Page 6 | 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?

Original poster

Nightswimminginoldpants · 22/08/2025 08:51

Barnbrack · 22/08/2025 05:54

Who diagnosed pans/pandas? It's a very controversial diagnosis in that there's no real test for it. Most consultants I know consider it to be autism that is impacted by fevers etc while a child is ill. How old is your child? What does their doctor say about treatment etc?

Homeopathy is complete and utter money grabbing nonsense with no basis in reality, well done for being concerned and asking.

My child isn’t autistic, is completely fine and displays no behaviours etc until after being unwell, we’ve gone up to a year with *Typical behaviour

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BobButtonsismycat · 22/08/2025 08:53

I have struggled with chronic health conditions spanning over decades and in my desperation I've parted ways with my money to 'alternative' health practitioners more times than I dare admit to.

Sadly, none have had any lasting positive effects (especially homeopathy), so I've had to come to the painful conclusion it's all bollocks and many of these people praying on those desperate for help outside the NHS (they have not been helpful in my circumstances).

Of course, if you can afford it then it's worth trying, your dc may respond, who knows. Any parent would try anything to help their child return to good health. I really hope you find something which helps them.

Yesitisred · 22/08/2025 08:53

Booboobagins · 22/08/2025 06:32

Years before big pharmacy came along, homeopathy was all we had.

Indigenous tribes still use it. My dad used to make his own medicine, it was unbelievable.

It can work, but without specifics, who knows if you're being sold snake oil or not. My view would be to start thinking your child is well, tell your child to start thinking they are well. Tell the body to self heal (I know it sounds barmy but lots of scientific research going into this right now) and if the homeopathy isnt expensive, you can afford it, and it doesnt workcobtrary to the medication your DC is taking, try it.

Btw 25-50% of pharmaceuticals are derived from plants/natural substances.

Youre confusing homeopathy with herbalism. There are many scientific studies proving some herbal medicines work - St John's Wort for depression for example.

BunfightBetty · 22/08/2025 08:54

EyeLevelStick · 22/08/2025 05:50

The harm is separating OP from her hard earned money in return for snake oil.

If homeopathy worked there would be studies proving its efficacy.

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That’s for OP to decide for herself, as an adult. She may feel it’s worth a punt, she may feel it isn’t. In a world where I’m often paying an inflated price for things, or buying stuff that doesn’t work as claimed, or I just don’t need, I don’t see the cost of a consultation as something ‘harmful’, as long as I can afford it, I go into it with my eyes open and know I may not see results for the money.

Chocja · 22/08/2025 08:54

I strongly believe in alternative medicine and diet as long as it is a complement to modern medicine.

Giving your body the right nutrients to enable it to function as effectively as possible can only help and things like yoga, meditation, massage, acupuncture, walking etc can really help to keep your stress levels down and your body moving and keep the blood flowing.

I would be wary of giving someone online money for a magic beans cure though.

Original poster

Nightswimminginoldpants · 22/08/2025 08:54

Lilactimes · 22/08/2025 06:52

Dear @Nightswimminginoldpants im so sorry for what you’re going through. I can only imagine how difficult it is to deal with.

i am a big believer in trying different types of meds (Chinese / Ayervedic and also taking supplements) however I genuinely don’t believe homeopathy works.

If I were you, I would ensure you’re getting a break and looking after yourself frequently enough that you don’t burn out and have strength to deal with this. Do what you need to, so you have the strength to keep fighting for your DC

I would try and ensure you’re following the best medical advice and taking all the meds supplied and throw money at psychiatric support and CBT for your child. And ensure you’re receiving the best advice on how to parent - holding the line on behaviours so they don’t get worse through enabling etc.

I am a big believer in the health of the gut micro biome especially if your DC is taking a antibiotics long term. I do feel as a secondary support to everything else medical you’re probably doing, I would improve this rather than homeopathy. However, I totally get this may be hard if DC not wanting to eat properly or being oppositional or your just simply exhausted .

I hope you’re ok x x

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Thank you 🙏 it’s pure hell

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Original poster

Nightswimminginoldpants · 22/08/2025 08:55

Pricelessadvice · 22/08/2025 06:52

My mum went through the same with me when I was very ill as a child. Homeopathy did nothing.

