Even in these days of hyper-hygiene, protecting the family from infection and dealing with all manner of minor ailments is something most mums worry about. Thankfully though, the bugs and nasty germs that the kids collect at school or nursery can often be successfully resolved at home using easily available, safe and effective natural remedies.
As the days grow darker and temperatures drop, we’re all aware of how quickly infectious colds can spread through the family. At the very first sign of any infection or illness, give Homeopathic Aconite 30c – often if given quickly at the very start of being unwell it has the unique ability to encourage the body to fight off infection and begin to heal. For very young through to Granma, give Aconite every hour for six hours and you will almost certainly be very happily surprised! Temperature or fevers respond well to Belladonna – if you see a hot and flushed little face, give Belladonna 30c every half an hour until the temperature returns to normal.
Overtiredness and the stress of starting or settling back into a school routine can take its toll on a young child’s nervous system. A remarkable herbal tincture made from organic oats, Avena Sativa, is an excellent nerve restorative for stressed children. A few drops popped into a warm drink will calm and give a sound and natural nights sleep. Homeopathic Chamomilla 30c is also wonderfully calming for children. Following the long and tiring days at school, temper tantrums or an inability to settle – Chamomilla provides a natural and completely non-toxic solution for teething discomfort in babies and is also great for sleep disturbances.
Although we traditionally think of Hayfever being linked to the pollens of spring and summer, many children and adults suffer again, or indeed instead, from the spores of dampness and autumnal fungi. All the summer hayfever homeopathic remedies can therefore be needed again – Allium Cepa for watery colds or runny noses, and Euphrasia for itchy eyes.
Arriving home wet and cold from a cycle ride in the freezing rain or sleet, a good remedy to remember is Homeopathic Dulcamara 30c. Whenever symptoms begin after the child or adult has been really chilled, this remarkable little remedy can save the day.
Head lice are an increasing problem – as most mums will testify! Interestingly, research is linking consumption of processed meats such as ham, sausages, hamburgers etc with a higher contamination by head lice. The theory is that the increase of toxins in the child’s blood increases the attractiveness of being a home to nasty nits. The regular use of Neem Shampoo and conditioner will help protect and rid the hair from head lice. A good constitutional homeopathic remedy for your child will strengthen and protect from this and much of life’s other hurdles too, so if you find your child coming down with frequent ailments, an appointment with your families homeopath could prove invaluable.
Tummy upsets, caused by something eaten that doesn’t suit a child’s digestion and which may result in tummy pain, anxiety, restlessness and perhaps a burning pain will all respond well to Homeopathic Arsenicum 30c. Nausea will be eased with the use of Ipecacuanha. Nausea and vomiting which may be accompanied by a feeling of a weight in a painful tummy will all be greatly helped by taking Nux Vomica 30c. NB – Nux Vom is also great for the slightly older yet no less demanding toddler or the teenager suffering with alcoholic poisoning….. AKA a hangover….!
A Homeopathic First Aid Kit will help stressed parents cope with lots of worrying situations. Coughs, colds bugs and nasties all respond so well to this natural homeopathic approach.
Remember too, that all the family can be affected by Mum’s hormonal ups and downs! Think of Pulsatilla 30c if you are tearful just before a period and do remember Sepia 30c if irritability sends the family scurrying for the garden shed!
Finally, when Homeopathy has successfully solved these problems and in doing so has captured your heart and soul – why not come and train to become a professional Homeopath? Join the Homeopathic College of East Anglia this autumn and start to build a successful new career for the benefit of you, your family, and indeed for all those future patients who can be returned to good health.
At the HCEA, we run both Professional training (4 year p/t course, 10 weekends per year) and one off First Aid and introductory courses on Homeopathy throughout the year. Further workshops on Pregnancy & Childbirth, Menopause, and even Men’s Health are coming soon. Call us on 01603 665173 to register your interest or to request a prospectus.
Author: Tricia Stephenson is the Principal of The Homeopathic College of East Anglia, and the Owner & Proprietor of both The Natural Food Store (4 Exchange Street, opposite Jarrolds main entrance), and The Complementary Health Care Clinic (34 Exchange Street).
To book a Homeopathic consultation with Tricia, please call the clinic reception. All the remedies mentioned in this article are available from The Natural Food Store. Simply call 01603 613228 or for more advice, speak to one of the fully trained homeopaths on the shop floor.
