Sister Alida Idema
​It is found in the root of the nose.

Think aeroplane cabin….  Back in the 1930’s the first aircraft was equipped with a pressurised cabin, enabling passengers and crew to breath more comfortably in the thinner air when reaching high altitudes. Since then, cabin pressurisation has become a technology that most passengers take for granted. Cabins are pressurised by pumping fresh air into them after which the air is cooled and humidified and then circulated throughout the cabin.

Apart from creating a more comfortable environment, it is an important safety feature. Your cells need oxygen to produce energy and help your organs and tissues to do their jobs. Iron, that is contained in the haemoglobin of the blood, carries oxygen to every cell in the body. So, once the cabin achieves an ideal pressure level that is safe for the passengers, the aircraft maintains it at that level.

However, sometimes things go wrong for whatever reason, As the aircraft cabin loses its pressure, oxygen masks will automatically drop down in front of passengers.   Normally our bodies can maintain optimal oxygen levels enabling all our systems to work properly, but sometimes we need to supplement with the oxygen carrier, Ferrum phos.

Ferrum phos is known as the first aid remedy and is the most important tissue salt to take at the first sign of infection and inflammation.  It brings oxygen to the cells that assists healing. It is able to strengthen the blood vessels and their ability to distribute oxygen rich blood to the cells and carry the carbon dioxide back to the lungs. 

The presence of Ferrum phos activates all sort of processes within the body especially the process of releasing energy from the food we eat. 

Chronic conditions that ask for supplementing with Ferrum phos are fatigue and exhaustion, poor concentration, low immune resistance, migraines and headaches, rheumatoid pains. In acute cases Ferrum phos is given during the first stages of a common cold, earache, sore throat, feverish conditions (with pulsating pain, flushed cheeks and ears), joint pains, red and burning eyes, menstrual pain and gastrointestinal conditions.
​
Foods that are rich in ferrum phos are garlic, celery, parsley, spinach, radishes and lettuce. Our hard-working bodies and busy minds can benefit by eating lots of these, fresh or cooked.

And finally, take Ferrum phos - tissue salt no. 4 every day.

The Naturopathic Health Care Centre provides a friendly environment where the whole family is taken care of.   The three registered homoeopaths together with the registered nursing sister are able to take care of a vast range of health issues.

Consult with one of our Homoeopathic Practitioners.  

• Our services include diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic illnesses with emphasis on health promotion, disease prevention, health maintenance and education.   
  
• Coughs, colds, ear infections, tonsillitis, skin conditions, fever, diaper rash, childhood diseases, diarrhoea and vomiting are a few of the everyday ailments that we treat. 
  
• We also deal with other concerns like constant crying, temper tantrums, thumb sucking and bed wetting

Visit our Well Baby Clinic - Services provided by the sister:

• Growth & milestone assessments
  
• Breastfeeding / bottle-feeding advice and support
  
• Introduction of solids advice and support
  
• We give professional advice on: Baby colic and cramps, breast feeding, teething, potty training and sleep patterns

Regrettably we do not do allopathic vaccinations at the Centre, but you can talk to us about nosode treatment and immune boosting therapies.

Attend our Mom & Baby socialisation Workshop
Enjoy two hours of relaxed interaction with other mommies.  Tea, coffee and snacks are served while listening to an informative talk by Dr Chantell Groenewald or Sr Alida Idema.  
​
Mom & Baby groups are held on the last Tuesday morning of every month. We can accommodate up to 20 moms, therefore please phone the reception to book your spot.  Visit our website for the dates and times.

Hoeveel werkende ma’s, wat hul babas en kleutertjies daagliks by dagmoeders moet gaan aflaai, loop hulle nie op die een of ander dag vas teen die “verset” van so ‘n betrokke klein mensie nie?  Oor die jare het daar eintlik min verander om hierdie situasie vir ‘n mamma beter te maak. 

Hier volg ‘n gesprek tussen my en my kleuter van destyds:
Ek:      “Gaan jy môre weer lekker by tannie Christa speel?”
Kind:   (Kopskuddend) “Hmm Umm.”
Ek:      “Ja toe, man.”
Kind:   “Ek klaar by tannie Kista peel het, tannie Kista nou genoeg gehad het.”
Ek:      “Nou wil jy môre terug na die babaskool toe gaan?”
Kind:   “Hmm Umm.”
Ek:      “Nou waarheen wil jy môre gaan?”
Kind:   “Tug na jou toe, Mamma.”
 
Ek het ‘n paar kenners onder wie ‘n maatskaplike werkster, ‘n opvoedkundige, ‘n sielkundige en ‘n kleuterskoolonderwyseres met die volgende vrae genader:

• Is daar ‘n meer of minder ideale tyd om terug te gaan?
• Hoe kompenseer ‘n ouer op ‘n gesonde manier?
• Waarmee sus ‘n ma haar skuldige gewete?
• Hoe skadelik is dit vir kinders om so min ouerkontak te hê, veral voorskoolse kindertjies?