She really cleaned up my diet though- only organic food, lots of veg, fruit, nuts and seeds. Vitamins, minerals, Fresh air, controlled exercise etc.

Pans?

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butterfly0404 · 22/08/2025 08:55

Has your daughter had her b12 and folate checked ? As someone who was fobbed off with a Fibromyalgia/CFS diagnosis it turned out to be severe and long term b12 deficiency which was causing neurological illness. I dont know much about PANS but if the above hasn't been excluded, ask for testing.
Many DR's are of the mistaken belief that children cannot suffer b12 deficiency but this is not the case. X

Original poster

Nightswimminginoldpants · 22/08/2025 08:56

AussieManque · 22/08/2025 07:00

Have you already tried treating with antibiotics?

If someone is being pushy with their treatment then I'd be wary. I doubt homeopathy can harm in itself, but if means not following treatments that actually work then yes it's dangerous. You could use it as supplementary to conventional treatments.

And please take care as COVID is rising to keep your child safe from infection which could worsen symptoms. Talk to their school to ensure they are prioritizing ventilation in classrooms and running air purifiers. www.cleanairforkids.co.uk is a great resource to try and make schools less of a cesspit of airborne infection.

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We’ve done so many rounds of antibiotics 😔

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CuriousKangaroo · 22/08/2025 08:57

I’m so sorry your daughter is ill. I completely understand why you must be feeling desperate if nothing has worked to make her feel better so far. But as you have noted yourself, you are vulnerable as a result.

But there is absolutely no evidence that homeopathy works. At best, it has a placebo effect. I am so sorry that some online homeopath grifter is trying to exploit your situation to make money from you because I’m afraid that is what this probably is.

Original poster

Nightswimminginoldpants · 22/08/2025 08:57

Plumbereft · 22/08/2025 07:30

Have a look at @parenting_pandas if you’re on IG, she is using homeopathy I believe with her child amongst other things and does (free) phone calls with pans parents for support and advice.
No one should make such definitive claims that something will help your child, I’d find a different person if you do go with homeopathy. Personally anecdotal accounts of something being helpful would be enough for me to give it a go, esp as it won’t do any harm either way.

I follow her, thank you 🙏

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tryingtobesogood · 22/08/2025 08:58

notapizzaeater · 21/08/2025 23:14

what has she suggested she can cure ? The nhs offers some homeopathy - maybe try there first ?

No, the NHS does not recommend homeopathy because there is absolutely zero evidence that it works.

Original poster

Nightswimminginoldpants · 22/08/2025 08:59

sunshine244 · 22/08/2025 08:20

As a mum of kids with autism, anxiety and tics I'm quite aware of PANS/PANDAS and how controversial the diagnosis even is, let alone the treatments.

Are the symptoms sudden in nature or more gradual? FND often starts suddenly and can be prompted by stress.

Homeopathy is just placebo. You'd be better with a good multivitamin. Which might be helpful.anyway as deficiencies of things like iron, zinc, vitamin D etc can mimic symptoms sometimes.

It’s not FND

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Annoyeddd · 22/08/2025 09:00

Owly11 · 22/08/2025 07:16

I’m a complete sceptic but I had a friend who was a homeopath. I had been mentioning to her my child’s verrucas that had been going on for years and I had tried everything they just would not budge. She gave me two small pills which I gave to my child thinking what harm can it do and I was astonished that within a couple of weeks the verrucas had completely gone. I have never used homeopathy before or since but it did always make me wonder. Also I noticed that at Great Ormond Street Hospital they had a homeopathy hospital which also surprised me. What harm can it do to try it?

My child's verrucas suddenly disappeared.
The old homeopathic hospital is in great Ormond street but nothing to do with the childrens hospital.
It has changed now and does complementary therapies and not homeopathy

GameWheelsAlarm · 22/08/2025 09:01

Homeopathy is a con, but can work by triggering a placebo effect in credulous people who are desperate for good news.

