Sharon Ackland - The Family Homeopath

Sharon Ackland - The Family Homeopath As a family homeopath I offer a complete system of natural, safe health care for all ages.Trusted,te

17/05/2026

Homeopathy and Neuro - divergence .

In this post I would like to outline a few specific indications for the use of Lycopodium in the treatment of neuro - diversity .
Lycopodium is a ' polycrest ' remedy ; a remedy of many uses and a deep acting constitutional remedy . Please see my previous posts on Lycopodium to understand the full picture and essence of this remedy .
Lycopodium has a close relationship to the remedy Tuberculinum and after a prescription of Tub . there can be a dramatic improvement in focus and concentration and a reduction of tendencies to hyper - activity and
restlessness . At this point , particularly with children , the parents will be able to more clearly see ( or see for the first time ) an underlying issue or fear that is challenging for the child .
When Lycopodium is indicated ( and it frequently is after a prescription of Tub . ) the fear will be of change due to a lack of confidence which arises from a dread of failure . When the remedy is strongly indicated this fear of change will involve even the smallest alteration in routine and frequent refrains are likely to be , ' but how will I know when to leave , where to go , when I'm being picked up ' . More serious challenges will involve the start of new school terms , new class teachers , a change of school , a new subject or activity .
When a remedy such as Baryta Carb ( see my last post ) is indicated , the lack of confidence will be due to an inability to grasp the new information or master a new activity . This is not the case for Lycopodium which has the ability in spades but resists due to a fear of failing and feeling humiliated by that .
When the Lycopodium remedy begins to reduce this fear there is often a big shift in the case and a time of greater ease and happiness for the child who now feels excited rather than afraid of challenges .
When Lycopodium and Tub. have been prescribed as indicated and over a period of say 6 months , it is common to see a pattern of greater focus and less fear followed by a seeming return of the more hyper , restless state . This is not a retrograde step but a turn in the cycle of the two remedies where with each prescription they are going deeper into the problematic areas , throwing up shades of the original state but then eliciting more and more improvement which lasts for increasingly long periods of time .

11/05/2026

Homeopathy and Neuro - divergence .

In this post I hope to convey how comprehensive the homeopathic materia medica is in terms of the remedies available and their differing and diverse symptom pictures . Wherever a person may be on the neuro - diverse spectrum , there are remedy profiles to match that state .
" Like cures like " , and in order to achieve this the homeopath will observe and note a person's unique tapestry of symptoms and match it as closely as possible to the symptom picture of one of the hundreds of homeopathic remedies in the material medica .
In the last post I described the restless , disruptive and hyper - active nature of the remedy Tuberculinum . In this post I will present a very different remedy ( picture ) and a very different manifestation of neuro - diversity .
The central theme of the remedy Baryta Carb is that of dependency ; dependency on others , dependency on routine and dependency on conforming . These are socially conservative people with an innate fear of " standing out from the crowd " , of being noticed or criticized .
Baryta Carb types can be very capable , reliable and responsible . They are extremely careful . This is how they feel safe and how they seek to make their world less frightening and unpredictable for themselves and their loved ones .
In the less dependent and more capable Baryta Carb types , we see an ability to support others ( usually close family members ) through their conscientious , hard working and organized approach to daily life .
In homeopathic practice , it is generally the more dependent , more anxious , more withdrawn Baryta Carb types that seek out homeopathic help or are brought to the homeopath .Their acute shyness and heavy reliance on others are usually uppermost in their concerns .
These are very timid people , acutely self conscious due to their awareness of how utterly dependent they are on others .
They are deeply sensitive to criticism and being laughed at and lack a protective shell ( hence the need for others to provide this ) against the vagaries and injustices of modern life . They need the protection of others and this embarrasses them . To avoid ridicule they stick to the rules , avoid all change and take their comfort from routine . Their adherence to such an unswerving set way of doing things has the sad and unfortunate effect of inviting the very responses that they are desperate to avoid , namely ridicule and criticism . This can happen with children at school where a lack of adventure and daring is mocked and in adults the strict adherence to routine and methodical checking and re - checking can also invite hurtful comments . Baryta Carb possesses a naivety and unworldliness which stands
out - the very thing that this shy , self conscious person wishes to avoid at all costs and which can result in a life of social withdrawal .
These are quite clearly not fiery , creative types like Tuberculinum who find release and expression through their considerable imaginations. . Baryta Carb is a plodder , rarely if ever spontaneous and possessing an all consuming dread of losing those on whom they are dependent .
A prescription of the remedy will help to ease these sensitive , shy people out of their shell by helping them to feel less vulnerable .
On a physical level the Baryta Carb type will often suffer from recurring tonsillitis and present as a very chilly individual . This is a remedy of under function and lack , not excess .
Baryta Carb is frequently prescribed for those with Down's Syndrome , in those who age prematurely and for those who find it chronically challenging to keep up and move with the considerable speed of today's world .