 
Wanneer kan ‘n ma weer gaan werk?
Daar is nie ‘n ideale tyd om terug te gaan werktoe nie.  Dit is ‘n persoonlike besluit wat oorweeg moet word na aanleiding van die volgende:

1. Moeder en baba se gesondheid                                                                                                     Daar is baie aanpassings om te maak gedurende die eerste paar maande.  ‘n Moeder wat natuurlik geboorte geskenk het herstel gewoonlik vinniger as ‘n ma wat ‘n keisersnit ondergaan het.
2. Die kind se behoeftes en ontwikkelling. Vanaf geboorte tot ses maande: Beskou die eerste drie maande as die “vierde trimester” van swangerskap en dop elke moontlike steen om sodat jy by jou baba kan wees gedurende hierdie tydperk.  Alhoewel “bonding” alreeds plaasvind gedurende die swangerskap, word dit juis nou bevestig.  Dit is ook gedurende hierdie tydperk wat baba se voedingsbehoeftes baie veranderlik is en die meeste aandag verg.   Nege tot vier-en-twintig maande: Baie kenners meen dat die tydperk die belangrikste tyd is vir identifikasie met die primere versorger en manifesteer die vrees om ‘n ouer, veral die moeder, te verloor baie sterk. Drie jaar en ouer: Dit is belangrik dat daar sosiale blootstelling gegee word, maar daar is steeds die behoefte aan emosionele veiligheid en geborgenheid. Wanneer ‘n kind skool toe gaan, is die kritieke vormingsjare agter die rug.
3. Finansiele oorwegings: Vir die meeste moeders weeg hierdie ongelukkig die swaarste, want vir baie is daar geen ander opsie as om te moet gaan werk nie. Jy kan egter probeer om beheer te neem oor die situasie en met jou werkgewer onderhandel vir ‘n deeltydse pos, meer aanvaarbare ure of van die huis af werk.
4. Emosionele oorwegings: Die meeste jong moeders is ongemaklik daarmee dat iemand anders bedags vir hulle instaan. Vir ander is dit egter ‘n uitkoms uit ‘n lang eensame dag.  Baie vroue bou aan ‘n loopbaan en kan moeilik leef sonder die vervulling wat ‘n loopbaan meebring.
5. Logistieke oorwegings: Daar is die keuse tussen ‘n dagsorg fasiliteit en ‘n “nanny”. Moontlik is daar ‘n ouma of ‘n ander famililid beskikbaar wat kan uithelp.  Deesdae is daar ook die moontlikheid dat pappa ‘n rukkie kan uithelp met die tuisversorging vir die eerste paar maande.

Kan ek aanhou borsvoed ?
Ja, jy kan.  Maar moet dit nie alleen prober doen nie.  Daar is baie mammas wat suksesvol borsvoed, uitmelk en voltyds werk.  Maar dit is nie vir almal maklik nie.

• Belê in ‘n goeie elektriese borspomp.
• Versamel borsmelk en vries, begin vroegtydig.
• Pomp gereeld om melkproduksie te stimuleer. 
• Melk uit en vries wat ookal jy kan, moenie ‘n spesifieke hoeveelheid teiken nie, dit sal jou gespanne laat voel. Spanning is die slegste ding vir melkproduksie.
• Probeer natuurlike maniere om melkproduksie te verhoog. Voorbeelde is Fenugreek en Brouers gis.   Moenie langer as twee weke gebruik nie.
• Drink baie water.  Dit gebeur dikwels dat ‘n nuwe mamma vergeet om genoeg vloeistowwe in te neem.
• Sluit aan by ondersteuningsgroepe soos La Leche League, “Exclusive pumpers”-faceboek groep of gaan vind uit by jou plaaslike gesondheidskliniek wat beskikbaar is in jou omgewing.

​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.

So here you are a very worried mom with a screaming baby and everybody is telling you a different story about colic.  You do not want to be a neurotic freak, but just now your baby has colic, what then….?
 
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.  I like to agree with the explanation that the first three months after birth is just another “trimester”.   At birth your newborn's digestive system is still very immature and It will take about another three months for the digestive system to adjust to the circumstances outside the womb.  Fussing and crying is 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.

 
What to do:

• Get a good support system.  You are going to need the help.
• Take your baby for a good check up by a medical practitioner in order to rule out physical causes for the condition.
• Breastfeeding mothers could try a few adjustments to their diet. Problem foods may include: Alcohol, chocolate, spices, cabbage, onion, garlic, peppers, strawberries, oranges, grapes, eggs, wheat, and coffee.
• There are several homoeopathic remedies to relax the intestinal muscles and to help with excessive gas and acidity.
• Probiotics to supplement the friendly flora in the gut may help with the digestive process.
• Colic babies like to suck in order to relax. Offer a pacifier or read the section about cluster feeding.

 
Cluster feeding
Often a fussy, hungry and irritable baby in the evenings is mistaken for a colicky baby. To allow your baby to cluster feed between 18h00 and 22h00 might just solve your problem.  If I could turn the clock back a couple of years, I would have done things so much different.  I would  make sure that I prepare myself, my household and my family to allow for a few hours of exclusive  feeding  time with my fussy, needy baby.  Another point I want to make is:  Your baby’s need for more frequent feeds is not a sign that your milk is not sufficient or that your milk is too “weak”. We do know that cluster feeding is just nature’s way of increasing your milk supply during times your baby needs it, but it is not a sign that you should switch to bottle feeding or give extra feeds.
 
When to worry

• When you start feeling overwhelmed and you are losing control.  Don’t shake the baby.  Rather put the screaming baby down safely and leave the room for a few minutes.  Phone somebody you can trust and go back when you feel in control.
• Watch out for symptoms that could indicate a more serious medical condition like projectile vomiting, diarrhea, fever, poor weight gain or weight loss, lethargy.

