|
First, you may need a short explanation of what Homoeopathy is. Homoeopathy is more than just a system of medicine – it is an approach to health and disease. Simply put, Homoeopathy is a safe, effective and increasingly popular form of medicine. “Homoeo” means “like” and “pathy” means “disease” so a substance that can produce a set of symptoms if taken in toxic amounts by a healthy person, will cure those same symptoms if they appear in a diseased person. I’ll give you a simple example: a sensitive person who drinks a few cups of coffee will become nervous, jittery, hyped up and sleepless.So, the Homoeopathic remedy Coffea is effective in cases of insomnia with increased mental activity.The philosophy underlying Homoeopathy recognises that the body is a vital, self-healing organism. Homoeopathic remedies are therefore prepared in such a way as to stimulate this innate healing ability. Samuel Hahnemann, the father of homoeopathy, found that by diluting and shaking medicines, their effects were enhanced rather than diminished as one might expect, and that their toxic effects were eliminated. Strange as it sounds, the more dilute and potentised a remedy is, the deeper and more powerfully it works. Once past a certain dilution, there are no longer any actual molecules of the original substance left. This makes Homoeopathic remedies safe for all to take.
-
Rescue Remedy: I honestly don't know how most moms survive without Rescue Remedy, both for their children and for themselves. Rescue is a combination of 5 Bach Flower Remedies that provide clarity and calm in emergency or stressful situations. Rescue Remedy works purely on the emotional level and because it has no side-effects, it can be use for newborns, pregnant women and pets. It can be taken after an accident or fall, or before the first day of school; to calm a colicky baby (and its mom) or to help you sleep. Rescue comes in drops, tablets, cream and even fruit flavoured pastilles. It is the first thing my children and I reach for when someone has an 'ow'.
-
Arnica: This is the next most important remedy in my home. I have three boys, so someone is always falling out of a tree or off a skateboard. In its homoeopathic form, Arnica can be used for shock and bruising. It reduces inflammation and promotes healing in the body. Arnica cream can be applied externally for bruises (rub gently and DON'T use on broken skin) and the pillules can be taken internally. It is a fantastic remedy for moms recovering from birth and for dental work. I keep it in my car's First Aid kit along with the Rescue.
-
Arsenicum: With all the tummy bugs that have been going around, Arsenicum is a must for your home dispensary. It is brilliant for food poisoning as well as the beginning symptoms of flu. Generally, these illnesses will start after midnight, and the patient will feel very chilly and anxious. Frequent, foul-smelling diarrhoea, often with vomiting as well. Give Arsenicum after each loose stool, and watch your child visibly perk up. Arsenicum is useful for colds and flu that start with a thin, watery discharge from the nose that burns the nose and top lip.
-
Nux Vomica: This is another useful remedy for tummy upsets. Often, this will come on after a children's birthday party when the kids have eaten all manner of junk food and really overindulged (or adults have had a party and indulged in a little too much alcohol!). Symptoms are generally worse in the morning (think of a typical hangover), or after midnight, and are better for warmth, warm food and sleep.
-
Chamomilla: This remedy can be a saviour for many parents – especially parents of toddlers. These children are whiny, colicky kids that you just can't seem to make happy. If these children become frustrated, they are explosive and throw temper tantrums. If they are down they want to come up, and if you pick them up, they want to be put down. They throw things that they asked for and shout and scream. When they are sick, they will often have one red cheek. This state often emerges when the child is teething or has colic, though it is not limited to these two conditions. (So, are you all picking up the phone to order yet??)
-
Pulsatilla: This is probably the remedy I prescribe most often for my paediatric patients. These children are generally mild and yielding. They are agreeable and sweet but can be very clingy and dependent. They are initially shy of strangers but once they get to know someone, they warm up. These children cry easily but respond well to consolation and calm down with a hug and a kiss. These children frequently get colds, with a thick yellow discharge from the nose that is blocked in stuffy, warm rooms but runs freely in the open air. Their eyes will often have a sticky discharge and they have fevers without thirst – these children generally do not have a great thirst.
-
Tissue Salts: The tissue salts are great, over-the-counter remedies that can be used to treat a range of illnesses from cramps to fatigue, excess mucous to anaemia. The indications for each remedy are clearly written on the bottle and they can be given frequently to great effect. My favourites are Mag Phos for cramps and Kali Mur for bland, whitish mucous.
All of the above remedies are available from Dr Mom. Visit www.drmom.co.za or email tarynturner@vodamail.co.za
|