When my children were little I had a game plan.

If they got sick, I’d treat them myself with homeopathy.

When the first one or two remedies didn’t work, I’d call my homeopath.

She and I had a great working relationship.

In addition to being a skilled practitioner, she was an excellent teacher.

She wanted me to learn as much as possible about homeopathy.

Because the more I knew the easier it was to treat my family.

That’s why a good homeopath should also be a good teacher.

When Do You Need To Call A Homeopath?

Things have changed a lot since my children were in diapers.

For one, there’s a lot more interest in homeopathy, at least in the United States.

In Europe and in India this natural healing modality has always been popular.

But along with rising awareness of homeopathy something else has happened.

Many people no longer want to work with a homeopath.

They’d rather do it themselves.

This is a good thing, if not taken to extremes.

As Moms we should learn all we can about homeopathy.

What do you do in an emergency, when quick action is needed?

What if your child has an earache and a homeopath isn’t available?

What if electronic communication goes down?

What if you can’t reach anyone by telephone?

On the other hand, sometimes a professional consult is the only wise choice.

When Do You Need A Professional Homeopathic Consultation?

Anyone dealing with a chronic condition should seek professional help.

This includes anxiety, eczema, arthritis and digestive problems, to name a few.

There are exceptions, of course.

You don’t have to be a homeopath to know a lot about homeopathy.

I’m not hung up on titles and certification.

Many lay homeopaths have studied for years. They have a wealth of knowledge and very good instincts.

Homeopathy is part science and a lot of intuition, something that can’t be taught.

All the training in the world won’t make up for lack of perception.

Experience also matters.

With each new case you learn something.

The more cases you take the better you become at finding the right remedy.

Yet chronic cases are tricky.

What often happens is you progress for awhile.

Then you hit a wall.

You either need to switch remedies. Or use another remedy temporarily.

Knowing how and when to do this requires knowledge and intuition.

Then there are the acute cases.

Do I Need To Call A Homeopath?

Colds and flus are acute conditions.

They respond very well to homeopathy.

As long as the correct remedy is used and it’s repeated only when needed.

Years ago, though, it seemed easier to treat upper respiratory infections.

Today these flu-like illnesses may come with more symptoms.

This means more potential remedies.

So it’s more difficult to narrow down selection.

At one time, with the flu, it generally took one remedy to finish the case.

Currently, with more complicated viral patterns, multiple remedies may be needed.

Even if you chose the right remedy at first, it may need to be followed with another remedy. Or even a third.

This is where the DIY mentality turns detrimental.

Instead of calling a homeopath, a lot of people get on Facebook and solicit advice.

Some of the advice is good.

But much of the advice comes from those with little training in homeopathy.

Oftentimes, there’s a reliance upon various protocols.

These protocols are not homeopathy, despite the fact homeopathic remedies are employed.

Banerji Protocols For Cold and Flu

Instead of using a single well-selected remedy for an acute problem, random people on social media recommend various protocols.

Among the best known are the Banerji Protocols.

I have nothing against these recipes, originally developed at an Indian clinic, as long as they’re used correctly.

The protocols seem best suited for chronic conditions.

It’s my personal opinion that anyone doing Banerji Protocols should work with a homeopath. (Find one who’s familiar with the protocols.)

These protocols involve repeated doses of high-potency remedies. This can easily lead to what homeopaths call an aggravation.

Banerji enthusiasts say they don’t cause aggravations. But that’s not what I’m seeing on social media. Or in my own practice.

So, anyway, what protocol should you use for a sick, feverish family member?

The best protocol is no protocol.

Best Homeopathic Remedies For Colds and Flu

Instead, find a single well-selected remedy that matches the person’s state.

Did the illness come on suddenly after exposure to cold, dry winds?

Read up on Aconite.

Does the person look dully, droopy and drowsy? Are they thirstless? Are they chilly?

Read up on Gelsemium.

Try to match at least three remedy keynotes, or common characteristics.

See what makes the person better or worse, something known as “the modalities.”

Make sure the modalities match the remedy.

If you’re on the fence between two choices go with the modalities.

Give one dose and wait.

If you see good improvement don’t give a second dose while the first is working.

If no improvement after two doses consider a different remedy.

Acute situations typically turn around quickly with the right remedy.

When Should You Call A Homeopath

Back when I was a home prescriber I’d seek help if I didn’t get it right on the first or second try.

This helped us avoid antibiotics.

Natural healing is why many Moms turn to homeopathy.

But it takes years to become proficient.

In the meantime, there’s nothing wrong asking for help.

If two (or three at the very most) remedies aren’t working you’re stuck.

Especially if you see the illness settling in.

At this point you need a professional.

Otherwise, a trip to Urgent Care is the likely outcome.

The worst thing you can do is get on Facebook and ask for advice.

Because you’ll get lots of conflicting answers.

A sleep-deprived Mom may be brand new to homeopathy.

So she’ll probably go with the most convincing post. Yet the remedy and dosing recommendations may be way off base.

Even the right remedy won’t yield good results if it’s given too often.

By this time the child is sicker and a doctor visit is pending.

What To Do When Homeopathic Remedies Aren’t Working

Even after a series of remedy mistakes, a skilled homeopath can often turn it around.

But it’s not as easy as when the case is fresh.

A tired, worried Mom also needs to connect with a homeopath and find the right remedy in a timely manner.

Sometimes she may not own the needed remedy.

The health food store may have closed hours ago.

Allopathic medical care is inevitable.

Going to the doctor shouldn’t be seen as a failure though.

Because at this point it’s the best and only option.

Instead look at it as a learning experience.

With each new case you learn something.

Family illnesses and emergencies are real-life cases.

With each experience you gain valuable lessons.

Sadly, indiscriminate use of remedies happens even with professional care.

Especially if the homeopath pushes a protocol.

Because that’s easier than looking for a single remedy that will bring about a cure.

Unfortunately, I’ve also seen Moms who’ve done everything right.

They booked a consult for the sick child. But the homeopath they hired let them down.

That’s why you want to find a good homeopath before your child gets sick.

Yes, it does cost money.

But it’s a small price to pay for peace of mind, knowing that someone has your back when you’re stuck.

Soon your skills will improve to the point you rarely need a consult.

Who knows?

Someday you may even decide to make the transition from home prescriber to homeopath.