What is Homeopathy?
Homeopathy has been successfully used for over 200 years and is recognized as the second most widely used form of medicine in the world today. It was first defined in the late 18th century by Dr. Samuel Hahnemann, a German physician. He developed the principle of “like cures like,” meaning homeopathic remedies stimulate the body’s own healing response by matching the symptoms of the illness.
Key Principles of Homeopathy
Homeopathy is a natural system of medicinal healing. It uses micro doses of natural substances (called remedies) to guide the body and mind in healing itself. The remedies used, in classical homeopathy, can be made from plant, animal or mineral. Each remedy is selected based on the specific set of symptoms that match the symptoms in the illness, ailment or complaint that an individual may be experiencing.
Like Cures Like
This foundational principle suggests that substances capable of causing symptoms in a healthy individual can be used in diluted forms to treat similar symptoms in a sick person.
Minimum Dose
The action of homeopathic medicine is achieved through the process called potentiation. Using the smallest quantity of medicine acts as a catalyst, which elicits an intrinsic healing response within the body.
Individualized Treatment
No two people are alike; their uniqueness is expressed in different ways, whether it’s in health or disease. Two people, even within the same family, with the same diagnosis, will experience their symptoms completely differently. It is important for the homeopath to take each person’s case individually, and treat the person, not the disease. The chosen remedy and posology may in fact be different between each person.
Uses
Homeopathy is used to treat a wide range of acute and chronic conditions, including:
Heartburn
Heartburn is an occasional symptom for many people, and a chronic condition for others. There are many causes for it, such as pregnancy, diet, or stress. It occurs when stomach acids back up into the esophagus, feeling like a burning pain in the chest; made worse after eating, lying down or bending over. There are some useful homeopathic remedies that can help.
Carbo Vegetabilis: when the heartburn is accompanied with bloating and is made worse by lying down or eating. Here, the burning pains can even feel like it’s extending to the spine.
Magnesia Phosphorica: effective for when there is cramping in the stomach along with burning pains and hiccoughing. Drinking warm teas or applying heat also helps these people.
There is also an effective tissue (mineral) salt called Calc Phos 6X, this helps to reduce the symptoms of heartburn and indigestion.
Pregnancy
There are all kinds of ways pregnancy-related ailments such as morning sickness, heart burn, and constipation in which Homeopathy can help. Homeopathy is a safe and an effective way to support and help when it comes to dealing with the symptoms of pregnancy.
Here’s a quick look at how Homeopathy can help treat some of the most common pregnancy-related ailments.
Treating your Morning Sickness
Pulsatilla - this remedy is ideal for those who are experiencing nausea in warm stuffy rooms, and crave sweet, fatty foods.
Colchicum - if you are finding yourself gagging at the smell of food and feeling nauseous for very long periods of time, with motion only making it worse, this remedy could be for you.
Ipecacuanha - this remedy is for those suffering from severe, constant nausea that is not even relieved from vomiting, which is accompanied with constant salivation.
Nux Vomica - this remedy is for women who, despite having strong nausea in the mornings, are unable to vomit. You may feel constant hunger, only to feel worse after eating.
Sepia - your nausea gets worse from the smell or very thought of food, and you get a sinking feeling in your stomach that makes you feel faint. You crave pickles, vinegar, and sweets.
Treating your Heartburn
Heartburn is a very common complaint among pregnant women, most likely because hormonal changes relax the esophagus and make it easier for acid to back up. Cutting out spicy foods and sleeping with your upper body a little more elevated are the first things you should do, but there are also remedies available, including Pulsatilla and Carbo Vegetabilis, which have been shown to curb heartburn dramatically.
Treating Constipation and Hemorrhoids
When pregnant, hormonal changes relax the muscles of your pelvis, which can slow digestion down, and your growing uterus puts pressure on other organs and veins; all of this makes you prone to constipation and hemorrhoids. Besides drinking lots of water and eating plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, there are a few homeopathic remedies that can help with these problems, including Sepia, Lycopodium, and Hamamelis.
