Earache: This can be caused by catarrhal conditions or infection. Pain can be severe in one ear or both. Other key symptoms may be a blocked sensation in the ears, buzzing or ringing sounds, excessive waxy discharge, fever, vertigo or nausea if the inner ear is affected. "Glue ear" in children is connected with milk allergies.

What to Use: Depending on the varying symptoms, nine homeopathic remedies would be helpful. The herb Pasque Flower, which is the homeopathic Pulsatilla, acts as a sedative and analgesic. The herb Goldenseal is a powerful, cooling astringent with anticatarrhal action. Ribwort Plantain tonifies mucous membranes and controls catarrh, particularly useful for catarrhal conditions of the middle ear.

Cautions and Commonsense: If symptoms persist seek professional help; severe infections can lead to deafness.

Case History: Otitis media or middle ear infection is a common affliction of infants and young children that is usually quickly resolved with homeopathic medicines. The friend who introduced me to homeopathy (and who has since become a licensed naturopath) reported that her children’s frequent ear infections were resolved ordinarily within 15 minutes of administering homeopathic remedies. My first-born, on the other hand, was on a diet of amoxicillin from 5 weeks to 15 months so that by 2 years of age she’d been graduated to a stronger antibiotic. WMB

Conjunctivitis: This inflammation of the membrane that covers the eye can cause itching, runny eyes, soreness and swelling, sensitivity to light and discharge. It is usually accompanied by a pinkish or red color of the eyeball.

What to take: Recommended herbs that will reduce swelling and soothe the eye are Eyebright,

Calendula, and Agrimonia. Applied as a bath to the eye, they relieve pain and reduce the inflammation. Ju Hua is a strong anti-inflammatory and is usually taken as an infusion.

It is recommended that Echinacea be taken as well to strengthen the system and give liver support to aid in the healing process.

Cold sores: Small blisters that form around the mouth and face are due to a virus and will reoccur whenever the immune system is weak because of illness, stress or fatigue.

What to take: Both Melaleuca or Tea tree oil and Lavender when applied to the lips in a mixture with a carrier oil for dilution will ease the soreness and help heal the blisters. Since this is a sign of a weakened immune system, it is recommended that you take Echinacea and garlic to help ward off a cold and huang qi to boost your immune system. The amino acid Lysine also brings a quick end to the discomfort of cold sores, whether oral or vaginal.

Tonsillitis: These small nodes of tissue located in the throat near the back of the tongue serve as collectors for trapping and destroying bacteria. When they trap excessive amounts of bacteria and white blood cells, they become inflamed.

What to take: There are many remedies for this condition and it is advisable to consult your homeopathic remedies book to see which condition you are suffering from and what to take. Some of the most common homeopathic remedies are Apis mellifica, Belladonna, Baryta Carbonica, Hepar sulphuris, Kali muriaticum, Mercurius , Calcarea phosphorica which is excellent for children with chronic tonsil problems, and FerrumPhosphoricum.

Cautions and common sense: If your child is running a high fever or fever that lingers for several days, consult your doctor immediately as it may be a sign of something beyond normal tonsillitis.