Q. Since homeopathic remedies are so easily available from chemists, how safe is it for me to use them to treat the typical health concerns my family experience?

A. Most ‘Basic Guides’ to homeopathy identify the range of common complaints that can be treated on a first aid basis. A good starting point is the pamphlet of the same name distributed by Helios pharmacy for £2.95 plus p&p (01892 537254 or email pharmacy@helios.co.uk). It offers an up to date approach to prescribing and is ideal for minor accidents and ailments because nearly 80 are listed in alphabetical order (from Anxiety; via Chickenpox, Diarrhoea, Flu, Jet lag, Menstrual problems, Scalds; to Whiplash and Wounds). Then to help refine the selection process, there is also a ‘mini materia medica’ that describes a few key characteristics of the 36 most commonly required remedies.

 
An example would be:

Coughs

After exposure to dry, cold wind, Aconite 30c

Dry cough with chest pain and headache, Bryonia 30c

Dry at night, loose in the morning, Pulsatilla

See also ... Ant-tart, Drosera, Ipecac, Hepar-sulph, Kali-bich

 
After parents “get hooked” by small but often dramatic successes, accessible books by Colin Griffith, Beth MacEoin or Miranda Castro can help extend their experience with more detailed practical advice. By this stage it can prove more cost-effective to invest in a kit rather than buying remedies individually (50%+ savings) and this helps when emergencies occur in the middle of the night, away from home etc.

 
As for the issue of “safety” – since the remedies contain only minute doses of the active ingredient, unwanted side-effects are avoided. This makes them safe to use even alongside conventional medicines, as well as for the very young or very weak. Indeed many patients become well enough to reduce or come off prescribed medication (with medical supervision).

 
Q. Surely that makes Homeopaths redundant?

A. Not at all. Qualified homeopaths will have trained for 3 to 4 years, learning about anatomy, physiology and pathology alongside literally thousands of different homeopathic remedies that are needed in chronic health conditions. A referral would be appropriate when conditions recur regularly (e.g. frequent chest problems / sinusitis etc) or problems are longstanding and severe (anything from hay fever to eating disorders etc). This is why homeopathy can be so useful for adopted children who often have a raft of additional needs that are too debilitating to attempt to treat with a first aid approach.

 
Q. In such cases, wherever would you start, how long would treatment take and what could we expect?

A. My starting point is always with the issue that is causing most concern to the family / child, whether this is a physical complaint (chronic constipation, eczema, allergies etc) or emotional / behavioural (e.g. bedwetting, biting, tantrums, night terrors). Sometimes these resolve so quickly that parents can’t believe that “a few little white pills could make such a difference”. Often however, issues seem to be multi-layered: “hyperactivity” for instance can be caused by a number of factors and advice about diet and supplements, behavioural strategies to help with impulse control etc can help immensely; whilst a number of remedies are prescribed over a period of time to address underlying issues such as appallingly low self-esteem, trauma and attachment problems.

 
Even when all is going well, I suggest 3 or 6 monthly health MOT’s because changes in season often have a big impact on children’s development (as well as parental energy levels – think protracted summer holidays or the stresses of Christmas). This is why it is also a good idea to treat all the family, since changes in one member often have a knock-on effect with the others.

 
Q. How can homeopathy help where conventional approaches do not?

A. Every situation is different, but considerable independent research has shown that homeopathy can be as effective, if not better in a range of chronic conditions. Unlike strong anti-depressants or tranquillisers for instance, homeopathic medicines do not pose toxicity problems and are not addictive. The Government’s Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency (MHRA) concluded in 2005 that of the 29 million anti-depressants prescribed that year to 2 million+ people, the risk of side effects outweighed the benefits (National Institute for Clinical Evidence guidance 2005). Although the same body advises against children under 18 being prescribed anti-depressants, 40,000 are thought to be taking psychiatric drugs for depression, anxiety and other problems (European Journal of Paediatrics peer review of a randomised, double blind placebo controlled, crossover trial confirming the effectiveness of homeopathic treatment for children with ADHD).

 Homeopathy is based on the principle that “like cures like” e.g. the remedy Coffea made from potentised coffee can be helpful in cases of the insomnia due to over-excitement that mimics a caffeine buzz. 200+ years of clinically based trials have identified the properties of thousands of homeopathic remedies, so we know the symptoms these cause in healthy people. Matching these substances as closely as possible to a patient’s unique symptoms, then “jump starts” their own healing process – hence the concept of “the minimum dose” ie often requiring only a very few doses to bring about improvement. For parents trying to find effective but non-invasive methods of supporting their children with often severe behavioural and learning problems, Ritalin Free Kids by Judyth Reichenberg-Ullman et al comes highly recommended.

Q. What is the process for making an appointment via the PACT scheme?

After 12 months working on behalf of PACT providing homeopathy to families we are now able to take stock, look at trends that have emerged and build on this service over the coming year. Read on to see how homeopathy had helped families in 2007.

In addition we always welcome any ideas from service users and views about their experiences, so if you have any comments do get in contact !