Last week, 3 years ago, our president declared a disaster state and locked us down for 21 days. Many people contracted COVID, some of them tragically passed away. Some patients recovered completely from the infection with no lasting symptoms.
Unfortunately, others suffered and are still suffering from what we call long COVID syndrome.

At least 17 million people in the WHO European region experienced long COVID in the first two years of the pandemic; millions may have to live it for years to come.

Many of the “long haulers” experiences heart symptoms like palpitations, dizziness, chest pain, shortness of breath, tightness of chest, tachycardia, and blood pressure regulation problems.

Why did these patients’ hearts get affected and damaged?

Temporary or lasting damage to heart tissue was due to several factors:

Lack of oxygen.
As the virus caused inflammation and fluid to fill up the air sacs in the lungs, less oxygen reached the bloodstream. The heart had to work harder to pump blood through the body, which was especially dangerous in people with pre-existing heart disease. Some hearts failed from overwork, or insufficient
oxygen that caused cell death and tissue damage in the heart and other organs.

Myocarditis: inflammation of the heart.
The coronavirus infected and damaged the heart’s muscle tissue directly, as is possible with other viral infections, including some strains of the flu. The heart also became damaged and inflamed indirectly by the body’s own immune system response, called the cytokine storm.

Coronavirus infection also affected the inner surfaces of veins and arteries, which caused blood vessel inflammation, damaged small vessels and blood clots, all of which compromised blood flow to the heart or other parts of the body.

Stress cardiomyopathy.
COVID infection also caused cardiomyopathy, a heart muscle disorder that affected the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively. When the virus attacked, the body underwent stress and released a surge of chemicals called catecholamines, which stunned the heart.

Most serious of all, was the immune system that launched an attack on the invading virus that was so severe that it destroyed healthy tissues.

When responding to infection with the coronavirus, the body released a flood of proteins called cytokines that helped cells communicate with one another and fight the invaders.

In some people, perhaps due to a genetic difference, this normal defensive event was exaggerated, leaving them vulnerable to a cytokine storm. In this cytokine storm, the immune system response causes inflammation that overwhelmed the body, destroying healthy tissue and damaging organs such as the kidneys, liver and heart.

The cytokine storm and its resulting heart damage also affected the heart’s rhythm. Serious ventricular arrhythmias due to a cytokine storm was for some patients catastrophic. The cytokine storm was difficult to survive.

The damage for this immune reaction is a complicated problem and is probably the cause of residual inflammation in the cardiovascular system that cause long- haul COVID cardiac symptoms.

There are currently treatments that can improve and hopefully in the long-term cure this conditions. As time goes on, I am sure more therapies will come to light. For now, it is a relief to know that we need not be despondent about this conditions, since alternative and functional remedies and medicines can assist favourably.

Often the body just needs assistance to heal and bring the body back into homeostasis. For more information on how we can assist you, please contact the practice on 012 460 9216.

Heart Rate and COVID-19

After you have had COVID-19, if you are experiencing a rapid heartbeat or palpitations, you should contact your doctor. A temporary increase in heart rate can be caused by a lot of different things, including dehydration. Make sure you are drinking enough fluids, especially if you have a fever.

Symptoms of a rapid or irregular heart rhythm may include:

• Feeling your heart beat rapidly or irregularly in your chest (palpitations)
• Feeling lightheaded or dizzy, especially upon standing
• Chest discomfort

How can I tell if I have developed a heart problem after COVID-19?
In some people, heart rates can vary from fast to slow, unrelated to exertion, for no apparent reason.

But, Post says, shortness of breath, chest pain or palpitations after having COVID-19 is a common complaint. “Any of these problems could be related to the heart, but they could also be due to other factors, including the aftermath of being very ill, prolonged inactivity and spending weeks convalescing in bed.”

Shortness of Breath
“You want to consult a doctor if any of your symptoms are severe, especially shortness of breath,” Post says. She recommends using a commercially available O2 (oxygen) saturation monitor.

“Shortness of breath by itself is not always a sign of a serious problem, but if you have that symptom along with low O2 (below 92%), that is a reason to be concerned.” Sometimes people are short of breath with exertion after COVID-19 because they have been less active for a long time and need to gradually build their fitness level back up.

A diagnosis of heart failure after COVID-19 is rare. But if you have shortness of breath or leg swelling after COVID-19, you should contact your doctor, who may recommend evaluation by a cardiologist if tests indicate you are at risk.

COVID-19 Chest Pain
What about lingering chest pain, another common post-COVID complaint? “Chest pain may be nothing serious, but if you are having severe chest pain, get help, especially if it is persistent or if you are also having nausea, shortness of breath or lightheadedness: These could be symptoms of a heart attack.”
“If you have chest pain when you inhale, you might have lung inflammation. Sudden, severe chest pain could be a blood clot in the lung (pulmonary
embolism),” Post says.

People recovering from the coronavirus sometimes show symptoms of a condition known as POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome). Researchers are exploring whether or not there is a link.

POTS isn’t directly a cardiac problem, but a neurologic one that affects the part of the nervous system that regulates heart rate and blood flow. The syndrome can cause rapid heartbeats when you stand up, which can lead to brain fog, fatigue, palpitations, lightheadedness and other symptoms.

