Homeopathic Medicine: 10 Most Frequently Asked Questions

What is it? Homeopathy seems to be thrown around a lot as a general descriptive term, but can it be defined?

Homeopathy is a pharmaceutical science based off nature; plants, minerals or animals. (It is sometimes referred to as Homeopathic medicine). Homeopathic methods are based off the belief that a small amount of a natural substance will effectively treat an issue that will be caused by a large amount of the same natural substance. The homeopathic method stimulates an ill individual’s natural defenses to defeat the sickness or disease. Homeopathic Medicine goes along with the person’s natural defenses rather than trying to fight against them. The “symptoms” of any illness are actually the body’s attempt to restore balance; so introducing a small amount of a substance that would cause those same symptoms in overdose is a logical and natural medical treatment.

The homeopathic method can be divided into two separate systematic methods: toxicology and case taking. Homeopathic professionals discover the problem (the specific symptoms whether they be physical, emotional or mental or a combination) that are caused by overdoses of certain substances. (For the most detailed written texts on toxicology…always reach for a homeopathic source). The second step is to discuss the various symptoms that an individual patient is experiencing. The professional then searches for a natural substance that would cause the same symptoms if given in large quantity. This substance is then administered in a small dose especially prepared for the patient at hand.

Why would you give a Sick Person a Substance that Would Cause the Problem they are trying to get rid of? Is seems Illogical.

Any medical professional recognizes that symptoms are the body’s way of attempting to defend and adapt to outside stresses and infections inflicted on the systems. The body isn’t always successful in this endeavor. By introducing the natural substance that causes the symptoms in overdose the homeopath is able to stimulate and work with the body’s natural defenses in order to overcome the stress or infection.

Some would say it all comes down to the “law of similars.” It’s a basic principle in homeopathy and is also incorporated into certain aspects of conventional medicine (immunizations, allergy treatments, etc.) Although the methods adopted by conventional practitioners are not wholly homeopathic. Homeopathic treatments are prepared for the individual at hand rather than for large groups as a whole dependent upon “average” effects. The Homeopathic treatment is also typically offered in smaller doses to both treat those who are ill and those who want to prevent particular illnesses.

How is Any Response achieved when Homeopaths Work with Such Small Doses?
While all effects achieved using Homeopathic medicines cannot be explained, the evidence points toward the obvious conclusions that homeopathic medicines have the ability to heal. Its popularity began during the 1800s after success against several different sicknesses prevalent during the time period: yellow fever, cholera, scarlet fever, etc. The treatments were lauded after the difference was noted between homeopathic hospitals and conventional medical hospitals. Death rates at the conventional medical hospitals were ½ to 1/8 higher in comparison to their homeopathic counterparts.

Some argue that homeopathic treatments depend upon the placebo effect, but the effective use of homeopathic medicines on animals and infants prove these arguments are false.

The initial response of the body to homeopathic remedies in patients suffering from chronic disease is often an exacerbation of their symptoms while the body’s natural physiological defenses are stimulated. Professionals in the field call this a “healing crisis” and note that it is often necessary to achieve real healing and note that it is highly unlikely the temporary worsening of the patient’s symptoms are a result of the placebo response.

In a review (published in LANCET, September 20, 1997) of 89 randomized placebo-controlled clinical trials, conclusions indicate that homeopathic medicines’ effects against illness are not generated by the placebo effect and that they were actually more than double as effective than the placebo. Another publication, British Medical Journal, released a survey of research in their February 9, 1991 issue that in 107 controlled clinical trials 81 showed homeopathic medicines were beneficial.

The use of small doses means that the medicine only interacts with the physiology of the body if a hypersensitivity already exists. The wrong homeopathic medicine in a small dose has no effect whatsoever. The correct homeopathic medicine in a small dose, however, is a natural catalyst to the body’s defenses. Due to the nature of the medicine (it’s all natural) there are no side effects.

Why Don’t More People Take Advantage of the Benefits of Homeopathy?

