Few things are more frightening for a parent than hearing their child struggle to breathe through a barking, crowing cough in the middle of the night. Whether you're dealing with croup or whooping cough, homeopathy has a long history of supporting children through these acute respiratory illnesses and knowing which remedy to reach for can make a real difference.

This post covers what I use in clinic and at home for both conditions, and when to seek additional support.

Croup and whooping cough — what's the difference?

Croup is caused by a viral infection that leads to swelling around the voice box and windpipe. The hallmark is a distinctive barking cough that often sounds like a seal, usually worse at night, and sometimes accompanied by a high-pitched sound when breathing in (stridor). It most commonly affects children under five.

Whooping cough (pertussis) is a bacterial infection that causes intense, prolonged coughing spells followed by a characteristic "whoop" sound as the child gasps for air. It can last weeks and is most serious in babies and young children. It's also highly contagious.

Both conditions can be frightening to witness. Both can be supported well with homeopathy — though whooping cough in particular warrants close monitoring and often medical care alongside homeopathic treatment.

Homeopathic remedies for croup

Aconite — the first remedy for croup

Croup that comes on suddenly — often in the early hours of the morning, after exposure to cold dry wind — calls for Aconite immediately. The child wakes frightened, the cough is harsh and barking, and they may be restless or panicked. Aconite is most effective in the very first stages, within the first hour or two of onset. Many parents find a dose or two of Aconite settles a croup episode significantly.

Spongia Tosta — the classic croup remedy

Once the very acute, frightened Aconite picture has passed, Spongia often follows beautifully. The cough sounds like a saw going through wood — dry, barking, loud. The child may be less panicked than the Aconite stage but the cough is persistent and harsh. Worse for talking or swallowing, often better for warm drinks.

Hepar Sulph — croup with rattling mucus

When croup moves into a later, looser stage with rattling mucus and a cough that sounds wet and choking, Hepar Sulph comes into its own. The child is often very sensitive — to cold air, to touch, to everything. Worse in cold, better for warmth and humidity.

The Deep Cough blend — for croupy, barking coughs

If you're not confident selecting a single remedy in the middle of the night (and who is, when you're exhausted and worried?), the Deep Cough blend is formulated specifically for deep, barking, croupy coughs.

➡️ Shop the Deep Cough Blend — $19.95
Formerly known as the Croup blend — crafted for those harsh, barking coughs that tend to be worse at night.

Homeopathic remedies for whooping cough

Drosera — the keynote whooping cough remedy

Drosera is one of the most important homeopathic remedies for whooping cough. The coughing spells are intense and prolonged, often ending in retching or vomiting. The child may hold their chest or abdomen during the spasm. Worse after midnight, worse for lying down, worse for warmth.

Pertussinum (Pertussin nosode)

This nosode — made from the pertussis organism itself — is used both to support children currently suffering from whooping cough and as a preventative during outbreaks. It can be given alongside Drosera or other well-indicated remedies.

Important: when to seek medical attention

Please always seek immediate medical care if your child:

• Is under 12 months and showing any signs of respiratory distress
• Has a bluish tinge around the lips or fingernails
• Is struggling to breathe between coughing spells
• Seems exhausted or is unable to feed
• Has a high fever alongside croup symptoms

Homeopathy works beautifully alongside conventional care — it doesn't have to be one or the other. Many families I work with use homeopathic support to help their child cope more comfortably while also following their GP's recommendations.

Supporting recovery

Once the acute phase passes, the immune system and respiratory system often need real support to rebuild. I frequently recommend the Immune Boost blend and the Sleep blend in the weeks following a significant respiratory illness — because proper rest and immune recovery after something like whooping cough is just as important as the acute treatment.

Dealing with croup or whooping cough right now?
Book an acute consult with Bianca →
Same-day support to find the right remedy for your child's specific presentation.

Please note: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Whooping cough is a serious illness, always consult your GP or paediatrician, particularly for babies and young children. Homeopathy is a complementary therapy and is not a substitute for professional medical care.

If you're in the thick of colic right now — exhausted, desperate, watching your baby scream and not knowing how to help — I want you to know you're not alone, and there are things that can genuinely help. This post covers what colic actually is, what I reach for in clinic, and how to work out which remedy fits your baby's picture.

What is colic?

Colic is typically defined as crying for more than three hours a day, more than three days a week, in an otherwise healthy baby. It usually peaks around six weeks and resolves by three to four months — but those weeks can feel endless when you're in them.

The cause isn't fully understood, but digestive discomfort, trapped wind, gut immaturity and sensitivity are all thought to play a role. What we know for certain is that the baby is in real distress — the crying isn't manipulative, it's communicative.