Can COVID-19 symptoms mimic a heart attack?
Yes. People with COVID-19 can have symptoms similar to those of a heart attack, including chest pain, shortness of breath and changes on their echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart) or EKG. But often when these patients are given an angiogram, there is no evidence of a major blockage in the heart’s blood vessels, which would indicate a heart attack in progress.

Symptoms of myocarditis can also mimic those of a heart attack. Also, viral infections such as COVID-19 can cause very small blood clots to form, which can block tiny blood vessels and cause pain.
People with signs and symptoms of a heart attack should seek urgent medical attention and not manage these symptoms at home.

​Nutrient Deficiencies
Dr. M de Klerk
Nutrient deficiencies are a lot more common than you might think.
If you have a digestive tract that does not work properly, your ability to absorb nutrients will be less and you will become deficient quicker.
Being on a restrictive diet of any kind for too long, for example veganism, vegetarianism, keto, or autoimmune protocol, can put you at risk for deficiencies. Having a varied diet from all the food groups is essential.
If you’re taking a nutrient depleting medication like the birth control pill, places you at an increased risk for nutrient deficiencies. Medication that block acid, like PPIs and Tums, as well as those used in diabetics can create nutrient deficiencies that can manifest as anxiety and depression as well.
Nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA, B6, Inositol, folate, B12, copper, zinc, magnesium, and vitamin D have a direct impact on mood and are common deficiencies in people.
Additionally, if you have any issues with protein absorption you will be deficient in the amino acids your body needs to make neurotransmitters.
How to Heal Nutrient Deficiencies
Have Appropriate Lab Testing
The following blood tests will give you indication of what you are deficient in:
• CBC
• Ferritin
• Vitamin D
• Magnesium
• B12
• Folate
• Homocysteine
• And others as needed
Adopt a Whole Foods Diet
On top of optimizing gut health and absorption, you’ll also need to focus on a nutrient dense diet.
Eat colorful, fresh foods in abundance.

Dr Marike de Klerk M.Tech Hom (UJ)
 
Do you suffer from heartburn? Acid reflux? If you are part of the 10% of the population with gastroesophageal reflux disease who suffers on a daily basis from this disease, don’t believe that you “just need to live with it”.

Conventional treatment will do more harm than good. By lowering your stomach acid using antacids, you will compromise your digestion, as well as letting bacteria into your digestive tract contained in your food, without the usual acids to destroy them. But by treating it naturally you can be healed!
​
GERD is when the stomach valve relaxes abnormally and stomach acid comes back up into your oesophagus. The oesophagus gets burned and without your realizing it, lasting damage can be done.
5 CAUSES of GERD are:

1. Food sensitivities:  Sensitivities inhibits you digestion. Undigested excess food in your stomach can cause acid reflux. Identifying and eliminating these offending foods are the answer to this problem.
2. Poor diet:  GERD is a modern day disease. Certain foods aggravate, especially alcohol, coffee, caffeine and fried foods. Overindulgence causes weight gain that causes the stomach contents to push up.
3. Too little stomach acid:  Contrary to popular belief, GERD is often not caused by an overproduction of acid but because of under production and imperfect digestion of your food.
4. Stress:  A stressed out gut is a sick gut!
5. Small intestinal bowel overgrowth SIBO:  Imbalances in our gut flora can manifest in various diseases of which one is GERD.

Get to the root of your GERD symptoms and say goodbye to your daily acid blocking medications.

With winter now finally at our doorsteps and colds and flu imminent, we should take inventory of what medicines we have in our first aid kits when those first symptoms appear.

Herbal medicines has the powerful action of a normal over the counter pharmaceutical drug but without the chemical ingredients. It is also therefore important to be mindful that some of our herbals do have special precautions and counter indications. When you purchase a herbal product, study the insert for safety indications or chat to our registered nurse when you come in to buy it from our health store. If you are still unsure, contact your homeopath for more clarity.

Herbal are also complex in their action and because they are in a “foodstate”, they are accepted more readily by the body and their actions are multiple. 

Here is a list of the top three herbals that you can keep at home. Start to use these as soon as symptoms start appearing.

1.    ECHINACEA 
Echinacea is always the first herbal to take in the event of a cold or a flu. There are two species, angustifolia, which is the stronger, and purpura being the weaker alternative.

Echinacea is well documented to raise the immunity, having anti- viral and anti- bacterial actions, as well as being anti- inflammatory. Studies have proven Echinacea safe for use during pregnancy and lactation.

The dosage for an adult is 100 drops per day in divided doses. Hourly dosage seems to be most effective in acute illness. The use of Echinacea in babies in children has been documented as safe from 5kgs.  Dosage would be 15 – 50 drops per day in divided dosage with increase in weight in the child.

Just keep in mind that the preparations are often in an alcohol base and it might be advisable to add some boiling water to the drops and give the cooled down mix.

2.    OLIVE LEAF EXTRACT
Olive leaf extract boosts immunity as well as destroying bacteria like E Coli as well as Candida species.  The active ingredient also interferes with the production of viruses and enters the cell to block replication.

Unlike antibiotics that causes antibiotic resistance, olive leaf is safe and effective for long term use. The leaf also has an antioxidant effect, documented to be stronger than Vitamin C and E.  