15/04/2026

Homeopathy and Neuro - divergence .
The homeopathic remedy Tuberculinum or Tub. for short is frequently prescribed in the treatment of neuro - diversity . It possesses a very distinct remedy picture , easy to observe and one that many parents of neuro - diverse children will recognize .
The remedy is derived from tubercular tissue and prepared by a process of dilution and shaking ( succussion ) which renders the original substance into sub - molecular form .All homeopathic remedies are prepared in this way making them completely safe for use in pregnancy and for the newborn .
In helping to understand the cases in which this remedy is indicated , it is instructive to briefly look at the circumstances in which actual TB often occurs . TB is prevalent in dispossessed populations , in those who are in transit and in search of a new homeland . The trauma , shock and fear attendant on forced migration arises from war , uprisings , violence and danger . With these conditions being ideal for TB to thrive , we can expect to see these influences mirrored in the remedy itself .
The Homeopath seeks to match the picture of the remedy ( in this case Tub . ) to the essential picture ( essence ) of tendencies , symptoms and inclinations of the neuro - diverse person .
The remedy picture or essence of Tub . is one of restlessness , discontent and destructive anger . When we consider how prevalent TB is in dispossessed populations on the move and in transit , we can see why restlessness is so characteristic of the remedy Tub .
The discontent felt towards the new homeland ( the longing for the old country and the constant comparisons ) goes some way to explaining how the person in need of Tub as a remedy is often dissatisfied and at odds with their situation and the demands it makes upon them .
The destructive anger in those who are in need of this remedy has echoes of the violence and disruption in populations forced to flee and in which TB as a disease takes hold .
We see these themes of discontent , restlessness and destructive anger play out in many different manifestations in those who can benefit from the homeopathic remedy Tub .
The restlessness in children in particular often takes the form of easy boredom and an inability to concentrate . After the remedy is given , its benefits can
very quickly be seen in the classroom setting where there is a much greater tolerance towards sitting relatively still and adapting to the restriction of needing to do so . Positive feedback from teachers is strong after a dose of Tub !
The person needing Tub as a remedy has a general aversion to restriction and constriction - of clothes , deadlines and in particular , too many demands .
When these perceived restrictions bear down too much , the destructive anger is likely to surface . Objects are thrown , books are swiped off the table , devices are smashed .
Again we see echoes of those situations of violence and upheaval that cause populations to be on the move and where the disease TB is common . The demands made on the individual in those circumstances become intolerable , the pressures too much . Reaching this point of anger , trauma and powerlessness and an often desperate railing at the demands of the situation are seen over and again in neuro - divergent children when Tub is the indicated remedy .
There are frequent nightmares and terrors , sleep walking and restless sleep generally . Bed wetting is a strong feature of this remedy .
There can be a constant flitting from one activity to another , ever - changing food likes and dislikes and an almost perverse desire to disrupt or upend whatever the family , class or friends are doing . There can be myriad reasons behind this behaviour - boredom , lack of confidence/ ability ( the thinking being that disruptive actions distract others from noticing this ) but matching the remedy picture to the picture of the person's symptoms means that it isn't always necessary to dive too deeply into the causative level . The well matched remedy will restore the balance and bring calm .
The individual in need of the remedy Tub is usually creative in their areas of interest , often dramatic and expressive and above all acutely sensitive to their surroundings - temperature , noise , light etc and there are easy and high levels of frustration .
Referring again to the traumas in the populations and circumstances in which TB can thrive ( and from which the homeopathic remedy is derived ) there is often a history of pregnancy/ birth traumas in those within the neuro - diverse sphere who need the Tub remedy . There may be upheaval or danger surrounding the mother during pregnancy or a frightening birth experience .
Lastly , a note about change and the distress it can cause to many in the neuro - diverse sphere . Tub is a remedy which seeks out change due to its restless , easily bored nature but nonetheless this remedy can bring about much ease and an increased ability to be adaptable when then response to any change is one of explosive anger and defiance . A new school or school term , a change of plan or a new activity can all elicit this kind of angry response . Other remedies would be indicated here if the response was a quiet retreat into one's protective shell .

