September is suddenly upon us and already it’s back to school time. So this month I’ll be focusing on using homeopathic remedies to help your children cope with going back to the classroom (remedies can also be taken by adults with similar anxieties!) How will your child react to the next writing assignment, mistake, disappointment? Between the new teachers, classrooms, classmates, schedule, germs and leaving the summer behind, the first days of school are very stressful. 
Nerves are restless, senses heightened, emotions piqued. Children often become vulnerable in these first few days, and they need all the support you can offer to get off on the right foot. Homeopathy provides safe, non-toxic, non-addictive, non-invasive remedies to help them do and feel their best through all the mental, emotional and physical challenges of school. Remedies can be purchased from most large health food shops or from the following Homeopathic pharmacies: Ainsworths, Helios and Nelsons.
Homeopathy for the Anxious Child
- Calc Phos 6x (New Era Tissue salt)
This homeopathic cell salt helps the body resolve growing pains, study headaches, acute anaemia, and many more symptoms related to growing up. At any age its support applies to structural stresses– injured bones, slow healing wounds, joint pain, back pain, weak digestion, acute simple anaemia and heavy periods. Key indicators include a desire for change or travel, cravings for fatty, salty foods and intolerance to dairy products or fruit.
• Gelsemium 30c: A great general anticipatory anxiety remedy for anxiety before an event such as a first day, exam, or performance. Child feels cowardly and weak. They feel the task ahead of them is too much. (If in doubt and your child’s anticipatory anxiety symptoms are hard to define, try Gelsemium first before other homeopathic medicines).
• Argentum Nitricum 30c: Your child has an anticipatory anxiety and feels very nervous. They are likely to have diarrhoea and flatulence with their anxiety.
• Lycopodium 30c: Give this medicine when your child is fearful that they will fail and look foolish or incompetent in front of others. They are likely to cover this anxiety up with an overly confident manner but they don’t feel confident. Often these types will ‘perform’ very well each time but still have the preceding anxiety.
• Aconite 30c: Give this medicine for a child who is extremely fearful with marked restlessness. They cannot sit still and may actually have a scared expression. This is also the main acute Homeopathic medicine for panic style attacks with a beating heart, sensation of not being able to get enough air, and feeling faint.
• Arsenicum 30c: Give this Homeopathic medicine when your child is very restless and insecure with their anxiety. They may show a degree of exhaustion but you know this tiredness has an emotional basis and is linked to anxiety.
Nutrition for the Anxious Child
It is important to watch your child’s sugar intake if they are feeling anxious. Anxiety makes the adrenal glands work as it causes over production of both cortisol and adrenaline amongst other hormones. The adrenal glands also have to work hard with a diet high in sugar so frequent sources of protein in snacks/meals is important such as nuts and seeds, humous with carrot sticks, eggs, meat and fish. This balances the blood sugar and takes the load off those adrenal glands.
There are certain supplements that will help support your child’s system and ensure they have the best resources available to help them cope:
• Multi B vitamin: B vitamins are very important for the nervous system so adequate intake is essential
• Magnesium is important for many systems in the body but will also help your child be calm at night for restful sleep
• Vitamin C 1000mg daily: Vitamin C supports the adrenal glands and as they work extra hard in times of anxiety this is key. This will also help stave off any colds and boost the immune system.
Please note the advice above is suitable for acute situations, severe or chronic anxiety needs a consultation with a professional Homeopath.
Wishing everyone all the best with the back to school start!