This herb may be used during pregnancy and lactation, dosage for adults being 75 drops daily in divided dosages. Hourly administering is advisable. Olive leaf can be used in babies from 5kgs, a dosage of 15 drops per day in divided dosages.

3.    PELARGONIUM SIDOIDES
Pelargonium can reduce the duration of the common cold and treat symptoms like fever, fatigue, cough, bronchitis, mucous in chest and postnasal drip.

It has anti-effective properties fighting viruses and bacteria as well as stimulating the immune system. Pelargonium is specific for the treatment of acute bronchitis by increasing the body’s natural healing rate and treating the symptoms.

The most well- known product containing Pelargonium is PENTAGEN from Natura. Dosage for an adult is 100 drops daily in divided dosages, 60 drops for children between 6 and 12 and 30 drops for children under 6 years of age. Safety during pregnancy and lactation is not known and should therefore be only taken short term. 

All of these products are stocked in our in-practice health store, so you are welcome to come in anytime during office hours to purchase or just chat to us about these products.  

​So here you are a very concerned mommy with a drooling baby.  Your baby is not well for a while now and on and off she has a funny poo nappy, some fever bouts and at times she is just so niggly with no apparent cause.  Everybody seems to put the blame for all these symptoms on teething.  How can all of this be caused by teething while it is going on for months now and still no toothy?
 
WHAT IS TEETHING

• When a tooth nears completion of its journey into the dental cavity
• This journey starts early during fetal development.
• Most babies get their first tooth by six months
• Thereafter it is usually one tooth per month
• By 2 – 3yrs they will have all twenty.

 
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
Teething symptoms vary and can range from severe to nothing at all. Most children will experience at least one of the following symptoms as their teeth prepare to make its way through their gums:

• trouble falling asleep
• fussiness
• drooling
• runny nose
• rash around the chin or mouth
• red cheeks
• swollen gums
• biting
• an increased need to suck
• rejection of breast or bottle
• congestion

            70% OF BABIES GET TEETH ACCORDING TO THIS GUIDELINE:
 

6 months: lower central incisors – cutting teeth
7 months: upper central incisors 
7.5 months: lower lateral incisors
9 months: upper lateral incisors
12 months: lower first molars (bicuspids) – grinding and chewing teeth
14 months: upper first molars
16 months: lower canines (cuspids)
18 months: upper canines
20 months: lower second molars
24 months: upper second molar

MYTH
There is no such thing as a new tooth cutting its way through bone and flesh.  What actually happens is that remodeling of the tissue takes place and a pathway for the tooth emerges.  The belief that tension on the gums played a prominent role in teething symptomatology was widespread. As a result, surgically cutting the gums in order to open up a path for the emerging tooth was a common procedure until the late 19th and early 20th century in developed countries. In some less developed regions around the world, the gums of infants were still frequently sliced open and the teeth removed.
 
DEBATE
What about fever and teething?  Studies have shown that teething causes, at most, a mild temperature elevation. If your infant has a true fever (above 100.4F or 38 Celsius) it is unlikely to be caused by teething, especially if it continues for a number of days.
The same question applies to diarrhea and teething. Again, the available data doesn’t support teething as a cause of true diarrhea. If your child has a diarrheal illness, it is most likely to be caused by a virus.
In my experience as a mother and a nursing sister I can tell that those who had babies and experienced the feeling of total confusion and helplessness when that baby presents with all these so called teething-symptoms will confirm that the symptoms mentioned above are definitely very challenging during the teething phase. 
 
SO WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?
Because you might miss something serious while blaming it on teething.  Tonsillitis, otitis and bladder infections are common conditions that present itself during the teething phase.
 
WHAT CAN BRING RELIEF?

• Massaging and gently apply pressure with clean finger.
• Apply coldness (teething toys, cold boiled carrot, chilled cloth)
• Soft chewing ring
• Homoeopathic teething pulver

 
WHAT NOT TO DO

• Don’t worry if there is no tooth by 12mnths age
• Don’t blame high fever and lasting diarrhea on teething
• Don’t give frozen stuff to cool the gums
• Don’t apply benzocaine preparations

 
THE HOMOEOPATHIC APPROACH
A homoeopathic remedy is a diluted substance that is known to cause the symptoms you are wanting to cure.  There are more than 600 remedies to choose from.
A homoeopath is well trained in matching the patient accurately to the correct remedy.

There are a number of remedies and OTC formulae
Today we are going to focus on two: Chamomilla and Pulsatilla
 
Chamomilla

• It is a daisy-like flower plant, growing low on the ground and smells like fresh apples.
• Greek: Chamos= ground; Melos= apple
• The plant is hardy and has a pleasant smell, but contains a bitter tasting plant sap used in insect repellents
• It grows wild in many parts of England​
• In the middle ages it was purposely planted in green walks going through gardens for the fragrance it gives out when trembled on.
• From there the little poem: Like a chamomile bed, the more it is trodden, the more it will spread.
• If planted in areas where there are other plants that are sick and droopy, they will recover.

