Parents Want Options

Pro-Homeopathy (not in response to an attack)

Letter to the Editor


Date
Name
Address

Dear Editor,
Parents want alternatives to pharmaceutical drugs for their children’s illnesses, two recent studies show.  A Harvard Medical School study found that nearly 9 million children used complementary and alternative therapies (Birdee et al 2010). A second study showed that ninety percent of parents would like to know more about alternative medical options for their children, (2010 survey conducted by Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota, a nationwide leader in integrative medicine).

The survey also found that eighty-five percent would like to reduce their children’s dependence on drugs.  Sixty-eight percent of respondents believed that integrative treatment could be effective, “and more than seventy-five percent said that hospitals should offer experts on both conventional and alternative treatments”.

Many over the counter medications for children have been found to be potentially toxic.  The use of children’s Tylenol, common cough and cold formulas, aspirin, etc. have caused numerous problems in children to the point where pediatric medical societies and the FDA have warned parents to be cautious when administering these potentially dangerous medications. What, then, are the alternatives for parents to have on hand to relieve the everyday pain and suffering of their children?

One alternative worth considering is homeopathy.  Literally hundreds of basic science, pre-clinical and clinical studies have been published in respected, peer-reviewed journals showing the good effects of homeopathic care.  A small sampling of those studies include those on childhood diarrhoea (Jacobs et al., 2003), influenza treatment with Oscillococcinum® (Anas barbariae hepatis et cordis extractum HPUS) (Vickers & Smith, 2006), osteoarthritis (Long & Ernst, 2001), post-operative ileus (Barnes, Resch & Ernst, 1997), rheumatic diseases (Jonas, Linde & Ramirez, 2000), seasonal allergic rhinitis (Lüdtke & Wiesenauer, 1997), seasonal allergic rhinitis (Taylor et al., 2000), upper respiratory tract infections and allergy (Bornhöft et al, 2006), upper respiratory tract diseases, including otitis media (Bellavite et al, 2006), on adverse effects of cancer management (Kassab et al 2009), and vertigo (Schneider, Klein, & Weiser M, 2005). 

There have also been extensive observational studies conducted throughout Europe on large patient populations.  An 8 year long German study showed significant improvement in children treated for skin conditions and recurring upper and lower respiratory infections (Witt et al 2008).

In general, patient improvement on homeopathy in these studies for both acute and chronic conditions typically falls in 70-80% range with high patient satisfaction with homeopathic treatment.  And many studies have found greater cost-effectiveness of homeopathy because of fewer doctor visits and its ability to reduce or even eliminate the use of conventional drugs.

For a more extensive list of basic science, pre-clinical and clinical research papers showing the effect of homeopathy, another good resource in the United States is the National Center for Homeopathy’s website (www.nationalcenterforhomeopathy.org and look under “Articles” and then “Research”).

Parents are right in wanting to avoid the over prescribing of prescription drugs for their families.  Homeopathy offers a great alternative for raising healthy kids – and adults!

Sincerely,