Lately many doctors are questioning the common practice of prescribing medications for cold, coughs, and ear infections. They are looking more closely at how important it is for the body to heal itself of these illnesses. Overuse of over the counter drugs for colds and coughs is not necessary, and may even be harmful. Read more….

In 1876, Claude Bernard, a French physician studied fever in animals, and showed that if the body temperature of an animal was raised by 5 to 6 degrees, he would die. This forever changed our view of fever, for prior to this work, fever was viewed as one of the best of the natural defenses of the body. It was essential in fighting infections, and even encouraged in illness to “burn” out the disease.

Gradually fever began to be viewed as a disease. Now we suppress a fever in children as soon as we can, and as completely as possible. This is the major reason parents call their pediatricians and the major cause of visits to the emergency room. Misconceptions abound concerning fevers and the damage they can cause. The good effects of the fever are rarely ever realized in a childhood illness.

Fever is natural. Its job is to reduce bacterial and viral reproduction, it is a signal to the immune system to stand up and fight, using all the tools at its disposal: diarrhea, mucus discharge, vomiting, sweat, cough, expectoration, skin rash etc. These are all elements of the immune response.

However, today we often rely on drugs to heal us, even though those drugs produce their own set of associated symptoms: diarrhea and rashes from antibiotics are commonplace. Even this is the body’s way of trying to deal with the onslaught of the antibiotic. We have very little trust in the body’s ability to heal itself.

Let the fever develop. Study the child’s overall condition, rather than just the thermometer. If he is comfortable, active, eating and drinking well, then wait. See if his body can fight the infection alone. He will be rewarded with enhanced health and an improved immune system. If the child is uncomfortable, a safe, practical way to bring the fever down is a tepid sponge bath.

Sponge Bath

Use tepid (lukewarm) water only, not cold water, no ice or alcohol.
1. With a washcloth gently bathe one section of the body at a time, moving from head to toe.
2. Only uncover the part of the body being bathed.
3. Alternatively, if the child wishes, he or she may get into a lukewarm bathtub.
4. Repeat as often as necessary, even several times in succession, finishing at the toes and starting again at the head.
5. This gently lowers the fever to a comfortable level.
6. This treatment is meant to be soothing and comforting, as well as therapeutic.

Know when to take action.There are times when intervention is needed, and here are some signs you should keep in mind.

Continuous fever of 4-5 days
Fever above 104 degrees Fahrenheit
Lethargy
Rashes
Inconsolable crying
Headache or stiff neck

A balanced child is a happy child.

• Treats inherited tendencies to disease, those that are seen to run in families
• Safely strengthens the child’s immature immune system

read more…

 

Recurring illnesses are a sign that the root of the problem has not been addressed. read more…

As a parent, giving strong medicines to a newborn read more…

Homeopathy is an excellent alternative to the many drugs used to treat children with hyperactivity, depression, aggression, anxiety and attention difficulties. read more…

There have been many documented cases of successful homeopathic treatment of autistic children. read more…