What is Homeopathy?
Homeopathy is a 200-year-old system of healing that uses remedies made from natural substances to stimulate the self-healing mechanism, based on the law of similars – the principle that a substance can heal a disease if it causes the same symptoms when given in its natural state to a healthy person.
What kind of conditions can homeopathy help?
Homeopathy can help almost every condition, be it mental, physical, or emotional, because it makes the person healthier overall by balancing your immune system, thus allowing your body to heal itself.
What conditions can’t it help?
Homeopathy can’t strengthen the system to heal itself of genetic problems, like Down Syndrome, or structural problems, like curvature of the spine. Also, homeopathy can’t help people who are continually exposing themselves to the very things that make them sick. For example, it won’t change a smoker’s cough, headaches from birth control pills, or depression from being in an emotionally hurtful situation.
What can I expect after I take the remedy?
If it’s the correct remedy for you, you will gradually get healthier. Occasionally there is a flare up of symptoms within the first week after you take the remedy. This will not be extreme or long lasting and is nothing to be frightened of. It is actually a good sign that the remedy is working. After the first week you will start gradually improving.
How long will it take me to get well?
This is usually proportionate to how long you’ve had the problem or condition, and how severe it is. It takes your body a few months to heal a problem it has had for many years. You will have ups and downs during that time, but should feel steady, gradual improvement. If a person has taken potent drugs or had serious operations in the past, this will slow down the healing process. If you have a health problem that runs in your family you may need periodic homeopathic care during your life to keep it under control.
What if I get a rash or a discharge after taking the remedy?
It is important for you to know that if you have, in the past, experienced a discharge from your body from the use of any drugs, or inappropriate herbalism or homeopathy, it may return for awhile as you improve under good homeopathic care. The same thing may happen with an old skin rash or warts. You may even feel old emotions return briefly. Call your homeopathy if these things occur BEFORE taking drugs or supplements to stop them. It is likely that the homeopath will be able to recommend homeopathic remedies to help with this process.
What will interfere with the success of my remedy?
In order for a remedy to work, we ask you not to drink coffee, regular or decaffeinated, or use products with camphor such as Ben Gay, Vick’s, Carmex, Noxema, Tiger Balm or mothballs. You should avoid regular use of cortisone, antibiotics and oral contraceptives. Make sure to inform your homeopath if you use any medications or if you are in need of dental work. Also, avoid using electric blankets, magnetic mats or mattresses and avoid bathing in natural hot springs.
How do I handle remedies?
Pellet Remedies – never touch the globules with your hands, as they have no protective coating. Instead, tip them from the cap onto or under your tongue. Make sure not to touch your tongue to the cap. Your mouth should be free of odors when you take the remedy, so be sure to wait at least one hour after eating or brushing your teeth to take the remedy. If directed to take your remedy in the morning do so before putting anything else in your mouth. After taking the remedy, wait 15 minutes to eat or drink. Liquid remedies – a separate instruction sheet will accompany liquid remedies. DO NOT OPEN THE VIAL IN DIRECT SUNLIGHT TO TAKE THE REMEDY.
How many globules should I take?
Take two of the larger globules or 10-20 of the smaller globules. Different manufacturers will have varying dosages. If you are purchasing a remedy from an outside source then you should follow the instructions on the vial. Because of the way homeopathic remedies stimulate healing, it is not critical whether you take two or 10. We ask you to take the amount directed to insure you get an adequate amount of the remedy.
How do I store my remedy?
Keep the bottle out of the sun and away from heat over 100° F. You don’t need to refrigerate it, just keep it in a dark place. Make sure to not open the bottle if you can smell strong odors in the room.
Can I take a remedy while I’m pregnant?
Yes, homeopathy can make your pregnancy go more smoothly and help your baby be as healthy as possible. Be sure to inform your homeopath if you are pregnant.
How is homeopathy different from herbal medicines or prescriptions drugs?
Homeopathic remedies are given to stimulate the whole body to heal itself, while herbs and regular drugs and medicines are given to take away specific symptoms generally from specific parts of the body.
Is homeopathy herbs?
No. Homeopathy is very different from herbalism. Herbalism involves the use of doses as found in nature, whereas homeopathy is the use of various substances (plant, animal, mineral) in minimum dose. Homeopathic remedies are prepared through the processes of dilution and succusion and administered according to the Law of Similars.
Homeopathic remedies are made of very minute amounts of substance from the plant, mineral, and animal kingdoms. They are prepared in a very specific way and chosen to most closely match the symptoms of the person being treated with the symptoms they cause in a healthy person in a stronger dose.
What does potency mean?
Potency refers to the relative strength of a remedy, drug, herb or supplement.
How do I know if the remedy is working?
You will start experiencing improvement in energy and well-being.
What is an aggravation?
An aggravation is a temporary increase in your symptoms. This may occur as the remedy strengthens your system. As your system gets stronger, it is able to bring symptoms to the surface, and then move them out of your body. You may experience them as being intensified when they are on the surface. This generally lasts a short time – 15 minutes to 48 hours.