Did you know, that the majority of parents are using homeopathic medicine incorrectly?
There are 8 simple steps to make it work for you.
If you’ve tried using those little sugar tablets with no results, keep reading.
But, first…
What is homeopathy and how does it work?
“Homeopathy is a system of alternative medicine created in 1796 by Samuel Hahnemann, based on his doctrine of like cures like (similia similibus curentur), a claim that a substance that causes the symptoms of a disease in healthy people would cure similar symptoms in sick people.”
The remedies are so diluted that, based on chemistry, it is difficult to find any molecules of the original substance in the remedy YET, they are very mighty!
They are safe enough for children and the elderly, yet potent enough that you could create adverse effects if you do not know the principles.
Want to learn how to use natural remedies safely? Swipe my favorite remedies here:
Discover how to use homeopathic medicine with babies, toddlers & big kids.
How is homeopathy made?
Homeopathic medicine is made from minerals, plants, animals, poisons of animals, and bees and then diluted or successed {or shaken.}
The first stage in preparing a homeopathic remedy is to create a tincture or “mother tincture” by diluting the material in vegetable alcohol.
Then, the triturated mixture is repeatedly diluted and shaken or succussed for hours or days, depending on the potency or strength.
This process of diluting and succussing is called potentization. The potentized homeopathic medicine is then added to lactose tablets or pills.
How does homeopathy work?
One theory is that succession creates an electrochemical pattern that is stored in the dilutant and spreads like a liquid crystal through the body’s own water.
A second thought is the dilution process triggers electromagnetic imprinting which directly affects the electromagnetic field of the body.
It seems all sort of “woo woo” until you see the results.
What dosing should you purchase?
Ideally, you would need 1 dose, 1 time.
But often, we purchase blends of homeopathic medicine and it doesn’t “hit the spot” as it should
What is the Infinitesimal Dose?
The more a remedy is diluted and succussed (vigorously shaken), the stronger it becomes a cure. For example, 1M is stronger than 6c.
Always begin with 6 or 30c, unless working with a professional homeopath.
You can purchase homeopathic tablets as 6, 9, 12, 24, or 30 c or x.
>>>>I feel comfortable with purchasing 6c or 30c tablets for acute remedies.
How do you take homeopathy?
Tip a tablet into the lid of the bottle and tip it into your mouth without touching it.
Nothing will happen if you touch it, but you MAY absorb some of the “medicine”
Or tip in on the palm of the person taking the remedy; try not to touch the remedy if you are giving it to someone.
For babies? Add it to their bottle or toddlers to their sippy cup. Then wash the bottle or sippy cup with hot water.
Try not to eat, drink or brush your teeth for 10-20 minutes before or after taking a remedy
You should feel a shift occur if it is negative in any way STOP and wait.
You may have an increase in symptoms and then it will resolve. If you are not seeing results don’t repeat. There should be a beginning, middle, and end to your symptoms.
Homeopathy medicine acts as a catalyst, the remedy stimulating the body’s own vital force to heal itself.
Homeopathy for babies & toddlers
For Babies; Crush the tablet between two spoons and tipped dry onto the tongue.
Or alternatively, dilute the small sugar pill in water and/or bottle. {clean any item with hot water so the next person doesn’t get the remedy}
Dilute in water and use a syringe to insert into their mouth
Dilute in milk, water or juice in a sippy cup
Place on a spoon to eat
Toddlers can put in their mouth with a spoon
7 Things that Interfere with homeopathy
#1 Camphor (used as an ingredient in many cosmetics and salves, such as Tiger Balm, Blistex, Vick’s Vapor rub, Noxzema, Chapstick, Carmex, Sea Breeze, some shaving creams, liniments, and many other products which have a similar odor is a universal antidote and should be avoided.
#2 Electric Blankets.
#3 Certain Holistic therapies, such as acupuncture, craniosacral manipulation, polarity therapy, e.t.c. should not be used simultaneously with homeopathy.