 
People who need chamomilla

• Persistent, energetic, they don’t give up.
• No 1 remedy for irritable child with low pain tolerance
• Baby pulls its legs up and cries no matter what you do.
• They are snappy, throw temper tantrums of frustration.
• They want immediate relief, intolerant
• Ask for things and then refuses it
• One red hot cheek, one pale  cool cheek

​

​

Pulsatilla

• It is a flowering plant, belonging to the buttercup family (Anemone)
• Common names: Windflower, Pasqueflower because it blooms during Easter.
• It gives lilac coloured, bell shaped flowers
• The whole plant is covered in soft down
• It grows in clusters in dry, calcium rich soil
• The delicate stem bends in the wind.

 
People who need Pulsatilla

• They do not want to be alone.
• The child seldom complaints of thirst
• Flexible and adaptable to their environment.
• Likes open air
• Very easily emotional and moody at times
• The sick child is clingy and cranky and wants to be picked up all the time.

OTC’S ON THE MARKET
Luckily there are some of these homoeopathic companies who made it easy for the laymen and women. The ideal remedy will probably be in the complex, but until you can get to a practitioner who is able to choose the remedy more accurately, the OTC will do it for you. 
Cesranol – This is for a high need baby who will respond positively to any chamomilla based remedy. This remedy is especially useful if the baby has loose stools while teething. 
Sedaped – Has an anti-inflammatory action and works on the nervous system.
If teething is accompanied by cramping and loss of appetite, give tissue salt no 8 Mag phos in addition.
If teething starts later than 10 months, give Calc phos, tissue salt no 2.
CONCLUSION
The teething phase with all its challenges is a normal part of your baby’s development.  Try and do what you can to bring relieve to your baby and find support from family and friends to help you cope during this time.  But on the other hand keep in mind that this is a phase that will pass and do not feel that you should be able to have a perfect solution at all times.
 
RESOURCES
https://elixirs.com/products.cfm?productcode=S71
https://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/c/chammo49.html
http://www.justthefactsbaby
https://www.homeopathic.com/Articles/Introduction_to_Homeopathy
http://homeopathytoday.net/homeopathy/homeopathy-for-children/item/44-homeopathic-tips-for-soothing-painful-teething
My Two Hats:Thoughts on health and wellness from Teething: Myths, Facts, Do’s and Don’ts

– BY SISTER ALIDA – NATUROPATHIC HEALTH CARE CENTRE.

What is the difference between Hay Fever, Allergic Rhinitis and Sinusitis?

Remember that “itis” normally refers to infection.  So when we think of sinusitis, we know that 80% of cases is a viral infection causing inflamed mucous membranes, over production of mucous and congestion.  About 20% of cases are caused by bacteria.  
Hay Fever, seasonal allergy and allergic rhinitis all refer to an overreaction of the immune system to a harmless substance like pollen, resulting in a histamine secretion.  Histamine reaction is your immune system’s way of getting rid of the allergen.  As a result of that, your mucous membranes become inflamed, red and swollen.  A watery discharge streaming out of the nose and the eyes.  Eyes are red and itchy and a lot of sneezing may occur.  Your body is now really trying to do you a favour by getting rid of the invader.
Furthermore, your immune system is not stupid.  It has a clever way of dealing with its “fears”It produces little “guards” by the name of immunoglobulins (Ige).  Next time when it notices some pollen dust, cat hair, etc., those antibodies are ready instantly.  Before you even know that spring is in the air, the whole cascade of reactions take place and you sit with your watery eyes, runny nose and your sneezing.

Treatment
Conventional treatment includes.

1. Anti-histamine – Anti histamines act by binding those antibodies so that they cannot call in their reinforcements which is histamine.  Therefore you will not suffer the consequences of a histamine reaction.  Some of the most common side-effects include: headache; drowsiness; dizziness; blurred vision; confusion; dry mouth; constipation; and difficulty passing urine. And once the antihistamine effect wears off, hay fever symptoms usually return.
2. Decongestants – they act by narrowing the blood vessels in the nose area, reducing swelling and congestion.
3. Steroids (corticosteroids) for hay fever are available as sprays, creams and tablets. Steroids create many more problems than antihistamines. They lead to unpleasant and even dangerous side-effects such as high blood pressure, bleeding from the bowels or stomach, reduced healing, poor muscle growth, weight gain, and electrolyte imbalances. Long term use increases the likelihood of diabetes, glaucoma, and eye damage.

Simple Steps for Managing Hay Fever
There are several self-help measures that cost very little which you can do yourself to help with hay fever.   They are:

1. Drink plenty of water. When you’re well hydrated the mucous membranes of your nose remain moist to expel allergens more easily.
2. Coat your nostrils. Lightly smear a non-absorbent ointment, such as paw-paw ointment, onto the inner surface of your nostrils to provide a protective barrier that traps allergens.
3. Know your triggers. Most hay fever sufferers are affected by the wind but some are worse indoors while others itch and sneeze when outside. Avoid your triggers when pollen counts are high.
4. Look after your gut.  Inflammation in the intestines can cause a leaky gut syndrome which is a leading cause in allergies.   Try and follow a sugar free and gluten free diet and supplement with a good probiotic. 

