I have heard some negative things about antibiotic overuse. Someone suggested homeopathy as an alternative for my kids. What is homeopathy and how does it work for children?
Elizabeth P. e-mailed us at expert@sweetspot.ca; our homeopathy expert, Dr. Zahava Scheiman-Burkhardt answered.
Simply put, overuse, or more importantly misuse, of any drug can have negative effects. In children, whose little bodies are just beginning to develop their individual immune systems, the unnecessary use of antibiotics could ultimately cause more harm than good.
Antibiotic overview
Antibiotics are used to stop the spreading and overproduction of the “bad” bacteria causing the sickness. But it does not cure the disease, nor does it decrease the pain for the child or stop the pattern of these recurring sicknesses.
Important to remember is that when antibiotics are prescribed unnecessarily, for example in viral cases, they will indiscriminately destroy the beneficial bacteria in the body which is vital to good health. Treating a child with antibiotics without correcting the cause will likely create a continuing cycle of repeated sicknesses. If there is an abuse of antibiotics, chances are that when they are in fact needed for serious diseases, they may no longer work as the body may have developed immunity to them.
What does a homeopathic doctor do?
As a homeopathic doctor, I look for the child’s individual and specific symptoms of the sickness. Then I prescribe a homeopathic remedy, which will allow the body to begin to heal itself and, thereby, become stronger and more resistant to this illness (and, more importantly, illnesses in the future). Children respond quickly to homeopathy because they have a natural capacity for good health as well as the ability to resist illnesses while building up their immune systems. Also, parents are generally very observant when it comes to their little ones, so the symptoms given are clear and concise.
As a homeopathic doctor, I will look for signs and symptoms as to how the child is sick, not just what the child is sick with. An overall picture is necessary, which might include observations (using an ear infection as an example) such as:
- Was there an onset of fever or no fever at all?
- Is there any mucus running from the nose or no mucus at all?
- Is the child more thirsty or less thirsty than usual?
- Is the child more clingy or less clingy than usual?
- Is the child restless or motionless?
- What came before the ear infection?
- Was the child out in a cold wind?
- Was there a head cold?
- And what were the symptoms of the head cold?
- Could this be related to teething?
- What else? Has the child started a new food?
Children have the resilience to bounce back from most sicknesses and with a homeopathic remedy nudging their bodies toward healing -- in the short run and the long run -- it’s a win-win situation for both the child and the parents.
Zahava Scheiman-Burkhardt has been practicing homeopathic medicine in Toronto since 1998. Although a general practitioner, she has a strong specialty with pediatrics, pregnancy and women’s health. Dr. Zee has lectured throughout the City of Toronto, including regular lectures at Baby & Me Fitness and The Big Carrot, and continues to be available for speaking opportunities.