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| What is Homeopathy? |  |
| How Does Homeopathy Work? | |
| What Are The Advantages of Using Homeopathic Products? | |
| How Should Homeopathic Products Be Taken? | |
| How Do I Care For My Homeopathic Remedies? | |
What is Homeopathy?
Homeopathy is a system of therapeutic medicine that was developed in Germany by Dr. Samuel Hahnemann nearly two centuries ago. It is a unique approach that views medicine as a curative art . In 1790, Hahnemann was translating the work of a Scottish doctor named Cullen who proposed using quinine to cure patients suffering from symptoms of fever, chills and aches. Quinine is taken from chinchona bark and when taken in large amounts, causes the very symptoms that Cullen was proposing to cure with quinine. In attempting to prove Cullen's theory wrong, Hahnemann instead discovered that very small doses of quinine actually did cure the symptoms of fever, chills and aches. Thus was the beginning of homeopathy as a curative process.
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How Does Homeopathy Work?
The underlying premise of Hahnemann's philosophy of treating disease is summarized by the Latin phrase: "simila similibus curantur" , which, literally translated, means: "like is cured by like" . This Law of Similars is based on the concept that a substance capable of evoking certain symptoms in an essentially healthy person , when diluted to safe levels and carefully prepared in accordance with rigid procedures, will elicit a healing response from the body . This response can correct the unwanted symptoms, if not actually cure the underlying disease. Comparing the results of substances, which have produced similar symptoms when tested on healthy persons, will allow the appropriate remedy to be selected.
For example, the effects of a bee's sting are well known - burning, stinging, itching and, of course, swelling. However, a homeopathic preparation of the honey bee itself and it's normally poisonous venom is an effective remedy for treating tissue swelling, hive outbreaks, insect stings, stinging pain and itching .
Another example - suppose a child accidentally ingests a poison. A common remedy would be to give Syrup of Ipecac. Most parents keep this in their medicine cabinets. Ipecac is actually derived from the root of a plant called 'Ipecacuanha' which is found in South America. 'Ipecacuanha' means 'the plant by the road that makes you throw up'. In testing the effects of this substance, researchers found that persons who took Ipecac experienced nausea, gagging and vomiting. The nausea was not relieved upon vomiting. Homeopaths use experiments with healthy volunteers like this to establish or prove actions of specific drugs. They then can use homeopathic products prepared from this substance to allay similar suffering. For instance, if a person was suffering from constant nausea, a homeopathic preparation using minute doses of ipecacuanha would relieve the nausea.
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Who Regulates Homeopathic Products and Are They Safe?
Homeopathic medicines are prepared from natural sources and are used in extremely small amounts . They are recognized as drugs and regulated by the United States Federal Drug Agency or FDA . They are nontoxic and extremely safe. There are no known contraindications or drug interactions between homeopathic and conventional medicines. Homeopathic medicine, like conventional medicine, is available in both prescription and nonprescription ("over-the-counter" or OTC) forms. All the medications offered by Beaumont Bio-Med, Inc. for sale directly to the public are OTC forms. OTC medications, including both conventional drugs and homeopathic remedies , are generally restricted to specific potencies and can be sold only for self-limiting conditions and symptoms which a lay person can effectively identify and treat without first seeking a professional opinion. Consumers can learn to treat simple, self-limiting conditions at home, but serious conditions should be treated by a medical professional .
All homeopathic drugs must comply with a number of applicable regulations. They must he produced under FDA's "Good Manufacturing Practices" . Manufacturing must be in accordance with guidelines established by the Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia Convention of the United States . This is a private governing body that establishes standards and approves the ingredients for use in all homeopathic remedies sold in the United States.
If you are interested in learning more about homeopathy , there are a number of books, pamphlets and articles that are available. You can find some of these publications at your local library, at reputable book stores or the literature and publication section of your favorite health food retailer.
What Are The Advantages of Using Homeopathic Products?
First, they are among the safest remedies available today. The active ingredients or principles are diluted to safe levels and generally administered in small , sometimes repeated dosages. The smaller the amount or greater the dilution, the greater the strength or potency of the preparation. In general, side effects attributable to these natural homeopathic preparations are nonexistent . In sharp contrast, allopathic (conventional) medicines utilize increased dosages and higher concentrations of active ingredients to produce drugs that often have undesirable side effects.
Second, there are very few contraindications for homeopathic preparations . In fact, they perform harmoniously with dietary supplements and are unaffected by other progressive health dietary practices . In contrast, the use of allopathic drugs requires great care in order to avoid other drugs and substances that are frequently contraindicated due to complicating interactions with each other.
Finally, homeopathic remedies are intended to effect a cure for diseases and symptoms by stimulating the body's natural defense mechanisms . Allopathic preparations frequently act only to suppress the symptoms of the disease leaving the body unaided in its own effort to achieve wellness and overcome the underlying cause of the symptom
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How Should Homeopathic Products Be Taken?
It is best to avoid eating for twenty minutes before and after taking a remedy. Because caffeine may affect the efficacy of homeopathic products, you should also avoid caffeine (coffee, chocolate, etc.) when using homeopathic remedies. You should take small amounts (5-10 drops) four to six times per day for best results. The drops should be placed sublingual (under your tongue) and held there for up to 1 minute, then swallow.
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How Do I Care For My Homeopathic Remedies?
naturalief.com's Homeopathic Products should be stored at room temperature and out of direct sunlight . Never expose remedies to strong magnetic fields (TV, microwaves, etc.), airport x-rays, or heat sources. ack To Top
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Despite advancing age and aching knees, Nancy Lopez arrived at the U.S. Women's Open this week confident she can win the one golf tournament that she most wants. … The only problem is those aching knees. 'I just have to play with it,' says Lopez, who is exercising in pools and taking homeopathic supplements. USA TODAY/Lopez confident despite knee pain: By Debbie Becker, June 2, 1999 |
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