Probiotics are bacteria that are thought to help maintain a healthy gut. They are found in certain foods, such as yogurt with live active cultures, kefir and sauerkraut, and also supplements. Probiotics may change the balance of bacteria in the intestines in a way that could protect the immune system from flaring up in response to pollens and other allergens, which may help reduce allergy symptoms    Please refer to Dr Marlo Swanepoel’s article in the next issue.
Homoeopathic approach
In homoeopathy, we treat by the law of similars.  “Homeopathic Law of Similars is based on certain characteristic symptoms being the key to choosing a remedy.

A substance which may in a large dose cause undesirable symptoms, can in homeopathic potency repel these similar symptoms out of your system and the body rebalances and heals. Law of Potentization-homeopathy uses the smallest dose to effect a cure. By extreme dilution and Homeopathic potentization, curative properties are enhanced and poisonous and undesirable side effects ameliorated.”
By now you should be able to think about something that you have in your own kitchen that causes burning , watery eyes and runny nose, causing you to run for an open door, looking for some fresh air …. Yes chopped onion.  Our homoeopathic remedy for these symptoms would be Allium Cepa, which is nothing other than red onion.  Allium Cepa is prescribed for  exactly that.
Onions and garlic can be used for their homeopathic effect – the symptoms they cause, they can also treat. Both contain natural compounds that reduce the inflammation of hay fever. Add them liberally to your meals or, if you are up to it, eat them by themselves to reduce nasal irritation and streaming eyes.
In our arsenal we also have a few other remedies that are well indicated in the treatment of hay fever.

1. Arsenicum album (Ars.) This is one of the best remedies for hay fever.  Burning or itching in the nose, eyes or throat being a strong indication.  The discharges from both eyes and nose will be burning (but check to make sure that Allium cepa or Euphrasia are not better indicated – Euphrasia has the opposite symptoms). An improvement of the symptoms in the open air, although sensitive to light, is usually an indication for this remedy.
2. Euphrasia (Euphr.) A classic remedy for hay fever where, again, there is lots of sneezing with streaming eyes and nose.  If the water from the eyes burns the cheeks and the discharge from the nose is not too bad, this remedy is needed.  (Allium cepa has the opposite symptoms). The remedy is indicated if the symptoms improve in the open air – obviously away from pollen.  Sensitivity to light may be apparent in both Euphrasia and Allium cepa.
3. Natrum muriaticum (Nat-m.) Initially, there is a streaming, bland discharge from both the eyes and nose with lots of sneezing.  Later, there is nasal discharge that is thick and clear like the white of an egg with loss of taste and smell.  This is not one of the main remedies for hay fever but it can bring great relief to the type who gets easily burned, feel generally miserable, uncomfortable, blotchy and irritated in the sun.
4. Nux vomica (Nux-v.) This is one of the best remedies for when there is lots of sneezing, streaming from the eyes and nose, and an irritable, nasty mood.  (If they are sweet tempered, it is unlikely to help.) The symptoms are worse in dry air and relieved when the atmosphere is damp.
5. Pulsatilla pratensis (Puls.) The main indications for this remedy are a weepy, needy, state of mind, together with discharges that are thick, bland (not acrid) and green or yellow.  Pulsatilla frequently has one side of the nose blocked or congested.
6. Sulphur (Sulph.) Watery, burning nasal discharge, or a blocked nose, when outside. Frequent sneezing. Blocking of nose on alternate sides. Burning pain in eyes. Symptoms worsened by warmth and becoming warm in bed. Better for being in open air. May be lazy, opinionated, and desire sweets, alcohol, and spicy food.
7. Histaminum ( Hist.) Consider this remedy when either no other remedy seems accurate or if other remedies have been tried and haven’t worked.
8. Kali bichromicum ( Kali-bi.) Consider this remedy when thick, stringy, green or yellowish mucus from the nose or throat is present. There may also be a post-nasal or pain at the root of the nose relieved by hard pressure.
9. Sabadilla officinarum (Sabad.) Hay fever with frequent, spasmodic sneezing that exhausts the person. Sneezing from tickling inside the nose, and sneezing that causes the eyes to water. Profuse, watery nasal discharge and red and burning eyelid margins. Symptoms worse in the open air, better in a warm room. Dry mouth but little thirst.
10. Solidago ( Solid.) Burning, stinging eyes. Paroxysms of sneezing with mucus discharge from nose. One of the main remedies for people allergic to house dust mite.
11. Wyethia helenoides (Wye) Tremendous itching of the upper palate of the mouth causing the person to make “clucking” noises in effort to provide some relief. Itching of the nose and throat, along with a constant desire to swallow saliva to relieve the dryness may also be present.

 
Your homoeopayhic practitioner
Because you may find it difficult to sort through your symptoms and all the different remedies available, an appointment can be made with a homeopath that will assess your symptoms in full and make a constitutional prescription to help you get on top of the problem once and for all.
                      
Reference:

1. https://abchomeopathy.com/c.
2. http://www.medicinenet.com/
3. https://www.elixirs.com

FIRST TRIMESTER:
In the first few weeks of pregnancy, the embryo develops three layers of cells.
·         The Endoderm: it will eventually become your baby's digestive system.
·         The Mesoderm: it is the source of the sex organs, bones, kidneys and muscles.
·         The Ectoderm, or outer layer, develops into the nervous system, hair, skin and                   eyes.

