Are Homeopathic Remedies Safe for My Child?

Homeopathy is often talked about as a safe alternative to conventional medicine, appears to be very popular judging by the amount of products on store shelves. Today, East Portland Pediatrics is tackling your questions about homeopathy and what you should know before trying it—especially when it comes to your child’s health.

What is Homeopathy?

It was developed over 200 years ago by a German physician, and is based on these theories:
Like cures like. An illness can be treated with things that cause the same symptoms in healthy people.
Law of minimum dose.This means that the lower the dose of the medication, the better it works.

Remedies are made by taking a substance and dissolving it in water or alcohol, then diluting it and shaking it. This process is repeated over and over as it is believed to become more powerful the more diluted it is. Most remedies are so diluted that there’s very little, if any, of the original substance left, but practitioners believe that in the process of shaking and mixing the substance makes the water or alcohol remembers it and keeps some of the ingredient’s effect.

This short Kurzgesagt video explains the history and theory of homeopathy.

Are Homeopathic Remedies Safe?

Sometimes. The makers don’t have to prove they’re safe or effective, so they stay on the shelf unless there’s an issue. Case in point: in 2017, dangerous levels of belladonna were found in homeopathic teething tablets. They were eventually removed from the shelf, but only after many babies were harmed.

What’s the Science Behind Homeopathy?

There isn’t any. No solid research has ever shown homeopathy to work any better than placebo. Plus, its theories (which we talk about above) don’t line up with basic science, or even common sense.

What if I Want to Try Homeopathy?

We don’t recommend using any homeopathic remedies. At best, you are paying for and giving your child nothing, and at worst it could contain a harmful substance.

We’re Here for You

Feel free to reach out with any homeopathic concerns you have. We’ll help you figure out what’s best for your child. Contact us today with any questions or for advice!