What is Homeopathy?
About 200 years ago Samuel Hahnemann, a German physician, gave up his practice of medicine when he found the medications of his time to be ineffective and dangerous. He later resumed practice after he discovered homeopathy. Homeopathy is a therapeutic method using natural substances in micro dosages to stimulate the body's innate natural resources. Homeopathy views a person's health as a reflection of the entire individual rather than only in terms of the presence of isolated symptoms. Homeopathic remedies could be effective in treating variety of acute and chronic health problems.
Remedies, not herbal supplements.
Homeopathic medicines are therapeutically active micro dosages of botanical, biological and mineral substances. In other words they may be prepared from plants, minerals, or animal products. These substances are prepared by a process of repeated dilution and succussion (shaking) which makes them capable of stimulating the healing process.
Homeopathy provides an individualized treatment tailored to the uniqueness of each person. It takes into consideration a person’s environment and their way of life.
How Does Homeopathy Work?
Homeopathic remedies are believed to stimulate the innate natural defense systems. It is speculated that electromagnetic signals or energies are transferred in the diluted homeopathic preparations retaining the "memory" of the original substance used, thereby triggering responses in the body.
Homeopathy acts according to the "Law of Similars" which states that "likes cure likes". This means that a remedy which in large doses cause certain problems, will in homeopathic dose, stimulate healing of similar problems. For example, if you suffer from a skin eruptions that is similar to that caused by poison ivy, a homeopathic dose of poison ivy, can stimulate the body to get rid of that poison ivy-like eruption.
The absence of scientific explanation for the effectiveness of homeopathic remedies lead some to argue that homeopathy is nothing more than a "placebo effect". Studies, however, have repeatedly shown that homeopathic remedies are more effective than placebo, in addition they are effective in animals who are unaware of the intended effects and therefore cannot exhibit a placebo effect.
Are Homeopathic Remedies Safe?
Because of the extreme dilution, homeopathic remedies are safe and free of toxic effects. The FDA regulates the homeopathic industry, but homeopathic remedies contrary to regular medicines, may be marketed without following FDA’s clearance procedures, FDA justifies its regulatory distinction upon the relative positive safety profile of homeopathic remedies.
What is the Difference Between Homeopathy and Herbs?
Herbs, like traditional western medicines, are complex substances that need to be broken inside our bodies into micro-nutrients before they could be used by our cells. This conversion requires energy, however, for many sick and depleted persons such energy expenditure at the cell level is usually only partially possible. Homeopathic remedies, on the other hand, are simple medicines readily utilized by our cells, even in the very sick ones. In recent years homeopathic remedies have become increasingly popular, possibly as a result of a renewed interest in the use of natural medicines.
Because homeopathic medications are given in such highly diluted concentrations it is extremely unlikely that they cause side effects or toxic reactions. While the homeopathic industry is regulated by the FDA, herbs are not. This guarantees the quality of the homeopathic products.
Can I Mix Homeopathy & Traditional Drugs?
There are no known drug interaction risks. Thus an individual taking conventional drugs for hypertension can also take homeopathic remedies for any other reasons.
Homeopathy and Detoxification
Homeopathic remedies are vital to achieve body and organ detoxification; the process helps our bodies to get rid of accumulated toxins over the years. Sources of toxins include diet, traditional medications and environmental toxins. Toxins are known to adversely affect the immune system.
Are Homeopathic Remedies Covered by Insurance?
No.
Are Homeopathic Remedies Safe for Children?
Yes, because they are made from all natural substances, and because of the extreme dilution there is no need to worry about chemical ingredients or side effects.