 (Pyloric stenosis is a rare condition of the stomach valve.  It is normally diagnosed between 3 – 5weeks when baby starts with projectile vomiting.  The diagnosis is confirmed with a sonar and is repaired with an operation)

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, but a visit to your local homoeopathic clinic will be very beneficial to yourself and your baby. 
The practitioner will work out a formulation for gas and cramp relief, as well as something to calm the tummy nerves.

If you want to look around in your health shop or pharmacy for a homoeopathic remedy, make sure some of the following simplexes are in it:
Gas and cramp relief

• Carbo vegetabilis is indicated for flatulence, and burning crampy, stomach pain.
• Magnesium Phosphoricum is used to treat abdominal bloating and flatulent colic, stomach cramps
• Nux-vomica is indicated for flatulence, symptoms that are associated with mental strain and rritability.

• 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.
• Chamomilla  is indicated for painful teething, regurgitation of food, abdominal distension and colic accompanied by loose stools.

 
Calming the tummy nerves

• 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.
• Zincum metallicum acts on the central nervous system to treat muscular twitches, difficult teething, hiccough and flatulent colic.

Probiotics. Probiotics are substances that help maintain the natural balance of "good" bacteria in the digestive tract.
Digestive Enzymes. Dygestive Enzymes are normally a non-animal broad spectrum formulae of digestive enzymes aiding in the digestive processes in the gut.
 
Conclusion
Please remember that the colicky stage will pass and you can only do your best.  Don’t judge yourself because you are not coping well.  Your next challenge is soon to come.  In our next talk, we shall discuss teething.
 
Resources:

1. www.livestrong.com › Diseases and Conditions
2. Mayo Clinic Staff
3. Natura Website - http://www.comedhealth.co.za/
4. The Science of Mom: A Research-Based Guide  to Your Baby’s First Year,  Alice Callahan, PhD,  published in August 2015 by Johns Hopkins Press

So here you are, a beginner mom and you are starting to realise that it is all about a series of tubes leading from the mouth to the anus.  You are almost sure that your little baby’s whole existence is caught up in that one tube…  And you are so right!
 
One of the first things you noticed after you took your precious baby in your arms was the “root reflex” It is seen in a newborn baby when the corner of the mouth is stroked and the baby turns its head in the direction of the stroking.  This helps the baby find the bottle or the nipple to begin feed.  Then when the roof of the mouth is touched, the baby will suck.
During my years of working in a homoeopathic practice, I have learned that most of the troubles you are going to have to deal with originate in the digestive system.  For this reason I find it to be very important to understand your baby’s gut early in her life.  Let us start at the beginning of life.

DURING THE GESTATION PERIOD
At 8 weeks’ gestation, that most important tube is starting to form along with the stomach and by week 10 the stomach starts to produce digestive juices and enzymes.  Early in the second trimester, around week 13, the digestive system’s structures are fully formed and in the right places. Baby begins to suck and swallow amniotic fluid and the muscles and organs that make up the digestive system start to contract. Baby also pees every 40 minutes. 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 the 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
At birth 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 is the most efficient way for your baby to meet his caloric needs.  Your baby’s tummy is about the size of a small marble at birth and until he 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. 
​
THE OPEN GUT
The “open gut” hypothesis has not been supported by good evidence, but it may be a good idea to keep that possibility in the back of your mind.  It is said that a baby’s gut is permeable until the age 4 – 6 months to allow breastmilk particles to move through the gut walls.  An immune response is caused in order to grant passive immunity to the young baby.  It is believed that if a baby eats solid foods too early in life, this very same process may cause an overreaction of the body’s immune response, leading to allergies and auto immune conditions. 

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. As long as your baby is healthy and gaining weight, it is simply part of the development process. It might seem like a lot, might not be as much as you think.  

What to do:

• Try to feed in a more upright position
• Wind the baby more regularly, during and after the feed
• Keep baby upright for about 30minutes after a feed.
• Experiment with different bottle teats.
• Keep baby still after feeds
• Feed more frequently for shorter periods.

When to worry:

• Projectile vomiting together with diarrhea and fever.
• weight loss
• Choking
• Dehydration – less than 5 wet nappies per day, warm dry skin, dry mouth and sunken fontanelle

The rotavirus is normally responsible for the most cases of diarrhea in small children.  It is normally found in children between ages six months and two years. Other common causes for diarrhea in small children are milk allergy, lactose intolerance and antibiotics.
 
What to do:

• Give plenty of liquids, avoid dehydration.
• Supplement with probiotics.

  
When to worry:

• Small amounts of blood and mucous in the stool
• Dehydration – less than 5 wet nappies per day, warm dry skin, dry mouth and sunken fontanelle

Constipation is not measured by the frequency of the stool, but rather by the look of it.  The stool will be small, dry and hard and you will notice that your baby is struggling to pass the stool.
It is more common in formula fed babies and may also occur when solids are introduced.
Most medications given for pain and fever also cause constipation.
 
What to do:

• Try and figure out what could be the cause and stop giving it for at least one day.  If it is medicine, discontinue it for a while.  If you changed the diet, go back to the previous regime for a day or two and then try again.
• Some petroleum jelly applied to the anal opening will ease defecation

 
When to worry:

• Baby cries while passing stools
• Small tears around anus
• Blood in the nappy.

