Homeopathic Remedies

Natural Remedies for Kids – a Good Solution or a Bad Idea?

Remember back to when you are sick as a child. What did your mother do to help you feel better? If you were really sick or displaying really serious symptoms, she probably took you to your doctor. Or she may have treated you with a natural health remedy such as with herbs or herbal tea.

If you have ever wondered what homeopathic medicine is it is these natural treatments such as the use of herbs like peppermint or dong quai to conquer illnesses. However, these treatments are somewhat controversial when it comes to children.

The two sides

There are those, on one side, who believe that using natural remedies to treat children is safe and effective. On the other hand there are just as many in the health care field who believe these homeopathic treatments can be harmful.

Not mutually exclusive

Homeopathic physicians believe that the words “safe” and “natural” are not mutually exclusive. Take, for example, ADD or Attention Deficit Disorder. You probably know that for many years the treatment of choice for ADD has been Ritalin. However, there is one study showing that one out of every 12 children on Ritalin could develop chromosome abnormalities. How then do you treat a child with this disorder? Homeopathic doctors believe that the answer is natural vitamins and minerals. So who’s right?

No clear-cut answers

The problem is that when it comes to natural remedies and kids, there is no simple, clear-cut answer as to whether or not they are safe and effective and will deliver the desired results. Although homeopathic physicians may not agree with this, the bottom line is that the natural remedies that work for adults may not work for children.

And the answer is?

So, in the end, what is the answer? Be sure to exercise extreme caution when using natural remedies to treat childhood illnesses. Some of these may cause side effects, especially if your child is on other medications as this can cause interactions with serious results.

What’s best for your child?

In the final analysis you, as a parent, have to decide what is best for your child — be it natural remedies or prescription drugs. Just make sure you carefully research the side effects of either of these remedies before using them on your child.

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Homeopathic Medicine