Homeopathy offers "alternative" in children's winter ailments
Help is at hand for parents in West Sussex looking for an alternative to paracetamol for their children's winter bugs, following research suggesting a link between the drug and asthma.
Homeopathic remedies are non-toxic and safe for use in babies and children (1) and research has shown that homeopathic remedies can be effective in children with respiratory tract infections (2), Otitis media (build up of fluid in the ear which can lead to infection) (3) and sinusitis (4).
Local homeopath Carmel O'Dell explained: "Homeopathy is a system of medicine which is based on treating the individual with highly diluted substances given in mainly tablet form, which trigger the body's natural system of healing. In children, the most appropriate medicine is matched to the illness according to the symptoms and how the child is feeling in themselves."
Homeopathic remedies can be used at home in acute conditions, but recurrent coughs and infections should been seen by a qualified homeopath registered with the Society of Homeopaths (look out for the RSHom designation)
Some parents are worried about giving their children paracetamol, which is the active ingredient of Calpol, following the publication of research in the Lancet in September 2008 which found that babies given paracetamol were more likely to develop asthma, as were those in later childhood who were given it frequently. Use of the drug was also associated with a risk of eczema and rhino conjunctivitis (allergy-linked runny nose and watering eyes). (5)
And in 2008 the Medicine and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) removed six cough medicines from sale following fears about possible overdose. (6)
Carmel said: "There are many homeopathic remedies available over the counter that could be useful in childhood winter ailments, each having its own specific characteristics."
Remedies commonly used in childhood illnesses include:
Belladonna: indicated where the symptoms have come on suddenly and there is heat, throbbing and pain, irritability, and symptoms worse from jarring. Children can be obstinate and may bite or hit.
Gelsemium: the number one flu remedy, with symptoms slow to come on, where there is much heaviness and drooping, fatigue, clammy skin, flushes of hot and cold, dizziness and congestion.Pulsatilla: has blocked painful sinuses, sticky mucus, feels better in the fresh air and has a changeable, clingy mood, tearful during a fever and wanting to be carried.
Bryonia: the symptoms are slow to come on, there is much dryness and pains are worse from even the slightest movement. Firm pressure on the affected area is helpful. They are irritable and want to be left alone. Children may reject what they just asked for.
* Any ongoing health concerns should be discussed with a GP
General Information
Homeopathy has been available on the NHS since its inception in 1948
There are four NHS homeopathic hospitals
Interest in homeopathy is growing - a Mintel report (July 2007) reported that the sale of homeopathic treatments had seen a 24 per cent growth since 2002.
The Society of Homeopaths is the largest body of professional homeopaths in Europe. Established in 1978, it has 1,500 registered members.
Registered members of The Society of Homeopaths are fully insured and have agreed to practise in accordance with a strict Code of Ethics & Practice. A copy of the Society's Code of Ethics & Practice plus the register is available at www.homeopathy-soh.org.
For more information contact us
P: 01273 835116
E: info@sussex-osteopath.co.uk
The Society of Homeopaths can be contacted on 0845 450 6611 References:
Dantas F Rampes H, 2000. Do homeopathic medicines provoke adverse effects? A systematic review. BR Homeopathic Journal 89 (Supl): 535-8
de Lange de Klerk, ESM, Blommers, J, Kuik, DJ, et al., "Effect of Homoeopathic Medicines on Daily Burden of Symptoms in Children with Recurrent Upper Respiratory Tract Infections," BMJ, November 19, 1994;309:1329-1332.; Steinsbekk, A, Fønnebø, V, Lewith, G, and Bentzen, N. Homeopathic care for the prevention of upper respiratory tract infections in children: A pragmatic, randomised, controlled trial comparing individualised homeopathic care and waiting-list controls. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, Volume 13, Issue 4 , December 2005, Pages 231-238.
Jacobs J, Springer DA, Crothers D. Homeopathic treatment of acute otitis media in children: a preliminary randomized placebo-controlled trial. Pediatr Infect Dis J 2001; 20: 177-183/ Frei H, Thurneysen A. Homeopathy in acute otitis media in children: treatment effect or spontaneous resolution? Br Homeopath J 2001; 90: 180-182/ Friese K-H, Kruse S, Ludtke R, Moeller H "Homeopathic treatment of otitis media in children: comparisons with conventional therapy". Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther. 1997; 35: 296-301.
Adler M. Efficacy, safety of a fixed-combination homeopathic therapy for sinusitis. Adv Ther 1999; 16: 103-111.
Beasley R, Clayton T, Crane J, von Mutius, E, Lai, CKW, Montefort, S, Stewart, A. Association between paracetamol use in infancy and childhood, and risk of asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis, and eczema in children aged 6-7 years: analysis from Phase Three of the ISAAC programme. The Lancet 2008;372:1039-1048