You will notice that your homoeopathic practitioner will always look at the full picture and not only at the specific complaint.
If you read through the different homoeopathic remedies, you will see that the same remedy that is prescribed for constipation can also be given for diarrhea. 

Nux vomica, for instance, is a good example.   It is prescribed for all kinds of digestive disorders depending on the specific type of person who needs the treatment.  Silica is another one that can be given in both instances of diarrhea and constipation.  When the practitioner starts asking you questions about your baby’s sleep pattern and all over happiness, her reaction to strangers and her emotional wellbeing, then it is because your doctor is trying to match your baby with just that correct remedy.
In your health shop or pharmacy you will find several complex Homoeopathic remedies.  If you are trying to solve a mild condition, it is quite fine to buy them. 

For infants with diarrhea, they should contain some of the following simplexes:
Calcarea carbinicum: Chronic diarrhea and sour, undigested stools. For infants who are teething and for overweight children.
Chamomilla : For colicky or teething infants. For children who scream or hit and are extremely angry and for irritable and hypersensitive adults. The person’s face will be red and flushed. The diarrhea is hot, green and watery, smells like rotten eggs and is accompanied by abdominal pain and gas.
Mercurius solubilus: Burning watery stools and sometimes slimy blood-stained stools. Infants may have green stools. Offensive odor. Children will experience pain before, during, or after a stool and have frequent or constant urging and a never-get-done feeling. Anus is raw from burning stools. Symptoms are worse in the evening and at night. 
Podophylum: Watery, urgent, profuse and explosive diarrhea accompanied by much gas.  When diarrhea accompanies teething in children.
Silicea: For breast feeding infants who get diarrhea from mother's milk.
 
Homoeopathic remedies for infants with constipation should contain some of the following simplexes:
Calc-carbonica: When your baby seems to be not bothered at all in any way by being constipated and the bowel just seems inactive.  The constipation may accompany teething as well or not. They may have trouble digesting milk or be sensitive to lactose or milk protein.
Lycopodium: This is where the baby will be irritable with the constipation. Very gassy. Lots of burping and/or farting alongside the complaint. They will also be clingy and fussy in general from the discomfort and their abdomen will be distended or hard as a rock.
Nux-vomica : For an impatient, determined baby. Can be irritable but is independent rather than clingy. This baby will be trying to will strain and push but nothing will come out.
Opium: For stubborn constipation in infants, due to inaction of the intestines.  When passed they are little, hard, dry, black balls. It may get worse from gas building up in the upper part of the intestines.
Silica : When stools are hard, small and dark and are produced with much strain and effort. . Use if the constipation starts up coinciding with difficult and slow teething. Use if your baby's appetite is poor and they are not gaining weight satisfactorily.
 
Conclusion
Please remember that your new born baby’s gut is still developing and many of the gut issues will pass by the time everything is nicely in place, anything between four and six months of age.  Now that you know how homoeopathy can assist in ordinary gut issues, we can focus on baby colic in our next talk.


​Resources:

1. www.livestrong.com › Diseases and Conditions
2. Mayo Clinic Staff
3. Natura Website - http://www.comedhealth.co.za/
4. The Science of Mom: A Research-Based Guide  to Your Baby’s First Year,  Alice Callahan, PhD,  published in August 2015 by Johns Hopkins Press

So here you are, a young first time mom with your brand new baby and the only thing you want…  is to do everything right. 

You have read a pile of baby magazines and you are subscribed to a few email newsletters to help you stay on track.  You are attending baby stimulation classes and go to workshops and somewhere along the line somebody mentioned Homoeopathy.  Yet another new topic to explore.

In my career as a nursing sister working in a homoeopathic practice, I have seen a number of little children whose parents were desperate.  Their kid is six months old and already finished her third course of antibiotics.  Often people come to the homoeopathic practitioner as a last resort.

It would be great if we could get our patients early, teach them what to look out for and help them to understand the value of the body’s own healing properties.  My ideal is to have parents who can act as first line healers in their own homes.    If we can achieve that, the world would be a better place. 

The first thing to understand is the illness:
​
Acute disease
An acute disease develops in a short period of time.  It is important that you learn to observe the circumstances during the early stages of development because your homoeopathic practitioner will ask about the following:

• Sensation: what does it feel like, like a splinter or a ball?   If it is a pain, is it a sharp or dull pain?  
• Location: where exactly is the discomfort? For example, on the left side of the throat, or on top of the scull.
• Extending to: For example, going towards the ears or down the leg
• Period: for how long, since when and what triggered it initially.
• Modalities: What aggravates it and what brings relief. For instance cold air makes it worse, but it is better from a warm bath.

An acute disease has the ability to develop quickly and can cause quite a bit of drama.  Often beginner parents will land in the casualties department of the hospital in the middle of the night with a feverish child.  The health care provider will do a proper check, diagnose the infection (which often is teething or tonsillitis) and off they go with their prescription for antibiotics.  
​
Parents should learn to watch out carefully for the symptoms, realise that the body’s own defense mechanism already kicked in with an inflammatory response causing a raised temperature, pain, swelling, tiredness, etc.  We are going to discuss the whole issue around fever in future talks.

The homoeopathic approach to acute diseases is to find a remedy or a complex of remedies that support the immune system in that specific area.  Most pharmacies keep homoeopathic complexes to treat almost any minor ailment and it is quite okay to keep some of those little bottles in your medicine cupboard.  It is a combination of remedies in low potency that can be taken frequently according to the acuteness of the situation.
In most cases the illness will start improving within 24 hours, starting on a mental level.  In other words, when you see your child does not moan anymore and starts looking happier, then you know that there is a turn for the better.

