Homeopathy is an alternative medicine that treats diseases with small doses of natural substances, that would normally cause symptoms in a healthy person.
Homeopathy is a very old form of alternative medicine, more than 200 years old. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is the second most common therapeutic health system in the world. It is most commonly practiced in South America and India, but its popularity is steadily growing in places like the U.K., the United States, and other western nations.
Homeopathic medicine was created in 1796 by Samuel Hahnemann. This natural healing practice is based on the doctrine Hahnemann developed, similia similibus curentur, which means “like treats like”.
Hahnemann claimed that a substance which usually causes symptoms of a disease in someone who is not sick would effectively remove similar symptoms in people who were ill.
Therefore, if a healthy person was given these minute doses, the result would be symptoms and behaviors related to that particular disease. However, in an inflicted person, the application of very small amounts of something that would usually cause a particular illness actually bolsters the body’s ability to heal itself.
Basically, the application of very small doses of certain substances into the body is used to “turn on” your immune system, and trigger a healing response.
Homeopathy strives to let you heal yourself through a holistic and natural approach. It focuses on improving the patient’s immune system and in preventing the symptoms and the health issue from recurring.
Symptoms of disease or illness are actually signs that your body is attempting to heal you. When you get a swollen bump on your skin from a mosquito bite or bee sting, that is your immune system going to work. Your body responds with a reaction. It may not be an allergic reaction, however, if you do have an allergy, homeopathic medicines can help.
In the instance of a bee venom allergy, a homeopathic doctor may prescribe Apis mellifica, which is extracted from the bee venom.
Remember, “Like Treats Like”
What Are Homeopathic Medicines Made From?
Homeopathic remedies are made from plants, minerals, and animals, including bees, poison ivy and stinging nettles. You wouldn’t think these sorts of ‘ingredients’ could be helpful to healing!
These remedies are sometimes mixed into a pellet (you may have seen the tiny white balls of homeopathic medicines) and these are placed directly under the tongue. They can also take the form of ointments, gels, drops, creams, and tablets.
‘Like Treats Like’ But Not Everyone Is Treated The Same
Treatments are tailored for each person, and it is not uncommon for two people who are suffering from the same thing to receive a completely different homeopathic treatment.
This is because there is no “one-size-fits-all” prescription practice for homeopathic healers. Accordingly, there are dozens of similar and different remedies that can be administered in various ways for different symptoms.
These healing medicines must include active ingredients found in the Homeopathic Pharmacopeia of the United States (HPUS). That homeopathic “bible” lists ingredients according to standards of strength, quality, and purity.
If you are considering homeopathy as a healthcare option, do your research and find a qualified homeopath. Advise them of everything you do to manage your health because this will ensure safe care.
They will always advise what is right for you and if you may experience any side-effects.
