\
Homeopathy: Does it Work?
Homeopathy has been controversial since it's inception in the early 19th Century. The truth is, however, you've probably already practiced principles central to homeopathy throughout your entire life, whether you knew it or not!
Warning: Homeopathy involves the ingestion and use of many substances which are potentially dangerous to some users. NO ONE should practice homeopathy without first speaking to a licensed physician. Envy My Health, Inc. assumes no responsibility for the misuse, intentional or accidental, or other consequences resulting from the use of the substances outlined in this article.
Be smart. Talk to your doctor!
Historical Context
The Homeopathic View of Illness
Homeopathic Kits: Buy or Make Your Own?
The term homeopathy means "similar suffering", and is based on the Law of Similars that, in the simplest form states, "like cures like." In other words, the same thing that causes a symptom can cure the disease/symptom. In many ways, this mirrors the far more ancient notion of sympathetic magic in which eating something yellow was considered a cure for jaundice, or consuming a lion's heart would endow courage. In modern times it would be like someone getting the hiccups from drinking water too fast and then drinking even more water to rid themselves of the hiccups.
Historical Context:
The basic principle in the Law of Similars was used by Paracelsus, a noted Astrologer, Philosopher, and Physician during the early 1500s. Nonetheless, the idea of Homeopathy was popularized in the 1800s by Samuel Hanemann, a German physician who believed that an herb or plant that produced symptoms of a particular disease in a healthy adult would be the best one for treating the actual disease in an inflicted person.
Hahnemann went on to test numerous substances along with his colleagues often using themselves as volunteers. Each substance after testing would be reduced down again and again until nothing of the original substance remained (but what might be called a sympathetic resonance, on which Hahnemann depended for results). Come 1810 he published the results of his experiments in the Organon of Rational Therapeutics, which is consider the bible of Homeopathy.
By the end of the 19th century, Homeopathy had become rather popular. The interest lasted until the early 20th century and has only recently seen a resurgence since the 1970's.
It is important to note that to date no studies indicate that Homeopathics offer any real curative properties other than the placebo effect.
Homeopathic View of Illness
The sympathetic foundation of Homeopathy derives from the belief that our bodies are ruled by a spiritual force. This force interacts with our physical nature to create a healthy, balanced mind-body-spirit. When the vital spiritual force of a person gets disturbed, this creates opportunity for disease and sickness. Until what caused the vital force's disturbance is removed, the course of disease and sickness will continue.
The choice of homeopathic medicine is what is intended to remove that very disturbance. Each diluted solution created was intended to act dynamically on the vital force to revitalize it. Effectively he believed that each solution retained a fingerprint of the original plant or herb, and that fingerprint is what acted on the human spirit.
To determine which solution should be used, the patient's history gets collected in great detail. Then using the material medica to find the symptoms that mirror those in the patient, a substance is chosen. He never gave more than one solution at a time so the remedies would not interfere with each other.Caution:
While most people consider Homeopathy to be a safe, holistic approach it's important to note that anyone considering using Homeopathic dilutions should do so while also consulting their physician. Otherwise it's possible that a person could delay vital treatment (not to mention spent a fair amount of money since the treatments can be costly).Homeopathic Kits
Homeopathic medicines must be produced following the procedures given in the Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United States, which is recognized by the FDA. In assembling a home kit, it's important to remember that the symptoms must match the recommended dilution otherwise the likelihood of any effect whatsoever is minimal. You'll want to look for the remedies in the 30c potency. Most Homeopaths recommend giving the initial dose 6-12 hours to work before trying another one otherwise you may aggravate your condition.
What to include? Well, honestly it's generally less costly to buy a pre-prepared kit (see above to the right for our recommendation!). However if you want to have one that's really personalized to your needs or that of your family, here are some commonly recommended items to include:
Aconite: colds; eye and ear infections; panic attacks
Allium Cepa: watery eyes, running nose, hay fever
Apis: hives, urinary infections, headache, fever
Argentum Nitricum: A stress and anxiety reducer; also flu like symptoms
Arnica: bruising and aching joints (alternatively Bellis Perennis)
Arsenicum Alb: gastro intestinal problems; stress and anxiety
Belladona: cold, earache, toothache, boils, pink eye
Bryonia Alba: vertigo, splitting headache, hoarseness, stiff joints
Cantharis: burns and insect bites
Capsicum: for the blues or upset stomach
Carbo Veg: exhaustion, weakness, shock
Chamomillia: colicky children
Cocculus Indicus: sleep disorders
Ferrum Phos: weakness, circulatory problems, moodiness
Gelsemium: allergies, migraines, flu
Hepar Sulph: infections like boils
Hypericum: depression
Ipecac: nausea, vomiting, fainting
Kali bic: congestion, sinus infection
Ledum: itching, bug bites, poison oak/ivy
Mag Phos: muscle cramps and pain
Mercurius viv: ulcers and stomach pain
Nux Vomica: laxative; appetite stimulant
Phosphorus: nose bleed, minor hemorrhaging, bronchitis
Pulsatilla: moodiness, colds, sty, earache, indigestion
Rhus Toxicodendron: severe headache in the forehead to the point where hair is touch-sensitiveThis is by no means a complete list of homeopathic medicines available, nor are the descriptions of how they're applied as detailed as a Homeopath requires to choose the right treatment.
At no time should homeopathy be considered a substitute for professional medical diagnosis and treatment.
To learn more about homeopathy, visit Health Issues and Tips
Have Something To Share About Homeopathy?
Do you agree/disagree? Have a great story to tell? Just feel like ranting? Share it!
DISCLAIMER: The information provided on EnvyMyHealth.com and its affiliates is not intended nor recommended as a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care professional regarding any medical condition or treatment. Nothing contained on this site is intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment.
ŠEnvyMyHealth, Inc. 2008-2009. All Rights Reserved.