Page 11 | Is it a con or can it help my sick child?

Nightswimminginoldpants · 2025-08-21T22:11:04+00:00

Homeopathy? Feeling a bit vulnerable at the moment, so not sure if it’s clouding my view. Dd is ill and I’m getting desperate. Have been talking to a homeopathist online, she is very intent that homeopathy will help my Dd get better. Does it work?

DiscoBob · 22/08/2025 12:54

No of course it can't cure serious medical problems. It's complimentary therapy. It can help some people alongside other things but only as a placebo. You'd be better off getting a massage. That's an alternative therapy that actually relaxed you physically.

I'm so sorry for your daughter. But I used to have a GP who was struck off for using homeopathic remedies and crystal therapy on child cancer patients. It's not real medicine.

NamelessNancy · 22/08/2025 12:55

ytemussel · 22/08/2025 12:52

Others on this thread have said that homeopathy is cheaper than big pharma med (I don't know if this is true or not). If it is, why would the NHS not be funding it? I would save them a fortune.

Show quote history

Imagine the benefit to the NHS if water was an effective treatment instead of (rigorously tested and proven) pharmaceuticals!

LadySuzanne · 22/08/2025 12:58

Alwaysinamood · 22/08/2025 12:02

Homeopathy used to be available on the NHS, the king uses it and the Queen carried remedies in her purse.
Ive used it and still do for bumps and bruises, fevers etc, my son has used it for hayfever and my daughter when she was younger for worms. I think it does work. But you have to avoid mint and coffee if you have a prescribed homeopathic remedy as it can interfere. Also recommend naturedockids / Lucinda Miller on Instagram - she has a great blog and you can also message her for advice

"Homeopathy used to be available on the NHS, the king uses it and the Queen carried remedies in her purse."

I think it was the Queen Mother who carried homeopathic products in her handbag

But so what?

Look up the logical fallacy "Appeal to authority".

The kings and queens of England use it so it must work?

JFC!

Original poster

Nightswimminginoldpants · 22/08/2025 12:59

Plumbereft · 22/08/2025 12:44

Re steroids the lady I mentioned on IG’s daughter was given steroids. This was under the care of Dr Tim Ubhi (London).

if you didn’t see my post she is @parenting_pandas (Lucy) she is very helpful and has a lot of info on her account. I seem to remember steroids did help (and homeopathy in fact)

Yes but it’s very difficult for many others to be prescribed them sadly 😔

OP posts:

NeverDropYourMooncup · 22/08/2025 13:00

NamelessNancy · 22/08/2025 12:04

There's a reason it's no longer available on the NHS. Lack of proven efficacy.

I'm unaware of the King or Queens' scientific or medical credentials.

Show quote history

And when anybody who has Psoriatic Arthritis looks at the state of his hands, it's pretty bloody obvious that it's not working.

Biologics, however, they work. Hence why I don't have fingers that look like a pound of Richmond's finest - unlike him.

LadySuzanne · 22/08/2025 13:04

Squirrelsnut · 22/08/2025 12:03

I'm so sorry your child is ill.

I have no skin in the homeopathy game whatsoever, but I saw a documentary a long time ago where a completely sceptical farmer was persuaded to try homeopathy on his ailing cows. They put the stuff in the water trough and the cows immediately showed significant improvement.
It wasn't a woo-based programme, more like Tomorrow's World or something.
It stuck with me as the cows' recovery was so swift.

Just added this for some balance

What was the control group?

Was a similar group of ailing cows given only water with no "homeopathic" additive?

LadySuzanne · 22/08/2025 13:10

NHS position on homeopathy:

www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/homeopathy

Silversal · 22/08/2025 13:11

My child had infection after infection after infection. We did food elimination, course of Homeopathy and she hasn't had a viral infection the past few months but that could co-incide with the food we eliminated and the weather change. Homeopathy is a holistic approach and if you have been given constant antibiotics your child will have a damaged or leaky gut and need probiotics and immunity support. Please go private and don't wait for an NHS referral as they often won't.

MrRydersParlourGame · 22/08/2025 13:11

Fleur405 · 22/08/2025 10:40

You are thinking of herbal medicine. I for example used some “self heal” from the garden to treat my daughter’s grazed knee yesterday because it has antiseptic and anti inflammatory properties. Many plant compounds form the basis of conventional medicines.

Homeothapy is based on some medieval hocus pocus and is literally the practice of selling WATER in sugar tablets with some silly notion that the water has memory. It cannot work beyond a placebo effect because it does not contain anything.

Show quote history

I just want to amplify this as I suspect many posters are thinking of herbal, rather than homeopathic remedies.

That is an entirely different (and diverse) proposition.

RafaFan · 22/08/2025 13:13

Squirrelsnut · 22/08/2025 12:03

I'm so sorry your child is ill.

I have no skin in the homeopathy game whatsoever, but I saw a documentary a long time ago where a completely sceptical farmer was persuaded to try homeopathy on his ailing cows. They put the stuff in the water trough and the cows immediately showed significant improvement.
It wasn't a woo-based programme, more like Tomorrow's World or something.
It stuck with me as the cows' recovery was so swift.