Chronic disease
A chronic illness develops over a longer period of time and it lasts for several months to years. A chronic case is more complicated to treat and will almost always need professional help.  Chronic disease has often to do with an over response of the body’s immune system.  You need a knowledgeable health care practitioner who are not only able to find the correct homoeopathic simplex , but who also has a good understanding of the physiological mechanism of the body and are able to tackle the condition from a different angle like for instance the digestive system.

Why does homoeopathy work?
To answer this question we must look into the history of homoeopathy.  It all started with Dr. Samuel Hahnemann, who qualified in 1791 as a medical doctor.  He practiced medicine for about nine years, but became increasingly disillusioned by the cruel and ineffective treatments of his time. At this point I must remind you that medicine and medical treatment in those days were not what we are used to these days.  They made use of plants and herbals of which some of the side effects were very dangerous and even poisonous.   

Dr. Hahnemann left practice and focused on studying, writing and translation work.   To make a long story short, he started experimenting on himself.  For that he used Peruvian bark, known as Cinchona. Homoeopaths call it China. 
 Hahnemann then observed that Cinchona produced in a healthy person the symptoms of malaria, the very disease that it was known to cure, a discovery which was a cornerstone in the development of homoeopathy.  He referred to it as similia similibus curentur, meaning let like be cured with like.  This principle became the first law of a system he called homoeopathy.  (Homoios – similar and pathos – disease.)

He started experimenting with smaller and smaller doses, until he got rid of the side effects, but now it no longer effected a cure.  He then developed a new method of dilution.  Instead of simply stirring the substance after each dilution, he shook it vigorously.  This shaking he called succusion and the liquid he called a potentised remedy.  He found that the more he dilutes the remedy, using the method of succusion, the more effectively his remedy cured.  He believed that the shaking released the energy of the substance and dissipated its toxic effects.  This of cause is difficult to understand, difficult to explain and difficult to accept.  How can anything so dilute have any affect?  Yet despite opposition homoeopathy survived and spread remarkably quickly – because it was remarkably effective. 

Important Principles, mode of action:
The classical homoeopath would give one remedy at a time, trying to match as much as possible symptoms of the patient with as much as possible characteristics of the remedy.  This is time consuming and hard work, but once a practitioner gets the hang of it, it becomes most rewarding. 

OTC’s on the market
Luckily for you, you do not have to become an expert before you can help your child.  There are complex remedies on the market that contains a combination of simplexes altogether aiming for the same target. 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. 

When to self-medicate and when to seek professional help.
This is something that is different for every person, depending on one’s knowledge, or lack thereof, but also one’s personality and nerve.  For instance, if you bump your toe, you are not going to ran off to the doctor.  But if the toe becomes hot and red and the pain persists for several days, you might suspect a fracture.  Then you might consider going to the doctor.  And then there are still a few who will say:  What will the doctor do?  Take an x-ray, confirm the fracture and bandage it.  I can do it myself. … 
While it is always important to seek professional 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.

Conclusion
Now you have an idea of what homoeopathy is about.  In the next talk we are going to discuss a few general conditions and remedies that work well on those conditions.

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.

NURSING AS CAREER OF CHOICE

1. What do nurses do?

Nursing is a challenging yet rewarding career.  Apart from the fact that nurses are trained to deliver a vital service to people in need of health care, they have a multitude of opportunities to further their careers and to establish a secure future for themselves.

A nurse can work in various hospitals and clinics in the community or specialise in general medical and surgical nursing science, trauma nursing, theatre nursing, community nursing, psychiatric nursing, midwifery nursing, paediatric nursing, neonatal nursing, nursing management and nursing education.

There are positions in nursing education, positions at all levels of management, working for doctors’ practices, as private nurse practitioners working for their own account, representative and marketing positions, positions with medical schemes and managed care organizations.

2. How do I become a nurse?

Training is offered at nursing education institutions. These institutions can be a nursing science department, a school of nursing in a university, or colleges of nursing and nursing schools.

2.1. What training does a university offer?

Universities offer a basic four-year, full-time undergraduate degree (BCur) that prepares students in four career fields, namely: general nursing (caring for people in hospitals, clinics and private practices); community nursing (primary healthcare and the prevention of disease in the com-munity); psychiatric nursing (treating the mental health of individuals); midwifery nursing (caring for mothers and babies).

Clinical (practical) nursing ex-perience is obtained at hospitals and other health services during the four years of study. Universities also offer post basic qualifications at diploma, degree, masters and doctorate levels.

2.2. What training does a college of nursing offer?

There are public and private nursing colleges and the most common courses they offer are: a four-year diploma leading to registration as a nurse (general, psychiatry, community or midwifery); a two-year bridging course; one-year courses; post basic diplomas.

2.3. What courses will I study?

A student can expect to study fundamental subjects such as anatomy and physiology, behavioural sciences, nursing, midwifery, community and psychiatric nursing.

2.4. What are the academic requirements for college study?

A matriculation certificate is the minimum admission requirement for college study.

2.5. What are the academic requirements for university study?

The admission requirements for university are a matriculation exemption (some universities require certain subjects like Biology, Physical Science or Mathematics). As there are different academic requirements, it would be best to contact the training institutions for their specific requirements.

