pulsatilla

no thirst although feverish

prefers open air; averse to heat and stuffy rooms

mild, weepy, wants company

Rhus toxicodendron

great restlessness after exposure to cold, damp

Sulphur

tendency to relapse

flushes of heat with desire for open air, but averse to draughts

feet burn, child wants to keep them uncovered

drowsiness

Potency and Repetition

One dose of 12C every two to four hours depending on the severity of the symptoms. Lengthen the amount of time between doses as improvement sets in. Give the required remedy for a couple of days if necessary. Differentremedies may need to be given at different stages of the illness.

WHEN TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP

1 If there is a severe, exhausting respiratory problem (this may indicate pneumonia)

2 If diarrhoea persists.

3. If there is continuous ear pain.

4 If your child gets weaker and weaker.

EXTERNAL AND COMMON-SENSE MEASURES

See Fever

Mouth Problems

MOUTH ULCERS

Some children seem to have a tendency to mouth ulcers Other contributing factors can be fatigue, exams, family stress, and fever Although the follow ing remedies may help with an attack, constitutional treatment will often prove necessary. Consult a professional homoeopath

Your child will probably complain of a burning, tingling feeling in his mouth. If you look inside you may see little, swollen white ulcers with redborders

THRUSH

This shows up as white or creamy coloured patches in the mouth. It is par ticularly common in young bables. The tongue and the insides of the mouth may swell, causing considerable distress Homoeopathy can be very helpful with this

Depending on the symptoms, there are some remedies that can be used to treat both mouth ulcers and thrush. We have grouped them together here for

your convenience.

Antimonium crudum

thick milky white coating on the tongue

Arsenicum album

raw red or bluish burning ulcers, made better for warm drinks

child is restless, anxious, craves company

Borax

one of the most frequently used remedies for both conditions

results are especially marked for ulcers

marked fear of downward motion

pain in the mouth when sucking or eating

hot ulcers which may bleed

Chamomilla

when the symptoms of the remedy are present (see Materia Medica)

child is irritable, nothing satisfies him

loose stool

Kall muriaticum

white ulcers or thrush if there are no clear symptoms to guide you to one of the other remedies

especially indicated at the beginning of an attack

tongue may be patchy, with a grey or white coating at the base

Mercurius vivus

offensive breath, sore mouth

lots of salivation; dribbles on the pillow

Sulphur

painful and burning mouth ulcers, especially if other remedies havenot helped

offensive mouth odour (when there are no other symptoms and Mer curius vivus has been given but has not helped)

Potency and Repetition

One dose of 12C or 30C every three hours for four to six doses. Once you notice the beginnings of improvement, stop the treatment or increase the length of time between doses.

EXTERNAL AND COMMON-SENSE MEASURES

Gargle with a solution of 20 drops of Calendula lotion to half a cup of sterilized water. You may use golden seal (Hydrastis) instead of Calendula if you prefer Golden seal is sometimes a very effective mouth wash for these conditions.

WHEN TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP

1 If the ulcers or thrush keep coming back.

2 If the condition is extremely severe and painful.

3 If pus starts to be produced.

Skin Disorders

Skin diseases cause a great deal of anxiety for both children and their par ents Homoeopaths see most problems on the skin as a result of an internal disorder. We therefore prefer to treat them with internal remedies rather than simply using external ointments to get rid of the skin eruptions, in part because we often find that, if a skin disorder is treated only with an ointment, another problem soon appears somewhere else in or on the body.

BOILS

Boils are inflamed, painful red bumps with a central core of pus, They canoccur anywhere on the body, but often appear on the neck, face and buttocks. If your child tends to suffer from recurrent boils, he has a chronic problemthat should be addressed by a professional homoeopath.

Anthracinum

for very severe boils

burning pains

dark blood oozes from the boil

Potency and Repetition

One dose of 30C every three to four hours for three to four doses.

Arsenicum album

burning pains, better for warm applications

Potency and Repetition

One dose of 30C every three hours for three to four doses

Belladonna

at the outset of an attack, before pus has formed

boils are red and hot, accompanied by throbbing pain

Belladonna is only useful for boils if it is given within the first few hours of inflammation. Once pus has even started to form, it will rarely be of any value.

Potency and Repetition

One dose of 12C or 30C every one to two hours, depending on the intensity of the symptoms, for three or four doses. If Belladonna does not resolve the inflammation, try one of the following remedies.

Hepar sulphuris

for boils that are slow to form a head

extremely painful

sensitive to touch and cold applications

Potency and Repetition

One dose of 6C every one to two hours for four to five doses. If this remedy iscorrect there will be fairly quick relief from the pain.

Silica

slow to heal after the pus has been discharged

Potency and Repetition

One dose of 12C or 30 every three to four hours for two to three days.

Sulphur

for repeated bolls

slow to heal

useful for Sulphur constitutional types

Potency and Repetition

One dose of 30C every three to four hours for three doses.

Tarentuin cubensis

for large boils accompanied by extreme burning and stinging pain

when the boils are purple

Potency and Repetition

One dose of 30€ every two to three hours, depending on the intensity of thesymptoms, for three to four doses.

EXTERNAL AND COMMON-SENSE MEASURES

1 Soak the boil(s) with a hot compress to help bring it to a head anddischarge

2 Some people have found that honey mixed with a small amount of flourand applied as a poultice can be helpful.

WHEN TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP

1 If the boils recur over and over again.

2 If they are accompanied by fever and/or swollen glands.

3 If there is no improvement within two to three days.

COLD SORES

These are caused by aaral infection and take the form of tiny blister like eruptions in and around the mouth and/or lips.

The attacks can be mild and may sometimes be accompanied by a slight fever. If your child has recurrent cold sores, constitutional treatment from a professional homoeopath is the best strategy.

You may try one of the following two remedies to help for acute attacks

Natrum muriaticum

for herpes that come on after exposure to hot sun

sometimes known as fever blisters”

Rhus tox

after exposure to cold, damp weather

Potency and Repetition

One dose of 30C every three hours for four to six doses

CRADLE CAP

Many infants develop cradle cap-a crop of thick, cristy, scaly, yellow erup tions on the head and around the ears. It is nothing to be overly concerned about and usually clears up of its own accord. If you would like to treat your baby’s cradle cap, however, the following remedies may be useful Sometimes a constitutional remedy such as Calcarea carbonica may be of help;

please consult a professional homoeopath.

