Herbal remedies and children. (Part 3 of 5)
Homeopathic Medicine:
Homeopathy, although not entirely an herbal medicine, is a wonderful way of using botanicals on infants and children, as it is the safest herbal therapy to assist them when they are ill. Homeopathic medicines are in essence energy-based medicines; in fact the biggest controversy behind homeopathic medicine is that one cannot detect any medicinal properties beyond the medium it's contained in.
Homeopathic remedies are extremely diluted formulas so diluted that it would be equal to one drop of herbal medicine in the ocean. How does it work? The water holds the memory of the medicinal properties in its molecules and implements this knowledge to one’s body to assist with healing. I know it seems far-fetched, although one cannot test the remedies themselves, double blind studies do show that they are extremely effective. We cannot entirely explain why they are effective and this really bothers the scientific community.
If you think herbalism is complex in prescribing, go one step further. Homeopathy is completely based on individual needs, from how your child reacts emotionally to being ill to the time of day they are most uncomfortable and much more. Nonetheless, homeopathic companies are making it easier, using formulas with a variety of homeopathic remedies in one dose where more than likely at least one of the ingredients will work for your child.
Homeopathy is great for an infant. In fact, for infants under six months of age it is one of the few appropriate ways to administer a botanical remedy. Some parents find they do not work and that may be due to the fact that homeopathic remedies are energy-based medicines and very sensitive to being deactivated. When administering a homeopathic remedy your child should not have consumed anything beyond water one hour prior to the administration and should not consume anything for 15-30 minutes afterward. Once the medicine is administered it is important to avoid deactivation by scent. Things like cigarette smoke (3rd hand smoke), synthetic perfumes and certain essential oils may actually deactivate the remedy. These should be avoided completely during the course of treatment (that may mean switching your child’s toothpaste to one that does not contain mint and making your home scent free). If you are using homeopathic tablets or pills be sure not to touch the medicine but to drop it under your child’s tongue, encourage your child to let it sit there until dissolved for better absorption.
Although complex in its own way, homeopathics are very effective and generally one can see results for acute states within 10 to 20 minutes. If one does not see immediate relief, one can administer a second and even third dose without worrying about over dose. If after three doses you don’t see any results it’s because the remedy is not working for your child. If you do not see improvement within 48 to 72 hours you should visit your family’s health practitioner.
Again I highly recommend seeking out a Homeopathic Doctor/Practitioner or someone who is trained in homeopathy; it may just save you some frustration and money.
Dana Clark, CNHP, CHN, CHC