Homeopathy is derived from the Greek word “homeo” meaning like and “pathos” meaning suffering Homeopathy sees symptoms of disease as a positive outward sign that the body is trying to heal itself. Therefore, it holds that symptoms should not be suppressed as in the case of Allopathy and remedies are used which will help to stimulate and support the healing process.
A homeopath prescribes remedies for the “whole” individual, based on Hahnemann’s three principles:-
□ The law of similars
□ The principle of minimum dose
□ Whole-person prescribing
The Law of Similars
This law was formulated in 1796 and states that a substance that in large doses can produce symptoms of illness in a healthy person, can cure similar symptoms in a sick person if used in minute doses. Hahneman believed that this was because Nature allows for the existence of two similar diseases in the body at the same time. Homeopathic remedies work by introducing a similar artificial disease that negates the original disease, and yet its own effects are so minimal that it causes no suffering.
The Principle of Minimum Dose
This principle states that successive dilutions enhance the curative properties of a substance, while eradicating its side-effects. This means that the most minute dose of the substance is necessary for treatment of the disease.
Whole-person Prescribing
Homeopaths believe that the disease or its symptoms do not occur in isolation, but are an overall reflection of a person. Therefore, each person is treated as an individual based on his personality, temperament, emotional and physical state, likes and dislikes, before prescribing a treatment.
The Laws of Cure
Homeopathic treatment is believed to work according to a set of three rules or laws of cure. They are as follows:-
□ A remedy starts healing from the top of the body and works downwards.
□ It starts from within the body, working outwards and from major to minor organs.
□ Symptoms clear up in reverse order to their manner of appearance.
Advantages of Homeopathy over other systems of Medicine
□ It is the safest form of treatment with zero side-effects.
□ It can be used by anyone — from babies, pregnant women to elderly people.
□ While taking these medicines, alcoholic drinks, cigarettes, spicy or minty foods should be avoided.
□ The medicines should be stored in a cool dark place in a tightly closed bottle away from strong perfumes, air fresheners or essential oils. If properly stored, the shelf life of these medicines is around 5 years.
□ It is used worldwide with more than 100 million users in India.
□ It is the only system of medicine which treats the patient as a whole taking into consideration his physical, mental and emotional factors.
□ Treatment varies from individual to individual.
□ It is painless and easy to administer.
□ Invariably it is not expensive.
□ There are no dietary or lifestyle modifications advised.
□ It provides quick relief including cure in many cases.
□ It does not suppress the symptoms but helps in boosting up the immune system for long-term results.
□ Many surgical ailments and chronic diseases are cured with homeopathy.
How to use Homeopathic Remedies
□ Take only one medicine at a time.
□ Medicines should not be touched by hand, but transferred into the container lid or a clean spoon before transferring them into the mouth.
□ Medicines should be taken after rinsing the mouth with water and preferably empty stomach or at least 30 minutes after meals.
Homeopathic Remedies for Allergy
For Dust Allergy, the medicines commonly used are as follows:-
□ Allergy affecting the eyes – The useful remedies are Euphrasia (pills, and drops), Pulsatilla, Hepar sulfuris, Aconite, Mercurius solubilis (pus).
□ Allergy affecting the nose, throat and ear -Kali bichromicum, Hepar sulfuris, Pulsatilla, Arsenicum album, Natrum muriaticum, Calcarea phosphorica, Sulfur, Allium, Gelsemium, Spongia.
□ Allergic Asthma – The useful remedies are Arsenicum, Bryonia, Natrum sulfuricum, Lachesis, Ipecac, Antimonium tartaricum.
For Food Allergy, the useful Homeopathic remedies are:-
□ For nausea, vomiting, acidity – the commonly used medicines are Sepia, Nux vomica, Arsenicum, Phosphorus, Pulsatilla, Arnica, Aconite, Anacardium, Kali bichromicum, Bryonia, China officinalis, Lycopodium, Graphites.
□ For abdominal pain, flatulence, diarrhoea [hi- medicines are Lycopodium, Arsenicum, Argentum nitricum, Cantharis, Colchicum, Colocynthis, China, Phosphoric acid, Pulsatilla, Aconite, Mercurius, Sulfur, Baptisia.
For Skin Allergy
In Skin Allergy, the useful medicines are Urtica, Apis, Dulcamaera, Natrum muriaticum, Rhus toxicodendron, Sulfur, Arsenicum, Graphites, Aconite.
For Insect Bite Allergy
The immediate treatment of Insect Bite Allergy is to clean the affected area with pure tincture of Hypericum perforatum (St. John’s Wort). Other useful medicines are Apis, Ledum, Arnica, Aconite (when associated with shock).
For Sun (Solar) Allergy
When associated with pain and burning sensation, Aloe vera, Allium hypericum (pills and ointment) Cantharis, Arnica, Urtica pills and ointment, Aconite are soothing and promote healing.