Mezereum

for crusty eruptions that ooze from under the crust especially when

slight pressure is applied

Sulphur

offensive smell on the head, with no other symptoms

inoffensive smell to the cradle cap, but strong-smelling stools/urine

Potency and Repetition

One dose of 12C or 30C every 12 hours for three doses.

EXTERNAL AND COMMON SENSE MEASURES

1 Coat the scalp with coconut oil or a non medicated cream overnight to moisten and help soften the scales You can gently remove some of the scales, but do not pull them off

2 Do not be tempted to use a hard brush on your baby’s scalp to get rid of thecradle cap

ECZEMA

This is a skin disorder characterized by itching and reviness. In severe cases the symptoms can be extreme and may be accompanied by cracks, bleeding. and weeping of anything from a thin watery discharge to a thick honey coloured fluid.

In some children the skin thickens where it itches most, particularly in

folds of skin as at the elbows, knees, and the groin.

Orthodox medicine has come round to the view (long held by ho moeopaths) that eczema can be caused by hereditary factors, sensitivity to certain foods, allergies, emotional states or a combination of all four We usually do not recommend home treatment, but suggest that you consult a professional homoeopath The use of a skin cream or lotion rarely deals with

the underlying cause and, although it may provide relief, this is usually only temporary.

EXTERNAL AND COMMON-SENSE MEASURES

1 Avoid dairy products.

2 Limit your child’s intake of any foods or substances he seems sensitive to.

3 Applying coconut oil or a bland non-medicated cream on areas of thick ened skin may help soften the skin.

4 Avoid wool, man-made fabrics, strong soaps and anything that may irritate the skin.

Case Study

Linda brought her six-month-old son, Oliver, for homoeopathic treatment for his eczema. His skin was very dry and he had cradle cap as well. On a general level he was a happy baby who slept well and was just beginning to eat solids. He was suffering from slight constipation, which could possibly have been attributed to the change from just milk to solid foods. Lindas pregnancy and birth had been uneventful, and Oliver had had no immuniza tions to date.

We first gave Oliver Sulphur 30. Over the next three months, however, his eczema did not improve. We decided to prescribe Graphites 200, but there was still no change. The doctor at the local health centre did not want to prescribe steroid creams for such a young child, and was sympathetic to ho moeopathic alternatives. The most obvious symptom at our third Interview was a delay in the start of teething. The homoeopathic remedy Calcarea carbonica 200 was prescribed, within one week Olivers eczema was clearing from his face, and his first teeth had come through. To date his eczema has improved significantly, to the delight of his family and doctor

Homoeopaths often see dramatic responses like this when the correct constitutional remedy is given. It is interesting to note that we did not spot the correct remedy straight away. This demonstrates that should you ever make a similar misdiagnosis, giving your child the incorrect remedy cannot do him any harm

Case Study

An 11-month-old boy was brought by his parents for skin problems, diagnosed as eczema. The symptoms we noted were as follows:

His parents had been using cortisone cream on his skin regularly, withonly temporary benefit.

The red eruptions were very bad around his nipples, and were discharging a clear to reddish fluid. The dry patches on other parts of his body were veryitchy

He had had four colds since his birth and had been treated with antibiotics three times.

His nose was stuffed up and his chest would be very congested at times

His hands and feet were cold, he was also feverish.

He would get ‘yeast rashes quite frequently

He was generally an easy child, not crying a lot.

He was very hyperactive, alert, getting into everything liked to explore.

He was all over the place in the clinic while his case was being taken

He had started walking at nine months old.

Sleep was a problem: after a broken night, though tired he would still tryto get up out of his cot

Would move his hands and feet while asleep Slept in the knee to chest position.

Taking all these symptoms into consideration, we gave him Medorrhinum. There was an immediate but consistent improvement of his skin com plaints over the next six months, as well as a noticeable reduction in the number and frequency of his colds and chestinessWith chronic skin complaints the whole child has to be taken intoaccount

HIVES (NETTLE RASH)

This skin disorder is characterized by raised areas of hot red skin, often inblotches, accompanied by severe itching and swelling Hives can be causedby allergies, shellfish, spices, sweets, drugs or insect bites. Recurrent hivesusually need constitutional treatment

Apis mellifica

itchy red blotches worse for heat, warm applications, and possibly atnight

worse after exercise, perspiration or when overheatedafter insect bites or bee stings

better for cool applications

swollen skin, can feel as if it will burst

Arsenicum album

hot, red eruptions better for warm applications

Rhus toxicodendron

itching that can be soothed by the application of very hot water

Urtica urens (Stinging nettle)

this remedy comes from the stinging nettle

nettle rash appearance

raised, red, burning blotches

worse at night, for warmth, when overheated

after eating shellfish

Potency and Repetition

One dose of 120 or 30C every three hours for three doses. As with all homoeopathic treatment, stop once your child shows signs of improvement

EXTERNAL AND COMMON-SENSE MEASURES

1 Apply cool applications

WHEN TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP

1 If the respiratory tract gets affected and breathing becomes difficult

2 If there is a history of severe reactions to

IMPETIGO

This is an infectious skin disorder that is common in children. It is extremely contagious. Playgroups and schools will exclude a child with im petigo until it has completely cleared up.