The key homeopathic remedies for colic

This is where homeopathy really shines. Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, we match the remedy to the specific picture — the type of pain, what makes it better or worse, and how the baby is behaving. Here are the most common colic remedies I use:

Colocynthis — the classic colic remedy

This is the remedy I think of first for colic. The baby pulls their knees up to their chest, and firm pressure on the abdomen brings relief — they may settle when held tummy-down across your forearm. The pain comes in waves, is colicky and cramping, and the baby is very distressed. Often worse after feeding.

Mag Phos — cramping that eases with warmth

Similar to Colocynthis in that the baby is better for pressure, but the distinguishing feature here is that warmth brings relief — a warm water bottle on the tummy, a warm bath, being held against a warm body. The pain is spasmodic and cramping. This is a lovely remedy for the baby who settles on mum's warm chest or in a warm bath.

Chamomilla — the inconsolable, angry baby

The Chamomilla colic baby is furious. They scream and arch, and nothing satisfies them — they want to be picked up, then put down, then picked up again. They may be better for being carried and walked, but only briefly. Often one cheek is red. The pain seems unbearable to them. This is also a key teething remedy for the same reason — the oversensitivity to pain.

Nux Vomica — colic from wind and digestive upset

For the baby who seems to have a lot of wind and digestive sensitivity — particularly if there's a dietary component (something mum has eaten coming through in breast milk, or formula sensitivity). The baby may strain to pass wind or stool. Irritable, better for warmth and being left alone.

Lycopodium — bloating and wind in the late afternoon

If colic is worst in the late afternoon and evening (4–8pm is a classic Lycopodium time), and the baby has a lot of bloating and trapped wind in the lower abdomen, Lycopodium is worth considering. The abdomen may look visibly distended.

The Colic Relief blend — when you need support right now

Choosing between single remedies in the middle of a colic episode — when you're sleep-deprived and your baby is screaming — is genuinely hard. That's exactly why I created the Colic Relief blend.

➡️ Shop the Colic Relief Blend — $19.95
Formulated to support babies through colicky digestive pain. One of the most-reviewed products in the range — parents consistently tell me it works when nothing else has.

What else can help alongside homeopathy

• Tummy massage: gentle clockwise strokes following the direction of the large intestine can help move trapped wind
• The bicycle legs technique: gently cycling baby's legs while they lie on their back
• Warmth on the tummy: a warm (not hot) water bottle wrapped in a cloth, held against the abdomen
• Check your diet if breastfeeding: cruciferous vegetables, caffeine, dairy and onions can all contribute to wind in some breastfed babies
• Feeding position: keeping baby more upright during and after feeding, and ensuring a good latch, can reduce the amount of air swallowed

When to see a doctor

Please seek medical attention if your baby:

• Has a fever alongside the crying
• Is not gaining weight or is losing weight
• Has blood in the stool
• Is vomiting forcefully after feeds
• Seems unwell in any other way

Colic is a diagnosis of exclusion — meaning other causes of crying need to be ruled out first.

Want help finding the right remedy for your baby?
Book an acute consult with Bianca →
Or try the Colic Relief blend — made for the moments when you just need something that works.

Please note: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. If your baby is unwell, always consult your GP or paediatrician. Homeopathy is a complementary therapy and is not a substitute for professional medical care.

Every winter, the same question comes up: why do some families sail through cold and flu season untouched, while others seem to catch everything going around? The answer lies in immune resilience and it's something homeopathy is beautifully suited to support.

Whether you're trying to keep your little ones healthy through the school year, build your own resilience after a run of illness, or simply feel more prepared heading into winter this guide is for you.

What does "boosting" immunity actually mean?

The word "boost" can be a little misleading. A truly healthy immune system isn't one that's always revved up, it's one that responds proportionately when needed, then settles back down. Chronic inflammation, allergies and autoimmune conditions are all signs of an immune system working overtime, not an under-resourced one.

Homeopathy works with your body's own intelligence. Rather than adding a single nutrient or stimulant, homeopathic remedies encourage the body's own healing mechanisms to work more effectively. Think of it as giving your immune system clearer signals, rather than more noise.

"The goal isn't a stronger immune system, it's a smarter, more responsive one."

In practice, this means getting sick less often, recovering faster when you do, and bouncing back with energy rather than lingering in that depleted, rundown phase that can drag on for weeks.

The remedies I reach for most for immune support

These are the homeopathic remedies I use in my own clinic, and with my own girls, when immune support is the priority. Many of them will already be familiar to you.