#4 Strong odors in the mouth or the environment at the time of taking the remedy can inactivate the homeopathic medicine. That’s why we recommend taking the remedy at least 30 minutes before or 1 hour after eating, drinking (water is allowed), chewing gum, brushing your teeth, and smoking.
#5 Major dental work
#6 Excessive, and in some cases even moderate consumption of coffee and stimulants
#7 Street drugs, including marijuana
8 Tips to Make Homeopathic Medicine work for you
Prescribe according to the urgency and unique symptoms
Use one remedy at a time
Avoid combined remedies
Stop if you see an improvement
Start again if the same symptom returns; repeat as needed
If you have given 3-6 doses and have had no response, stop and reassess
Change the remedy if the symptoms change and/or get worse
Always seek professional help if your symptoms recur or do not improve
Use the Homeopathic Principles to guide you to ensure great results
Law Of Similars-
“Let like be cured with like”
Any substance that makes you ill can also cure you.
By symptoms, homeopathy means those changes that are felt by the patient or observer which may be associated with the disease.
The Single Remedy
Classical homeopathy gives one remedy at a time to gauge its effect more precisely than would be possible if two or more remedies were given together.
The Law of Cure
As someone becomes well, symptoms move from the innermost organs of the body to the outer organs
Cure moves from within to without
Cure takes place from above to below
Minimal Dose
Less is more, wait and see.
How little can I use and still produce a result?
A few questions I’ve been asked….
My favorite homeopathic kit
I love the Homeopathyworks.com : 50 remedy kit 30c
I found this one on amazon that is similar. You want one with 6 or 30c dosing.
Homeopathic medicine works when you use it correctly. The symptoms may get worse at first AND then they should resolve. For example, your fever may spike— and then it should drop. This would be a good thing.
If the symptoms continue to get worse, stop the dosing.
It takes time and patience to learn how to use homeopathy and when you do learn the remedies, they will last you a lifetime.
Warmly~ Tara
P.S. Are you ready to learn more? Swipe my favorite remedies for kids here 👇
Finding an herbal remedy for my son’s cough has been one of the more challenging events we’ve endured.
Coughs can be dry, or wet. Coughs also can accommodate the flu, ear infections, or a sore throat.
And… coughs can be from poor gut health.
Yes, read that again. 👆
To address a cough, you’ll want to know why it is happening.
If it’s due to a cold, think of adding anti-viral botanicals plus, expectorants to support their immune system and release the mucus. ¹
So, what do we tackle first?
There are four ways I like to use natural remedies with children. I’ll give them teas, tinctures, decoctions, and homeopathy.
Plus, try your best to reduce their sugar intake and increase their fluids with chicken soups and pops, like our favorite herbal popsicle recipe here.
#1 Teas For Kids
Make a cup of tea with 1 tsp. of dried herbs to 1 cup of boiling water.
Cover and let steep for 5 minutes.
Strain and add honey for children over 1 year or you can add juice to their Sippy cup.
For babies, you can add cooled chamomile tea to their bottles, adding maple syrup to sweeten if needed.
Toddlers love Lemon Balm or Peppermint for kids 2+.
#2 Tinctures For Kids
Tinctures are an extract of a plant in alcohol. Because of the processing method, the amount of alcohol your child ingests is similar to a ripe banana.
If you’re concerned with the alcohol intake you can use a glycerine tincture. These tinctures are made with glycerine instead of alcohol and most moms feel more comfortable using them.
Studies show elderberry syrup can lower the duration of your flu and the need for medication.
Dose: When the adult dose is 2 dropperful (60 drops), the following is recommended for children:
Age — Dosage
Younger than 3 months — 2 drops
3 to 6 months — 3 drops
6 to 9 months — 4 drops
9 to 12 months — 5 drops
12 to 18 months — 7 drops
18 to 24 months — 8 drops
2 to 3 years — 10 drops
3 to 4 years — 12 drops
4 to 6 years — 15 drops
6 to 9 years — 24 drops
9 to 12 years — 30 drops
Other ways to determine dosage:
Young’s Rule – Add 12 to the child’s age. Divide the child’s age by this total.
