Children
and Medicine:
Prescription and Homeopathic Pro’s and Con’s
The
most common medicine prescriptions given to children are
antibiotics for infection, and steroid or non-steroidal
anti-inflammatories for things like allergies and asthma.
The thing to remember about children and medicine, since
we must often be the judge of when they’re better,
is that resolving felt symptoms doesn’t always eradicate
the root cause of those symptoms. This usually results in
one of two scenarios:
- We
stop administering the medicine before the prescription
is finished because the child feels so much better. This
is dangerous with antibiotics, as it can lead to revitalized
bacteria, recurrence and resistance to later prescriptions.
OR…
- Soon
after the medicine is done, we get the perception of the
ailment “coming back” whereas it was never
really gone at all…just the outward symptoms were
gone. So we feel the child must have more medicine because
the symptoms came back without it. This can happen with
anti-inflammatory steroids, such as nasal asthma sprays,
or NSAIDS (non-steroids), which become long-term solutions
with long-term side effects.
So
what do we do when our child is sick?
I. Know the facts about both prescription
medicine and homeopathic alternatives. Weigh the checks and
balances:
Pro: Don’t rule out modern medicine
completely! Some drugs and procedures can save children from
catastrophic diseases like leukemia.
Con:
(1) While very young children are likely to get “regular”
childhood sicknesses, they’re still developing their
own immunities. Some infections, even middle ear infections,
can often resolve themselves if we give them time, whereas
immediate prescription medicine can make children dependent
on medicine rather than building their own internal healing
capability. Therefore, a first infection could become chronic.
(2) Prescription drugs contain chemicals, preservatives and
synthetic properties that don’t really belong in our
body. They may resolve the initial illness but leave side
effects from the foreign agents.
Pro: Natural remedies, such as homeopathic
formulas, use herbs, minerals and organic elements that already
have a presence in the human body, but for some internal reason
might be in short supply. Homeopathy, such as Växa uses,
is based on implementing tiny particles of these elements
to create, maintain or restore proper balance. Most often,
this can be done without side effects and used for longer
periods, actually building the body’s natural defenses.
For example, Växa’s Aller-Sine is a natural preventative
for allergies. Immune-Aid+ can strengthen the Immune System,
fight infection and reduce fevers. ReFlora+ can remove bad
bacteria, toxins and yeast overgrowth to prevent future infection.
All can be given in appropriate amounts for children at various
ages and weight.
Con: Natural remedies can take longer to
work than prescription medicine. They need to get a bearing
in the body. Be persistent and patient.
Some natural remedies can produce a temporary ill feeling
called “die off”. This is good – it’s
cleansing the toxins from the body.
If your child is still in outward pain while the remedy is
working, reach for a natural pain-soother first, before a
prescription drug. See a natural health clinician or doctor
for advice.
II. Know your pediatrician’s philosophy:
An increasing number of “traditional medicine”
physicians are becoming more sensitive to these prescription
nightmares:
- Backlash
of repeat infection because of antibiotic resistance
- Yeast
overgrowth in nasal, bronchial, and other mucosal tissues
from long-term steroids or antibiotics.
- Stunted
growth, acne or irrational behavior from steroids.
- Threat
to digestive health or deteriorating muscle and bone from
long-term non-steroidal anti-inflammatories.
- Rashy
skin conditions like eczema resulting from many types
of drugs.
These doctors
are becoming pleasantly prepared to discuss natural and homeopathic
solutions. If your child’s doctor is still “stuck
on prescription medicine,” try to find a physician practicing
“complementary” medicine – a combination
of both.
III. Know how to keep your child WELL! Give
your child Växa Buddies Daily Vitamins and see our Children’s
Daily Nutrition & Supplements page for more preventive
measures.
Consult grandma, too. Many old home remedies are died-in-the-wool
successes!
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