Homeopathy treats the illness behind the illness

Fever is the first sign of an infectious process in children of all ages. It’s the body’s answer to an infectious, foreign invader — a defence mechanism to fight off the intruder. Apart from the presence of fever, not all children show signs, or symptoms, indicative of a subtle, underlying disease that may 'hide' behind the fever state. It’s precisely here that homeopathy plays a decisive role — 'tapping' the possible underlying illness, or 'source' of ill-health.

Research suggests that 20% children may have fever with no obvious infection. Yet, they are actually ill. The first job homeopathy does is distinguish fever from any other major illness, including viral or bacterial illness, and explore the cause. It contends that fever is a child’s natural defence mechanism. When a child is given homeopathic medicines, it strengthens his/her barricade of resistance against many diseases in adulthood.

A rise in body temperature indicates that the body is combating infection. In some children, temperature may also rise simply because they are vulnerable. Homeopathy treats fever and other illnesses with mild, natural medicines, without any side effects. What homeopathic medicines also do is boost the child’s resistance threshold. This nurtures and enables the body’s inner workings to deal effectively with health threats during childhood and adulthood later. Extremely palatable and well-accepted, homeopathic medicines help children to quickly spring back to optimal health.

For fever that sets in rapidly after exposure to cold, dry winds, Aconitum Napellus would be a useful first remedy. It’s indicated when the skin is hot and dry, or where the face is flushed and swollen, or becomes pale upon rising. Eupatorium Perfoliatum would be helpful in fever with pain in the limbs, especially bones. Belladonna is another useful remedy for fever in restless and agitated children having a hot skin and a flushed, feverish look. Nux Vomica is useful in chilly fever, with tummy upsets, where the child wants blankets or covering. There are dozens of such effective, homeopathic remedies. They are not limited to the fever state or illness alone. Rather, their appropriate use depends upon the unique nature or characteristic signs and symptoms of the child.

Article by Dr Mukesh Batra
L.C.E.H., F.H.M.A. (U.K.), F.R.S.H. (Med) P.(Lon), M.D.H. (U.S.A.), F.B.I.H.(U.K.)
Published in Times of India on 7 February 2010