Homeopathy vs Conventional Medicine in the Treatment of Acute Diseases of Young Children

9 children had 14 episodes requiring antibiotics whose primary care doctor was a homeopath versus 44 children (approximately 90% of them) had 158 episodes in the allopathic group. This is significant as antibiotic resistant infections are a growing concern around the world. It is also significant because the frequent use of antibiotics has a deleterious effect on the gut microbiome. Damage to the microbiome is correlated with inflammation in the body – a common denominator in almost every chronic disease today.

An interesting study was done in a joint research initiative between the Center for Integrative Complementary Medicine in Jerusalem and Central Council for Research in Homeopathy in India which compared health outcomes of young children who were randomly assigned to be treated with homeopathy or with conventional medicine. Approximately 100 healthy newborns were included in this study. In the conventional medicine group, all acute diseases which occurred in the children were treated by a conventional allopathic pediatrician. In the homeopathic group, all acute diseases were treated by a homeopathic physician. If severe diseases occurred in this group, conventional medicine could be used to supplement the homeopathic remedies. This study was conducted until the babies reached the age of two.

As far as health parameters were concerned, the homeopathic group suffered less than half the number of respiratory illnesses. Febrile illnesses (those involving a fever) occurred almost 50% less often. Skin infections were 80% less frequent in the homeopathic group. In total, the number of sick days the homeopathically treated kids had was 1.17 days vs 9.78 days in the conventional group. In terms of the number of times the children needed antibiotics, there was a stark difference as well (recall that the homeopathic group had the option to draw upon conventional medicine if necessary). 9 children had 14 episodes requiring antibiotics whose primary care doctor was a homeopath versus 44 children (approximately 90% of them) had 158 episodes in the allopathic group. This is significant as antibiotic resistant infections are a growing concern around the world. It is also significant because the frequent use of antibiotics has a deleterious effect on the gut microbiome. Damage to the microbiome is correlated with inflammation in the body – a common denominator in almost every chronic disease today.

The difference in economic costs were studied as well between the two groups. The total cost of medical expenses (medicine, doctor visits, hospital admissions, etc) was less than half in the homeopathic group. All of these findings - improved health outcomes at lower costs – beg the obvious question – “Why don’t more people use homeopathy?”

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Zain Yamani

Zain Yamani is a classic homeopath and holistic physical therapist based out of California. To learn more about him and his services visit: www.forwardtohealth.com/zain