Homeopathy Remedies, Should We Take Them Seriously?

Homeopathy is an alternative, or some like to say complimentary, treatment, which uses formulations called remedies. These remedies are prepared from all natural ingredients such as plants, minerals, metals, and even insects. Some of which would normally be regarded as poisonous in their normal state.

Homeopathy remedies are not habit forming (addictive) and non-toxic. This does sound a bit contrary to the previous paragraph where it was stated that some ingredients used are normally regarded as poisonous. However the reason that properly prepared homeopathic treatments are non-toxic is that remedies are diluted many, many times.

This is a process referred to by homeopathy practitioners as "potentization". In fact by homeopathic standards the more dilute a remedy is, the more effective or "potent" it becomes. Often being diluted to the point where not a single molecule of the originial ingredients can be detected.

This brings us to one of the controversies surrounding homeopathy remedies. How can they possibly have any effect at all with no active ingredient? A very valid question, are patients just taking very expensive water? Just a point here, actually these remedies are comparitively cheap compared to more conventional drugs, but for water, yes expensive.

Proponents of homeopathy remedies will reply to this that water has a "memory" which retains the properties of the original ingredients. That being as it may, there have been studies over the years which certainly seem to back up the fact that in many cases these remedies do work.

Samuel Hahnemann (1755-1843) is recognised as the founder of modern homeopathy. Although it is certain that it was practised in one form or another for centuries prior to his findings. Hahnemann coined the word "Homeopathy" to describe his treatment, from the Greek Homois (like) and Pathos "suffering). His principle being The Law of Similars (That which makes sick shall heal).

Having made his initial discovery whilst researching into malaria (noting the toxic effects of the cinchona bark, containing quinine, which was being used even then to control malaria's effects), he started experimenting upon himself, and even used his own seven children as guinea pigs for his experiments. He found and documented hundreds of plants together with their effects.

Homeopathy remedies rely on stimulating the body's own defences, rather than treating the symptoms of any particular ailment. They also aim to treat the whole person, including the spiritual.

Homeopathy should not be confused, as it often is, with herbal therapies. Although of course hopmeopathy does use herbs in its preparations, it is a distinct autonomous system of healing in itself.

Homeopathy remedies can be in liquid or tablet form, and the common dosage would usually be three times a day for up to three days, or whenever the symptoms start to diminish. Unlike other forms of conventional treatment there is no "course" of treatment that must be taken, even if you feel better. With homeopathy, as soon as the patient feels better the treatment stops. There is no furthur benefit to be had by continuing.

The increasing popularity of homeopathy remedies can undoubtedly be put down to, amongst other things, the relative low cost of treatment, and its lack of any side effects. It is being taken seriously by many. In fact in India these treatments are dispensed to large areas of the population that would otherwise be unable to afford any medication at all.

The results have been little short of amazing. Maybe we in the western world should be taking it seriously too.