Example: dosage for a 4-year-old: 4 divided by 16 (4+12) = .25, or 1/4 of the adult dosage.
Cowling’s Rule – Divide the number of the child’s next birthday by 24.
For example, the dosage for a child who is 3, turning 4 would be: 4 divided by 24 = .16, or 1/6 of the adult dosage.²
SWIPE my favorite herbal & homeopathic remedies for babies, toddlers & big kids here:
#4 Decoctions For Kids
A Decoction is a method of extraction by boiling herbal or plant material to dissolve the chemicals of the material, which may include stems, roots, bark, and rhizomes.³
This works best when the herb doesn’t taste well or you want to make a syrup, like an elderberry syrup.
#5 Homeopathy For Kids
Homeopathy is wonderful for kids. Please read my article:
Everything you need to know about homeopathy HERE.
Home remedies for a cough and throat pain
When a cough is dry with throat pain, you’ll want soothing herbs like licorice, slippery elm, and marshmallow root.
When it is mucous, you’ll want herbs that act as an expectorant, look for products with elecampane, hyssop, mullein, thyme, yerba santa, and ginger for warming.
Using botanicals with infants requires more caution. The tincture doses are much less due to their body weight. Please see the dosing above.
To administer a tincture to an infant, you can add tinctures to a bottle or place them in 1/3 cup of water. Use a syringe or straw to make sure your child gets the full amount.
I wouldn’t use essential oils with children until they are 3 months of age. If you choose to, please use caution.
Make sure you only use 1 drop per 1 tbs. of oil. They should be very diluted and avoid the eyes, ears, and any openings in the body. Never ingest essential oils with infants. (Unless advised by a professional as they are very estrogenic.)
Home remedies for a cough with toddlers
Toddlers are a little easier, as they love anything new and fun. I would add tinctures to their Sippy cup, use a syringe, or sip out of a fun cup with a straw.
When using botanicals and homeopathy with children it is very important you’re choosing the right herb (or homeopathic treatment) and the correct dosing for their symptoms. With a combined effort of diet, teas, and rest your child will be able to become resilient through the years.
My son began his life with milk intolerance and as he grew, I noticed he had a gluten intolerance as well. When we addressed his gut health – his symptoms changed.
his energy increased
his skin cleared up
stomach pains went away
the nagging cough stopped
So what can you do about it?
>>Download the gut health questionnaire to see if your child needs to heal their gut
Here’s my promise to you. By the end of this post, you’ll understand how to reduce your child’s allergic response – naturally.
But wait! Always check with your doctor before adding any supplements to your child’s diet.
What is an allergy anyway?
When your child’s immune system reacts to a foreign substance – like an insect bite, pets dander, or cockroaches, their immune system produces a substance called Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies. These antibodies travel to cells that release chemicals, causing an allergic reaction or inflammation.
This inflammation can be as little as red, rosy cheeks, or as severe as anaphylaxis – a potentially life-threatening emergency.
Why allergies are bad right now
*While most food allergies cannot be cured, you will see an enormous change in your child’s health and symptoms when you address these 7 things:
Your child’s gut health – heal their gut with the 4R approach
Reducing inflammation naturally with herbs, diet & supplements
Boosting their immunity with herbs & supplements
Removing any food sensitivities to reduce inflammation*
Promoting healthy digestion and elimination {no more constipation}
Avoid medications and antibiotics – this affects their gut health
Reducing toxins in their environment and food
What are the 6 types of allergies?
Insect sting
Pet dander
Drug
Mold
Cockroach droppings- This is the #1 cause of breathing trouble with children in the city
Hay fever
What are the top food allergies in children?
A food allergy produces an increase in IgE and possible anaphylactic shock. **You would NEVER re-introduce these foods into your child’s diet if they have a true food allergy to them.