09/04/2026

Homeopathy and Neuro - divergence .
Parents of neuro - divergent children are often concerned about feeling inhibited in detailing their child's symptoms and responses in front of them . The consultations that I offer are by phone , last approximately one hour and the homeopathic remedies are posted out to you the same day . This arrangement enables the parent to speak freely , not just about their child but also the general dynamic in the family . Much benefit can come from mum ( in particular ) and siblings also receiving homeopathic treatment over time .
The homeopathic consultation is very relaxed : it is an opening for you to unfold your child's story . The Homeopath will ask about the pregnancy and birth of your son or daughter and any significant events in the child's life such as a long spell in hospital , traumatic experiences at school , challenges and disappointments in friendships and any recurring illnesses such as tonsillitis , earaches etc .
Your child's temperament will be of utmost importance to the Homeopath - is this a gregarious child , a withdrawn child , is he or she passive or fiery , anxious or confident , creative or practical ? What is their sleep pattern like and are there dreams of note or nightmares ?
Food likes and dislikes including allergies will be discussed and general questions about the effect of the weather / seasons and temperature will be asked .
Homeopathy offers a holistic approach to neuro - divergence not just by giving consideration to the mental / emotional / physical aspects of the child but also by understanding that the reasons for neuro - divergence are complex and varied . Genetics , pregnancy , medications , immunisations , accidents , surgery , miasmatic influences ( inherited patterns of disease which can pass down the generations as miasms or mists of the original disease - the most common in neuro - divergence is TB , even if it was several generations ago ) and life circumstances of note .
In future posts I will outline some specific remedy profiles used in the treatment of neuro - divergence .

08/04/2026

Homeopathy And Neuro - divergence .
Homeopathy offers a unique resonance with those inside the orbit of neuro - divergence in all of its expressions and manifestations .
The sphere of neuro - divergence is characterised by nebulous and oft changing aspects which frequently defy an immediate or even definite diagnosis . Parents of the neuro - diverse ( to whom this post is primarily addressed ) can feel overwhelmed by terms and observations such as autistic spectrum disorder , ADHD , hyper - sensitivity , developmental delays , disregulation of emotions , fixated behaviours , poor social communication and integration , to list just a few .
So what can homeopathy bring to this miasma of confusion and uncertainty ? Homeopathy is unique in that the prescription of the homeopathic remedy ( medicine ) does not rely on a diagnosis . The prescription is always made on the basis of the totality of symptoms - mental , emotional and physical . It is a unique prescription for a unique set of symptoms , your symptoms . Although there may be a broad base of symptoms or expressions within , for example , a diagnosis of ADHD , it is your particular expression of the condition that is so important to the Homeopath . An illustration of this could be that you are very thirsty , easily overheat , hate spicy food , love vinegar and are fearful of dogs . Your prescription , your homeopathic remedy , will be completely different to someone who is chilly , thirstless and has no fear of dogs , even if you both present as hyperactive with poor concentration levels .
This unique approach can be a tremendous relief to parents particularly in the initial stages of assessments and a possible diagnosis . It brings the focus more on to the person and less on to the condition . It brings a clarity and a sense of control to a process that can be exhausting and overwhelming . The unique person ( personality , likes and dislikes , fears etc ) behind the diagnosis is always at the heart of the homeopathic prescription .
I will explain the form that homeopathic treatment takes in my next post .

