Homeopathy in a Nutshell
Homeopathy is a system of medicine formulated by Dr Samuel Hahnemann, a German medical doctor, in the late 1700s. However, the principle of Homeopathy, “like can cure like”, dates back to the father of medicine, Hippocrates, in the 5th century BC.
Remedies
Homeopathic remedies are made from substances from all kingdoms of nature – mineral, plant and animal.
They each have unique physical, mental and emotional "pictures" that have been discovered over the last 200 years through trials and practice of many thousands of doctors.
Treatment
In homeopathy, it is important to treat each person individually according to their particular physical symptoms, together with any mental and emotional features, especially when addressing chronic conditions.
A homeopath will often take time to gather this information in a consultation before deciding on the most appropriate remedies. Homeopathic medication is safe for people of all ages and can be taken in conjunction with other medication. There are minimal, if any, side-effects, making it an increasingly popular form of medicine.
Like Cures Like
This law of similars states that a substance that can produce a set of symptoms if taken in toxic amounts by a healthy person, will heal those same symptoms if they appear in a diseased person.
For example: Allium Cepa, a remedy made from red onions, is used in homeopathy in small diluted doses to treat a cold with streaming eyes and nose.
Coffea is a homeopathic remedy made from coffee to help people who suffer from insomnia, especially when their minds are very active. We know that drinking coffee in large doses makes insomnia worse. When diluted into a homeopathic remedy, it can help insomnia.
Apis is another good example of a homeopathic remedy made from bees. It is helpful in treating red, stinging, burning, itchy swellings resembling bee stings on the skin or mucous membranes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is homeopathic medication the same as herbal medication?
No. Herbal medicines are derived purely from plants - either the whole plant, or a part of the plant. There are occasionally side-effects from herbal medicines in their normal doses, and not all are safe to be taken during pregnancy or by children. Homeopathic medicines are derived from many different sources (not only plants) and are diluted to varying degrees, which results in homeopathic medicines having fewer side effects.
Can homeopathic medication be taken with medical drugs?
Yes. Homeopathic medication can be used at the same time as medical drugs. Herbal medication can have an effect on how medical drugs work and should, therefore, be used together under supervision of your health care practitioner.
Can I give my baby homeopathic medication?
Yes. When correctly prescribed, it is safe to use homeopathic medication, including pregnant and breast-feeding mums, newborns and the elderly.
Is it true that homeopathic treatment takes a long time?
No. This is a common misconception. It really depends on each individual – how long they have been ill, how severe the illness is, and other factors relating to that person’s health. For example, an acute cold may take a few hours (especially when treatment is started soon) to a few days to treat. Whereas someone who has suffered with arthritis for two decades will usually take some time to feel better.