Whether children actually know or sense that homeopathic medicines are good for them for not, they deserve safe medicines. It is time that parents and physicians seek safe, natural and effective alternatives to conventional, potentially harmful drugs. Homeopathic medicine is one such alternative.

Many parents consider homeopathy a godsend to their children as well as to themselves. Homeopathic medicines can be quick and effective for treating infant teething or colic, turning cranky babies into giggling cherubs. They can reduce the pain and discomfort of a child's earache, which sharply decreases the need for antibiotics or ear tubes. They can strengthen the child's own natural defenses so that he can fight off that cold or flu that every other kid in school seems to be getting. And they can benefit the hyperactive child, helping to calm his restlessness.

Homeopathic remedies are able not only to relieve many common acute problems of children, but can help prevent recurrent bouts of illness. And homeopathic medicines can treat both physical ailments and emotional upsets.

With the aid of some basic knowledge, all of these valuable benefits are within your grasp.

[*Footnote: It is interesting to note that veterinarians who practice homeopathic medicine have commonly observed that animals seem to be less frightened when they are treated with homeopathic remedies than when they are given conventional drugs. Once again, perhaps our pets know something that many of us don't know or resist knowing.]

Our Children/Ourselves
A growing number of parents are concerned about the side effects of conventional drugs, especially in the treatment of babies and young children. Lynn and Ken Elliot of Berkeley, California, are two such parents. While they seek out their pediatrician for their baby Elizabeth's general check-ups and for diagnosis of potentially dangerous symptoms, they also feel that the best medical care often begins in the home. Instead of rushing Elizabeth to the pediatrician every time she coughs or has a cold, fever, or earache, Lynn and Ken use homeopathic medicines to treat themselves. Although both are relatively new to homeopathy, they have used these natural medicines successfully for treating many common pediatric complaints. They first tried homeopathy when Elizabeth was four months old. She had colic and was crying intensely. Although Elizabeth was relieved when she was carried and rocked, she would immediately begin wailing as soon as she was put back down in her crib. After a couple of hours, even the carrying and rocking didn't help, and Elizabeth cried almost constantly.

Ken and Lynn then remembered that a friend had given me a book on homeopathy at Elizabeth's baby shower and, after reviewing the chapter on colic, they got Chamomilla 30 (chamomile) from their homeopathic medicine kit, crushed a couple of small pellets between two spoons to make them easy for Elizabeth to swallow, and put them under her tongue. Within a minute or so Elizabeth was asleep and, upon waking, her colic was gone.

Although this may sound like a miracle cure, such miracles are common when using homeopathic medicines. Of course, such dramatic successes don't happen every time; homeopathy, like every kind of healing, has its limitations. Still, its effectiveness as well as its safety are recognized today by millions of people all over the world.