At its most basic level, the digestive system is a series of tubes leading from the mouth to the anus. 

By about 8 weeks’ gestation, that tube is starting to form along with the stomach. 

By about week 10, the stomach starts to produce digestive juices and enzymes.  For now, your baby is getting all his nutrition from you, via the placenta and umbilical cord (and he’s sending the waste right back into the placenta). Her own digestive system won’t take over for real until she is born and starts consuming breast milk or formula.

SECOND TRIMESTER:
Early in the second trimester, around week 13, the digestive system’s structures are fully formed and in the right places. Now it’s time for practice: Baby begins to suck and swallow amniotic fluid and the muscles and organs that make up the digestive system start to contract. He also pees every 40 minutes. These are all tasks that baby will rely on for digestion once she’s out in the world, consuming breast milk, formula and eventually solid food.

THIRD TRIMESTER:
The digestive system continues to practice its waste management duties, but it won’t be fully ready for prime time until your baby is born and starts taking all her nutrition by mouth (instead of by umbilical cord).

Still, in the final weeks of pregnancy, the digestive system gets ready for its own first delivery: meconium starts to build up in the intestine. This is baby’s first bowel movement. Instead of food, it’s made up of the stuff your baby collected in his intestines while in utero (like old blood cells and skin cells), which is why it looks so drastically different from the baby poop yet to come. 

FIRST WEEKS AFTER BIRTH

During gestation, your baby received nutrients and disposed of waste products through the placenta. At birth, this changed abruptly, but your newborn's digestive system is still very immature. As a result, he may lose up to 10 percent of his body weight in the first days of his life, as he adjusts to using his digestive system. Because a newborn's stomach is small, your infant needs frequent feedings. Breast milk is high in fat because that's the most efficient way for your baby to meet his caloric needs. Ounce for ounce, fat contains over twice as many calories as proteins or carbohydrates.

Your baby’s tummy is about the size of a small marble at birth. After three days, it is about the size of a ping-pong ball, but still can’t hold much.1


Until she is about 4 months old, your baby’s tummy can hold only small amounts of milk at a time. Too much milk during feedings can cause your baby to spit up or be fussy.

Spitting up can happen when your baby:
·         Burps (this is called a wet burp)
·         Eats too much
·         Swallows too much air
There is no reason to worry about these common causes for your baby spitting up. It is not painful, and most babies do not even realize they have done it. As long as your baby is healthy and gaining weight, it is simply part of the development process. It might seem like a lot, but the amount of liquid your baby spits up might not be as much as you think.  One tablespoon is normal, but it looks like a lot.

WHAT IS COLIC?
The cause of colic is unknown. Researchers have explored a number of possibilities, including allergies, lactose intolerance, changes in the normal bacteria found in the digestive system, a digestive system that hasn't fully developed, anxious parents, and differences in the way a baby is fed or comforted. Yet it's still unclear why some babies have colic and others don't.

The "Rule Of Threes."
When infants cry for three or more hours a day at least three days a week for three weeks or more, it could be colic.  

Colic generally begins at 2 to 3 weeks; it is unusual after 3 months. 

Fussing and crying are normal for infants, and a fussy baby doesn't necessarily have colic. In an otherwise healthy, well-fed baby, signs of colic include:
·         Predictable crying episodes. 
·         Intense or inconsolable crying. 
·         Crying that occurs for no apparent reason. 
·         Posture changes. Curled up legs, clenched fists and tensed abdominal muscles.
·         It usually starts a few weeks after birth and often improves by age 3 months. By ages 4 to 5 months, the majority of babies with colic have improved.

THE HOMOEOPATHIC APPROACH
If we understand the stages through which a new born baby’s digestive system develops, then it is easier to stay calm when baby has reflux, gas, diarrhea and some discomfort.  Crying is your baby’s only way of telling you something is bothering him. It does not always mean he is experiencing serious discomfort. Check first to see if he is too cool or warm, hungry, gassy, or tired, or if he needs a diaper change.

Colic improves on its own, often by age 3 months. Unfortunately, there are no proven treatments that consistently help every baby. Treatments that have been tried include:
·         Gas & Cramp -relief medications:
·         Calming the tummy nerves
·      Probiotics. Probiotics are substances that help maintain the natural balance of "good" bacteria in the digestive tract. This kind of treatment is relative expensive so do not experiment without seeking advice from a knowledgeable practitioner. 

Homoeopathic remedies that can be considered:
·         Carbo vegetabilis is indicated for flatulence, and burning crampy, stomach pain.
·         Magnesium Phosphoricum is used to treat abdominal bloating and flatulent colic.
·         Strychnos nux-vomica  is indicated for flatulence, symptoms that are associated with mental strain and rritability.

All the above remedies are found in Natura Magen.

·         Achillea millefolium relieves acute pain in the pit of the stomach.
·   Arnica montana relieves stomach pain and abdominal discomfort associated with loose stools and aversion to touch.
·         Calendula officinalis quietens apparent hunger in a baby who has just nursed.
·  Centaurium erythraea helps relieve gripping abdominal pains and colic with excessive flatulence and which tends to be more severe at night.
·    Matricaria recutita (Chamomilla) is indicated for painful teething, regurgitation of food, abdominal distension and colic accompanied by loose stools.

