What is Homeopathic Medicine?
Introduction
Homeopathic medicine is a safe and natural form of medicine based on homeopathy. Homeopathy comes from the Greek words homios, which means equal or similar, and italios, which means pain.
It involves the treatment of the whole person rather than the treatment of disease alone. Homeopathy treats the patient as a whole, both physically and psychologically, taking into account the patient’s appearance, likes and dislikes, and temperament. It is therefore a highly individualized form of treatment, so that patients who appear to have the same disease may be advised of different medications.
Homeopathy is a proven method of treatment. Today, many leading pharmaceutical companies are engaged in research and mass production of homeopathic medicines. It is much like traditional medicine, taking it the same way but working in a completely different way.
Homeopathic Medicines
This medicine is not synthetic but comes from a natural source. Over 60% of homeopathic remedies are made from plants or plant materials. Other drugs are made from natural minerals, including metals, non-metals, and mineral salts. Homeopathic animal sources include: squid (ink or sap is tan in color) and bees.
Homeopathic medicines are prepared by obtaining the medicines in their most concentrated form and then going through a long process of dilution to obtain medicines potent enough to achieve a therapeutic effect. The concentration describes the degree of dilution of the drug and is indicated by a number after the name of the drug itself. The higher the number, the greater the dilution (up to 1 part reagent to 1 billion parts diluent).
Commonly called remedies, can come from the plant, mineral or animal kingdom. Some common remedies include: arnica, from leopard grass; belladonna, from the deadly nightshade; calcarea, the calcium carbonate from oyster shells; the tan, from squid ink; and elemental sulfur. Today, homeopathic remedies are made according to the same principles of dilution as in Hahnemann’s time.
In a common 1:100 dilution, add one drop of homeopathic medicine to 99 drops of water and/or alcohol. The mixture is then reinforced by a process called “shocking” – repeated tapping on a hard surface for a specific amount of time. Drugs can be diluted up to 1,000 times, leaving only tiny traces of the substance.
Medicines are often diluted 10, 100, or 1000 times, resulting in potencies marked with the Roman numerals X, C, and M. Homeopathic remedies range from 6X for the lowest potency to 1M or more for the highest potency. higher. Medicines are available as pills, powders or drops to be taken by mouth, applied topically or injected. Homeopathy usually has no side effects, but patients may experience what is called a “healing flare,” a temporary increase in symptoms. This is considered a positive sign that the drug is working.
Depending on the severity of the symptoms, homeopathy can Choose an antidote that will have the opposite effect of the medicine. The antidote can be another homeopathic medicine or a powerful substance known to block the effects of the medicine, such as perfume, camphor or coffee.
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recognized homeopathic medicines since 1938 and collaborates with the Convention on Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia to produce and update its reference on homeopathic medicines. For many years, the FDA classified homeopathic medicines based on their potency as either prescription or more commonly over-the-counter (OTC) medicines. In the UK, homeopathy has been part of the National Health Service (NHS) since its inception in 1948. The NHS currently has 5 homeopathic hospitals. Homeopathic medicines are available over the counter or by prescription.
Safety of Homeopathic Medicines
Due to the very very small doses used in homeopathy, the drug is completely safe, non-addictive and has no unwanted side effects. Even at extremely high dilutions, the therapeutic properties of the drug are released, which makes the drug completely safe for the treatment of children and infants.
Always consult a physician before purchasing homeopathic remedies and ensure they are stored safely out of the reach of all children.
No toxic effects have been reported in connection with homeopathic medicines when dosage instructions are followed.
Receiving Homeopathic medicine
Homeopathic treatments are performed by fully qualified health practitioners who understand the philosophy of homeopathic medicine as well as the emotional and daily conditions of the patient.
Although some homeopathic medicines are readily available at general pharmacies and health food stores, you should consult your homeopathic physician before attempting to treat any serious medical condition.
If you are currently taking medication for a serious physical or mental condition, you should not stop taking it to start homeopathy. Your doctor will usually work with your doctor or therapist to advise you on the best treatment.
