Homeopathy for Pink Eye
Whether it be pink eye, a gooey infection in the eyes or blocked tearduct, infants and children are susceptible to eye problems as soon as they begin to interact with the world. Consider these homeopathic remedies for eye infections at any age:
PULSATILLA -the most common remedy for the eyes
-redness of eyes with thick runny yellow or green discharge
-children who get eye symptoms with any cold
-blocked tear ducts in infants or gluey eyes sealed shut upon waking in the morning
-burning, itching and strong impulse to rub eyes
-WORSE in a warm room, BETTER outside in the open air
-emotionally children or infants will be weepy, cuddly, and want to be carried around constantly
BELLADONNA
-for rapid onset of acute inflammation in the eye
-eyes will be very painful, red, hot, and burning
-eye will look glistening and brilliant
-can often be accompanied by a high fever -where the hands and feet are cooler
-worse right eye
-worse closing the lid, touching the eyes, worse with light
-better lying in dark
EUPHRASIA
-burning discharge from the eye with constant inclination to blink
-tears from the eye will irritate the surrounding tissues and cause redness, burning, and rawness of the eyelids and face
-symptoms are better outside in the open air
Little ears are aching?
Whether your child is mumbling that their ear ‘hurts’ or you have an infant who is shrieking in the night -the treatment of otitis media (ear infection) with homeopathy is gentle and often unbelievably rapid. If your child already has an effective constitutional remedy, and some of the symptoms are consistent with how your child usually expresses illness, then a dose of that remedy can be very effective. Also consider:
pulsatilla
-the most frequent remedy used
-begins with a ‘cold’ that develops into ear symptoms
-especially the left ear (although can be right)
-worse heat –better outside in the open air
-lack of thirst and can be ok one minute and very sick the next
-weepy and needs affection and to be held and cuddled
chamomilla
- extremely painful
-worse with touch
-worse 9-10 am or pm
-wants to be carried and/or in motion
-one cheek red and hot, other pale
-child is screaming, irritable, demanding and angry
mercurius
-usually the right ear is effected
-lots of yellow/green smelly discharge
-inflammation of the external ear
-worse at night and with swallowing
-very sweaty and can be drooling
Sunshine Vitamin
Now that Thanksgiving is behind us.. it is time to start thinking about our vitamin D levels. Vitamin D is naturally generated in response to the absorption of sunshine on our skin. However, given the popularity of sunblocks and our location on this planet — we are simply not getting enough vitamin D. Living in Ontario means that our stores of this vitamin, that are produced during our glorious summer months, will be depleted by Christmas. Start in October to make sure you are not lacking such an essential vitamin during out winter months. A minimum of 1000IU’s are recommended for children and 2-3000 for adults. But remember! Nothing will substitute a 1/2 hour of sunlight per day -regardless of the season. So get bundled up and enjoy the outside this winter! It is good for the body and soul.
Homeopathy for Sore Throats
Lachesis is a great remedy -made of snake venom- for everything from mild to serious sore throats. Lachesis is indicated if:
-left sided throat pain
-worse waking in the morning
-swollen tonsils -can be purple or bloody
-worse swallowing yet constant desire to do so
-worse swallowing warm drinks
-better cold drinks
-worse touching throat or any pressure -including collars
Also consider:
Lycopodium- right sided throat pain that is worse from 4-8pm and better warm drinks
Belladonna -rapid onset of a right-sided sore/burning throat that is bright red and swollen. Good for kids and when even swallowing liquids is painful.
If you experience recurrent sore throats or tonsillitis (or it does not easily resolve) you or your child may require a deeper, more constitutional remedy prescribed by a classical homeopath.
Are the noise levels in your house interfering with your family’s health?
This week on the radio they profiled the problems with noise pollution in hospitals and how it interferes with the ability for patients, especially infants, to heal. The programme cited that anything above normal talking level sound between just two people can immediately decrease an infants blood-oxygen levels.
Perhaps finally we are beginning to remember that we need to pay attention to what our children and newborns are exposed to –both in health and in illness. Let’s consider noise levels, light levels, TV & video games distractions and the effect it has on our children’s ability to heal and stay healthy. So whether there is an infant in your home or a child is feeling ill, let’s remember to support them, not only with homeopathy, but by creating a quiet atmosphere that is restful and promotes immune system function.
HOMESICKNESS & BACK TO SCHOOL
Capsicum is a great remedy to consider this time of year when children with ailments after the first few days of school. This remedy is used for homesickness and illness due to change of residence, school, or day-to-day routine.
Capsicum is indicated if:
•homesickness leads to diarrhea, fever, cough or sleeplessness
•children are extremely touchy/sensitive
•children who hate anything unexpected or any change of routine -including change from a crib to a bed, change in caregivers etc.
•glowing red face with fever, cough, passing stool or homesickness
•fever with sensitivity to noise, coldness of fingertips and contracted pupils
The right homeopathic remedy can provide great support to your child if they are struggling with the transition from summer to school.
ARNICA: beyond bumps and bruising
Summer seems to be the time of excess -food, fun, sun.. and often exercise as well. If you find yourself wincing with each step after a day of vigorous or unaccustomed exercise, think of ARNICA! Arnica can be taken in potency of 30C or 200C -depending on the intensity of the soreness.
Arnica works for any sensation of ‘bruised or sore’ -and that includes muscle stiffness. Pain is worse from pressure, touch, or motion.
Rhus-tox can also be used for muscle soreness from overexertion. Pain is worse from first few steps or movements and relieved with continued motion –ie. “once you get moving”.
So next time you overindulge in a run, bike or hike.. think about a homeopathy remedy to facilitate the healing of aching muscles.
Natrum Muriaticum
Nattrum Muriaticum (Nat Mur) is a remedy that has a wide range of symptoms and presentations and is incredibly useful. This remedy is made of salt which is a fairly relevant substance in our society. Some of the most dynamic symptoms this remedy can be used for include:
- DRYNESS – eyes, mouth, vagina, skin
- CONSTIPATION – this remedy is a holder of bowels and emotion
- HEADACHES – migraines from grief, at 10 am, from the SUN
- HERPES type outbreaks – blistery vesicle outbreaks on any part of the body
- GRIEF – specifically around the ending of relationships, unable to move forward or trust easily again.
Nat mur is available both as a remedy and as a tissue salt. I use the remedy in conjunction with the tissue salt – meaning I suggest the remedy in potency and use the tissue salt on a daily basis. Nat mur is the only remedy that I feel is susceptible to antidoting with mint – it is best to avoid mint in all forms while on this remedy.
Homeopathic Remedy for Ailments from the Sun
Belladonna 1M is a fabulous remedy after a day that included a large amount of sun. This remedy usually strikes quickly and dramatically – the onset might include fever, chills and vomiting. The person needing Belladonna will be flushed and hot with their hands and feet feeling cooler then their core.
Nat mur is for people that dislike the sun and get cold sores and headaches if they have too much exposure. They always need to wear sunglasses and prefer a hat. Nat mur is made of salt and usually these people have some issue with salt – they either crave it or have an aversion to it.
