A History
In 1807, a German-born physician named Samuel Hahnemann discovered a treatment system he later called "Homeopathy". Hahnemann discovered, developed, and systematized the fundamental Law of Similars: similia similibus curantur, or, "let likes be cured by likes". In turn, "any substance capable of inducing specific signs or symptoms in a healthy person will be able, at low dosages, to alleviate these same signs and symptoms in a sick person suffering from them." This postulate, present in the work of Paracelsus, the father of chemical medicine, was also foreseen in ancient Greece by Hippocrates.
Homeopathy was introduced in North America in 1825 and quickly gained enormous popularity in Canada and the United States. By 1844, homeopaths had organized the American Institute of Homeopathy, America's first national medical society. It was not until two years later that the American Medical Society was formed. By the late nineteenth century, one out of every six physicians was a homeopath. The resurgence of interest in Homeopathic medicine expresses a desire from general public for alternative health care.
The Law of Similars -- An Example
The effectiveness and practicality of the Law of Similars is illustrated through a commonplace beverage most people can relate to. Coffee.
According to this Law, strong coffee drunk by a healthy person will induce sleeplessness (insomnia) and mental and physical alertness. Indeed, the stimulating effects of this morning pick-me-up are well known. However, coffee prepared as a homeopathic remedy (Coffea) will promote sleep in a person experiencing insomnia.
When a small, often infinitesimal dose, of a substance is administered to a person who exhibits symptoms of illness, that substance can stimulate the body's own healing abilities to effect a deep and long lasting cure. This is the nature of Homeopathy.
The Vital Force
An underlying principle in homeopathy revolves around "The Vital Force". Hahnemann believed that The Vital Force is an energetic unseen force, energy, or vibration, that represents a person's health. This concept is similar to what modern medicine refers to as "homeostasis". Our vital force is likened to prana, chi or qi in other cultures. If this Force is disturbed, illness can result. In order to maintain a healthy "Vital Force", homeopathic remedies can be used to stimulate this innate healing mechanism by awakening its powers.
Sources & Preparations
Homeopathic remedies are derived from vegetable, mineral and animal substances. The remedies are extracted from their sources by a water/alcohol mixture and then filtered to yield a "Mother Tincture". This mother tincture is then diluted in successive steps and the final dilution is used to manufacture the remedy.
Homeopathic remedies are always named according to the Latin name of the original substance. This is followed by a number indicating the frequency of successive dilutions and letters, e.g. "CH", indicating the method of dilution, e.g., (C = x 100 = centesimal).
Preparing Homeopathic Remedies
A dilution of 1CH (Hannemannian centesimal) is obtained by diluting the Mother Tincture one hundred-fold (1/100). This is achieved by diluting 0.1mL of mother-tincture in 9.9mL water or alcohol.
A second dilution, or 2CH, is obtained by diluting the Mother Tincture twice, yielding a ten-thousand-fold dilution of the Mother Tincture (1/100 x 1/100 = 1/10,000). A 3CH medication has been diluted three times by a hundred-fold and so on. Homeopathic remedies often begin at a strength of 6CH and can range up to 10,000CH.
Homeopathic remedies are commonly available in cylindrical tubes containing granules. Other forms include drops and tablets.
Uses & The Constitutional Remedy
Homeopathic remedies are used to treat a wide range of conditions, including acute infections, injuries, chronic diseases and emotional disorders. Remedies are carefully selected, according to each individual case, to stimulate the body's own defense system to heal the body, mind and spirit in harmony, without side effects.
The Constitutional Remedy
It is important to note that in almost all cases, there is only one remedy suited for your particular condition. This is referred to as your constitutional remedy -- the remedy that best fits you as a whole person. Consult with your homeopath or naturopath to determine your constitutional remedy for a specific condition. Your homeopath or naturopath will take a complete case history considering your personality, preferences, and all of your mental and physical ailments and match these symptoms with the symptom picture of the remedy
If dealing with the common cold, for example, symptoms unique to your situation will determine the appropriate homeopathic remedy for healing. A remedy will only be chosen if your symptoms match the symptom picture of that particular remedy. This is the approach used in The Alternative Health CD when listing homeopathic remedies for specific, acute, conditions.
Your friend or relative may be suffering from the same condition, however, his/her remedy may be different. For example, a sore throat located on the left side may require a different remedy from a sore throat located on the right. An achy, tired person who welcomes company will receive a different remedy from an achy, tired person who wishes to be alone.
The fundamentally holistic approach of homeopathy makes for highly effective, personal, treatments and overcomes the limitations of a number of mainstream, reductionistic, approaches to dealing with illness.
Dosages & Use
Start with a dosage of 6CH and wait for a response. If the remedy is appropriate for your constitution, you will notice an effect within a short period of time -- anywhere from seconds to hours. If improvement is realized, continue to wait and allow the remedy to work.
Once you find that the improvement has significantly lagged or has completely stopped, take another dose if required (sometimes only one dose is needed to achieve the desired results). Your dosage frequency depends on your condition and constitution.
If no effect is realized, move on to another remedy or consult your homeopath, naturopath, or other health practitioner.
Tips
- Take homeopathic remedies half an hour either before or after meals, or at bedtime.
- Homeopathic remedies are prepared in sublingual doses. Allow the granule(s) to melt under your tongue.
- When administering remedies to an infant, dissolve the granules in water and administer the solution in small sips.
- Avoid mints and coffee during treatment periods. This includes gums, mint teas, breath mints, and after dinner mints. Avoid coffee-flavoured liquor and candies.
- Avoid touching the granules with your fingers, as you may reduce effectiveness. A dose-measuring stipper is usually incorporated into the remedy container.
- For acute conditions, e.g., fever, take a remedy every 30 to 60 minutes. Reduce dosage to 3 to 4 times daily as soon as there is improvement.
- For chronic conditions, take the remedy 2 to 3 times daily, or as prescribed by your homeopath, naturopath, or other health practitioner.
Homeopathic Remedy Listings
In regards to the My Best Remedies website, homeopathic remedies are not listed for long-term, highly complex ailments such as AIDS or Cancer. Listing remedies for these ailments is simply beyond the scope of this website, as we cannot personally address your situation.
If you wish to use homeopathic remedies for such situations, consult with your homeopath, naturopath, or other health practitioner to determine the most appropriate healing protocol for your needs.
For More Information
For more information on specific homeopathic remedies, browse the listings in this section!