The eruptions can accur anywhere on the body, but usually form on theface and legs. They are usually seen around the lips, and can resemble coldsores

Impetigo starts off as elevated spots containing yellow pus. The spots then break open and form crusts. Scratching can spread the infection to other parts of the body,

Homoeopathy can usually treat impetigo quite successfully Antibioticsare rarely necessary

If the following remedies do not work there are others that probably will and which might relate more to the constitutional symptoms of your child. Consult a professional homoeopath

Antimonium crudum

typical picture of impetigo-thick, yellow-crusted eruptions

cheeks and chin which weep and ooze

may be a thick white coating on the tongue

child is miserable and difficult to get along with

Arsenicum album:

burning, itching eruptions better for warmth or warm applications

restlessnesson thesimilar causes.

eruptions are thick, oozing a honey-like discharge, accompanied byscabs

child may be chubby (this is a constitutional symptom)

Mezereum

glue-like discharge oozing from thick crusts, especially when thecrusts are pressed

redness around the eruptions

Rhus toxicodendron

extremely itchy, especially at night

child is restless, cannot keep still

eruptions may feel better for hot applications

Viola tricolor

thick scabs with a thick yellow pus

itching with burning, worse at night

Potency and Repetition

One dose of the indicated remedy in 6C or 12C every three to four hours for up to six doses. If the remedy is correct your child should feel better generally within 24 hours, even if the skin does not yet look better EXTERNAL AND COMMON SENSE MEASURES

1 Avoid contact with other children.

2 Wash the crusts with warm sterilized water and Calendula lotion (approx imately 10 drops of Calendula to half a cup of water). Do this several times a day.

3 If the eruptions are infected, wash with an Echinacea mother tincturesolution (10 drops in an egg-cup sized container full of cooled boiled water).

Do this approximately every four hours.

WHEN TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP

1 If the above remedies do not help and your child is in great distress,

2 If there are signs of severe infection.

MILK CRUSTS (BABY ACNE)

Small white pustules on the cheeks and forehead. They start on the face and spread to the rest of the body. The spots can go yellow, burst and form crusts. This is a self-limiting condition which usually clears up in about three or four months. Occasionally orthodox medicine recommends antibi otics, but we have found that homoeopathic remedies are usually sufficient. If one of the following remedies does not provide relief, a constitutional remedy may be necessary. Seek a professional homoeopath for help.

Aconite

at the outset, bright red inflammation accompanied by anxiety and restlessness

Rhus toxicodendron

very itchy, accompanied by restlessness.

Sulphur

offensive odour to all bodily discharges (urine/stools/breath/sweat)

itching worse when the child is warm in bed at night

Viola tricolor

scabs with a sticky yellow pus

itching worse at night

symptoms that are helped by Sulphur and Viola tricolor are worse at night. If the symptoms are strictly local and there is no offensive smell from anypart of the body, try Viola first.

Potency and Repetition

One dose of 12C every four hours for four to six doses.

EXTERNAL AND COMMON-SENSE MEASURES

1 Wash the eruptions several times a day with a lotion made up of 10 drops of Calendula mother tincture to half a cup of sterilized water.

WHEN TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP

1 If symptoms do not improve within a few days.

NAPPY (DIAPER) RASH

Sometimes, however hard parents try to prevent it, nappy rash takes hold

Sensitivity to cow’s milk and soya sometimes aggravates the skin. Breast is usually best, but if that is not possible you may have to try changing your baby’s formula. In some cases very severe nappy rash needs constitutional treatment. The rash may be caused by acidic urine or stool, remedies can alter their acidity. External treatment on its own will provide only tempo rary relief

Sulphur

for a red rash that is between the buttocks, on the genitals and, often,extends up the back

Potency and Repetition

One dose of 30C every three to four hours for three doses.

EXTERNAL AND COMMON-SENSE MEASURES

1 Apply Calendula lotion (10 drops of Calendula mother tincture to half acup of sterilized water) a couple of times a day.

2 Expose the affected area to the air as much as possible.

3 Avoid plastic pants if possible.

4 Wash the area frequently and change wet or soiled nappies as soon aspossible

5 Make sure that the detergent you use is very mild

WHEN TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP

1 If the area develops a white, cheesy-like coating (thrush).

2 If the rash begins to bleed.

3 If it is very painful and persistent.

PSORIASIS

This skin complaint is characterized by scales that often start on the head (resembling dandruff) and on places like the elbows and knees. This scaling or flaking often leads to a thickening of the skin. This is a chronic disorder and must be treated by a professional homoeopath.

WARTS

Many children have warts these days and go through upsetting rituals of having them removed by a variety of different means, only to have them come back. Warts can come and go quite unexpectedly, or can crop up for a period of time and then never be seen again.

Homoeopaths treat warts as they do other skin complaints, with the use of internal remedies, we have had great success treating them homoeo pathically. The remedies listed below have been known to help, though a constitutional remedy may be required if you are to eradicate the warts completely.

Antimonium crudum

for warts or hard growths on bottom of feet

Causticum

for fleshy warts on the face or around or under the fingernails

Dulcamara

for large, flat, hard and smooth warts on the back of the hands or on the face

Thuja

for soft, spongy, fleshy warts, usually appearing on the genitals (thoughthey can occur anywhere on the body)may be painful and may bleed

Potency and Repetition

One dose of 30C every 12 hours for three doses. Allow two weeks to a month before you consider a different remedy.

EXTERNAL AND COMMON-SENSE MEASURES

1 Use an external application of a few drops of Thuja mother tincture if you wish

Teething

Teething (dentition) is usually a straightforward matter Teeth start to appear at the age of around five to eight months, by a year old most children have approximately six to 10 teeth. At 18 months there are usually 12 teeth; at two years approximately 16 to 20 By two and a half, all 20 baby teeth are usually in Adult teeth start to come through when children are about five to seven years old.

Problems with teething include pain while the teeth are erupting, or some kind of delay or slowness in their development Symptoms associated with teething can be as simple as loose stools and dribbling. Other indications are hot and cold flushes, chest complaints, high fevers with diarrhoea, and/or emotional states such as tearfulness and whining, fretful, restless behaviour

The following remedies can be of help to alleviate these problems. If your child is suffering from a specific condition such as diarrhoea or a chest com plaint, you may find a more suitable remedy under the relevant section of this book.

Aconite

extreme pain with great anxiety, restlessness and, often, inflamedgurns

the child may rub his gums with his fist to try to alleviate the pain

worse for cold air or cold drinks

Potency and Repetition

One dose of 30C every one to three hours, depending on the intensity of the symptoms, for three to five doses. This should help ‘take the edge off the pain and ease the restlessness.