Food Sensitivity is when your child’s digestive system is triggered. An elimination diet is the gold standard way to discover which foods bother your child and may even be causing behavioral problems. But, it will not “fix” the symptoms.
By integrating the 4R approach to reduce inflammation, you may notice fewer allergic responses and asthma attacks. If your child has a food sensitivity (not a food allergy!), you could re-introduce the food into their diet again or may keep it out for good. == I teach this method within my course: Allergy-Free Kids
What are the top food allergens & food sensitivities?
Wheat
Dairy
Eggs
Soy
Crustaceans
Fish
Tree Nuts
Peanuts
Food Allergy Symptoms
Tingling in the mouth
Swelling of the lips, tongue, face, or throat
Hives
Anaphylaxis²
Food Sensitivity Symptoms
behavioral problems (dairy, wheat)
chronic belly aches, gas, bloating
dark circles under their eyes (dairy)
acne on the back of their arms (gluten)
bed-wetting
chronic sinus and ear infections (dairy)
hearing problems (occasionally accidentally diagnosed as ADHD)
headaches
sniffles
swollen lymph nodes & more
colic
chronic cough (gluten)
Hay fever, also called allergic rhinitis, can cause:
Sneezing
Itching of the nose, eyes, or roof of the mouth
Runny, stuffy nose
Watery, red, or swollen eyes (conjunctivitis)
The top 9 foods to add to your child’s diet to reduce inflammation include:
green leafy vegetables
organic purple fruits
fiber
probiotics
Tumeric
B vitamins: eggs, poultry, and lentils
Chlorella: sea vegetables
Culinary herbs to support detox: garlic and onion
Quercetin: Cherries, strawberries, and broccoli
7 Supplements To Reduce The Allergic Response
>>Pro tip: Keep in mind, that when kids are young and cannot swallow pills – you’ll want to open the capsules and pour the powder into a juice or smoothie and stir well.
You’re making a sort of “concoction” for them. Try one herb at a time, to see if there are any adverse reactions, then add a second botanical.
Little DaVinci products and Herb Pharm for kids are great choices for young children.
#1 Freeze-Dried Stinging Nettles
Better than Claritin!
Stinging nettles, are a prickly green herb you’ll find outside on the outskirts of your yard in the summertime.
They have a mean bite, but this bite, these hairs are known as a natural antihistamine – helping to reduce allergies naturally.
And the sting? That goes away when the greens are cooked or dried.
IMPORTANT: When you purchase nettles, it has to be the “freeze-dried” version because this is where the antihistamine is located – with the sting!
For children 4 or older: you can break open one of the freeze-dried stinging nettle capsules and add it to a shake or drink.
Pro tip: Open the capsule for young children who cannot swallow the pills
#2 Quercetin
Quercetin is a plant pigment (flavonoid). It is found in many plants and foods, such as red wine, onions, green tea, apples, berries, Ginkgo biloba, St. John’s wort, American elder, and others.
Quercetin has been shown to reduce inflammation and inhibit histamine release; reducing allergic response. ³
Add quercetin foods or supplements to your diet to reduce inflammation.
Pro tip: Look for liquid quercetin supplements if your child cannot swallow pills.
#3 Curcumin
Curcumin was reported to have an anti-allergic property with an inhibitory effect on histamine release from the mast cells. Naturally found in Turmeric, you can add this orange spice to your little one’s hot chocolate or orange juice or add a supplement.
Probiotics can help heal the gut, which can be the source of many inflammatory diseases – including allergies.
Look for ones with Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species for healthy immunity.
Download the FREE gut health questionnaire to see if your child is experiencing the symptoms associated with Leaky Gut Syndrome – in order to know if they need to heal their gut.
My clients and I have noticed quality matters when purchasing a probiotic. Klaire probiotics is a company I love.
#6 Butterbur
Butterbur is known to reduce migraines and seasonal allergies.
When purchasing Butterbur, choose one that is PA-free.
Here is the one we used with my son.
# 7 Grapefruit Seed Extract- Xlear
Nasal rinses have been used for years to clean out the pollen in your nasal passages.