Herbal medicine that actually works is called "medicine". Lots of real medicines are derived from natural sources eg aspirin comes from willow bark. Herbal remedies are the ones that are too hit-and-miss in their supposed effect, or don't make a real difference, so don't get included in the knowledge of what actually works because they don't.

There isn't a medication that will make this go away. Sorry.

Original poster

Nightswimminginoldpants · 22/08/2025 09:01

flossydog · 22/08/2025 08:32

PANS and PANDAS are speculative diagnoses that aren't widely recognised by the NHS. There's no way to prove that a bout of strep throat, or other illnesses, is the cause of later behaviour change. The diagnosis is spread by online advovate groups, not doctors.

So what do you suggest I do to help my child who has been ill for over a year and off school for over a year? How do I get my child back? How do we get out of this utter hell we are all living in?

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FlayOtters · 22/08/2025 09:02

Also to quote the great Minchin:
"Alternative medicine, by definition, has either not been proven to work or has been proven not to work. You know what they call alternative medicine that has been proven to work?..... medicine."

theDudesmummy · 22/08/2025 09:03

No, homeopathy is absolutely not "the basis of modern medicine", that is complete nonsense and potentially very dangerous misinformation. Where are you getting this from? It's totally made-up unscientific tosh.

Dehydration is the only condition that is going to be completely resolved by drinking water. Water is good for you in lots of circumstances, but it did not "cure" anyone's thyroid condition or eczema.

Original poster

Nightswimminginoldpants · 22/08/2025 09:06

butterfly0404 · 22/08/2025 08:55

Has your daughter had her b12 and folate checked ? As someone who was fobbed off with a Fibromyalgia/CFS diagnosis it turned out to be severe and long term b12 deficiency which was causing neurological illness. I dont know much about PANS but if the above hasn't been excluded, ask for testing.
Many DR's are of the mistaken belief that children cannot suffer b12 deficiency but this is not the case. X

Through various tests it showed she was B12 deficient, she’s had vitamins for a few months now, thank you X

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EuclidianGeometryFan · 22/08/2025 09:08

SilenceInside · 22/08/2025 00:10

Herbal remedies will at least have some measurable amount of what is said to be in it, actually in it. But there won’t be sufficient evidence for herbal remedies to show that they robustly work, because if that did exist, then they would just be medication like any other.

No, because herbal remedies usually can't be patented, so there is no money to be made in producing them.
What we think of as normal "medicines" from pharmaceutical companies are the substances that are profitable.

Some herbal remedies can and do work for some conditions, either sold by non-pharma companies as 'food' so not subject to medicine laws, or just home-made from the actual plants.

Homeopathy is something else entirely.

Original poster

Nightswimminginoldpants · 22/08/2025 09:09

GameWheelsAlarm · 22/08/2025 09:01

Homeopathy is a con, but can work by triggering a placebo effect in credulous people who are desperate for good news.

Herbal medicine that actually works is called "medicine". Lots of real medicines are derived from natural sources eg aspirin comes from willow bark. Herbal remedies are the ones that are too hit-and-miss in their supposed effect, or don't make a real difference, so don't get included in the knowledge of what actually works because they don't.

There isn't a medication that will make this go away. Sorry.

So she’ll just never get better?

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Owly11 · 22/08/2025 09:10

Annoyeddd · 22/08/2025 09:00

My child's verrucas suddenly disappeared.
The old homeopathic hospital is in great Ormond street but nothing to do with the childrens hospital.
It has changed now and does complementary therapies and not homeopathy

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Great Ormond street ran some of their clinics in the homeopathic hospital (as it was called then) so there was a connection. I am aware of the name change.

Minecroft · 22/08/2025 09:13

No. No. No.

AlligatorTears · 22/08/2025 09:16

Homeopathy used to be all we had.

modern medicine is amazing in so many ways. In some ways it fixes symptoms not root cause and side effects are always there in some way.

I think it can’t hurt to try it, anything we can do holistically to support our bodies is better over chemicals.

IfYoureLeavingTakeMeToo · 22/08/2025 09:16

So if I gave you an empty box of chocolates, that would be ok in the homeopathic world, as it contains the memory of chocolate?

My personal view, is alternative medication should be viewed as complementary, as in use along side scientific medicine (so long as not poisonous)