Homeopathy has become quite popular in many countries. It hit its zenith in the US at the turn of the century with 15% of the physicians practicing claiming the title of homeopathic physicians. The increase of Homeopaths threatened the A.M.A (clinically, philosophically, and economically). Homeopathic physicians graduated from respected medical schools (unlike other unorthodox practitioners of the day). The response of the A.M.A was to threaten a loss of membership to any conventional physician that even consulted a homeopath (this was in effect from 1860 to the early 1900s). The A.M.A also put financial pressure on homeopathic schools until they had trouble continuing their operations. While its popularity did diminish, the pressure applied by the A.M.A did result in a decrease in the widespread acceptance of homeopathy in the US, but it is flourishing across the world.

Where Is Homeopathy Practiced?

Homeopathy is the choice for many in several countries including: Greece, India, Pakistan, Brazil, England, France, Germany, Argentina, Mexico, South Africa and more. In France, approximately 40% of the general public use homeopathic medicines and 39% of French physicians prescribe homeopathic medicines to their patients.

FRANCE:
40% of the public have used homeopathic medicines
39% of French physicians have prescribed homeopathic medicines

GERMANY:
20% of German physicians have prescribed homeopathic medicines

HOLLAND:
45% of Dutch physicians have used homeopathic medicines

ENGLAND:
42% of British physicians have referred patients to homeopathic practices
Visits to British homeopaths are growing at a rate of 39% per year

INDIA:
There are over 120 four year homeopathic medical schools currently operating

USA:
Sales of homeopathic medicines have increased 10-20% during the last decade.
 
Is It Legal?

Of course it’s legal! Why wouldn’t it be? Most homeopathic practitioners are conventionally trained doctors who have incorporated homeopathic learning and methods into their practice out of a logic desire to provide their patients with the most effective method of treatment with the least possibility for negative side effects. Homeopathic practitioners are found in the fields of: veterinary, dentistry, podiatry, psychology, nursing, and more.

Homeopathic practitioners who don’t claim any additional medical training (called professional homeopaths) are often very knowledgeable and capable in their practice though unique legal issues could exist and some assume since homeopathic medicines are viewed as drugs (even though they are for the most part “over the counter drugs”) they should be prescribed only by a physician.

Are There Unknown Safety Issues Related to Homeopathic Medicines?

No homeopathic medicine is safe. The small doses dispensed make them doubly safe. Make sure you are working with an experienced professional and you will not be able to treat an ailment in a safer, more effective way.

Do Homeopathic Medicines Interact Badly with Conventional Medication Taken Simultaneously?

No harm will be done by taking a homeopathic remedy while on a conventional medication. But some conventional medications are so disruptive to the natural physiological processes of the body that they will inhibit the body from reacting naturally and therefore block the benefits of the homeopathic medicine. In this case the individual would need to choose one type of treatment or the other.

If Homeopathy Really Offers Treatments Specific to Each Individual Why are There Homeopathic Remedies for Specific Illnesses Offered at Health Stores?

The packaged homeopathic medicines sold in bulk at health food stores are a combination of several different medicines. The homeopathic medicines included are typically the highly prescribed homeopathic medicines for the symptoms specific for the illness specified in the packaging. By offering the combination of medicines that are most often prescribed for the ailment the manufacturer assumes that one of the combinations (up to 8) will cure the illness presenting in the consumer making the purchase. They are very popular throughout the US and Europe not only because they are easy to obtain and prescribe, but because they are often effective.

While the combination homeopathic medicines can be effective and are easy to use, START HERE

Because of this, the homeopathic combination medicines are "user friendly." Also, since these medicines are much safer than conventional drugs, they are generally preferable to a growing number of consumers.

Combination medicines are invaluable, but most professional homeopaths have found that the medicine individually chosen for the person tends to work more often and more deeply. Still, if a person does not know how to choose the individual homeopathic medicine or if it isn't readily available, the various homeopathic combination medicines are invaluable. It is, however, gener-ally believed that combination medicines should not be prescribed for chronic or serious acute health problems. Such conditions require the supervision of homeopathic or medical experts.