Calcarea carbonica

useful where there is delayed development of not only the teeth but ofthe bones in general such as slowness of the fontanelle (the soft spot atthe top of the head) to close

Calcarea carbonica is a constitutional remedy, useful for children with a tendency to plumpness (they are also often fair haired), and generalslowness

sweaty head

loose stools, if present, are often sour

A calcium deficiency is often the root of the problems this remedy can cure This is usually caused by the body’s inability to assimilate calcium efficiently, rather than a lack of calcium in the diet

Also see Calcarea phosphorica (below). If you think either of these two remedies is indicated, we advise you to discuss this with a professional homoeopath

Calcarea phosphorica

delayed development of teeth and also of bony structures such as the fontanelle (the soft spot on the head)

sweaty head

Calcarea phoshorica is a constitutional remedy, useful for children who are thin (and often dark-haired, though not always)

Potency and Repetition

One to three doses of 30C every three to 12 hours. As mentioned, this is a constitutional remedy, you should discuss your child’s symptoms with a professional homoeopath.

Chamomilla

This remedy can be useful for a variety of conditions that can accompany teething, such as diarrhoea, chest complaints, pain, etc. The most impor tant symptoms which chamomilla can help, however, are usually emotional ones.

This remedy has won over many sceptics because of its quick action. It is often used routinely for painful teething. However, it works much better when the characteristic symptoms listed below are present.

child is whiny, irritable, stubborn and just plain miserable

he does not want to be bothered or even looked at

he may even strike out with anger

anger with the pains, which seem unbearable

child is capricious, nothing satisfies him; he may ask for something and

then immediately want something else

he is quiet as long as he is being carried

one cheek hot and red (usually the side the tooth is coming through on),

the other cheek is pale

loose stools

child may have difficulty breathing: a short, hacking cough

worse at night

Kreosote

teeth start to decay quickly after they appear

child is restless, agitated, capricious, nothing satisfies him

very inflamed, spongy or bleeding gums

severe pain

A dose of 12C or 30C every three to six hours for a few doses should be sufficient Chamomilla may also be useful for a chronic situation. If the above symptoms persist, seek help from a professional homoeopath

Mercurius vivus

excessive salivati accompanied by offensive bad breath

worse at night

Podophyllum

salivation and noisy, explosive diarrhoea

Potency and Repetition

For Mercurius vivus, Podophyllum and Chamomilla

One dose of 12C or 30C every two to five hours, depending on the intensity of the symptoms, for three to five doses. A remedy like Chamomilla may have to be repeated daily for one to three doses during the period that the tooth iscoming in, as necessary,

Silica

slow development of teeth

sweaty neck and head

child is timid but stubborn

Silica is a constitutional remedy, for children who are thin (and who oftenhave fine hair)

Potency and Repetition

One to three doses of 30C every three to 12 hours. As mentioned, this is a constitutional remedy, if you think Silica is indicated you may wish to dis cuss your child’s symptoms and general physical and emotional state with a professional hornoeopath

EXTERNAL AND COMMON-SENSE MEASURES

1 Give your child something to gnaw’ on

2 Give him something cold and solid (like an ice-cube wrapped in a cleancloth) to chew on.

WHEN TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP

1 If the problem persists and/or relief is short-lived

2 If symptoms include a chest com int that eps getting worse

Throat Complaints and Tonsillitis

Children frequently develop sore throats or even tonsillitis during the winter. These problems often right themselves, without the need for any treatment Most of the time your child’s own immune system will deal with the inflammation within a week.

The tonsils, two small glands at the back of the throat, exist to protect the respiratory tract from more serious complaints. When one or both of them get inflamed, this is called tonsillitis Swollen tonsils are often associated with swollen adenoids and can cause associated hearing difficulties.

There is no orthodox treatment for the type of tonsillitis or sore throat caused by a virus. If a sore throat caused by bacteria develops into tonsilli tis, with the typical swollen glands, fever and malaise, antibiotics are often the recommended treatment

Homoeopathy is excellent for viral and bacterial tonsillitis and in many cases can prevent the need for surgery. In our years of experience we have seen that antibiotics are not necessary to the extent that most people be lieve. Children with throat and tonsil problems usually respond very quickly and successfully to homoeopathic treatment.

If your child has had many courses of antibiotics, homoeopathic treat ment may not immediately stop the throat infections. If you persevere you will be pleasantly surprised to find a reduction in the severity and frequency of attacks. Homoeopathy helps build up your child’s own natural resistance to disease.

The following remedies have been found effective for many acute throat complaints. If the problem is recurrent or if these remedies do not provide suitable relief, consult a qualified homoeopath

The first three remedies are often indicated at the beginning of treatment

In sore throats and tonsillitis affecting small children, Belladonna is often the first remedy to col sider. Do not give it routinely, however, without first

verifying the symptoms.

Aconite

often indicated at the beginning

after exposure to cold, dry winds

complaints come on suddenly and violently

child is very anxious and restless, often fearful

high fever

thirst for cool drinks

Belladonna

right-sided problems

very often one of the first remedies indicated for small children

complaints come on suddenly and with great intensity

useful at the onset of a sore throat or tonsil infection

high fever, the child’s head is hot, his face and throat are red, though often his extremities will be cold

sensitivity to light

child desires lemonade but may be thirstless

Ferrum phosphoricum

at the beginning, in cases where there is inflammation but very fewother symptoms

pale face with pink cheeks

Potency and Repetition

Give one dose of 12C or 30C every half hour to every two hours, depending on the severity of the symptoms, for three to six doses. The above remedies will usually provide quick relief. Once your child is improving, increase the amount of time between doses. Often one or two doses will be enough

Remember that if your child falls asleep after taking a remedy, this is a good sign. Let him sleep.

Apis mellifica

very swollen tonsils with stinging pains

if no tonsillitis, the throat is pink with stinging pains and may feel as ifswollen

no sense of thirst, but pain is alleviated with cool drinks and made

worse by warm drinks

Baryta muriaticum

very hard, swollen glands tonsils and back of neck

hearing may be impaired as the swelling blocks off the eustachian tubes

Hepar sulphuris

child feels very chilly

throat pain better for warm drinks

pain may extend to the ear on swallowing

feels as if a splinter or fish bone is in the throat

often useful when pus has formed with the first two symptoms

Lachesis

pain is left-sided, or moves from the left to the right side

worse for warm drinks sometimes better for cold drinks

neck and tonsils very sensitive to touch

Lycopodium

pain is right-sided, or moves from the right to the left side

pain usually builds up slowly

Mercurius vivus

child is sensitive to both heat and cold he will lie in bed, get chilly, cover

himself-then feel overheated and take his blankets off- and keep alternating in this wayperspiration provides no relief

excessive salivation, may dribble on pillow

offensive breath, pus on the tonsils

complaints are worse at night

Mercurius-fodatus flavus

similar symptoms to Mercurius vivus, i.e. salivation, though predominantly right-sided

Mercurius lodatus ruber

as above, but left-sided

If soreness affects only the left or right side of the throat, and this is the onlyclear symptom, think of the above two remedies before any others, unless There are any other symptoms which clearly point to other remedies.