27/03/2026

The signs of Spring are all around us now even on gloomy days such as this one . Once the milder temperatures are with us it is a good time to start taking Milk Thistle for 2 to 4 weeks as a liver support . The liver begins to thin the blood now so that we don't overheat once the weather really warms up and Milk Thistle , by supporting the liver in this process , ensures that our liver isn't overburdened in its regular task of acting as a cleansing filter for various toxins , fats etc in the body .
It is also the start of the Easter holidays for children and if they seem fatigued and lacking in energy from the previous school term , look to the tissue salts Ferrum Phos ( which gives an iron boost ) and Kali Phos . Teachers too may be in need of this boost !
There is a " Pulsatilla " dry throat doing the rounds at the moment and it mainly seems to be children who are going down with it . The throat feels dry but there is no thirst and it is this unusual pairing of contradictory symptoms that points to Pulsatilla as the indicated remedy . For dry throats with high thirst look to Phosphorus . Remember that Pulsatilla becomes even more tearful and needy when feeling unwell so this makes it an easy remedy to spot .
Next week I will be starting a series of posts and remedy outlines for neuro - divergence .

23/02/2026

Tonsillitis .
Following on from my last post , here are a few more frequently indicated remedies for tonsillitis .
Lycopodium is very helpful when the sore throat and swollen tonsil is on the right side or if it starts on the right and then extends to the left . This remedy is much relieved by warm drinks and has a clear aggravation time of 4pm to 8 pm . People in the Lycopodium state will be very irritable becoming furious over small things . This helps to distinguish the remedy from Pulsatilla which also has a late afternoon / evening aggravation . Pulsatilla is sweet and accomodating even in illness . They become weepy and crave fuss and cuddles and they are rarely irritable . Pulsatilla''s emotions and their need for fresh air and coolness will be the guiding symptoms as their sore throats and swollen tonsils do not favour one side over another . They are also thirstless even with a dry throat so this helps to distinguish it from Phosphorus , the remedy of unlimited thirst .
Sulphur , another irritable remedy is a key choice for left sided tonsillitis which is characterised by extreme sensitivity in the throat , dryness and burning . Sulphur individuals are very prone to swollen glands and the swelling can last for weeks if the correct remedy isn't prescribed .
Phytolacca will be indicated when the throat is dullish red or bluish red and there is a sensation of fullness in the throat and / or a feeling of a red hot ball in the throat . Swallowing is excruciating and causes shooting pains to extend to the ears .
A useful keynote symptom for the remedies Hep Sulph and Lachesis is their extreme sensitivity to the external throat . They are easily differentiated by their strong characteristic symptoms :
Lachesis is left sided with an aggravation from hot drinks and strong feelings of constriction in the throat and Hep Sulph is distinguished by a throat that feels full of splinters , a sensitivity to even a slight draft of air and very angry demeanour

21/02/2026

Tonsillitis .
There has been a wave of tonsillitis these past few weeks so I thought it might be helpful to highlight the main characteristics of some of the key tonsillitis remedies for home prescribing .
If there is fever and rapid onset of symptoms give Aconite immediately . This is more common in children than adults as the high vitality in children that can throw up symptoms quickly and with a fever is more sluggish ( therefore slower onset ) in adults . Fever with a moderate speed of onset will respond well to Belladonna . Oftentimes a well treated fever at the initial onset of symptoms will nip a tonsillitis or sore throat in the bud .
Some useful tips for home prescribing when selecting the remedy for throats are observing which side has the swollen tonsil / pain or which side is the worst for pain / swelling , what the thirst is like and the type of pain and sensation present when swallowing or not swallowing .
Belladonna has a sensation of burning . ApIs has stinging and Hepar Sulph has the feeling of splinters in the throat .
Different remedies will be indicated depending on the appearance of the throat and tonsils . A bright red smooth appearance with an enlarged tonsil on the right side ( or worse on the right side ) will always respond quickly and well to Belladonna .A puffy ( oedematous ) and pink appearance to the throat and tonsils will respond to Apis . Tonsils and throat covered in ulcers will respond to Merc Sol and Phosphorus , other factors will help you to differentiate between the remedies . For example Merc Sol will have too much saliva and Phosphorus will have extreme dryness and a great thirst for very cold drinks .
Tonsillitis with an inability to swallow solids ( better for liquids ) suggest remedies like Apis , Bella and Silica . Lachesis on the other hand is worse for liquids and finds relief from swallowing solids . Lachesis is a main remedy for left sided sore throats and the appearance is bluish - red .
If you become a good throat detective and observe closely the unique characteristics of the different types of tonsillitis , you will have great success with your home prescribing .