Aconite — the first responder

When something comes on suddenly, after cold wind, a fright, or a very cold day, Aconite is the remedy I reach for first. Think sudden fever, chills, restlessness and that unmistakable feeling that something is coming on fast. Aconite works best in the first 12–24 hours and can dramatically shorten an illness when given at the right moment. It's one of the most important remedies in your home kit.

Apis Mellifica — for inflammation and heat

Made from the honeybee, Apis is invaluable when the immune response involves swelling, heat and stinging sensations, think swollen tonsils, hives, allergic reactions or any condition that feels hot and puffy. Better for cold; worse for warmth. It's also beautifully suited to hayfever season when the eyes and throat are the main sites of inflammation.

Ferrum Phosphoricum — gentle support for flagging energy

Not every illness comes on dramatically. Ferrum Phos is the remedy for when someone is gradually wearing down, mild fever, tiredness, that sense of not quite being well. It's one of my go-tos for children who catch every bug at school and for anyone who never quite recovers fully between rounds of illness.

When to consider a combination blend

Single remedies are most powerful when matched precisely to the individual. But a well-formulated combination blend can be a brilliant everyday option, especially when you're not sure which single remedy fits, or you want reliable support that's always ready to use.

➡️ Shop the Immune Boost Blend — $19.95
My expertly curated combination of complementary homeopathic remedies to strengthen and support the immune system all year round. Developed from clinical experience and made here in Australia.

Immune support through the seasons

One of the things I love most about homeopathy is that it works with the seasons. Your immune system has different demands at different times of year and the approach shifts accordingly.

• Autumn (March–May): Time to build reserves before cold and flu season begins. The Immune Boost blend works beautifully here as everyday preventative support for the whole family.
• Winter (June–August): Acute remedies come into their own. Keep Aconite and the Cold & Flu blend stocked and ready. The earlier you act, the shorter the illness.
• Spring (September–November): Post-winter recovery and hayfever season. Apis and Nat Mur for allergic responses. A good time to see me for a consult if patterns keep repeating.
• Summer (December–February): Focus on gut health, travel readiness, and preparing children's immunity before the new school year begins.

A note for Australian families: Our winter June–August, which means now is the ideal time to get your home kit sorted. If you're reading this in the middle of winter and already run down, don't wait. The Immune Boost blend and a same-day acute consult can make a real difference even mid-illness.

Supporting children's immunity

Children's immune systems are genuinely different from adults'. They're still building their immune memory, which is why kids at daycare and school seem to get sick so often. This isn't a failure; it's actually the system doing exactly what it should. But homeopathy can help that process go more smoothly, with shorter illnesses and stronger recovery between them.

1. Don't suppress fevers too quickly. A fever is your child's immune system working. Supporting them through it with the Fever blend or well-indicated single remedies is often far more effective than reaching for antipyretics at the first sign of temperature.
2. Address patterns, not just episodes. If your child gets sick every three to four weeks, that recurring pattern is telling you something. A constitutional consult looks at the whole picture, not just the current bug.
3. Support sleep alongside immune treatment. The immune system does its most important repair work overnight. If your child isn't sleeping well, everything else is harder. The Sleep blend works beautifully alongside immune support.
4. Use the Immune Boost blend as daily prevention. Especially at the start of the school term, or heading into winter, a little prevention goes a very long way.

The blends that complement immune support

Immune health rarely exists in isolation. These are the other blends I frequently pair with Immune Boost:

• Cold & Flu — for when illness has already taken hold
• Fever — to support the body through a temperature rather than suppressing it
• Sleep — because deep rest is where immune recovery happens
• Chesty Cough — for when illness settles in the chest

Common questions

Can homeopathic remedies be taken alongside conventional medication?

Generally, yes. Homeopathic remedies work at a different level to pharmaceutical medications and are not known to interact with them. If you have any specific concerns, please reach out, I'm always happy to talk it through during a consult.

How quickly will I notice a difference?

Acute remedies like Aconite can work within hours when given at the right moment. The Immune Boost blend used as daily support typically shows results over four to six weeks, you'll notice you're getting sick less often, recovering more quickly, and feeling more resilient overall.

Are these remedies safe for babies and toddlers?

Yes. Homeopathic remedies are among the safest options available for very young children and have no side effects. Many families I work with use them from birth. For any baby under three months with signs of illness, please always consult your GP or paediatrician as well.

Should I book a consult or can I self-prescribe?

For everyday acute support, I suggest if you haven't got my First Aid Booklet, get it!  Reaching for Immune Boost at the start of winter, or the Cold & Flu blend when something's going around, self-prescribing with combination remedies is absolutely appropriate and what they're designed for. For recurring illness patterns, complex health histories, or children with ongoing immune challenges, a one-on-one consult will give you a much more tailored and effective outcome.

