The role of rare remedies in homoeopathic treatment of children

Dr Bangi Haritha

Abstract
In homoeopathy, a vast array of remedies are listed in the Materia medica, which can sometimes create confusion for practitioners when deciding which remedy to prescribe for a particular case. Often, homeopathic physicians opt for polychrest remedies based on symptom similarity, and these remedies can yield excellent results. However, at times, it is challenging to find a single remedy that addresses the totality of the symptoms, especially when characteristic symptoms are scarce, complaints are suppressed, or the pathological condition has progressed. In such cases, remedies are chosen based on the current signs and symptoms, and here, rare remedies play a crucial role in the treatment. Rare remedies are not commonly used, as their effects tend to be limited to specific organs or areas of the body.

Keywords: Homoeopathy, Rare remedies, Medicines, Children.

Introduction
In homoeopathy, there is a wide range of medicines derived from various sources. The pathogenetic effects of some remedies are well understood, and these are known as polychrest drugs. However, there are still many remedies whose full actions are not fully known, and these are referred to as rare remedies.

While the effects of certain medicines are well-documented through drug proving, accidental proving, toxicological studies, clinical experience, and other methods, there are still numerous remedies for which detailed pathogenetic effects are not readily available.

Nevertheless, when rare remedies are prescribed, they often produce excellent results. These remedies are highly specific in their action and are designed for particular conditions. Using these rare remedies for specific ailments often leads to the fastest possible recovery. Typically, rare remedies are prescribed in lower potencies.

Advantages of rare remedies:

• Rare remedies have a targeted action on the human body, with some being particularly effective for specific disease conditions.
• The selection of the remedy is simplified based on the diagnosis of the disease or the presentation of pathological symptoms.
• These remedies are useful when detailed case-taking is not feasible.
• When a patient is unable to articulate their symptoms or suffering, rare remedies can be an effective option.
• They can be prescribed in situations where the patient is unavailable, such as when family members seek treatment on the patient’s behalf or when consultation is done over the phone without a full case-taking.
• Rare remedies play a key role in palliative care.
• They are especially beneficial when rapid action is required in urgent cases.

Disadvantages of rare remedies:

• The drug may not be readily available.
• There may be a limited range of potencies available for the remedy.
• Comprehensive information about the drug may be lacking.
• The remedy may have few or no distinctive symptoms to guide its selection.
• Prescribing rare remedies based on a limited number of symptoms may lead to uncertain results.
• There is a possibility of adverse drug reactions in the patient.
• It may not provide a curative solution to the condition.
• The effectiveness of rare remedies can be less predictable.

Indications of some rare remedies in children:

SANTONINUM:

• Indicated in worm infestation in children.
• Ascaris lumbricoids and threadworms only, but not tapeworms.
• Chronic cystitis.
• Strabismus due to worms
• Itching on the nose. Bores into the nostrils
• Halitosis depraved appetite; grinding of teeth.
• Incontinence and dysuria. Enuresis.
• Dose – Second to third trituration. Lower preparations are often toxic. Do not give to a child with fever or constipation.

TEUCRIUM MARUM VERUM:

• Indicated in nasal and rectal symptoms.
• Affections of children.
• Mucous polypus. Chronic catarrh; discharge of large, irregular clinkers. Foul breath.
• Crawling in nostrils, with lachrymation and sneezing.
• Coryza, with stoppage of nostrils.
• Itching of anus, and constant irritation in the evening in bed. Ascarides, with nocturnal restlessness.
• Crawling in rectum after stool.
• Dose – First to sixth potency. Locally for polypi, dry powder.

ALSTONIA SCHOLARIS

• Indicated in malarial diseases, with diarrhea, dysentery, anemia and feeble digestion.
• A tonic after exhausting fevers.
• Camp diarrhea, bloody stool, dysentery; diarrhea from bad water and malaria
• Painless watery stools.
• Diarrhea immediately after eating.
• Dose – Tincture to third potency

COCHLEARIA ARMORACIA

• Indicated in throat affections.
• Dry, hacking, laryngeal cough, also post-influenzal cough, dry or loose, worse lying down. Chest painful to touch.
• Coryza, with hoarseness.
• Mucous asthma.
• Throat feels rough and hoarse.
• Worse evening and at night
• Dose – First to third attenuation.

AMBROSIA ARTEMISIAEFOLIA

• Indicated in respiratory conditions.
• Watery coryza; sneezing; watery discharge.
• Stuffed up feeling of nose and head.
• Irritation of trachea and bronchial tubes, with asthmatic attacks.
• Eyes smart and burn. Lachrymation.
• Dose – Tincture, to third potency; 10 drops in water during and after attack of epistaxis. In hay-fever high potencies.

QUILLAYA SAPONARIA

• Indicated in respiratory conditions.
• Acute catarrh, sneezing and sore throat.
• Beginning of coryza
• Colds with sore throat; heat and dryness of throat.
• Cough with difficult expectoration
• Dose – Tincture and first potency.

ERIODYCTION CALIFORNICUM

• Indicated in respiratory conditions.
• Bronchial phthisis, with night-sweats and emaciation.
• Asthma relieved by expectoration.
• Cough after influenza.
• Appetite poor and impaired digestion.
• Whooping cough.
• Coryza with dizziness and sneezing.
• Dose – Tincture in doses of 2 to 20 drops and attenuations.

COPAIVA OFFICINALIS

• Acts powerfully on skin.
• Chronic urticaria in children. Bullous eruptions.
• Produces a well-marked nettle-rash.
• Hives, with fever and constipation.
• Erysipelatous inflammation, especially around abdomen.
• Circumscribed lenticular patches, with itching; mottled appearance.
• Dose – First to third attenuation.

AGRAPHIS NUTANS

• Indicated in throat conditions and mutism.
• Obstruction of nostrils. Adenoids, throat deafness. Enlarged tonsils.
• Mucous diarrhea from cold. Chill from cold winds.
• Throat and ear troubles with tendency to free discharge from mucous membranes.
• Mutism of childhood unconnected with deafness.
• Dose – Third potency. Single doses of tincture

ABSINTHIUM

• Indicated in epilepsy and nervous affections
• Sudden and severe giddiness, delirium with hallucinations and loss of consciousness.
• Poisoning by mushrooms. Chorea. Tremor.
• Nervousness, excitement, and sleeplessness in children.
• Vertigo, with tendency to fall backward. General confusion.
• Pain in limbs. Paralytic symptoms.
• Dose – First to sixth potency.

CONCLUSION:
Rare remedies are important in homoeopathy because they can effectively treat complex and hard-to-cure conditions. Though not used often, they can be very helpful when matched to the right patient. By learning more about these remedies and using them carefully, homoeopaths can improve their practice and offer more personalized care. Ongoing research and use of rare remedies will help homoeopathy become even better at treating a wide range of health problems.

REFERENCES:

1. Boericke’s. New manual of Homoeopathic Materia Medica with repertory by Dr. William Boericke; third edition; published by B. Jain Publishers (P) Ltd.
2. An insight into the plant by Dr. Rajan Shankaran; second revised edition, 2007.
3. Use of rare remedies in homoeopathic practice Dr. Ayush Kumar Gupta

Dr Bangi Haritha
PG scholar, FMHMC, Mangalore
Guidance of Dr Ancy George, PG Guide & Asst Professor, Dept of Paediatrics, FMHMC.
Email : harithabangi@gmail.com