Allergies
The classic symptoms…itchy, watery discharges from your eyes, nose, and/or throat. Tickling cough, sneezing, and constantly blowing your nose. You may even be one who suffers from itchy ears and upper palate at the back of your throat. Whatever your symptoms, Homeopathy can help. Homeopathy is a natural way to help your body respond more proportionately to allergens.
Instead of blocking the body’s natural (but over) reaction to the pollens, grass, dust, etc. it supports your immune system and calms it down so that it is better able to differentiate what is a real threat and what is just a speck of ragweed. It’s a long term solution to fixing the underlying problem, but also just as effective as taking allergy pills, without the drugs.
Allium Cepa: great for acute bouts of allergies, accompanied with a dull frontal headache that is worse in the evening. The eyes are red, watery, and burning.
Pulsatilla: the allergies are presenting with copious discharge which is followed by a dry stuffed nose. The discharge can be yellow with sneezing. The eyes are itchy and burning.
Natrum Muriaticum: these seasonal allergy symptoms are centred around the nose and front sinuses. Suffering from frontal headaches that throb. The eyes are watery and red, but also feel like there is sand in them. The profuse discharge is clear and worse at night.
Sabadilla: if the allergies are accompanied with a lot of violent sneezing this is the remedy for you. There can be an itch inside the nose, which is made worse with the smell of fresh cut grass.
Euphrasia: these allergy symptoms are centred around the eyes. They are red and burning, with much swelling around the eyes. The nasal discharge is profuse, suffer with headaches due to congestion.
Cold & Flu
There are many Homeopathic remedies that help speed the recovery and minimize the symptoms of colds and flus. To help support your body’s immune system when fighting off those nasty viruses.
A few more remedies to consider:
Aconite: exposure to cold dry wind which develops quickly. The pains feel unbearable and there can be an intense thirst for cold water. Symptoms are worse in the evening.
Aconite is one of the best remedies to have on hand at the first sign of any illness, whether it’s an earache, eye infection, or a cold or flu. This remedy is very powerful, and can often stop the cold from developing further, especially if given immediately.
Belladonna: exposure to cold wet wind with sudden onset of symptoms, such as a throbbing headache, red cheeks, and craving sour things, like lemonade.
Arsenicum album: you may need this because you feel totally exhausted. You feel burning in your throat and chest. Even though you have a fever, you feel better with warm blankets on.
Bryonia: used when the flu symptoms are accompanied with a dry painful cough, you cannot get comfortable, you feel like your “bones hurt”— there is so much pain and stiffness in the joints, it makes you feel grouchy.
First Aid
Bumps, Bruises, and Scraps. Homeopathic medicine can help speed the healing time and reduce pain.
Arnica: a great remedy for marked soreness, tender to touch bruising. Whether it’s from a bump, dental procedure, post surgical bruising, or sore muscles after an exertion.
Ledum: one to consider for eye injuries. The bruise will be mottled, purplish with much swelling, and feel cold to touch. Great remedy for bug bites.
Hypericum: for crushing injuries to nerves. Such as, getting your finger caught in a car door, hitting with a heavy object, or stubbing your toe. Radiating, shooting pains.
Calendula: used when there is an open wound. This remedy helps reduce swelling and infection to promote rapid healing.
Phosphorus: used when there is profuse bleeding, such a nosebleed after a blow.
Safety and Efficacy
Homeopathy is safe when used under the guidance of a trained homeopath. The remedies do not cause side effects nor do homeopathic remedies interact with prescription medication.
Homeopathy offers a holistic approach to health, focusing on individualized treatment and the body's natural ability to heal. By understanding the unique symptoms and needs of each person, homeopathy aims to promote overall well-being and address the root causes of illness.
Still Have Questions?
Starting a new treatment can be intimidating.
Don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns you might be feeling.