2.6. What is the difference between a nursing degree and a diploma?

After four years of study, students from colleges and universities graduate as professional nurses. The difference between the diploma and the degree is the academic level at which students complete their studies. A BCur graduate will have an advantage when it comes to specialising in a certain field of nursing. Bridging courses are available for college graduates to 'top-up' their qualifications to a degree level to assist future career development.

A nursing college is the answer for the student who cannot afford university fees. An advantage is that students receive payment for their practical (clinical) work while they are studying. A university student is required to study as a full-time student.

3. How can I recognise a fly-by-night training institution?

Students must be very careful and make sure that the South African Nursing Council (SANC) has approved the nursing institution they register with. If the institution and/ or courses are not approved, SANC will not recognise the training and the student will not be allowed to practise. A list of the SANC approved nursing education institutions is available on their website www.sanc.co.za.

4. Nursing categories
In South Africa there are at present three categories of nurses: registered nurse, enrolled nurse and enrolled nursing auxiliary.

The SANC is currently reviewing all the nursing training programmes to align new nursing qualifications with the National Qualifications Framework and related legislations.

The new Nursing Act, 2005 identifies four nursing categories: professional nurse; midwife; staff nurse; nursing auxiliary or auxiliary midwife.

5. Websites to visit for more information on Training Institutions
www.sanc.co.za
www.vukuzenzele.gov.za
www.arwyp.com
www.netcare.co.za
www.nursingacademy


Referenses: 
www.sanc.co.za; 
www.vukuzenzele.gov.za;
www.arwyp.com; 
www.netcare.co.za
www.nursingacademy

HAPPINESS WITH HOMOEOPATHY

Experts say you won't find true joy in a paycheck or miracle wrinkle-remover. According to happiness researcher Sonja Lyubomirsky, PhD, of the University of California, Riverside, life circumstances account for only 10% of happiness. Half depends on our genetic "set point," which is kind of like the weight our body bounces back to after that crash diet. And about 40% of our happiness is influenced by what we do deliberately to make ourselves happy.

HOW IS HOMEOPATHY DIFFERENT?

Homeopaths believe that symptoms are the body’s signals and (failed) attempts to restore balance and health. Symptoms therefore should not be suppressed, if possible. Doing so disables the organism’s innate healing mechanism. Instead, a homeopath will give you a substance that mimics the symptoms of depression to accelerate its expression and get rid of it once and for all. Here is how it works:

Our energy creates a field around our bodies (which psychically receptive people can see as auras). Our physical body is both a template for our energy body and a manifestation of it. The ease with which energy flows through our body determines the way we present ourselves in the world. When we get stuck in a particular stance or attitude to life, the energy that normally flows freely through the energy body becomes blocked in certain areas and stagnates. Disease is a manifestation of this stagnation. Homeopaths believe we are pure energy and therefore prescribe energy medicine in the form of homeopathic remedies. By studying our behaviours and attitudes, a trained homeopath can trace the distinct (stuck) energy pattern and prescribe a corresponding remedy that mimics these core themes.


HOMOEOPATHIC REMEDIES AVAILABLE AT THE NATUROPATHIC HEALTH CARE CENTRE.

Compared to the dozen or so anti-depressant drugs on the market, there are hundreds of homeopathic remedies that can help overcome depression. Every individual has unique circumstances, attitudes, expectations and genetic predispositions. It is always best to make an appointment to see one of our homoeopaths for a proper evaluation and to use homeopathic remedies that are prescribed on the basis of this uniqueness.

1 Natura Rescue: 
Rescue is the tried and trusted remedy that aids in restoring calm and balance to help you cope with challenging situations. For use in the relief and treatment of emotional shock, fear, nervous stress, feeling of desperation, tearfulness and grief, sleeplessness due to emotional stress

2 Nervuton 2
Nervuton 2 has a relaxing and mildly sedative effect on the nervous system to help reduce the symptoms of stress including nervous tension, irritability, restlessness and disturbed sleep patterns, especially difficulty falling asleep.

3 Cerbo
Cerbo is a homoeopathic complex which helps relieve symptoms of an over-stressed, hyperactive nervous system.  It helps overcome brain fatigue, chronic tiredness, restlessness, poor concentration and poor memory and aims to promote astute brain functioning and muscular co-ordination. 

4 Nerva 1
The mind and skin are intertwined, resulting in many skin conditions being caused or exacerbated by stress, 

5 Nerva 2
Nerva 2 assists in supporting the function of the nervous system to assist in the treatment of tension headache, nerve-related muscular cramps and spasms

6 Nerva 3
This is a homoeopathic complex which helps to relieve the emotional symptoms of stress such as sadness, grief, tearfulness, over sensitiveness and moodiness.

References: Article Tags: vitality, homeopathic remedies, vitality magazine, homeopathy, depression, homeopathic remedies used for depression. Homoeopathic Remedies: Comed Health website

Die Hollanders is gerat vir die winterkoue, want hulle weet dat as jou maag binne warm is, dan ontdooi jou koue tone vanself.
 ~ Alida  

My skoonma se hollandse hutspot.

Bestanddele:

6 middelslag aartappels
10 middelslag wortels
4 uie
2 koppies  gaar botterbone of 1blikkie ingemaakte botterbone.
‘n  klontjie botter.
Sout en swartpeper na smaak.
Hoender  in blokkies gesny. (Hier kan jy kies hoe gesond jy wil eet.  Dit is net so lekker met stukkies bacon of boere wors in wieletjies gesny of bees kookvleis)

Metode:
Indien jy nie daarvan hou om die blikkies botterbone te gebruik nie, moet jy die boontjies vooraf sag kook.

