Nicole Schubert-Nicolas suggests how to keep our beloveds physically and mentally well
Teenagers are brilliant, aren’t they? Full of energy, passion, and ideas. But all that energy and emotions can sometimes be a lot to keep up with. One minute they’re buzzing with enthusiasm, the next they’re slamming doors because someone looked at them wrong. It’s a rollercoaster, and we, as parents, are strapped in for the ride.
This period of life is one big transition – physically, emotionally, socially – and homeopathy can help smooth out some of the bumps along the way gently, effectively, and without nasty side effects. Plus, let’s be real, anything that might help us navigate this phase without completely losing our minds is worth considering.
The Teenage Balancing Act
Apparently, all a teen needs to be happy is:
- Good friends
- Achievements inside and outside of school
- A busy social life
- A strong sense of self-esteem
Simple, right? Ha! If only. In reality, teenage life is often more about:
- Acne
- Mood swings
- Lack of sleep
- Confidence wobbles
- Exam stress
- Menstrual cramps
- Sudden food obsessions (or total disinterest in anything but crisps)
It’s a long, messy, and occasionally ridiculous journey towards adulthood, made all the trickier by social pressures, school expectations, and the constant balancing act between online and real-world life. And let’s not forget that their behaviour can shake up the entire household, even if the real source of frustration is something (or someone) outside of it.
Why Homeopathy is Brilliant for Teens
- Safe & Side-Effect-Free – If they take too much or too little, no harm done.
- Portable – Remedies can be chucked in a school or sports bag or added to their water bottle for easy daily support.
- Supports Growth – Bone, teeth, muscles… all in constant development and needing a little help now and then.
- Balances Emotions – The teenage brain is still wiring itself up properly, which is why they can swing from joy to despair in 0.2 seconds. Homeopathy can help keep emotions on a more even keel.
- Can treat both acute and long-term issues and it can even help with hereditary tendencies, which means we can potentially nip some family patterns in the bud. (You know, the ones we like to pretend don’t exist.)
The Challenge
Teenagers want to be treated like adults – except when they don’t. They want independence – except when they need you to cook them three full meals a day (plus snacks). They still need parental guidance, but they also need space to make their own choices. And here’s the kicker: we’re supposed to catch them if they fall, but also let them learn from their mistakes.
The best piece of advice I ever got was from a sales assistant while buying sports shoes for one of my kids: “Find out what direction they want to go in, and then walk with them.” That was one of my lightbulb moments – the pure simplicity of it. I’ve been trying to do that ever since. (And yes, we bought the trainers.)
I think there can be a mismatch between the way we talk to our teenagers and the way they need us to communicate with them. There can also be a mismatch between what we expect of them and what they can deliver.
A parent friend of mine tried this simple approach with her 10-going-on-16-year-old daughter recently and so far, it seems to have re-established harmony – talk to them like adults, but offer logistical support as if they were still a child because, after all, it is mostly only the organisational skills they are still developing.
My friend said it made her happier as a parent, because it allowed her to reflect on the entire parent-child relationship. It simply felt right. I promised her I would write about it, so here I did.
Teenage Challenges & Homeopathic Remedies
But sometimes, all the patience in the world still isn’t enough. That’s where homeopathy helps. Below are my top remedy picks for common teenage struggles:
Exam Stress & Mental Fatigue
- Phosphoric Acid 30c – Perfect for fast-growing teens who feel mentally wiped out and struggle to concentrate.
- Aconite 30c – For those who get completely panic-stricken before exams or tests.
- Kali Phos 6c or 12c – Helps with winding down after intense studying, especially if migraines are involved. (Pair with Mag Phos 6c in the morning and Kali Phos 6c in the evening.)
Emotional Rollercoaster & Anxiety
- Argentum Nitricum 30c – For teens who are jittery and full of nervous anticipation (think pre-exam or before a big event), often suited for impulsive individuals who are imaginative but prone to anxiety.
- Ignatia 30c – The go-to for heartbreak, grief, or emotional distress (yes, including the fallout from friendship drama and break-ups), ideal for teenagers who are idealistic, sensitive, and experience intense emotions.
- Aconite 30c – Helps with sudden fear or panic attacks, including those irrational middle-of-the-night anxieties, typically used for individuals who are restless and fearful, with a tendency to predict the worst.
Acne & Skin Issues
- Hepar Sulph 30c – For those nasty, painful, pus-filled spots, suitable for irritable individuals who are sensitive to cold and have a tendency to be impatient.
- Kali Bromatum 30c – For deep, cystic acne, especially if it’s leaving scars.
- Sulphur 30c – For red, inflamed, itchy acne, especially if the skin is oily, generally suited for individuals who are extroverted, confident, and may have a tendency toward messiness.
- Natrum Muriaticum 30c – For acne that worsens around menstruation or is linked to hormonal shifts, suited for individuals who are reserved, sensitive, and struggle with expressing their feelings.
- Calendula Ointment – Brilliant for healing and soothing the skin.
Sleep Problems
- Coffea Cruda 30c – For overactive minds that just won’t switch off at bedtime, ideal for individuals who are highly energetic, creative, and may struggle with overstimulation.
- Passiflora 30c – For general sleep disturbances and difficulty winding down, Suitable for individuals who are prone to anxiety and mental overexertion.
- Chamomilla 30c – For restless, irritable sleepers (you know the ones), hypersensitive, easily angered, and require attention.
Sports Injuries & Growth Spurts
- Arnica 30c – The classic go-to for bruises, sprains, and knocks, typically used for individuals who downplay their injuries and are prone to overexertion.
- Rhus Tox 30c – For muscle strains and stiffness that gets better with movement, restless individuals who feel better with constant movement and stretching.
- Calc Phos 30c – Supports healthy bone growth during puberty.
Menstrual Issues
- Mag Phos 30c – “The homeopathic aspirin” for period cramps, best taken with warm drinks, often used for individuals who are nervous, oversensitive, and easily exhausted.
- Pulsatilla 30c – For irregular periods and emotional ups and downs, best for affectionate, mild-tempered girls who seek reassurance and dislike confrontation.
- Sepia 30c – unusually long cycles with shorter, lighter flow, when PMS turns into full-blown ‘leave me alone or else’ mode, suited for independent, strong-willed individuals who may feel emotionally detached.
- Calcarea-Carb 30c – unusually short cycles with heavy flow, with exhaustion and chilliness, best for responsible, cautious individuals who can feel overwhelmed by stress and need stability.
The Big Takeaway
Talk to the “adult” + support the “toddler inside” = happier teen + happier parent.
And when that doesn’t work? Homeopathy is here to help.
Nicole Schubert-Nicolas can be reached at nicole@homeopathichealing.net or 07379 057 264 and she offers a free 15-minute chat to discuss whether a full consultation would be helpful. Her web site is https://homeopathichealing.net/.