All the above remedies are found in Natura Cesranol

• Banisteropsis caapi relieves nervous hypersensitivity.
  
• Cuprum aceticum helps treat spasmodic pains in stomach and abdomen.
  
• Magnesium phosphoricum has anti-spasmodic and analgesic action on all muscular tissue and treats twitches, and spasmodic, colicky pain.
  
• Veratrum viride has anti-congestive action and treats twitches and hiccoughs.
  
• Verbena officinalis has a general anti-spasmodic properties.
• Zincum metallicum acts on the central nervous system to treat muscular twitches, difficult teething, hiccough and flatulent colic.

All the above remedies are found in Natura Sedaped

Good advice
A good support system gives you a much needed break when your baby’s crying becomes overwhelming. Ask for help from your partner or a family member to get relief or sleep when you need it. If the crying makes you feel like you might lose control, calmly and safely place your baby in a crib, and step away briefly to collect your thoughts and calm down. Feeling overwhelmed is only temporary — never shake an infant.

Resources:
All content here, including advice from doctors and other health professionals, should be considered as opinion only. Always seek the direct advice of your own practitioner in connection with any questions or issues you may have regarding your own health or the health of others.

www.livestrong.com › Diseases and Conditions

1. Spangler AK, et al. J Hum Lact. 2008;24:199-205. 
2. Behrman RE, et al. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 16th ed. Philadelphia: WB Saunders Co., 2000:165. 
3. Samour PQ and King K. Handbook of Pediatric Nutrition. 3rd ed. Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett Publishers, 2005:90. 
4. Fomon SJ. Infant Nutrition. 2nd ed. Philadelphia: WB Saunders Co., 1974:24. 
Mayo Clinic Staff
Natura Website - http://www.comedhealth.co.za/

By Sister Alida Idema

Watch out for our informative talks on the application of homoeopathy in common dis-ease. It takes place at our Health Care Centre, every First Tuesday of each month.


Most households have a first aid kit containing plasters and ointments.  You may wish to make up your own homoeopathic home kit as well, building on it as you need them and as you gain knowledge and experience.

Homeopathy will prepare you for most minor emergencies. All that remains is for you to practice – the more you practice, the more you learn, the better you become. Your homoeopathic practitioner is just a phone call away and the friendly staff at the Naturopathic Health Care Centre is always willing to assist.

While it is always important to seek medical advice for serious injuries and situations, don’t forget that even here, homeopathy can help. A few doses of the needed remedy while the ambulance is on the way can make all the difference when every minute counts.

30 common ailments, accidents and injuries:

1.       Anaphylaxis: Aconite; Apis Mellifera.

2.       Bedwetting: Causticum, Belladonna, Rhus Tox

3.       Bites and stings: Apis Mellifera; Arnica; Canthharis; Ledum.

4.       Blisters: Cantharis; Rhus-tox.

5.       Bruises: Arnica; Ledum.

6.       Burns and scalds: Cantharis; Urtica-urens.

7.       Colds & Coughs: Aconite, Euphrasia

8.       Cuts, scrapes and puncture wounds: Arnica; Calendula; Hypericum; Ledum.

9.       Dental Work & surgery: Arnica; Hypericum; Ruta, Staphysagrae.

10.   Dehidration: China

11.   Electroshock: Phoshorus.

12.   Eye injuries: Arnica; Ledum; Euphrasia; Symphytum.

13.   Fatigue and exhaustion: Kali phos, Arnica, Nux vom

14.   Food poisoning: Arsenicum-album; Nux-vomica.

15.   Fractures: Arnica; Symphytum.

16.   Headache: Belladonna, Nux Vomica, Glonoin

17.   Heat stroke or exhaustion: Belladonna; Glonoin.

18.   Hyperventilation: Aconite.

19.   Motion sickness: Cocculus; Tabacum.

20.   Nosebleeds: Arnica; Phoshorus, Hypericum

21.   Nausea and overindulgence: Nux-vomica

22.   Panic and Shock: Aconite.

23.   Skin conditions: Rhus tox, Urtica urens

24.   Sleep problems: Chamomilla, Valeriana, Hypericum

25.   Splinters and thorns: Silicae.

26.   Sprains and strains: Arnica; Hypericum; Ledum; Rhus-t; Ruta.

27.   Teething: Calc carb, Chamomilla

28.   Toothache: Arnica, Belladonna, Hypericum

29.   Travel sickness: Cocculus, Tabacum

30.   Wounds: Staphysagria

 30 Common First Aid Remedies:

The following remedies are some of the most commonly used homoeopathic remedies to treat people in first aid situations. Study them and choose only ten for a start.  Keep in pillule form for stability as you are not using them all the time.

1.       Aconite: is a good remedy when chills, fevers, coughs, croup etc. come with a rapid onset. Also a great remedy for mental/emotional fright or shock after bad news, or an accident.

2.       Antimonium Crudum: Works very good for sunstrokes – heat strokes. A very good summer remedy.

3.       Apis Mellifica: Can be used for various types of swelling and inflammation caused by animal or insect bites and stings.