Phytolacer

pain usually right-sided, shooting into the ears on swallowing

aching limbs along with fever

pain worse for warm drinks

Potency and Repetition

Give one dose of 12C or 30C every one to four hours, depending on the sever ity of the symptoms. If 12C gives relief but the child suffers a relapse soon afterwards, give 30C before you try another remedy. Lengthen the amount of time between doses as improvement takes place.

EXTERNAL AND COMMON-SENSE MEASURES

1 If your child is prone to sore throats in the winter, always make sure hewears a scarf.

2 Gargling several times a day with a mixture of 10 drops of Calendulamother tincture in half a glass of warm salted water can help.

3 Give your child foods that are easy to digest – you may even want to liquefy some fruit for him to drink.

4 Large amounts of Vitamin C (one gram a day or more), especially when symptoms first start, can be helpful.

SA drink of warm honey and lemon can be very soothing.

6 Consider stopping your child from swimming for one winter while he re ceives homoeopathic treatment.

WHEN TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP

1 If the pain is severe and accompanied by swelling and difficulty swallowing

2 If the tonsils are so swollen breathing becomes obstructed

3 If the pain persists for more than five days with no signs of improvement. 4 If respiratory problems develop along with the throat problem

5 If the problems recur

6 Occasionally sore throats can persist and glandular fever (mononucleosis) is diagnosed. Along with prolonged bed rest, homoeopathy can be effectivein these cases.

7 the major concern from a streptococcal throat infection is the risk of de veloping a kidney disorder or rheumatic fever. If there is a family history of these problems, you must seek professional help whenever your child comes down suddenly with a throat infection.

Travel Sickness

Many children get sick when travelling in cars, trains, boats and planes. It can be quite distressing. The cause can be more than just the motion. It can be the funes, lack of oxygen, or a combination of these. Homoeopathy has several remedies that can be helpful, according to the symptoms.

Constitutional treatment may help to prevent a recurrence.

Borax

nausea caused specifically by downward motion

Cocculus

severe nausea, vomiting, vertigo and sometimes headaches from themotion of the boat or car

lots of salivation

worse for the sight or smell of food

child must lie down

Nux vomica

irritable and sick from overeating at the beginning of the trip

Petroleum

one of the major remedies for motion sickness where there are no clear symptoms or other remedies have not helpedheadaches (often at the back of the head)

child feels chilly but likes the open air

salivation

Tabacum

child has a pale or green, sickly appearance

♦ extreme nausea and vertigo

child lies still, with his eyes closed

is chilly and in a cold sweat

needs the open air will go on deck or open windows may feel better for uncovering his stomach or abdomen

likes to lie in the dark

Theridion

nausea and vomiting worse for motion and when the child closes his eyes, especially for excitable children

Note that children who need Theridion keep their eyes open, while thoserequiring Tabacum get relief by closing their eyes.

Potency and Repetition

Give two to three doses of 12C or 30C every three hours the day before the trip if it is to be a long one. On the day of the trip, administer the remedy every two to three hours, or as needed, for three or four doses.

If it is to be a relatively short trip, give one dose a couple of hours before the trip, one when the trip starts, and another a couple of hours later if necessary

WHEN TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP

1 If none of the above helps.

Umbilical Hernia

This is a protrusion of a loop of the intestine through a weakness or scararea in the navel region.

A small umbilical hernia tends to be self-limiting, but if it does not healtry homoeopathy before surgery.

Calcarea carbonica

as mentioned, Calcarea carbonica is a constitutional remedy for chubby children whose tissues are lax and flabby. They may also be prone to having a sweaty head

Potency and Repetition

One dose of 30C every 12 hours for three doses, then wait. If there is some improvement after a couple of weeks but then this improvement stops, give one more dose of 30C. As long as improvement continues, there is no need to repeat the dose.

If this remedy is not indicated or does not help, consult a qualifiedhomoeopath

Worms

Some children seem to be prone to worms. However hard parents try tomaintain scrupulous hygiene, the worms keep returning

There are four main types of worms:

1 Threadworms: also known as pin or seat worms. They are like small white pieces of thread that can be seen crawling on the anus at night (when they come out to lay eggs). These are the most common types of worms inchildren.

2 Roundworms

3 Hookworms

4 Tapeworms

Worms live in different parts of the digestive tract, depending on the type of worm. An itchy anus, itchy nose, bloating, loss of appetite and nausea may indicate the presence of worms.

Worms, especially threadworms, can be very tenacious and hard to of worms he gets constitutional homoeopathic treatment. This will help alter the flora of the digestive tract to create a less favourable environment for the worms to live in Remedies such as Calcarea, Sulphur and Silica may sometimes help, but should only be given under the advice of a professional homoeopath. In extreme cases where your child is in great discomfort or distress, orthodox treatment may be needed. This should then be followed up with homoeopathre treatment.

eradicate at times. We recommend that if your child has frequent infestations

Cina

child is cross, angry, irritable, nothing satisfies him

he constantly picks or rubs his nose

itchy nose and anus

dark rings around the eyes

large appetite

Granatum

pain around the navel, accompanied by an itchy anus

hunger and salivation

Natrum phosphoricum

extreme acidity, accompanied by a yellow tongue

child craves sweets and starches

Spigella

pain around the navel

intense crawling sensation around the anus

Teucrium

when nothing else seems to help

child is restless at night

picks and scratches his tingling nose

sensation of crawling around the anus

offensive breath, loss of sense of smell

Potency and Repetition

One dose of 6C three times a day for one week.

