newsletter 10 Sept 2005

I am going to focus on kids this month. As school starts up, so do the frequent coughs and colds shared so freely in the playground!

Pulsatilla

If your child is just starting nursery or school and is suffering from separation anxiety (read wrapped around your leg like a python), then the remedy Pulsatilla is a gentle way to encourage independence.

The physical picture of Pulsatilla is one of thick, yellow-green mucus. It is excellent for infected ears or a goopy cold that produces a lot of phlegm. The child might be tearful or have changing moods, be clingy, not havemuch thirst and can feel better in the open air although they are a bit chilly. Use in 30C strength, three times a day until better.

Belladonna

This remedy is good for sudden high fevers with hot, red skin and dilated pupils. The child may be in pain and crying out for relief. This remedy can be a sort of Jekyll and Hyde. Your baby is wonderful and cheerful when well but an absolute screaming monster when ill. Any condition that comes on rapidly and causes great sensitivity or pain can be calmed with this remedy. Typically the child will be very thirsty for cold water.

Belladonna is useful in tonsillitis, ear infections, swollen glands, headaches, and quickly developing illnesses. Give in a 30C, once every half hour until the fever breaks or the child settles down. Do not go over six doses in one day. If you haven't seen a positive change by then, phone your homeopath for help.

Hepar sulph

I have talked about this remedy before but it bears repeating. This one is excellent in the first stages of infection. If you can catch it before it takes hold, the less suffering for you and your child. Hepar sulph often starts with a scratchy throat and mild fever. The person can feel very chilly, hypersensitive and grumpy. Drafts of air are almost painful.

The child will want to be bundled up, even if the weather is quite mild. You may note your child smells rather funky, kind of like old cheese. If thei nfection does grip, the mucus will be thick and yellow, much like Pulsatilla, but the difference is your child will more likely be irritable rather than weepy. Use in a 30C three times a day until relief.

Until next time, stay well!

© Adrianna Holman BSc, LCH, RSHom 2005