Date Last Updated: 08/08/06
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Does
homeopathy help infantile colic?
Treatment in brief
Homeopathy for infantile colic
Infantile colic
Infantile colic is typically defined as crying in healthy thriving children
for at least three hours a day on at least three days a week, usually
starting in the first two weeks of life. The cause is unclear, and may
include painful gut contractions or tension in the parent-child interaction.
It is also suggested that colic is just the extreme end of “normal” crying.
Probably there is no single cause. Most infants are free of symptoms by the
age of six months.
Homeopathy
Homeopathic treatment is based on the theory that disorders can be cured
by giving small amounts of natural substances that, if given in large
amounts, would cause symptoms similar to those experienced by the patient –
the principle of “like cures like”. It is suggested that homeopathic
remedies (medicines) work by stimulating the body’s natural defences to
promote recovery, though their precise mode of action is unexplained (Merrall
2002). Homeopathic remedies are commonly used for infantile colic (Ekins-Daukes
2004, Canadian Paediatric Society 2005),
with more
than ten different remedies available (UMM 1999).The choice of remedy used
depends on the behaviour and characteristics of the individual baby.
The evidence
There has been no research on the use of homeopathy for infantile colic. One
review of studies was found which investigated the safety of homeopathic
remedies in general (used for any disorder). Few of the studies in the
review described adverse events, but any adverse events that were
reported were mild and short-lived and tended to consist of a worsening of
symptoms already present.
Key Message(s)
|
Homeopathy is commonly used for infantile colic, but no studies
have been held on this topic |
No trial
evidence |
|
Homeopathy is commonly used for infantile colic, but no studies
have been held on this topic |
3 |
Key:
Levels
of evidence
The information in this summary was developed
by assessing:
The
information in this summary was developed by conducting a systematic literature
search of online databases (Medline, CINAHL, EMBASE and AMED), seeking
systematic reviews and controlled or observational studies of homeopathy for
infantile colic.
Additional
references
Canadian
Paediatric Society. Homeopathy in the paediatric population, Paediatric Child
Health, 2005;10(3):176-7.
Dantes F, Rampes
H. Do homeopathic medicines provoke adverse effects? A systematic review.
British Homeopathic Journal 2000;89(1):S35-8.
Ekins-Daukes
S, Helms PJ, Taylor MW, Simpson CR, McLay JS. Paediatric homeopathy in general
practice: where, when and why? British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology
2004;59(6):743-9.
Merrall WC,
Shalts E, Homeopathy. Medical Clinics of North
America, 2002;86:47-620.
Unniversity of
Maryland Medical Center website. Infantile Colic, Review date 1999. At:
http://www.umm.edu/altmed/ConsConditions/InfantileColiccc.html#Alternative.
Accessed July 2006.
Date prepared:
14 July 2006
DISCLAIMER: This website does not provide specific medical advice and the information provided should not be used as a substitute for seeking medical advice from a registered health practitioner. Full disclaimer . . .