EXTERNAL AND COMMON-SENSE MEASURES

1 Avoid sugar, pastries and potatoes Sweets provide an environment thatworms seem to thrive on.

2 Give your child dry roast pumpkin seeds about 30 to chew three times a day. Not to be taken at the same time as food.

3. Some people have found eating large amounts of garlic (raw) helps to eradicate worms.

4 Maintain good hygiene, particularly as your child may scratch the worms

crawling out of the anus at night. If he then puts his fingers in his mouth, the whole cycle starts all over again. Sometimes an ointment such as Vase line around the anus will help, along with scrupulous cleanliness.

WHEN TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP

1 If the worms seem to recur often.

2 If none of the above measures works.

Chicken Pox

The incubation time is 14 to 21 days. Chicken pox is contagious from a few days before the onset of symptoms up until all the water-filled (vesicular) eruptions have crusted over. It may start with a mild fever, headaches, malaise and sore throat.

The rash starts as spots, which turn to vesicles that come out in crops and can linger for a few days to two weeks. These water-filled blisters then become crusty and dry up. Eruptions are rarely on the face and extremities, and usually predominate on the upper trunk

Aconite, Belladonna or Ferrum phosphoricum

may be indicated for the fever stage at the beginning even before the spots have erupted. Please see the Measles section (page 123) for the symptomsthat would indicate these three remedies

Antimonium crudum

child is irritable, impossible to satisfy

wants to be left completely alone

thickly coated white tongue

accompanying cough or bronchitis

Antimonium tartaricym

drowsy, sluggish, miserable

accompanying cough or bronchitis

rash is slow to show itself

pus-filled eruptions

accompanying nausea

Pulsatilla

weepy, needs affection and company

dislikes the warmth, likes fresh air

possible lack of thirst and fever

Rhus toxicodendron

intense itching and restlessness

tosses and turns because of the itching

a good remedy to consider first if itching is the only symptom

It is important to remember that, if a cough is present, you should take this into account when selecting the right remedy. Always check the tongue to tell whether your child needs Antimonium crudum or Antimonium tartar icum.

Potency and Repetition

For all these remedies, one dose of 12C every three to four hours, for a coupleof days.

Sulphur

often indicated near the end if the chicken pox drags on

itching worse when the child is warm in bed or in a warm bath

irresistible need to scratch

Potency and Repetition

One dose of Sulphur 30C every three hours, for three doses.

COMPLICATIONS

Complications of chicken pox are rare, though should they occur homoeo pathic treatment is usually quite effective. The most common are a mild bronchitis, eye inflammation, or arthritis. If none of the above remedies helps and you are worried, seek professional advice

EXTERNAL AND COMMON-SENSE MEASURES

1 A bland diet that is easy to digest

2 Use no ointments to suppress the eruptions, as it is important to allow the eruptions to come out

3 Lukewarm wet compresses may help reduce the itching

4 Olive oil applied externally may also help the itching

German Measles (Rubella)

This disease has a four-to 21-day period of incubation (that is, the time

between when the disease is contracted and symptoms begin to appear). Common symptoms are mild fever, malaise, and occasional joint aches One to five days later a pinkish rash spreading from the face to the trunk appears. This rash usually lasts from one to three days. There can be swollen

glands at the back of the neck under the hair line. Farache and headaches may be present but are unusual This disease is so mild that it can be presentyet hardly be noticed.

TREATMENT

German measles rarely needs any specific treatment, but if your child isdistressed because of the fever a few doses of Ferrum phosphoricum 12C may be given

The only symptoms that may need to be treated are rare complications such as caraches

The main danger with rubella is if a mother-to-be contracts it during her pregnancy. Avoid coming into contact with any child with rubella if you are pregnant, particularly during the first three months

Measles

This is a common childhood disease which responds well to homoeopathic treatment. The period between catching it and the appearance of symp toms is seven to 14 days.

It has several stages. The infectious stage lasts from two to four days before the eruptions until two to five days after their appearance. At first measles resembles an ordinary cold, with fever, a runny nose, a cough and eyes which are sensitive to light. The eruptions appear three to five days after the cold-like symptoms start; often there is no possibility of diagnosis until the rash appears. Sometimes, but not always, there are little white spots inside the mouth (Koplik’s spots) during the cold phase, which con firm that it is in fact measles

The eruptions on the body are usually pink They start around the ears and face and spread from there to the rest of the body. The fever usually goes up when the rash starts and then diminishes aver time. The rash usually lasts for four to seven days after the eruptions appear.

Aconite

sudden onset

high fever, red eyes, restlessness, anxiety, fear

dry, barking cough

Belladonna

sudden onset

high fever with bright red face, red eyes

miserable, irritable mood

Ferrum phosphoricum

fever at the beginning with pink checks and only a few other symptoms, if any

The above three remedies are usually useful at the onset of the disease.

Potency and Repetition

These remedies can be given in the 120 or 30C potency every one to fivehours for the first couple of days, depending on the severity of the symptoms. As your child’s distress eases lengthen the amount of time betweendoses

Apis Mellifica

red, puffy and hot face/body/specific affected part

hot air aggravates the symptoms; the child prefers cooler surroundings

rash recedes early, leading to distress which can be accompanied

swelling (around the affected area or all over) or a high fever

no thirst; possibly only scant urine

Bryonia

slowness of onset

moving makes the child feel worse

thirsty, very dry throat

wants to be left alone

heat makes the child uncomfortable

eruptions slow to come out

cough with the above symptoms, especially if the rash is slow to emerge

Euphrasia

redness centred around the eyes

burning tears, eyes extremely sensitive to light

bland discharge from nose

Gelsemium

slowness of onset

dull, drowsy, heavy-limbed sensations

no thirst

Kali Bichromicum

thick, stringy, almost rope-like yellow greenish discharge from the nose,ear, or brought up from the chest

mucus difficult to cough up or blow out

swollen neck glands

Pulsatilla

weepy, clingy, wants company

wants windows open, needs air

no thirst

thick yellow mucus discharge from nose, possibly accompanied by a

cough

ears may be affected

Potency and Repetition

The above remedies can be given in the 12C potency every three to five hours for up to six doses. Either stop the remedy or lengthen the time between doses as your child improves.

