Natural relief for winter colds, flu and earache
by Carolyn Howgego, BSc (Hons), BA (Hons), LCHE, RSHom
Was that a collective sigh of relief I heard from mums across Hertfordshire when the autumn term began? Or was it a collective groan at the thought of our healthy, sun-kissed children skipping away from long days outdoors into Vitamin-D deprived classrooms where a winter cold or flu-virus seems to take out half the class with one sneeze!
I often treat children for these common, acute illnesses because homeopathic remedies are not only effective but also, importantly for Mums, non-toxic, which makes them safe for babies and children to use. Homeopathy is a natural alternative to the paracetamol-based products which research has suggested may be linked to asthma and eczema in children.
The positive experience of my patients is backed up by research which has shown that homeopathy can be effective in treating respiratory complaints and other common ailments from which some children really suffer, like ear infections.
I’ve suggested a few homeopathic remedies which can be bought over the counter (from local health food shops, or try Helios, Nelsons or Ainsworths homeopathic pharmacies online), but it’s important that recurrent coughs and infections should be seen by a qualified homeopath or GP.
Ear inflammation:
Belladonna is for sudden inflammation with heat and throbbing pain, redness of the ear and often of the face. There may be accompanying high fever with dilated pupils and/or delirium. Use in 30c, or 200c if available and use every hour until relief is obtained. For less intense earache use 30c three times daily.
ABC is a remedy containing Aconite, Belladonna and Chamomilla and can be used for sudden intense earache with few distinguishing symptoms - or in the middle of the night when everyone would rather be asleep! Give it as 30c or 200c until the pain is relieved, and speak to a homeopath in the morning.
Flu:
Gelsemium is the number one flu remedy, where the symptoms fit. Symptoms are slow to develop, there is much heaviness and drooping, fatigue and congestion/heavy head. The child will be lethargic and not want to move or do anything, even drink, they may have chills running up and down their spine. This is also useful after flu where general aching and fatigue remains.
Last winter there was a flu that caused an extremely painful, deep, aching sensation in the bones, for which Eupatorium Perfoliatum is indicated. Give the indicated remedy in 30c every 2-4 hours depending on the intensity of symptoms.
Cold:
Pulsatilla is for a cold where the child may have blocked sinuses, thick, sticky yellow-green mucus, feels better in the fresh air and has a changeable, clingy/tearful mood. They may not be thirsty and their nose may be bunged up inside but running outside.
I hope you’re reassured that there is natural help at hand should your child develop a winter bug and do remember there is light at the end of the autumn term - these winter ailments help our children to build up their immunity allowing them to blossom in the spring and summer.
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Carolyn Howgego has her own practice in St Albans and is the BBC Homeopath in London. She has a special interest in treating babies and children, and in fertility issues and pre and post-natal conditions. For further information or to book an appointment she is available on 07931 905818 or