Skil en kook al die bestanddele saam in een pot met ‘n half koppie water.

Druk al die groente saam fyn met ‘n aartappeldrukker en roer die botter goed deur.

Geur met sout en peper.

Braai die hoenderblokkies tot bruin en geur na smaak.

Laat dit ‘n paar minute prut om ‘n bruin geurige sousie te vorm.

Skep‘n groot blob groente in ‘n warm bord.

Maak ‘n holte met die agterkant van die lepel om ‘n dammetjie te vorm.

Skep die hoender en sousie bo-op die groente en smul.

Why?

Because of the changing of the season!  That is why now is a good time to visit the Naturopathic Health Care Centre. We have a flu corner here providing in all your needs.

Look what is to be found in this basket:

1. Natura Influenzinum 2013-2014 (now available)

Influenzinum is an oral, homeopathically prepared flu shot alternative and a natural treatment option.  It is updated every year and made in accordance with the Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia. It is diluted and potentised in the lab and rendered entirely safe and non-toxic. Influenzinum has been used for decades around the world and is praised for its effectiveness without the risks of vaccine side-effects.

2. Natura Pentagen

Pentagen contains a uniquely prepared herbal extract that is made from the roots of Pelargonium sidoides. Scientific research has proven that this South African medicinal plant has remarkable antibacterial properties and that it assists in regulating the immune system.

Clinical studies have also shown that it shortens the duration and reduces the severity of colds and other upper respiratory tract infections. Pentagen also contains key homoeopathic ingredients like Hydrastis canadensis and Kalium bichromium that have traditionally been used to relieve the unpleasant symptoms associated with colds.

For best results, take Pentagen at the first signs of a cold. It should be taken for at least 5 days, and it is recommended that it be taken for 2- 3 days after symptoms have abated to prevent recurrence.

3. Natura Gripless C is a favourite because it tastes nice, it has a soothing effect on the throat and the Ascorbic acid (Vit. C) helps to prevent the spread of infection.  

Gripless C acts to prevent acute conditions from progressing and has an anti-inflammatory action that assists in relief of fever and body pain associated with influenza.  It is prescribes for  rattling bronchial mucus with difficult expectoration, burning sensation in the lungs, perspiration and fatigue.  It contains Atropa belladonna that has an anti-inflammatory action on mucous membranes to relieve symptoms of colds and influenza and Bryonia alba acts on mucous membranes to relieve dryness and tough mucus and to treat hoarseness, cough and body pain

4.  Dr. Reckeweg BIO 88 for  viral infections and  87  for bacterial infections

Dr Reckeweg & Co  is an old team player in the field of homoeopathy in South Africa.  We keep their Tegor range for bacterial & Viral infections in our flu basket .

5. Homoeopathic Injectables

There are a wide range of homoeopathic injectables available, from immune boosting to full blown flu-treatment as well as all the other pesters like sinusitis, bronchitis, otitis, asthma, etc.

6. Vit B Comp and B12 injections 

Vitamin B complex injections is prescribed by many doctors and used by many individuals for an immediate boost in energy. These injections are most useful for fatigue caused by nerve damage, diabetes, sciatica, tinnitus, influenza, effects of stress, chronic disease, B12 deficiency and a number of other conditions.

7. Vitamin supplements

What is a flu basket without the basic vitamins and minerals? There are a lot to say for Vitamin C and many other supplements but for this article I want to draw your attention to our STAR product: BRAINCHILD.

BrainChild Multi-vitamin and minerals are vital for all stages of physical and mental development and can assist in preventing health problems. BrainChild chewable multivitamin & mineral tablets for children is a tasty, raspberry flavored, chewable supplement that provides the nutrients your child needs for growing up strong and healthy.  It contains Vit A & C, antioxidants that help protect your body from free radical damage and contribute to normal functioning of the immune system. Zinc supports the immune system to help fight infections.

BrainChild Fish Oil burstlets contains omega 3, derived from coldwater fish (like mackerel, tuna, salmon and sardines), flax seeds, canola oils and soybeans. 

BrainChild Combo Pack is availbale at the Naturopathic Health Care Centre

I wish you a happy healthy autumn and I am looking forward to welcome you at the Centre.

Cozy Regards

Sister Alida

Some stress, of course, can be beneficial. Healthy stress pushes you to perform better and achieve more than usual.  Often, however, stress reaches chronic, harmful levels, causing among other things a compromised immune function and weight gain.  Unhealthy stress overstretches your coping mechanisms and your performance level starts to drop.

The body operates as a unit, with the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual working together to maintain a balance.  Each aspect needs nourishment, but mental and emotional nourishment is often lacking in our work-driven society.  To still the mind and let the cares of life drift away is a deeply healing process. Nourish yourself with good food, sleep, exercise and relaxation.

Learn to recognise the first symptoms of being overstressed.  It is important to understand that “dis-ease” is a response to stress and that disease can help you to stop, rest and allow time for self-healing. Homoeopathic remedies, Herbal remedies and nutritional supplements support the body systems and stimulate the natural innate defensive mechanism of the body to enhance the process of self healing.

