By Kirsty Richards DipHomNZ
Childhood illnesses like measles, chickenpox, and mumps, while often mild, can cause discomfort to the child and concern for the parents. But did you know that even vaccinated children can still get these (mostly) harmless illnesses?
Unlike allopathic (conventional medical practitioners), Homeopaths recognize that childhood illnesses are not all bad.
On the contrary, mild illnesses strengthen the immune system and build resistance, especially to inherited weaknesses. In my clinic I see many children successfully come through an Acute illness stronger, and they often have a growth spurt afterwards.
They will also have natural immunity, should they be exposed to that illness again.
Natural immunity is superior every time.
While conventional medicine offers treatments, some families prefer a gentler approach. Homeopathy, with its holistic philosophy, offers natural remedies that aim to support the body's own healing mechanisms. In this blog post, we'll explore some well-indicated homeopathic remedies for these common childhood ailments.
Measles:
Measles symptoms typically appear around 10 to 14 days after exposure to the virus. The initial symptoms of measles are similar to those of a cold or flu and may include:
High fever
Runny nose
Cough
Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
Sore throat
Koplik's spots: Small white spots with bluish-white centers on a red background found inside the mouth on the inner lining of the cheek. These are considered characteristic of measles but may not always be present.
A few days after the initial symptoms, a red or reddish-brown rash appears. This rash usually starts on the face and then spreads downward to the rest of the body. The rash typically lasts for about a week and is accompanied by a high fever.
Homeopathic Options:
Pulsatilla:
Symptoms: Mild, changeable symptoms with shifting rashes. Patient may experience fever with little thirst and a strong desire for open air. Emotional sensitivity and weepiness are common.
Modalities: Symptoms worsen in warm, stuffy rooms and improve with fresh air and gentle motion.
Aconitum napellus:
Symptoms: Sudden onset of high fever and restlessness. Patient may appear anxious or fearful. Rashes are bright red and accompanied by burning or tingling sensations.
Modalities: Symptoms worsen in cold, dry winds or drafts, and improve with warmth and rest.
Bryonia alba:
Symptoms: Dry, hacking cough with pain in the chest. Patient may experience intense thirst for large quantities of cold water. Rashes are slow to appear and may be accompanied by stitching pains.
Modalities: Symptoms worsen with movement, touch, and warmth, but improve with rest and cool, open air.
Euphrasia officinalis:
Symptoms: Watery, burning discharge from the eyes, which may be swollen and irritated. Rashes are accompanied by profuse tearing and light sensitivity. Cough may be dry and irritating.
Modalities: Symptoms worsen with light and warmth but improve with cool compresses and gentle motion.
Gelsemium sempervirens:
Symptoms: Lethargy, weakness, and fatigue are prominent. Patient may have heavy, drooping eyelids and dullness. Rashes are slow to appear and may be accompanied by chills and shivering.
Modalities: Symptoms worsen with anticipation or excitement and improve with rest and warmth.
Most of these remedies are available in the Helios Basic 36 Remedy Kit, I highly recommend this kit, it’s great value, has a handy travel case and a comprehensive, easy to follow remedy guide. You can purchase that here:
Chickenpox:
Chickenpox, also known as varicella, is a highly contagious viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). Symptoms typically appear 10 to 21 days after exposure to the virus. Common symptoms of chickenpox include:
Rash: The hallmark symptom of chickenpox is a red, itchy rash that usually begins on the face, chest, back, and then spreads to other parts of the body. The rash starts as small, red bumps that quickly develop into fluid-filled blisters. These blisters can break open and form scabs over time.
Fever: Many individuals with chickenpox develop a mild to moderate fever, often ranging from 100°F to 102°F (37.8°C to 38.9°C).
Fatigue: Fatigue and general feelings of malaise are common symptoms of chickenpox. Children, in particular, may become irritable or have difficulty sleeping due to discomfort from the rash and fever.
Headache: Some people with chickenpox experience headaches, which can range from mild to severe.
Loss of appetite: Chickenpox can cause a loss of appetite, especially in children.
Sore throat: A sore throat may occur in some individuals with chickenpox, particularly during the early stages of the infection.
Muscle or joint pain: Muscle or joint pain can occur in some cases, although it is usually mild.
Swollen lymph nodes: Swollen lymph nodes, particularly in the neck and groin areas, may develop during the acute phase of the illness.
