Local homeopath Androulla Derbyshire is highlighting an alternative approach to children’s healthcare after a Government watchdog warned that many cough and cold medicines aimed at youngsters may be ineffective and can even cause side effects. 

Androulla has been working with families in Wantage to help children overcome illnesses naturally.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) reported earlier this month that it had found "no robust evidence" that many of the popular conventional medicines worked in children, and advised that over-the-counter cough and cold medicines should no longer be used in those under six, stating “there is no evidence that they work and they can cause side effects, such as allergic reactions, effects on sleep or hallucinations.”

And the charity Deafness Research UK has warned that thousands of children could be affected by ear infections not properly treated, and that routine antibiotics do not always work.

Ear problems and recurrent coughs, colds and related symptoms are high on the list of health issues which lead parents to seek the help of a homeopath and there is research evidence which supports the efficacy of homeopathic treatment in these conditions.

One success story was a young boy of four who was suffering from glue ear. He was very deaf in one ear and it was affecting his development. His parents had been advised that he would need grommets. After homeopathic treatment the ear canal was cleared of the blockage which was affecting his hearing and this meant that he no longer needed to have grommets fitted.

Homeopathy is a system of medicine which is based on treating the individual with highly diluted substances given in mainly tablet form, which triggers the body’s natural system of healing. Based on their experience of their symptoms, a homeopath will match the most appropriate medicine to the child.

Androulla qualified from the British School of Homeopathy in 2004 and is registered with the Society of Homeopaths. To contact her call 01672 511162 or email Androulla.derbyshire@zen.co.uk

Androulla will be holding a drop in children’s clinic at the Wantage Natural Therapy Centre, 34a Market Place (above Geoffrey Baileys) on Saturday the 29th May from 10 am to 1 pm offering free mini consultations, advice or information about the treatments she offers specifically for children. Call 01235 760079 to book a slot or just turn up on the day. More information is available on the WNTC website- www.wantagentc.co.uk.

Further information:

• Homeopathy has been available on the NHS since its inception in 1948

• There are 5 NHS homeopathic hospitals

• Interest in homeopathy is growing – a Mintel report (July 2007) reported that the sale of homeopathic treatments had seen a 24 per cent growth since 2002.

• The Society of Homeopaths is the largest body of professional homeopaths in Europe . Established in 1978, it has over 2,300 members.

• Registered members of The Society of Homeopaths are fully insured and have agreed to abide by a strict Code of Ethics & Practice. A copy of the code is available on www.homeopathy-soh.org.

References:

1.www.mhra.gov.uk/Safetyinformation/Safetywarningsalertsandrecalls/
Safetywarningsandmessagesformedicines/CON038908

2. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7902302.stm feb 2009

3. Friese K-H, Kruse S, Ludtke R, Moeller H. Homeopathic treatment of otitis media in children: comparisons with conventional therapy. Int J of Clin Pharmacol and Ther 1997; 35: 296-301.

4. Jacobs J, Springer DA, Crothers D. Homeopathic treatment of acute otitis media in children: a preliminary randomized placebo-controlled trial. Pediatr Infect Dis J. 2001; 20(2): 177-83.

5 Frei H, Thurneysen A. Homeopathy in acute otitis media in children: treatment effect or spontaneous resolution? Br Homeopath J 2001; 90: 180-2.

6. Harrison H, Fixsen A, Vickers A. A randomized comparison of homoeopathic and standard care for the treatment of glue ear in children. Complement Ther in Med 1999; 7(3): 132-5.

7 Adler M. Efficacy, safety of a fixed-combination homeopathic therapy for sinusitis. Adv Ther 1999; 16: 103–111.