Just added this for some balance

Homeopathy used to be mentioned as a preferred treatment for organic livestock in the organic production standards of several European countries, including the UK. It has now been removed at the insistence of national veterinary organisations because it doesn't work. There is absolutely no scientific validity behind it.

NamelessNancy · 22/08/2025 13:24

RafaFan · 22/08/2025 13:13

Homeopathy used to be mentioned as a preferred treatment for organic livestock in the organic production standards of several European countries, including the UK. It has now been removed at the insistence of national veterinary organisations because it doesn't work. There is absolutely no scientific validity behind it.

Show quote history

Yep. Statement from the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons on homeopathy:

“Homeopathy exists without a recognised body of evidence for its use. Furthermore, it is not based on sound scientific principles. In order to protect animal welfare, we regard such treatments as being complementary rather than alternative to treatments for which there is a recognised evidence base or which are based in sound scientific principles. It is vital to protect the welfare of animals committed to the care of the veterinary profession and the public’s confidence in the profession that any treatments not underpinned by a recognised evidence base or sound scientific principles do not delay or replace those that do.”

RafaFan · 22/08/2025 13:50

MummyJ36 · 22/08/2025 12:46

Ok. I’m going to pop my head above the water and (tentatively) say that I’ve been using homeopathy for years and really do champion the benefits of it.

There is a nuance to all of this that I often find doesn’t exist in the conversation which is why I rarely discuss homeopathy with anyone outside of my family. I openly and happily use conventional medicine, and yes if I broke my leg, I would go to hospital and let medical experts sort it out. I would then use homeopathy afterwards to help with the healing. I never discount conventional medicine but that does not mean that things like homeopathy cannot be used alongside it.

Now I’ve said my bit, I do not see any harm in using a homeopath for your child’s diagnosis. I would be wary of anyone who says that they can “cure” autism, but you would (in my opinion) be doing no harm exploring this avenue and seeing if it helped your DC. I’m happy to speak more about it but I’m always cautious of doing so as the people/posters who do not believe in homeopathy are quick to shout down and sometimes get quite aggressive.

"...do not believe in homeopathy...". There's the thing...I do not have to "believe" or take as a matter of faith that conventional medicine works, because there is ample evidence in the form of properly conducted clinical trials to demonstrate that it works, and the mode of action (the pathway by which it works) can be explained scientifically. There is no such evidence for homeopathy, and no scientific explanation of how taking a few drops of water (which is what a homeopathic treatment is) can possibly "cure" whatever medical condition it is.

EyeLevelStick · 22/08/2025 13:52

ytemussel · 22/08/2025 11:15

Oh and to add - in some ways herbalism is more dangerous than homeopathy because there's not much regulation of herbal products and it's not just sugar water. That means that you're not necessarily getting good advice on how much of a particular ingredient is in a product, or the impact of taking that product with another (or a conventional medication). Most of the time if it works in herbal form, it's already been included in conventional medical products - because why wouldn't conventional medicine use something that works!

Of course, sometimes conventional medicine takes time to catch up and so there are herbal remedies that can help. Just be very careful because unlike homeopathy (which is sugar pills) your daughter will be taking active ingredients.

Well… herbal remedies are now regulated by the MHRA so assuming you buy “real”’ones not dodgy internet ones they should be exactly what they say they are. They just haven’t been proved in clinical trials.

It’s the other stuff being sold as food supplements you really have to worry about.

oldclock · 22/08/2025 14:28

EyeLevelStick · 22/08/2025 13:52

Well… herbal remedies are now regulated by the MHRA so assuming you buy “real”’ones not dodgy internet ones they should be exactly what they say they are. They just haven’t been proved in clinical trials.

It’s the other stuff being sold as food supplements you really have to worry about.

Show quote history

Only those with the THR logo, which is a small proportion of the market.

anyolddinosaur · 22/08/2025 14:29

Some herbal remedies do have clinical trials, they may be small scale though.

When antibiotics are not getting rid of infection it's worth trying xylitol. There is research on it's benefits for some types of bacteria, especially strep bacteria. e.g. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3434645/ and it may have other benefits https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/11/8/1813. It can be used with antibiotics and as it acts by reducing adherence may enhance their effect.

Another useful herbal product (although not in this case) is arnica https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8537440/

Elderberry may help with respiratory infections https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30670267/

Yes you should always consider possible interactions with other products/ medicines but they are not all in the same category as homeopathy.

Effect of xylitol on cariogenic and beneficial oral streptococci: a randomized, double-blind crossover trial - PMC

Although habitual consumption of xylitol reduces cariogenic streptococci levels, its effect on beneficial oral streptococci is less clear. The main aim of the study is to investigate the effect of short-term xylitol consumption on the oral ...

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3434645/

oldclock · 22/08/2025 14:29

Alwaysinamood · 22/08/2025 12:48

It’s because it doesn’t make any money for big pharma that’s why

Show quote history

It would save the NHS a fortune if we could treat people with teeny tiny bottles of tap water, which is all that homoeophathy is.