Homeopathic Options:
Homeopathic remedies can be used to alleviate symptoms associated with chickenpox, but it's important to consult with a qualified homeopath or healthcare professional for proper guidance and dosage. Here are some commonly used remedies:
Rhus toxicodendron
Symptoms: Itchy, red vesicular eruptions with intense burning and itching. Symptoms may worsen at night and with exposure to cold or damp conditions. Restlessness and a desire to constantly change position may be present.
Modalities: Symptoms improve with warmth, gentle motion, and warm application
Antimonium crudum:
Symptoms: Large, pustular eruptions that are slow to heal. Intense itching with burning sensation, aggravated by heat. Patient may experience digestive issues like nausea, vomiting, and coated tongue.
Modalities: Symptoms worsen with heat and touch, but improve with cold applications and open air
Sulphur:
Symptoms: Red, burning eruptions that itch intensely, especially at night. Skin may appear dirty or unwashed. Patient may have a history of recurring skin issues or eczema.
Modalities: Symptoms worsen with warmth, bathing, and wool clothing, but improve with cool, dry air and open-air exposure.
Graphites
Symptoms: Thick, honey-like discharge from vesicles. Eruptions may be oozing and sticky. Skin may be cracked, dry, and rough. Patient may experience relief from scratching, but the itching is persistent.
Modalities: Symptoms worsen with cold and dryness, but improve with warmth and moist applications
Mezereum:
Symptoms: Intensely itching eruptions with burning pain. Vesicles may be filled with yellowish or bloody fluid. Skin feels tight and stretched. Patient may experience shooting pains along nerve pathways.
Modalities: Symptoms worsen with cold air and touch but improve with warmth and gentle pressure.
These remedies are just a few examples of what might be prescribed in homeopathy for chickenpox. Remember, individual symptoms and constitution play a significant role in determining the most suitable remedy. Always consult with a qualified homeopathic practitioner for personalized advice and treatment. Additionally, it's essential to follow standard medical guidelines for managing chickenpox, such as maintaining good hygiene practices and seeking medical attention if complications arise.
Mumps:
Mumps is a contagious viral infection caused by the mumps virus. Symptoms typically appear around 16-18 days after exposure to the virus. The most common symptoms of mumps include:
Swelling and tenderness of one or both parotid glands, which are the salivary glands located just below and in front of the ears. This swelling gives the cheeks a characteristic "chipmunk-like" appearance.
Fever
Headache
Muscle aches
Fatigue
Loss of appetite
Pain while chewing or swallowing, especially due to the swollen salivary glands.
Swelling and pain in the testicles (orchitis) in males who have reached puberty; this is a potential complication of mumps and doesn't occur in all cases.
Homeopathic Options:
These are some of the key Homeopathic remedies that can help reduce swelling and alleviate symptoms:
Belladonna:
Symptoms: Sudden onset of fever with intense heat, redness, and swelling. Throbbing pain in the affected glands, which are typically hot to touch. Restlessness and agitation may also be present.
Modalities: Symptoms worsen with touch, jarring motion, and exposure to heat, but improve with rest in a dark, quiet room.
Pulsatilla:
Symptoms: Changeable symptoms, shifting from one side to the other. Patient may experience mild to moderate fever with a lack of thirst. Emotional sensitivity, clinginess, and a desire for consolation and sympathy.
Modalities: Symptoms worsen in warm, stuffy rooms and improve with fresh air and gentle motion.
Apis mellifica:
Symptoms: Swelling and edema of the affected glands, with stinging or burning pain. Skin over the swollen area appears shiny and tense. Patient may experience relief from applying cold compresses.
Modalities: Symptoms worsen with heat, touch, and pressure on the affected area, but improve with cold applications and open air.
Mercurius solubilis:
Symptoms: Profuse salivation with a metallic taste in the mouth. Swollen glands with offensive breath and possible ulceration. Patient may experience intense weakness and perspiration, especially at night.
Modalities: Symptoms worsen at night, with changes in temperature, and with exposure to damp, cold weather.
Phytolacca:
Symptoms: Hard, enlarged glands with shooting or lancinating pains. Difficulty swallowing due to throat pain and glandular swelling. Patient may experience general weakness and malaise.
Modalities: Symptoms worsen with swallowing, exposure to cold air, and at night, but improve with warmth and gentle pressure.
Potency and dosage:
Please check out my blog https://www.wholebeinghealth.co.nz/post/remedy-dosing-the-easy-way for potency, dosage and administration guidelines.
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