Homeopathy

Homeopathy is a therapeutic system of medicine that is based on the principle of similars - like cures like - which means that a substance that can cause certain symptoms in a healthy person can cure similar symptoms in an unhealthy person. Homeopathy aims to aid and stimulate the body's own defense and immune processes.

Homeopathic medicines are derived from a variety of plants, animal materials and minerals. These medicines are holistically prescribed to fit each individual's needs, given in much smaller and less toxic doses than traditional medications and are used for both prevention and treatment.

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Origin of Homeopathy

History:

• "Homeopathy" is derived from the Greek homeos, meaning similar, and pathos, meaning suffering. The basic theory of like cures was systematized by Dr. Samuel Hahnemann at the end of the 18th century.
• Though it formally originated in Europe, the basic principles of homeopathy were used by Mayan, Greek, Chinese, Native American Indian and Asian Indian cultures.
• In the late 1700s, Dr. Hahnemann began his experiments after reading about the use of Peruvian bark to cure malaria while translating the English edition of Materia Medica. In 1810, Dr. Hahnemann published The Oraganon of the Rational Art of Healing, in which he stated the laws and principles of a new system of healing he called Homeopathy.

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Philosophy:

• The Law of Similars (Like-cures-like): Remedies match specific patterns or profiles of illness and act to stimulate the body's own defense mechanism
• The Law of Infinitesimals: The more a substance is diluted, the higher its potency. Remedies are produced by diluting an element in a water and alcohol solution and then shaking it vigorously, thus inducing fewer and less toxic side effects.
• An illness is specific to an individual, and individuals suffering from the same symptoms should be treated according to their individual constitutions and symptoms.
• Homeopathic remedies serve to strengthen an individual's "vital force."
• "Similimum" is the remedy that most closely fits all of the symptoms of a given individual for that individual.

Homeopathic Remedies

Notes:

• Continue treatment until improvement is evident, at which time the interval between the doses may be increased. Once the condition has cleared, the treatment should be discontinued and only repeated if the symptoms recur. 
• The frequency of the dosage depends entirely on the severity of the condition under treatment.
• Doses are most effective between meals or two hours before meals and recommended dosage is only at that time. During treatments, coffee, tea and alcohol should be avoided.
• As with other medical treatments, proper diet, regular exercise and adequate rest are recommended to aid in the recovery process. 

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Protecting your homeopathics:

• Do not set in sunshine, heat, near microwave ovens, colored television sets or magnets. Store in cool, dark place.
• Do not store near strong smells of any kind like camphor or menthol. do not store near any product that has a smell.
• Open each bottle one at a time; close lid tightly when stored.

How to take your homeopathics:

• Put pellets in the bottle lid, toss under the tongue, but do not touch lid with tongue. If taking liquid, place under tongue without touching the dropper with the tongue or anything else before returning dropper to the bottle.
• The whole bottle is one dose, so it is usually safe if children should accidentally get some. The pellet base is milk sugar; since they are sweet, children need to respect medicines.
• Do not take with caffeine or strongly flavored foods like onion.

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Homeopathic First Aid Kit

Notes:

• Aconite (monkshood) is a capable remedy for the early stages of swelling or fever. A person who needs aconite may feel fearful and restless and crave cold drinks.
• Apis (honeybee) soothes bee stings and other insect bites. 
• Arnica (leopard's bane) relieves bruises and muscle soreness.
• Arsenicum (arsenic) is the most commonly needed remedy for upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhea and food poisoning. 
• Belladonna (deadly nightshade) commonly helps people who have sore throats, coughs, headaches, earaches or fevers. The person who needs this remedy may appear flushed and feel hot and restless.
• Gelsemium (yellow jasmine) relieves flu, head colds and tension headaches. 
• Ipecacuanha (ipecac root) relieves nausea and can halt a bloody nose or bleeding from any part of the body.
• Ledum (marsh tea) is a common remedy for puncture wounds, bites and stings and can help eye injuries and ankle sprains.
• Nux vomica (poison nut) is a wonderful hangover remedy.
• Ruta (rue) helps sprains and sore bones. If arnica doesn't relieve the bruised discomfort, try ruta.

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