MummyJ36 · 22/08/2025 14:47

RafaFan · 22/08/2025 13:50

"...do not believe in homeopathy...". There's the thing...I do not have to "believe" or take as a matter of faith that conventional medicine works, because there is ample evidence in the form of properly conducted clinical trials to demonstrate that it works, and the mode of action (the pathway by which it works) can be explained scientifically. There is no such evidence for homeopathy, and no scientific explanation of how taking a few drops of water (which is what a homeopathic treatment is) can possibly "cure" whatever medical condition it is.

Show quote history

I mean this pretty much explains why I never talk about homeopathy. I’m not trying to convince anyone that it works, but nor am I looking for the constant rebuttals that it’s stupid to “believe in it”. If someone wants to try it and they’re interested I’d always encourage them to do so, but I’m so tired with having to defend something that has helped me when I’m not trying to convert anyone who genuinely isn’t interested…

DrNo007 · 22/08/2025 15:09

OnLockdown · 22/08/2025 12:12

Wow, you've linked to a film that you need to pay to watch. Thus proving the point that exponents of homeopathy are money grabbing charlatans.

Show quote history

In case you haven't noticed, we also pay for our NHS treatment, through our taxes. Why would any professional give their services for free after having trained for many years, bought specialist software etc.? Do you work and if yes, do you work for free? And would you trust any healthcare professional who treated you with no payment (and thus likely wasn't insured and had another job to pay the bills)? Paying a few pounds to see a film is bog standard on many streaming services, also in case you hadn't noticed. If you want healthcare for free, you have to wonder about your commitment to your own health.

G5000 · 22/08/2025 15:25

It’s because it doesn’t make any money for big pharma that’s why

Homeopathy is a billion dollar industry, like big pharma, just without the science part.

YouOKHun · 22/08/2025 15:43

@AlwaysinamoodIf homeopathy works why would evil Big Pharma decide not exploit its abilities? Surely they’d have been all over it decades ago and be making money from it now?

CracklingFlames · 22/08/2025 15:47

Out of interest, what antibiotics have been tried? Before trying homeopathy, I'd look at an osteopath/reflexology/acupuncture. Also for B12 deficiency you often need injections. There's a very good group on Facebook I think called wake up b12 (or similar).

cardibach · 22/08/2025 15:55

housethatbuiltme · 22/08/2025 08:27

It can sometime help alongside prescribed medicines, the thing is to know what it is, how it work, that its not dangerous and that it can be mixed with other things. Do NOT stop actual medical treatment in favor of untested options.

Homeopathy was the bases of modern medicine so none medical things can work. The thing is that you need to know its legit. Some things online claim to be 'natural cure' but are just crazy anti-medicine people suggesting really dangerous made up ideas.

As an example of a real 'non medical medicine': Take the thread the other day of the lady that treated her chin hair by changing her diet to eat Tofu. That is a legitimate thing as 'Soy' is a natural source of estrogen so if you eat enough often enough it will alter your hormone balance. It use to be very common 'home treatment' option for some infertile people who couldn't afford Clomid but without medical guidance you could also 'misbalance' your hormones in a different way.

What is it you are considering using?

Edited

Homeopathy absolutely was not the basis of modern medicine. It was only invented in 1796.
You're thinking of herbal medicine.

EyeLevelStick · 22/08/2025 16:56

oldclock · 22/08/2025 14:28

Only those with the THR logo, which is a small proportion of the market.

Show quote history

My understanding is that herbal
medicines must have a THR (the logo is not obligatory) under the Human Medicines Regulations.

There will of course be “herbal food supplements” (or cosmetics) that fly under the radar, but many substances (e.g. St John’s Wort) cannot legally be sold except under a THR.

It’s all a bit of a Wild West, nevertheless. In the news last week there were “magnesium” gummies being sold as supplements for children that were found to contain melatonin.

EyeLevelStick · 22/08/2025 17:16

Edit - hidden post is back.

flossydog · 22/08/2025 17:27

Thoughtsforcoffee · 22/08/2025 11:30

Pandas mum here and respectfully disagree. They are not diagnosed speculatively, but through symptoms and rigorous blood tests. My child was a “classic” case who changed overnight and is 95% back to baseline with treatment and her condition is recognised and treated on the NHS.

Show quote history

I'm always happy to learn and admit when I'm wrong. What was the blood test show? Strep? What treatment did the NHS offer?

What I'm seeing is people seeking this diagnosis for their kids based on online advice (you must have seen all the social media threads) and seeking out antibiotics which, if they're wrong, is harming the kid for no benefit.

I'm not saying kids don't have these symptoms, but that the suggested causation (a pocket of infection remaining in the system) is speculative and not proven, to my knowledge based on all I've read up on this.

It's a similar story to Chronic Lyme. My worry is that people are desperate for their kids and are acting on good intentions but end up doing stuff that can harm them in the long run. And you can see the snake-oil people are sold, with the homeopaths etc.