Homeopathy, derived from the Greek word Homoios, meaning 'like', is the medical pracrice of treating like with like.
The practice revolves around the principle that the symptoms experienced from a particular ailment are the body's natural way of fighting the disease, and thus it tries to emulate those symptoms, rather than supress them, as opposed to conventional medicine.
The principles of homeopathy were known to Hippocrates, a fifth century Greek physician, and to Swiss alchemist Paracelsus in the 16th century.
In the 16th and 17th centuries, the phrase 'similia similibus curentur' , or for us english speakers ''let like be treated by like'', was often used by physicians.
Homeopathy as itis known and practised today though was down to one german physician - Dr. Samuel Hahnemann- in the late 18th and early 19th century.
Hahnemann believed that human beings were capable of healing themselves and that disease symptoms are a reflection of the patient's reaction to overcome the illness. A homeopaths duty was then to identify the cause of illness, remove it, and stimulate the body'snatural healing powers.
By experimentation, hahnemann, found that remedies obtained from animal, vegetable, mineral and, rarely, biological materials were effective in extreme dilutions. Over time, Hahnemann and his followers took small doses of a variety of reputedly poisonous substances, and noting the symptoms they produced (called 'provings'). Those substances were then administered to patients suffering from similar symptoms. The results were usually encouraging and often remarkable.
Hahnemann later on worked on establishing the smallest effective dose to avoid side-effects. By doing so, he found out that the more a remedy was diluted, the more effective it was.
PRINCIPLES OF HOMEOPATHY
1- A medicine which in large doses causes the symptoms of a disease, cures it in small doses.
2- By extreme dilution, a medicines curative properties are enhanced. All side effects are also lost.
3- Homeopathic medicines are prescribed on an individual basis by studying the whole person, according to basic temperament and responses.
GENERAL POINTS
1- When treating everyday ailments, the 6th potency is used.
2- The suggested dose to give is two tablets for adults, one tablet for small children/infants.
3- Dosage frequency; In acute conditions every hour for 6 doses, then 3 times daily between meals for 3 days.
In chronic cases 3 times daily between meals until relief is obtained. Watch the response to each dose.
When improvement is evident, increase interval between doses, continue for further two days the stop. Repeat only if original symptoms recur.
Stop taking remedy when symptoms clear.
4- If after taking a remedy there is an aggravation of symptoms, stop taking. When aggravation passes, do not take medication again. Repeat medication only if original symptoms recur.
5- Keep medicines in a cool, dark place, away from things that smell.
6- Medicines are best taken without food or drink. Dissolve the medicine on a clean tongue that is free from effects of tobacco or strongly flavoured toothpastes.
7- For more serious conditions, seek the advice of a qualified homeopathic physician.
There is a fair number of individual homeopathich remedies available ranging from Aconite to Pulsatilla. I won't even attempt to give an overview as to what substances are used for which ailments, the list could go on and on.
The two main manufacturers i've come across are those of NELSONS and WELEDA. Both well known brands that also manufacture aromatherapy oils.
There is an excellent book entitled 'Homeopathy for the family', and one for animals as well!!, which gives a simple overview to the whole practice and its origins, plus listing various symptoms and their suggested treatments.
Whether you believe in homeopathy or not is totally up to you. I personally don't - why did you write the op then?, i hear you say - but i've written it to give an initial insight to those who want to explore or learn about the subject.
Many argue that you cannot have a real response, medically or pharmacologically, with such an extremely diluted preparation, barring a placebo effect.
I have come across both patients and friends who swear by homeopathy, and having tried a couple of different preparations in the past, i disagree. No matter what your opinion is though, it works for some of us, regardless of how or why.
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