Homeopathy

COLDS

Tamar Henryby
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COLDS

Colds in childhood are common viral infections that cause mild but oh so bothersome symptoms! Kids pick up the virus from a variety of places where they come into close contact with other children or contaminated surfaces, bringing their germs home for everyone to share 🙁 While weather changes alone do not cause a cold, transitioning from warm to cold, or dry to humid, can influence a child’s immune system and respiratory health, triggering cold symptoms. During colder months, our children tend to stay indoors more, increasing close contact with other and exposure to viruses in more confined spaces, yuck!

Your child’s symptoms may start with a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, and/or a scratchy throat, progressing to a cough as mucus thickens. Low-grade fever, fatigue, and irritability may accompany the illness, especially in younger children. Babies and toddlers may struggle with feeding and sleeping due to nasal congestion (this was certainly something we struggled with when my own boys were very young).

Symptoms usually peak within 2–3 days, gradually improve, then recede altogether in 7–10 days. While colds are generally harmless, they can sometimes lead to secondary infections like ear infections or sinusitis, requiring a little extra time and care.

TOP HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES

ACONITE – For Sudden Onset after Cold Winds or Fright

  • Sudden onset after cold wind, getting chilled, or fright or shock
  • Best used in the first hours of symptoms
  • Skin may be hot and dry
  • Sneezing – either with mucus or dry and congested
  • With great restlessness – may also be anxious or fearful
  • Better outdoors/with open air, worse in a wam room/evening/at night around midnight

ALLIUM CEPA – For Profuse Nasal Discharge

  • Profuse watery nasal discharge which burns the upper lip + nostrils
  • Nose may feel tickly and/or irritated, causing constant rubbing
  • Lots of sneezing, often in quick succession
  • Watery eyes with bland tears (that do not irritate the eyes)
  • May have hoarseness or a tickling cough, if cold is moving to the throat
  • Better outdoors/in open air

FERRUM PHOS – For Slow Onset Symptoms

  • For the early stage of a cold, with mild symptoms that come on gradually
  • Low-grade fever or warmth without strong, defining symptoms
  • Slight nasal congestion or watery discharge
  • Child appears a bit tired, pale, or flushed
  • May complain of headache, sore throat, or just feel “off”
  • Helpful when you’re not sure which remedy fits yet, or where to start

PULSATILLA – With Yellow/Green Discharge

  • With yellow/green nasal discharge – alternating between congestion + a runny nose
  • May have mild fever, loose cough
  • Little or to thirst, even with fever or dryness
  • Child may be clingy, needy, fearful of being left alone
  • Symptoms are better in fresh air, worse in a warm room
  • Symptoms better in the morning, worse at night

SILICA – For Long Lasting or Recurrent Colds

  • For prolonged or recurring colds that take their time to clear up completely
  • Thin, watery nasal discharge that later becomes thick or yellow
  • Tendency to develop blocked ears, swollen glands, or sinus congestion as the cold progresses
  • Child is chilly, dislikes cold weather, and wants to be well wrapped up and warm
  • May have a sweaty head, especially during sleep
  • Often tired, pale, and delicate

WORKING WITH A HOMEOPATH

  • Ensures you receive a individualised remedy that matches your child’s presenting symptoms. Guides you in choosing the right potency/dosage. Offers you on-going support.
  • Monitors progress, adjusting remedies and or potency/dosage if needed. For complex or chronic conditions, a homeopath’s expertise helps uncover potentially more deep-rooted causes
  • Personally, where appropriate and/or needed I offer nutrition, supplementation and lifestyle recommendations to compliment the homeopathic approach.

SUPPORTING THE IMMUNE SYSTEM 

  • Turmeric paste, a combination of honey, turmeric and black pepper, great at reducing inflammation, and supporting the overall immune system. Safe for children over 12 months.
  • Vitamin C is crucial for immune health, helping reduce the severity of cold. It also supports the production of white blood cells to fight infections. Choose citrus fruits, peppers, tomatoes etc.
  • Hydration is vital for immune function. It helps to flush out harmful toxins from the body, and for loosening mucus to help clear congested airways.

HELPFUL THERAPIES

  • A simple 2 step nasal cleanse (which I swear by) supports respiratory health by easing congestion, reducing inflammation, and helping relieve cold symptoms more quickly.
  • Steam inhalation is my personal favourite tool to help clear my boys congestion. Add a few drops of lavender essential oil to the water. Do take care with younger children.
  • A soothing homemade chest/back rub can help ease a cough, loosen mucus, and promote relaxation, especially at night. Mix coconut oil with just a drop of eucalyptus or lavender oil.