Homeopathy: Another Approach to Vaccinations
By Susy Parker Goins
Before you get all caught up in the maelstrom of vaccinations and the hectic schedule a pediatrician would have you think is the final word in baby health, take a moment -- a long one -- to consider the alternatives.
Consider homeopathy. An experienced homeopath can work with you to build your child’s immunity in a holistic way -- no thimerosal preservatives, no potential unknown side effects. A safe and viable alternative.
The standard homeopathic protocol for immunizations involves the higher potencies of 200C and M (one thousandth). These are not readily available over the counter, so it is highly recommended that you find a homeopath to guide you.
After the vaccinations: homeopathic support
Homeopathy can help you and your child get through the milder aftereffects of many vaccinations. 30C potency of these remedies every hour is a good general guideline.
To give your child the best shot at sailing past side effects, give them Thuja occidentalis 30C before and after. Silica, also known as Silicea, helps to boost weak immune systems. Silica is also great for developmental problems and mental delays. These issues, however, can best be handled in concert with a trained homeopath. It is also possible to help prevent reactions by taking a high potency (200C to M) of the vaccine itself, prepared homeopathically, prior to actually taking the vaccine. These preparations are available from homeopathic health care providers.
Ledum, the best remedy for puncture wounds, can be given immediately after a vaccine to prevent tissue swelling. Another good remedy for swelling is Apis mellifica when the swelling is puffy, rather than red and hard.
If your child is pale, listless and feels heavy but no fever has developed yet, try Gelsemium sempervirens. Another possibility is Calcarea carbonica. Joint pain, lack of motivation, mild depression and introspection would be key symptoms here.
For fevers that come on suddenly, Aconitum napellus is best. Make sure you administer it at the first sign of inflammation, restlessness or hot, dry, red fevers with thirst. After the first signs -- say, 24 hours -- consider another remedy.
Belladonna is excellent for hot, throbbing fevers with dilated eyes. If you can feel the heat radiating from your child, reach for Belladonna.
Sometimes, your child may have an “echo” reaction to a vaccine. That is, your child could develop symptoms like the disease the vaccine is trying to protect him from. In this case, look to Calcarea carbonica.
If your baby is cranky with one cheek red and the other pale, try Chamomilla. If, instead, your child is weepy, whiny and clingy, Pulsatilla is the answer; however, if your child is crying incessantly, visit your health care provider.
In case of severe reactions
If your child experiences severe reactions including seizures, paralysis or non-stop crying following any vaccination, get to your health care provider as soon as possible. Report any reactions to:
Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS)
1-800-822-7967
and
National Vaccine Information Center (NVIC)
(707) 938-3783
Keeping a close eye on your child after any immunization is the best way to minimize potential reactions.
© Susy Parker Goins
An informal student of natural health for years, NFO Bookshelf and Natural Beauty Editor Susy Goins received her certificate in homeopathy from the American College of Health Sciences. The self-proclaimed out-of-the-mainstream mama of three is a writer, belly dancer, actress, costumer and cook and will soon be celebrating 20 years of marriage to her husband.