As the neti pot is challenging for little kids, Xlear has worked well for us.
This is a great alternative to any nasal sprays your doctor has suggested.
This blend uses grapefruit seed extract, which is also known as a natural antibacterial to treat and prevent infections.
Conclusion:
When your child is struggling with allergies, you’ll want to address their gut health. Often, they’re not eating enough vitamins and minerals, or they’re consuming a food that they are sensitive to; causing an inflammatory response. Typically, gluten and dairy – are the top two foods kids love!
By reducing inflammation and the inflammatory response, you can reduce the seasonal allergy symptoms your child is experiencing and boost their health for years to come.
Have any of these worked for you? Let me know 👇
*Remember, you would never re-introduce a true food allergy to your child’s diet.
As a new mom of twins, waking to the sound of croup was so terrifying.
The classic ringing, barking cough created fear throughout the home and always at midnight!
You can stop the croup fast, with these homeopathic remedies.
Croup Symptoms
What is croup?
Croup is an inflammation of the larynx (voice box), trachea (windpipe), and sometimes the bronchi (the air passages between the throat and the lung).
It usually accompanies a mild upper respiratory infection and the child wakes with a dry, barking, ringing cough. When this ringing, barking cough subsides, the common cold usually follows.
Croup typically strikes children between the ages of two and four and startles your deep sleep between 12-2 am.
Croup Sound
I’ve found, that homeopathy is the fastest way to stop a croup cough in the middle of the night.
You should only need the first remedy, Aconite, to stop the croup, but you may want to have the other remedies on hand in case the cough continues into the morning.
>>Swipe my favorite remedies for babies, toddlers & big kids here:
Then, watch this FREE training to understand how to use homeopathy correctly.
Homeopathic Remedies for a Croup Cough – See where to purchase below
Aconite (Aconitum Napellus)-30C
Take Aconite 30c at the onset of croup if your child has these symptoms.
Here the cough is dry, loud, and barking and the child is exceedingly restless and anxious- usually, awakes in the middle of the night between 12-2 am.
They are better off open-air and often, thirsty. These symptoms are the very picture of Aconite. If, after an hour, symptoms persist, give a second dose of Aconite. This is usually all that is needed. The child should be sleeping by now.
Spongia (Spongia Tosta)- 30C
If, however, after another hour, your child’s breathing is harsh and hard and the barking, ringing cough continues, give Spongia 30c.
The throat is sensitive to touch; a cough sounds like a saw driven through a board, and there is dryness in all air passages.
Also, the child is warm and is worse at swallowing.
The last potential solution you may need would be:
Hepar Sulph. (Hepar Sulphuris Calcareum)-30C
If toward morning, the coughing continues and breathing is still not smooth and easy, give Hepar Sulphuris 30C.
Here the cough is loose and rattling and deeper toned, and they have a dry, hoarse cough.
The child is irritable and chilly.
They feel like the wind is blowing on some part of their body and may want to wrap their head up or put on a hat.
Watch this video for the morning croup cough.
When the cough has ceased, continue with tinctures for the common cold
Homeopathy is safe and gentle when following these guidelines.
Here are some tips:
Take one dose of 30C when you first hear a croup cough. 30C is a safe potency for children. Please do not purchase anything higher unless suggested by a professional.
Wait 20 minutes and notice any changes.
If the child is not asleep, give a second dose
At this point, the child should be sleeping
If they are not sleeping, see the remedy for Spongia Tosta.
Whenever using homeopathic medicine follow the rules of “like cures like.” #1 You are watching the child for any unusual symptoms #2 Your write down anything you see or hear #3 You only give the treatment when your symptoms match the remedy. #4 STOP giving doses when the child’s energy shifts, they look better, sound better or maybe they begin to drink water or eat something.
Conclusion
Homeopathy is the fastest, safest way to stop a croup cough in 20-minutes. I know it may be scary at first, but with practice, you’ll discover homeopathic medicine is the safest medicine for our children. Along with herbs to soothe their cold, your child will be better in no time. As always, consult your doctor if the remedies do not work or your child has a high fever.