Remedies available at the Naturopathic Health Care Centre


1. Homoeopathic Remedies

 1.1 Natura Rescue:

Rescue is the tried and trusted remedy that aids in restoring calm and balance to help you cope with challenging situations. For use in the relief and treatment of emotional shock, fear, nervous stress, feeling of desperation, tearfulness and grief, sleeplessness due to emotional stress

1.2 Nervuton 2

Nervuton 2 has a relaxing and mildly sedative effect on the nervous system to help reduce the symptoms of stress including nervous tension, irritability, restlessness and disturbed sleep patterns, especially difficulty falling asleep.

1.3 Cerbo

Cerbo is a homoeopathic complex which helps relieve symptoms of an over-stressed, hyperactive nervous system.  It helps overcome brain fatigue, chronic tiredness, restlessness, poor concentration and poor memory and aims to promote astute brain functioning and muscular co-ordination.

1.4 Nerva 1

The mind and skin are intertwined, resulting in many skin conditions being caused or exacerbated by stress,

1.5 Nerva 2

Nerva 2 assists in supporting the function of the nervous system to assist in the treatment of tension headache, nerve-related muscular cramps and spasms

1.6 Nerva 3

This is a homoeopathic complex which helps to relieve the emotional symptoms of stress such as sadness, grief, tearfulness, over sensitiveness and moodiness.



2. Stress Reducing Vitamins 

 
2.1 Vitamin B

B Vitamins is essential for the normal function of the nervous system. Vitamin B12 is involved in the synthesis of the nerve insulating myelin sheath.

2.2 Magnesium

Magnesium is a natural stress reducing food supplement that aids to balance the production of neurons and acts on the transmission of nerves which maintain a healthy nervous system. It helps you to sleep soundly and to relax.

2.3 Brain Child Children’s Supplement

These supplement formulations contains Essential fatty acids (EFAs), particularly docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are important building blocks of cell membranes and make up 60% of brain tissue.

Supplementing with DHA may be beneficial for:

• Normal brain, visual and cognitive functioning,

• Language, communication & performance ability,

• Improved memory, and

• The support of children with attention- deficit and/or hyperactivity disorders (ADD/ADHD), restlessness & moodiness.

The B-VITAMINS in formulation is vital for mental health. The brain uses large amounts of B-vitamins. Because these vitamins are water-soluble, they pass out of the body quickly – this means that even a short term deficiency may have an effect on how your child thinks and feels


3. Stress Reducing Herbals

 
3.1 Siberian Ginseng (Eleuthrococcus)

Siberian ginseng is often called an “adaptogen.” that strengthens the body and increase general resistance to daily stress.

3.2 Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo Biloba improves memory and concentration by improving blood circulation to the brain. It may slow down Alzheimer’s disease by interfering with changes in the brain that interfere with thinking.

Interesting Fact

Ginkgo biloba, also known as the maidenhair tree, is one of the oldest species of trees on the planet. The tree is considered to be a "living fossil", meaning that it has continued to survive even after major extinction events. Ginkgo trees have very unique properties - they are capable of growing more than 130 feet and can live for over one thousand years. In fact, there are some trees in China are said to be over 2,500 years old. The plant has a number of therapeutic properties and contains high levels of flavonoids and terpenoids.  These are antioxidants that provide protection against oxidative cell damage from harmful free radicals.

 

Bronne: Homoeopathy: Miranda Castro; Comed Health website, Herbal Remedies for Healthy Living: SW van Rooyen

The average normal temperature in a healthy human is said to be 37°C, but this can vary quite markedly.  Often people, adults and children, can run a fever of up to 40°C for several days with no danger.  A temperature of  40.5°C is a serious cause for concern, but it is only when it passes above 41°C that there is a risk to life.

SEEK HELP IF:

• a baby under six months old has a fever.
• an older baby has a fever of over 40°C that does not respond to sponging and homoeopathic treatment within 24hours.
• your family has a history of convulsions accompanying fevers – keep a close eye when your baby throws a fever.  It is the rapid rise in temperature that can cause a fit.
• the baby or older child is also refusing to drink (is thirstless) as dehydration can occur.
• there is a lack of reaction (listlessness and limpness), which can imply that a serious illness such as pneumonia or meningitis has developed.

 
Young mother:  Doctor, in case of fever, how will I know when to bring my child to you ?
Old pediatrician: "Madam, a lot of that depends on your nerves."

DO AND DONT'S

• Don’t encourage a sick child to eat.  Fasting encourages the body further to eliminate toxic wastes and helps it focus on recovery.
• Do encourage a feverish child to drink plenty of fluids or at least sips of water at frequent intervals.
• Don’t give any homoeopathic remedy at first sign of a rise in temperature, neither suppress a fever in children with aspirin.  Any attempt to interrupt the body’s own healing prosesses is unwise as this can confuse the symptom picture.  
• Do wait until a fuller picture developes when other symptoms emerge.
• Don’t immerse a feverish child in a bath with cold water.
• Do use lookwarm water to sponge down one limb at a time.  Sponging the face and forehead alone can also give relief

 “Give me a fever and I can cure the child” - Hippocrates

SNIPPETS

Invest in a good modern digital thermometer that gives a quick and accurate reading.  

Respond to the needs of your child – Keep a hot feverish baby lightly dressed and a chilly feverish child (who feels cold and shivers) well covered.

Fever is a symptom and not a disease – it could be a helpful and necessary healing stage of an acute disease.

Article by Sister Alida
Registered Nurse