25/01/2026

The Homeopath's Week .

It has been a run of all the usual winter complaints this past week with plenty of Gelsemium
and Pulsatilla being prescribed for the flu and catarrhal colds around .
Pulsatilla is the top remedy at this time of year for complaints that come on due to damp air . Catarrh is a condition of dampness in the body so it is best to limit cold , damp foods such as yogurt and dairy in general and to eat plenty of warming , cooked foods , ginger and other warming spices .
Gelsemium is one of many remedies used to treat flu . The Gelsemium flu is characterised by deep aching , low thirst and chills ( usually running up and down the spine ) and deep lethargy .
I am now completely out of Kali Mur 9x until the order arrives from the pharmacy as there has been a considerable run on Natrum Phos and Kali Mur for worms . I can only think that this is the unfortunate consequence of too much sugar over the Christmas period !Thread worms thrive in an acidic environment in the gut and sugar creates this state of over - acidity . Eliminating sugar , using plenty of garlic in your cooking , the homeopathic tissue salts and other tried and tested methods ( ground up pumpkin seeds , cloves etc ) will soon return the gut to a healthy alkaline state .
Caulophyllum has worked its magic for two new mums whose babies were overdue . Advice around dosage and potency needs to come from a homeopath for this remedy and it is included in the birth kit that I recommend for women during pregnancy . It will help to soften the cervix and encourage labour when nothing is starting or progressing and can often bypass the need for induction , sweeps and invasive attempts at ' getting things going ' . Homeopaths are always happy to talk through the concerns of pregnancy and labour and to reassure women and partners with the rich selection of natural and safe remedies that are available to make pregnancy and birth easier and more comfortable .

11/01/2026

Mid - Winter Remedies and Musings .

Wishing you all a healthy and happy 2026 .

So here we are deep in the winter months and hopefully , if we are wise , taking our cue from nature and accepting that this is hibernation time and our annual chance to settle into this seasonal pause . Time for quiet planning and reflection and for using this fallow time of year to nourish and ready ourselves
for the burst of energy that Spring will generate .
Several of the tissue salts can help us to replenish our lost resources of energy , namely Kali Phos and Ferrum Phos . Seasonal weariness can be lifted by taking Kali Phos morning and evening for a few weeks and if you are low on iron and feeling tired as a result then add Ferrum Phos too .
Ferrum also helps to stave off infections by reducing inflammatory levels in the body .
If your depletion leans more to the emotional side , feeling ' strung out ' from all the festivities , Mag Phos tissue salts will help to rebalance and calm the nervous system .
Keep Pulsatilla 30 c to hand for the many catarrhal coughs , colds and sinus problems that proliferate in the damper months . Kali Carb 30 c is useful if loose Pulsatilla coughs dry up and start to produce a heaviness in the upper chest and prevent the easy expectoration of mucus from the lungs . Kali Carb will loosen everything up quickly and the lungs will clear .
Styes on the eyelids can be a sure sign of feeling rundown and for this reason they are always more prevalent in the winter months . Pulsatilla is the main remedy to hasten their cure but if the styes form a very hard mass and / or they recur , consider the remedy Silica .If they tend to pus formation , Hepar Sulph is the remedy and if they appear after an altercation that leaves you feeling humiliated or indignant then Staphisagria will rapidly help the stye and your emotions .
This is an optimum time of year to consider a consultation with your homeopath and to receive some constitutional prescribing . It will rebalance your energy , strengthen your overall immune response to the various winter ailments and ensure an easy transition into the next season .
For parents of school age children and teachers , consider a few weeks of Vogel's Ecchinacea tincture to keep the infections at bay . Likewise for anyone in regular and close contact with many people , office situations etc. As a supreme blood cleanser , Ecchinacea can flush out bacterial or viral invasion prior to symptoms developing .

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