Sulphur

child feels worse in the heat of her bed

red, pinkish complexion

weakness and fatigue

rash slow to come out or disease slow to finish

Potency and Repetition

One dose of Sulphur 30C every three hours for three doses.

COMPLICATIONS

The eruptions can stop coming out and cause deeper distress. There can be severe eye discomfort. There is also a possibility that coughs, catarrh or ear problems may continue after the disease seems to have run its course. Very rarely, measles can be fatal. This is more common in non-Western countries where children face continual problems of poor diet and generally poor health. In case of any complication, if none of the above remedies helps or if you are concerned about your child’s progress, do seek professional advice and help.

EXTERNAL AND COMMON-SENSE MEASURES

1 Keep the room dark, especially if your child’s eyes are particularly sensitiveto light

2 If the fever is high, gently washing your child down with a wet cloth can help alleviate her distress. Do this only if the fever is extremely high. The fever is an essential part of the measles as it helps the eruptions come out

Mumps

Mumps is a contagious disease causing painful enlargement of the salivary (parotid) glands. Mumps is rarely seen in children under two and is usually

The above remedies can be given in the 12C potency every three to five hoursfor up to six doses. Either stop the remedy or lengthen the time between doses as your child improves.

Sulphur

child feels worse in the heat of her bed

red, pinkish complexion

weakness and fatigue

rash slow to come out or disease slow to finish

Potency and Repetition

One dose of Sulphur 30C everythree hours for three doses.

COMPLICATIONS

The eruptions can stop coming out and cause deeper distress. There can be severe eye discomfort. There is also a possibility that coughs, catarrh or ear problems may continue after the disease seems to have run its course. Very rarely, measles can be fatal. This is more common in non Western countries where children face continual problems of poor diet and generally poor health In case of any complication, if none of the above remedies helps or if you are concerned about your child’s progress, do seek professional advice and help.

EXTERNAL AND COMMON-SENSE MEASURES

1 Keep the room dark, especially if your child’s eyes are particularly sensitive to light

2 If the fever is high, gently washing your child down with a wet cloth can help alleviate her distress. Do this only if the fever is extremely high. The fever is an essential part of the measles as it helps the eruptions come out

Mumps

Mumps is a contagious disease causing painful enlargement of the salivary (parotid) glands Mumps is rarely seen in children under two and is usually

not a serious problem. The only difficulty can be when it strikes boys after they have reached puberty, when it can affect the testicles. Infants up to one year are usually immune.

The incubation period is 14 to 24 days. Symptoms include chills, lack of appetite, headache and fever, which may last up to 24 hours before the glands under the ears swell. This swelling makes the child look like a chipmunk storing food. The temperature may rise when the glands swell. Swelling generally reaches its maximum severity on the second day and is usually finished within a week. The swelling usually starts on one side, sub siding just as the other side starts to swell up.

Aconite, Belladonna ad Ferrum phosphoricum

may be useful at the onset of mumps

refer to the Measles section for a list of the leading symptoms that would indicate one of these remedies,

Pilocarpus jaborandi

dry mouth accompanied by salivation

This remedy is one of the best for mumps, even when there are no character istic symptoms. Usually hardly any other remedy is necessary.

Potency and Repetition

One dose of Pilocarpus jaborandi 6C every three hours for three to six doses.

Lachesis

left gland swollen and extremely sensitive to the slightest touch

Mercurius vivus

extreme sweat and salivation

extremely offensive mouth odour

Pulsatilla

swollen testicles (just one or both)

child feels worse for heat, better for cool

likes company, feels weepy

Rhus toxicodendron

left-sidedness of swelling

cold, damp aggravates the symptoms

restlessness

Potency and Repetition

One dose of 12C every three hours for three to six doses.

COMPLICATIONS

Inflammation of the testicles can occur in adult males or boys who have reached puberty if they have not had mumps previously. This can affect fertility, so seek professional help

EXTERNAL AND COMMON SENSE MEASURES

1 A diet that is easy to chew and digest will help reduce the pain of eating

Whooping Cough

This childhood disease has a seven to 14 (sometimes 21) day incubation period. It is probably the most frightening of all childhood diseases, because the coughing fits can be so distressing to a child (and her parents!).

The disease goes through three distinct stages:

STAGE ONE

The catarrhal stage is characterized by sneezing, listlessness, loss of ap

petite and a hacking cough. This cough is frequently worse during Whooping cough can be very contagious during this phase.

STAGE TWO

After 10 to 14 days the cough usually becomes paroxysmal. About five to 15 quick coughs in succession followed by a deep, hurried in breath. This in

breath is accompanied by a noise which is the characteristic ‘whoop. This coughing fit subsides and then the whole pattern starts all over again. Dur ing this quiet interval, which is usually short but can be lengthy, your child may show no real distress. There may be large amounts of very thick chest mucus. The eyes can go red and in some cases there may even be a nosebleed as a result of the coughing. Vomiting and gagging also often accompany the cough. These symptoms can cause a lot of stress for everyone involved. Weight loss, dehydration and convulsions can also occur.

STAGE THREE

The convalescent stage starts around the third to fourth week as the cough ing fits lessen in frequency. In some cases the cough may return over the following months, after exposure to pollution or due to other upper respiratory tract problems

Whooping cough can be serious in children under two. It can also be quite hard to have to stand by and watch your child go through the distressing coughing fits. During a fit it may seen as if your child will never breathe again- she may even turn a bit purple due to a lack of oxygen. Although whooping cough can go on and on, homoeopathy has a good track record when it comes to treating it Different remedies may have to be given for the different stages. Although you may wish to try to treat this yourself, we would strongly advise you to consult a professional homoeopath for practical as well as emotional support.

Properly chosen homoeopathic remedies can ease your child’s distress significantly, shorten the duration of the disease and prevent or reduce the effect of any complications.

Vaccination does not guarantee immunity from whooping cough. A type of masked whooping cough’ can develop in vaccinated children, making diagnosis even more difficult. Such children may develop a cough which goes on and on, with the occasional feeble whoop.