4.       Argentum nitricum: Stomach upsets. The rushed and hurried diarrhoea, sickness, bloating, flatulence and headache you might get from nerv­ous anticipation. It’s wonderful for pre-driving test, or pre-flight nerves.

5.       Arnica: It is basically for any physical shock or trauma. Give first in any accident or injury, for bruises, bumps and bangs. Use in ointment where the skin is unbroken, if broken use Calendula.

6.       Arsenicum album: One of the leading remedies for diarrhea, especially from food poisoning and flu. It is a perfect remedy to relieve “upset tummy” from unfamiliar foods.

7.       Belladonna: Illnesses that come on suddenly and vio­lently, resulting in throbbing pain, red­ness and swelling. Belladonna. Ear problems are especially prevalent; the sufferer will lit­erally be driven mad with pain. It is particularly useful in measles and almost specific for scarlet fever, though these illnesses are no longer common. Most sunstroke responds well to Belladonna.

8.       Calcarea Carb: for slow difficult teething in children.

9.       Calendula: It is nature’s own natural antibiotic and also stops bleeding very well. Use in an ointment form for open wounds, cuts, sores, burns, and similar injuries. Helps relieve infection.

10.   Cantharis: For burns, particularly ones that blister.

11.   Carbo Veg: is a number one remedy for resuscitation. It is also called the "Homoeopathic corpse reviver". This remedy has saved many lives. Symptoms at their most extreme are complete state of collapse due to oxygen starvation. Body is cold, pale or blue.

12.   Chamomila: A favorite child’s remedy particularly for ear ache and teething.

13.   China: for dehydration. Complaints often arise after loss of fluids / severe dehydration (e.g. after fever or diarrhea).

14.   Cocculus: For sea sickness and travel sickness.

15.   Colocynth: For colic, tummy aches, diarrhea.

16.   Euphrasia officinalis: Comes from the herb, eyebright, and relieves persistent pain following the removal of a foreign object, or irritated, streaming eyes and nose.

17.   Glonoinum: Suits heat stroke in which there is a congestive headache, surging of blood to head and heart, and pulsating pains.

18.   Hepar Sulphuricum: For sore throats, or loss of voice.

19.   Hypericum: Never to be used on open wounds. Also works well for nosebleed. It can be taken before and after dental extractions and any other surgery. Have great anti-tetanus properties. For injuries to parts with high nerve fibres such as the mouth, tongue, fingers, etc. Great for the "caught the finger in the car door" or any other "crush" injuries. For paper cuts, it closes them up immediately.

20.   Ledum: Puncture wounds and blunt trauma to the eyes. Insect bites and stings.

21.   Nux vomica: Stomach upsets, headaches and hang­overs caused by over-indulgence.

22.    Phosphorus: Bleeding wounds/nose bleeds. Phos­phorus stops bleeding virtually instant­aneously.

23.   Rhus tox: Bruised, sore muscles and joints. This patient has stiff, sore joints and muscles but is better for movement. Rhus tox can be used for skin con­ditions that present like “poison ivy” rashes, for example chicken pox and shingles.

24.   Ruta grav: Strained joints and ligaments. Ruta helps with ligaments and ten­don injuries, where Rhus tox is more muscular.

25.   Silicea terra: The ‘homeopathic scalpel’. When used for embedded foreign substances it helps the body expel them.

26.   Staphysagria: Lacerated wounds. It can be used pro­phylactically for open surgery. Keyhole surgery would be better with Ledum.

27.   Symphytum officinale: The main remedy for fractures once the bone has been set. – don’t use before, use Arnica instead. Also useful for punctured or ruptured eyeballs.

28.   Tabacum: A good motion sickness remedy when there is nausea, dizziness, chills, and sweating. Symptoms are worsened by tobacco smoke.

29.   Urtica urens: Skin conditions. As the name suggests this is useful for urticaria, but only the sort that produces little vesicles and/or raised lumps like nettle rash. It’s great for “prickly heat”. Urtica can be used for minor burns and scalds as well. 

30.   Valeriana officinalis: Most commonly known for it sedative properties, Valeriana officinalis may be prescribed for nervousness, stress, anxiety, hysteria and insomnia. It may also help with muscle cramps and reducing blood pressure.

Dosage and directions:

1.       Potency: If you are just starting out with homoeopathy it is recommended that you stock your kit in the 12th potency. If you are more experienced you may choose to stock some remedies in the 30th potency.

2.       Frequency: It depends on the intensity of the complaint – the more intense the symptoms, the more frequent the dose.

3.       Golden rule of homeopathy:  is that once symptoms start to improve, stop taking the remedy. Only re-dose if improvement slows or symptoms start to return.  This approach avoids too-frequent doses of the remedy that may cause an aggravation – a temporary intensification of symptoms. While aggravations are usually mild and not harmful, they are also unnecessary and show that too much of the remedy has been taken.

 
Reference:

http://homeopathyplus.com.au/Fran Sheffield, homeopathic Consultant and Educator

http://www.britishhomeopathic.org/Carol Jackson MRPharmS DFHom (Pharm)

First Aid with Homeopathic Medicines, By Dana Ullman MPH, CCH

Homeopathic First Aid Kit -  10 essential remedies. BY Dr  Carrie Demers.