The physical growth of a child is indicated by the increase in the height and weight of the child, which is necessary for every child of that age group and gender. The growth of the child is rapid from birth to the age of 1-2 years. In addition, there is gradual growth. Around adolescence (ages between 13 and 19 years) the growth rate increases again, also called a growth spurt (short period during which rapid physical growth takes place in height and weight). When a child grows less than what is considered normal for his/her age group, it is called stunting.
Children with stunted growth may show symptoms such as fatigue, looking pale and thin, fat loss on the cheeks, loose sagging skin in the folds, low immunity, poor intellectual development/school performance.
Homeopathic treatment
Homeopathy can be a boon for children who have retarded growth in height and weight, which is less than what is normal according to their peers. Along with a well-balanced nutritional diet, homeopathic medicines can work great in such cases. Homeopathic medicines are intended to remove all obstacles that hinder the normal growth of a child and promote weight gain and increase in height. They are also useful in treating any underlying stomach problems, thyroid problems, etc. if these are related to stunted growth. To boost the growth of a child, homeopathic medicines are selected based on a detailed case analysis of a child. The homeopathic prescription varies from case to case, depending on the symptom picture of each individual child. Therefore, it is recommended to take homeopathic medicines only after consulting a homeopathic doctor. Homeopathic medicines are prepared from naturally occurring substances that are very safe to use and without side effects. Homeopathic medicines have a limitation in treating cases where a genetic cause is related to growth retardation.
Homeopathic medicines for growth retardation in children
1. Baryta Carb – Top drug
Baryta Carb is one of the most recommended medicines to promote proper growth of a child. This medicine is known to stimulate growth hormone while the child is still growing. This medicine is very suitable for children with small height and low weight compared to what is necessary for their age. They also have problems with concentration and study. Their minds are dull and slow in learning and understanding new subjects. They have little appetite; although they are hungry, they refuse to eat. They tend to catch colds easily and also suffer from recurrent tonsillitis and pus accumulation behind the tonsils (frailty). There is a tendency to excessive sweating, especially on the feet. Sweat has a foul odor. Children who need this may be very shy and avoid strangers.
2. Silicea
Silicea is another prominent homeopathic medicine to improve the growth of children. This medicine is also indicated if a child is relatively thin and has short height compared to children of his age. The use of this medicine is recommended if a child eats well, but has a nutritional deficiency due to improper absorption (absorption of nutrients from food and their transport to the body cells through the bloodstream) of food. There is excessive weakness, lack of endurance and a tendency to abnormal sweating on the feet and head. The child has a marked sensitivity to cold air and does not like to drink milk. Silicea is also indicated for children with delayed walking.
3. Calcarea Phos
Calcarea Phos is the next well indicated medicine to stimulate the growth of children in terms of height and weight. Children who need this are thin, emaciated, have sunken eyes and dark circles around the eyes. They also have weak, thin bones that are prone to fractures. They learn to walk and speak slowly and also develop their teeth late. They may be suffering from anemia. They may have cold extremities and poor digestion.
4. Natrum Mur
This medicine works well to help improve the weight of a child who is underweight. Children who need this are very thin and the neck area in particular is noticeably thin. They eat very well and still continue to lose weight. They crave salty things and don’t like fatty foods. They may also have anemia. They show marked weakness, feel tired and sleepy. Children who need this often become irritable and tend to cry often for no reason.
5. Iodine
Iodum is an effective drug to promote weight gain in children who lose weight despite eating well. They are excessively hungry, need to eat every few hours, but do not gain weight. They are thin, feel very tired, the body heats up quickly and they long for cold fresh air. There is a tendency to sweat with the slightest effort. Iodum is also a leading drug for cases where a child cannot gain weight due to an overactive thyroid. Children who need this medicine are quite restless and exhibit impulsive behavior.
6. Abrotanum
Abrotanum is useful for children who are very thin, especially legs. The skin hangs loose in the folds of the body. The neck is weak making it difficult to hold the head. The face looks pale, wrinkled and old with blue rings around the eyes. There may be alternating diarrhea and constipation. Undigested food can pass into the feces.
7. Tuberculinum
Tuberculum is a useful medicine for weak, thin children of short height and low weight. Children who need this are always tired and exhausted and sweat excessively at night. They tend to catch colds easily and also often suffer from sore throats and upper respiratory tract infections. They also tend to suffer from diarrhea for a long time.
8. Lycopodium
Lycopodium is suitable for children who have a thin upper body compared to the lower body. Children who need it have weak digestion. Their appetite is low and eating just a little food makes their stomach full. A child may suffer from food allergies, such as wheat allergy. There is a tendency towards excessive gas production and abdominal bloating shortly after eating.
What causes stunted growth in children?
It can result from genetic causes, a deficiency of growth hormone (produced by the pituitary gland that promotes growth in children and adolescents), malnutrition and recurrent infections such as diarrhea (loose motion). If a child is not growing properly, this could also be a result of one of these causes:
1. Stomach problems, such as celiac disease where eating gluten present in wheat, rye barley damages the small intestine, which hinders the absorption of nutrients; Crohn’s disease, in which inflammation occurs in part of the gastrointestinal tract, and other symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting and blood in the stool may be present
2. Thyroid problems
3. Certain species Anemia, a condition in which there are few red blood cells in the body to transport oxygen to various body tissues and organs. Sickle cell anemia is a type of hereditary condition in which red blood cells take on the shape of a crescent moon, hindering the transport of oxygen to various parts of the body.
4. Bone disorders