The following remedies are classified into the relevant stages, for ease of reference. If the symptoms would seem to indicate a particular remedy they can be given to your child no matter what the stage

STAGE ONE

Aconite

sudden onset of high fever, accompanied by anxiety and extremerestlessness

barking cough, especially around midnight, accompanied by anxiety

Arnica montana

violent, tickling cough

child often cries before the cough starts, in anticipation of it

blood vessels in the eyes redden from the exertion of coughing

may also be useful in other stages if indications are present

Belladonna

sudden onset of high fever, usually accompanied by irritability

dry, barking cough, worse at night, accompanied by a bright red face

head feels as if it will burst

dryness of larynx, causing spasmodic cough

child may grasp at her throat

STAGE TWO

Coccus cacti

large amounts of very thick white mucus which the child finds very difficult to expel

mouthfuls of thick, foamy white mucus

paroxysmal coughs, particularly in the morning, producing stringy whitemucus

child prefers to be kept cool

cool water may halt the paroxysms if given as they begin

retching, accompanied by coughing

Corallium rubrum

violent, dry, spasmodic coughs, in quick succession

blueness of the face, accompanied by the cough

exhaustion from the cough

Cuprum metallicum

extreme exhaustion from the exertion of the rapid coughing fits

child clenches her thumbs; whole body goes rigid during coughing fits

child coughs and coughs until she has no breath left, then lies totally

rigid, her face blue, as if lifeless

convulsions accompanied by above type of symptoms

Drosera

Hahnemann’s main remedy for whooping cough

coughs follow one another in quick succession

cough starts as soon as the child lies down

hoarse, barking, metallic, deep sounding cough

nosebleeds accompany the cough

abdominal pain on coughing-child may put her hand under her rib cage,where the pain is centred

talking, singing and laughing aggravate the cough

child vomits thick mucus on coughing

Ipecacuanha

bleeding from the nose or mouth during the coughing fit

nausea and vomiting accompany the cough

wheezing and spasms accompanied by a blueness in the face

a combination of bleeding, nausea and wheezing are strong indications that this remedy is what is required

convulsions accompanied by stiffness, loss of breath and a blue face pink tongue, not coated as you might expect; a lot of saliva

Veratrum album

cough accompanied by great weakness and cold sweat on forehead

STAGE THREE

Antimonium tartaricum

coarse rattling of mucus in chest, very difficult to bring up

eating and anger aggravate the cough

Pulsatilla

thick yellow mucus, especially if your child is clingy, weepy

child prefers cool, open air; dislikes heat

Potency and Repetition

One dose of 30Cc potency for all of the above remedies, every three to four hours for four to eight doses (depending on the severity of the symptoms)

Sulphur

if convalescence is slow

child is tired, lazy, averse to being overheated

Potency and Repetition

One dose of Sulphur 30C every three hours for three to four doses.

COMPLICATIONS

You should definitely seek professional help for whooping cough.

1 Serious complications are rare in children over two years old

2 Otitis media (middle ear inflammation) is very common. Some of the above remedies may help-see also Earache (page 75). 3 Should convulsions or acute bronchitis arise please seek professional help. 4 A cough can keep recurring for as long as a year if so, do seek professionaladvice.

A Note about Vaccination and Homoeopathic Prevention

The debate between those who favour vaccination and those who oppose it, or at least have reservtions about it, has been going on for many years. The orthodox view is that vaccination has helped to conquer the life-threatening epidemic diseases such as smallpox and tuberculosis. Vaccinations are said to help control diseases such as tetanus, measles and whooping cough, as well as epidemics of influenza which can put people (particularly the elderly) at risk of more serious complications.

This short discussion is related primarily to the vaccinations given for measles, mumps, German measles (rubella), and whooping cough. We have had experience with these, not with the other diseases for which vaccinations are commonly recommended.

It is not the purpose of this book to deeply enter into the for or against debate about immunization. At the end of the day, parents must make the decisions that they feel most comfortable with. However, with regards to the major prevalent childhood contagious diseases, homoeopathy has proven time and again to be very effective.

Most of you reading this book will remember being ill with the measles, missing school and then going back without any major problems. There are some schools of thought that believe that when children acquire these dis eases they can actually strengthen and develop their immune system. There are certainly some children who respond poorly to vaccinations. Complications these days tend to be more common in children who already have a weakened constitution, a poor diet, or who live in unhygienic conditions.

For over a hundred years homoeopaths have been carefully observing their patients on an individual basis, noting what affects them and how. It has been observed many times that acute or chronic complaints appear to date from the time when a person was first immunized against a particular disease. In our experience we have seen recurrent fevers, ear problems, coughs and colds that have developed after the DPT, MMR and other vaccinations. These symptoms were not there before the child had the vaccinations. Little actual research has been done either to support or refute these claims. The evidence for this comes instead from the case files of individual homoeopaths

While there are hormoeopathic remedies that are used as preventatives, no official research data has verified homoeopathic beliefs. Many homoeopaths have observed that the prophylaxis listed below seems to help during epidemics. These remedies have not always arrested the illnesses in question, but have greatly alleviated the intensity of symptoms and reduced the severity of complications when compared with those experienced by other children not given homoeopathic preventatives.

Some homoeopaths do not like to give rernedies prophylactically (as a pre ventative measure). They prefer to wait until the disease is present and pre scribe on the basis of specific symptoms as they appear. This is very much an individual decision, to be made by you and the practitioner together.

If you are concerned about immunization, there are books and organizations (such as The Informed Parent) that can help you make a decision. (Please see the Useful Addresses and Further Reading chapters.)

Homoeopathic Prophylaxis

We suggest that, if you want to give your child homoeopathic preventatives, they be given as follows (at the time of the relevant epidemic). For more advice and if you want more information on any illness not included here, please consult your homoeopath

Chicken pox- Varicella 30

German measles – Rubella 30

Measles – Morbillinum 30

Mumps – Parotidinum 30

Whooping cough – Pertussin 30

Give any dose of the relevant remedy (for whichever illness you are trying to prevent) 12 hours apart for three doses the first week (ie three doses over 24 hours). Follow this up with one dose the following week and continue to give one dose weekly during any epidemic of the relevant illness.

Thankfully, epidemics of these illnesses never seem to coincide. In any case, never give your child remedies for two of these illnesses at the same time