.....when I walk into a Swiss pharmacy and try to get actual MEDICINE to help my son's teething? Why....in the global capital of pharmaceutical development.....do they try to sell me stuff made from freakin' herbs? Why - when I ask for something that was developed by a scientist rather than a botanist - do i get looked at as if I were about to sell him into slavery?

At three am, when my little boy is unhappy and wants to sleep, I want something that has been PROVEN to work. In the words of the great Tim Minchin - "You know what they call alternative medicine that has been proven to work. Medicine."

Anyway.....live and let live. If homeopathy and herbal treatments work for you, I'm very happy. But please - let me make the choice for science without being castigated for it.

Thanks for listening

I believe there are lots of threads about homeopathy etc, just to let you know what you're in for...

But I whole-heartedly agree.

NB and OT: My ex-colleague is Tim Minchin's cousin by marriage. Oh yeah, how exciting.

Because most of the stronger medicines need a prescription (for good reasons- are most 'real' drugs can have side effects, etc.) BTW herbal remedies are not the same as homeopathy.

I know - that's why I split them

"stronger" is subjective and this is one more thing I can't get used to in Switzerland. Things that are over the counter in the US require a prescription in Switzerland, and things that require a prescription in the US are over the counter in many other countries. It just defies all logic.

I'm with the OP on this. We shouldn't have to go see a doctor if we know what kind of medicine we need for simple problems.

I know and feel your pain now can I interest you in some healing quartz crystals?

Herbals are not all 'useless' - clove oil is a fantastic local anaesthetic - just tastes shocking. And probably more toxic than paracetamol in small doses.... My parents use the phrase 'kill or cure'...as in, either it will cure you of whatever, or you die trying it....

I know, and I don't want it to be an "attacking homeopathy" thread. I don't believe it, but I don't mind if you want to spend money on it - that's fine. Vive la difference.

But I don't want to be looked at oddly in a PHARMACY for buying PHARMACEUTICALS

Except painkillers like Dafalgan or Mefenacid, I don't think there's any medicine for a teething baby. And they're not suitable to use for many weeks, as teething can take a long time.

It's so frustrating to see a child suffer while you can't really do anything to help him that I think that's why so many parents try homeopathic stuff. Even if it doesn't do anything, at least you feel like you're doing something.

Products do exist, it is the availability here that is the problem

Sure, i got something! But only after getting the same kind of looks from staff and customers as i would have got if i'd walked in and popped my tackle on the counter as payment

Best thing is a Landjaeger Available also in Canada

I have to import our teething medicine from Canada. The stuff they give in Switzerland is a real joke. I feel for you as my son is teething but at least I can do something about it.

Bonjela is avaliable in french pharmacies, so it might be in Switzerland too? Must admit I buy mine in Boots!
Or you could ask for Panasoral or Dolodent....

Wouldn't suggest clove oil for a baby (certainly not full strength) as it can discolour the teeth if over-used. Fine for an adult with tooth-ache though.

Hope you manage to find a sympathetic pharmacist, I know that 'What, are you mad' look myself.

We have all the Osanit stuff. One is herbal, and the other with a bit of lidocaine. But it's not very efficient, as babies swallow the gel very quickly, and that's it. They do like the taste, it's quite sweet, so they usually stop crying while they suck it, but it lasts only for a few minutes.

Tim Minchin rocks....

I would like to point out that herbal medications can also have serious side effects, they are just not as well documented as with regular medicines.

Absolutely, which is why it is best not to give any medication without professional advice from a chemist, doctor or other health professional, especially for infants.

For instance, quote from FDA:
Painkillers dangerous for teething babies

It's common practice for some mommies to rub Anbesol or Orajel on their babies sore gums when they're teething.
But The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning that an ingredient in these pain relievers is linked to a serious illness.
Benzocaine, the main ingredient in liquids or gels applied to gums and mouth to reduce pain, is related to a rare condition called methemoglobinemia. The condition causes greatly reduced levels of oxygen to flow through the bloodstream. It can cause death in the most severe cases.
Benzocaine drugs are sold under brands such as Anbesol, Hurrricaine, Orajel, Baby Orajel, Orabase and other store brands. The disease has been detected with all strengths of benzocaine, including concentrations as low as 7.5 percent.
The cases occured mostly in children ages two years and under who used the painkillers for teething.
The FDA is saying children under two shouldn't use the drugs unless directed by a physician. Instead, they suggest giving the child a teething ring chilled in the refrigerator or gently rubbing or massaging the child's gums with your finger.
Read more from the FDA here.

..any pharmacy selling cough syrup I would not take serious...cough syrup is the biggest medicine scam ever...not sure why it is not banned...

as for teething, the only thing that helped our child was voltaren drops applied directly on the gum...all the herbs, ice, etc was totally worthless...