For most people, healing an illness means doing whatever is necessary to alleviate the symptoms. Taking aspirin to lower a fever or antihistamines to dry a runny nose is standard protocol. But homeopathy takes a different approach. Homeopathic practitioners believe that symptoms of an illness—such as a fever or diarrhea—are the body’s attempt to restore balance, and although the symptoms may be unpleasant, they should be supported rather than suppressed. This enables the body to return to health, and the symptoms will naturally abate when they are no longer needed.

How Like Cures Like
Homeopathy was founded in the late-18th century by Samuel Hahnemann, a German physician who was disillusioned with the barbaric medical practices of his time (including bloodletting and the use of toxic drugs, such as mercury). In searching for a more humane approach to healing, Hahnemann observed that substances able to mimic the symptoms of an illness could bring about a cure. He first noticed this phenomenon while experimenting with cinchona, a South American bark used as a treatment for malaria. Hahnemann took cinchona twice daily, and soon began suffering the intermittent fevers characteristic of malaria. When he stopped taking the cinchona, his fevers stopped. He went on to experiment with hundreds of substances, and from his findings developed homeopathy.

This basic principle of homeopathy, the Law of Similars, refers to his observation that “like cures like.” This theory was proposed as early as the fourth century B.C., when Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, wrote, “Through the like, disease is produced, and through the application of the like it is cured.” Although homeopathy has little in common with conventional medicine, this principle is the basis for the approach that allopathic medicine uses for immunizations and allergy treatments. Vaccines are made up of weak formulations of a specific virus to bolster the body’s immunity to illness; and allergies are treated by injecting minute amounts of the allergen or allergens into the body to strengthen the body’s ability to cope.

Another important principle of homeopathy is called the Law of the Infinitesimal Dose. Simply put, lower doses of homeopathic remedies are considered to have a stronger action than higher doses. Homeopathic remedies are prepared by diluting them with water or alcohol, and then vigorously shaking them (a process called succussing). The remedies are often so diluted that they contain no measurable amount of the original substance.

Buying and Using Homeopathic Remedies
Homeopathic remedies come in several forms: as tiny tablets and liquid tinctures for internal use, in spray forms, and as gels and ointments for the topical treatment of bruises, stings, cuts, and sore muscles. Here are some basic dos and don’ts to follow when using homeopathic medicines:

• For acute conditions, take the homeopathic remedy every hour, or even every 15 to 30 minutes immediately following an injury. Gradually decrease the dosage to every other hour or every four hours, depending on the severity of the pain. Symptoms should abate within a couple of days.
• Most homeopaths recommend specific guidelines for using homeopathic medicines. Avoid eating or drinking anything except water for at least 15 minutes before and after taking the remedy. To aid absorption, place the remedy under your tongue and allow it to dissolve slowly.
• Because certain substances can neutralize homeopathic remedies, avoid strong-smelling substances such as camphor, menthol, and perfumes. Many homeopaths suggest abstaining from coffee during homeopathic treatment, and avoiding mint-flavored products (such as teas or toothpaste) within one-half hour of taking remedies. Homeopathic-friendly toothpastes are available at health food stores and are recommended during treatment.
• To maintain their potency, store homeopathic medicines in their original containers and keep them away from heat and sunlight.

The Homeopathic Medicine Chest

Allium cepa (onion)
For relief of conditions associated with a thin, watery discharge from the nose and eyes, such as the common cold or hay fever.

Arnica (Mountain daisy)
For relief of the shock and pain of injuries; prevents soreness and encourages healing. Homeopathic arnica gels or creams can also be applied externally to bruises and sore muscles.

Belladonna (Deadly nightshade)
For relief of sudden onset of inflammation, heat, and throbbing pain such as a fever, sore throat, headache, or earache. The symptoms are often worse with motion or touch, and the person may be angry or delirious.

Calendula officinalis (marigold)
For healing cuts, wounds, and burns. Stimulates the formation of healthy scar tissue. Take internally, and apply externally in the form of an ointment or gel.

Chamomilla (chamomile)
For relief of irritability, especially in children. Eases teething pain, colic, emotional upset, and insomnia. Symptoms are generally worse at night, and the child wants to be carried and comforted.

Gelsemium (Yellow jasmine)
For relief of colds and flu, especially those with chills, headache, and achiness. Characterized by feelings of heaviness and exhaustion. Worse with physical exertion.

Hypericum (St. John’s wort)
For relief of nerve injury with extreme pain, such as from slamming a finger in a door. The pain is shooting and severe. Especially helpful for injuries of the toes, fingers, and back.

Ledum (Marsh tea)
For relief of puncture wounds, including bites from insects and animals. Also for treating black eyes.

Magnesia phosphorica (phosphate of magnesia)
For relief of cramps and shooting pains; useful for headaches, toothaches, and menstrual cramps. Sometimes referred to as “homeopathic aspirin.” Pain is generally relieved by heat and is worse with cold.

Nux vomica (Poison nut)
For relief of symptoms of overindulgence in rich foods or drinking too much alcohol. Symptoms are often worse in the morning and are better with rest, warmth, and hot drinks.

Rhus toxicodendron (Poison ivy)
For relief of sprains and strains; also stiffness and sore, achy joints, including low back and neck pain. Symptoms are worse on initial movement and in damp, cold weather.