Ready to support your family's immunity this winter?
Shop the Immune Boost Blend — $19.95 →
Or book a consult with Bianca for a personalised approach.

Please note: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Homeopathy is a complementary therapy and is not a substitute for professional medical care. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for serious or persistent health concerns, particularly in infants and young children.

When I first discovered homeopathy, I wished someone had handed me a simple list or booklet just so I could make things a little easier. No overwhelm, no words I didn't understand, just the essentials to get started with confidence.

So here it is. The 10 remedies I reach for most in my own home, and the ones I recommend to every family just beginning their homeopathic journey.

1. Arnica Montana: The Number One Remedy For bumps, bruises, falls, trauma, and shock.
This is the remedy you'll reach for first after any injury. It reduces swelling, eases pain, and helps the body recover from physical and emotional shock. Every home needs this one.

2. Belladonna: The Fever Remedy
For sudden, intense fevers that come on fast with flushed red cheeks, glazed eyes, and heat radiating from the body. Belladonna works beautifully when the fever is high and the onset is rapid.

3. Chamomilla: The Teething Saviour
For the inconsolable, nothing-is-right, only-happy-when-carried baby. If teething has your little one in a rage and nothing soothes them, Chamomilla is your remedy. Also wonderful for colic and extreme irritability.

4. Aconite: For Sudden Onset and Shock
Think of Aconite at the very first sign of illness, a cold coming on after being caught in the wind, sudden high fever, or a state of panic and fear after a frightening experience. Best used at the very beginning of an illness.

5. Apis: Bites, Stings and Swelling
For bee stings, insect bites, and any swelling that is hot, red, and puffy and feels better with a cold compress. An essential for Australian summers.

6. Hypericum: Nerve Pain and Injuries
For injuries to areas rich in nerves, fingertips slammed in doors, tailbone injuries, dental pain. If the pain is sharp, shooting, or radiating, think Hypericum.

7. Nux Vomica: The Digestive Remedy
For overindulgence, digestive upsets, nausea, constipation, and that awful feeling of wanting to vomit but being unable to. Also helpful for stress-related digestive complaints and irritability from overwork.

8. Pulsatilla: The Clingy, Weepy Child
For the child (or adult!) who is tearful, clingy, wants constant comfort, and feels better in the fresh air. Often indicated for ear infections, colds with thick yellow discharge, and emotional overwhelm.

9. Ledum: Puncture Wounds and Bites
For any puncture wound, splinter, or bite that feels cold to the touch but is relieved by cold applications. A must-have for outdoorsy families.

10. Ignatia: Grief and Emotional Upset
For sadness, grief, disappointment, or shock after an emotional event. Ignatia gently supports the nervous system through difficult emotional experiences for children and adults alike.

Want all 10, plus 20 more?

Our Homeopathic First Aid Kit contains all of these remedies and more, in our unique Fibonacci Homochord potency, making them more effective and longer lasting than single potency remedies.

*Disclaimer: This blog post is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a qualified homeopath for individual health concerns.*

Lets Chat Homeopathy and How it Works

The Power of the Fibonacci Homeopathic Potency 

We all know of the Fibonacci sequence, you may also know it as the Golden Ratio. It is a series of numbers that starts with 0, 1, 1, 3, 5  and can be calculated by adding the two previous numbers to give the next number of the sequence.

E.g. 1 + 1 = 2, 1 + 2 = 3, 2 + 3 = 5, and so on. The Fibonacci scale starts 1, 1, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, etc

The golden ratio is an integral part of our universe. You can see a so many examples of the golden ratio and Fibonacci sequence in nature: The Milky Way, Shells, Webs, Horns, Hurricanes, Our Facial Proportions, Flowers, Fruits, the list goes on. It's also found in many other places including architecture and works of art to create aesthetically pleasing structures and masterpieces. So many flowers have a fibonacci sequence of leaves or petals, such as a rose and a fern bud.

In Homeopathy, fibonacci homochords (multiple potencies) have been created as remedies that combine 10 potencies of the one remedy in the Fibonacci Sequence of potency, including 3C, 5C, 8C, 13C, 21C, 34C, 55C, 89C, 144C and 233C.

What homeopaths are finding is that harnessing the energy of nature and providing it in the potency of natures golden spiral, it resonates at the cellular level of the human body most efficiently. After all, we are energetic beings vibrating a frequency from the cellular level.

The fibonacci potency removes the guesswork of which potency is best suited to the individual. Instead, the body can take which potency and frequency it requires in order to stimulate the healing response, in the most gentle and rapid way.