Homeopathic remedies are claimed by many to be better than medical science if only through their claim of being Natural. Take for example homeopathy.

Homeopathic medicine was founded in the late 18th century and is based on using diluted substances from various animals' minerals and plans. The remedies are designed to match different symptoms of illnesses to encourage the body's natural healing process. The idea of like cures like is a basic premise of homeopathy.

Homeopathy is the treatment of disease by consuming natural materials that are claimed to simulate the symptoms of the disease. The natural products are diluted in water and so the claimed effective ingredient can be given in extremely small amounts. The efficacy of this type of treatment is rejected by most medical experts today.

The problem with the claims of many so called natural remedies is their effectiveness has never been verified by any scientific research. Consider homeopathy is based on an 18th century theory that apparently was NOT effective as the hospital wards were filled with patients that WERE cured with a little invention of modern medicine called antibiotics.

While it may be argued that homeopathy may have its place, the treatment of bronchitis is not such a situation. The reason is that bronchitis, if left on its own may develop into pneumonia.

A simple definition of bronchitis is inflammation of the bronchial tubes that send air into the lungs. There are two types of bronchitis, acute and chronic. Acute bronchitis is usually associated with a respiratory infection which itself can be either viral or bacterial.

Trying to treat bronchitis with natural cures or remedies may result in respiratory pneumonia. A medical doctor can quickly diagnose bronchitis and prescribe antibiotics when necessary to control the infection.

This isn't to suggest that all home cures are of no value. Many such as hot tea and lemon can work wonders in calming a hacking cough. Medicated warm mist vaporizers can loosen congestion an aid in breathing. Neither of these home remedies however can take the place of an appropriate antibiotic treatment.

If you're interest in and natural cures is based on obtaining the best care for you or your child, it's important to realize that in cases involving bronchial infection, a medical doctor IS the best care. Share with your doctor your desire to limit the use of prescribed medications and he will work with you and suggest alternatives that you can try for the relief of some symptoms.

Medical doctors today are in a battle with us as consumers to limit the use of antibiotics to only when necessary. It's the over-prescribing of these wonder drugs that has created many of the super bacteria that are now immune to the antibiotic medications. Still, wouldn't it be great to have some effective cough medicine to relieve your child's hacking cough in the middle of the night if the natural cures that working.

Obtaining the benefits of medical science makes you a wise and caring parent.

This isn't to say that homeopathy is completely worthless. Many symptoms such as sinusitis and a bronchial cough can be treated without expensive pharmaceutical medications. Still, if you're a parent, wouldn't it be great to have some effective cough medicine to relieve your child's hacking cough in the middle of the night if the homeopathic remedy doesn't work?