PRESCRIPTIONS
Homeopathic medicines aid body in overcoming common ailments
By Laurie Steelsmith
Q.What is homeopathy, how does it work, and how should I use it?
A. Homeopathy is an effective nontoxic system of medicine used for treating a wide variety of ailments. It works with your body's natural "vital force," or energy. Homeopathic medicine was developed in Europe by Samuel Hahneman in the late 1700s. Today, most pharmacies in Europe carry homeopathic medicines, and England's Royal family has its own homeopathic physician.
Homeopathy is based on the principle that "like cures like," dating back to the Greek physician Hippocrates, who said "through the like, disease is produced and through the application of the like it is cured."
This means that substances that would normally cause disease in an individual who is healthy can help cure it in another person who is ill.
Homeopathic medicines are especially recommended for common health problems that are typically treated at home. These include muscle strains and sprains, joint pain, headaches, mild anxiety and depression, bug bites, rashes, digestive problems, colic, teething, colds, and flus.
A homeopathic remedy is prepared by progressively diluting a substance in water or alcohol until only its "energetic" imprint remains.
Many health food stores and pharmacies carry homeopathic medicines in low potencies that are safe and easy to use. You will find that some of these homeopathic preparations contain multiple homeopathic remedies, and that many are labeled according to the conditions that they can treat.
You can purchase homeopathic medicines as pills, liquids, or creams. Pills and liquids are best taken by dissolving them under your tongue at least 15 minutes away from eating or drinking, while creams are applied directly to your skin.
Most remedies can be taken three to four times a day until your symptoms disappear, or for a total of three days. It is recommended that you avoid ingesting coffee or mint products while taking homeopathic remedies because these could reduce the effectiveness of the medicine.
If symptoms do not resolve within a few days, consult your doctor.
Homeopathic medicines in higher potencies can be prescribed only by licensed naturopathic physicians or other doctors who have special training in homeopathy.
The higher-dose remedies are used to treat more serious physical and emotional problems. If you want to use homeopathy to treat such conditions, I recommend that you see your licensed naturopathic physician for more information.
Laurie Steelsmith is a naturopathic physician and licensed acupuncturist in Honolulu. You can contact her and read past columns at www.drlauriesteelsmith.com. This column is for information only. Consult your health provider for medical advice.