**Cow’s milk, wheat, egg white, peanut and soy being the top allergens. Sugar, chocolate, corn, and yeast follow.
Environmental sensitivities include Cigarette smoke, house dust, pollen, mold, volatile organic compounds, fungi, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, animal dander, and bacterial infection.
# 2 Mechanical obstruction
#3 Nutrient Insufficiency
Symptoms of an ear infection
One of the first changes you may notice with a middle ear problem is a change in behavior or sleep habits.
A child may pull or tug at the ear or poke their finger inside.
They may want to be held or just lay still.
Older children may tell you it feels blocked, plugged, buzzing, or ringing sounds in their ears.
5 Ear Infection Symptoms For Children
tugging on the ear
crying/screaming
wanting to be held
one cheek red
warm to touch
The truth is, you may have to change your child’s diet if they are always getting ear infections. The first thing I would do is try goat’s milk formula or take dairy out of your diet if you’re breastfeeding or out of your child’s diet.
It’s hard, I know. But, it is worth it.
SWIPE my favorite herbs & homeopathic remedies so you can reduce medications with your children today
8 Ear Infection Remedies
#1 Encourage your child to drink caffeine-free tea
Botanicals can reduce inflammation and “pull out” excessive mucous.
Make a cup of tea with Lemon Balm, Catnip, Elderflower, and maybe ginger. Add honey or apple juice to sweeten.
#2 Apply Lavender Essential Oil topically for pain
Apply DILUTED Lavender essential oil under the ear and at the cheeks. Dilute one drop of Essential oil in 1tsp. Of carrier oil like olive oil or almond oil. {Just 1 drop, no more!}
Caution: Only use this with children over 1 year of age.
Mullein is an analgesic, receiving the pain associated with earaches. Only use this if there is no perforation or leaking from the ear to reduce inflammation.
Heat the oil up a bit with a spoon and match to soothe their inflamed ear. Caution: Make sure it’s not too hot!
#4 Add herbs to their bath
Add chamomile, lavender or thyme infusion to their bath.
To make an infusion; Place 2tbs. of herb, or 4tbs. of fresh herb in a pint jar. Fill with boiling water and put on the lid. Let it sit for 1/2 hour to 8 hours. Strain and add to a warm tub.
Alternatively, you can use Essential oils BUT be very careful.
Use only 1 drop of E.O. DILUTED in milk before adding to the tub. Use only with children 3+ months. (Caution you always have to dilute essential oils. I like to dilute them in milk, so the E.O. does not aggravate the child)
**Children with low numbers of intestinal Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria are more likely to succumb to ear infections than children who harbor optimum levels of these microbes in their intestinal tracts.
Homeopathy is based on the unusual and peculiar symptoms of the child.
Take notes, write down what you see, and then contact your local homeopath for the perfect remedy.
If you choose to try it on your own; know that your child’s symptoms may get worse at first, BUT THEN they should improve by the second or third dose.
The first thing to change with homeopathy is their mental state. Instead of being carried, your child may want to go play. Instead of screaming, they may calm down and drink and eat. Each person is unique.
St. John’s Wort flower & bud (Hypericum perforatum)
Meadowsweet leaf & flower (Filipendula ulmaria)
Willow bark (Salix lucida)
Conclusion:
It is possible to reduce the amount of antibiotic use for ear infections with diet, homeopathy, and botanicals. Often, taking out dairy may be able the only change your child’s needs.
P.S. Swipe my favorite remedies today
References:
¹ Schmidt, Dr. Michael A., Healing Childhood Ear Infections. Prevention, Home Care, and Alternative Treatment
Obsessed with natural remedies, Tara Gregorio is a Certified Women’s Herbal Educator located in Cold Spring, NY. She loves helping women reduce their medications with botanicals. Her favorite herbal recipes can be found on Pinterest and Instagram. https://taragregorio.com/
