Homeopathy
Description
Homeopathy, a type of alternative medicine, is based on the medical use of highly diluted preparations. This process involves assessing a person’s symptoms and then treating that person’s symptoms accordingly based on certain similar conditions it the illness’ symptoms may have to another affliction. For example, if the symptoms of a cold are similar to the symptoms of mercury poisoning, then mercury would be the homeopathic remedy. Symptoms of a person’s physical and psychological state are also taken into account when prescribing a remedy and natural ingredients are usually implemented in these remedies. Although the idea seems extreme, the mercury solution would be taken in extremely fractionated doses that are highly diluted in water.
This remedy is continually taken to attempt to cure that specific ailment and no other medications are consumed during this time. Most homeopathic remedies are considered safe, but this practice has been controversial and criticized for putting patients’ health at risk by giving advice in regards to their physical health that goes against conventional medicine like the use of vaccinations and antibiotics.
The effectiveness of homeopathic remedies beyond the “placebo effect” is unfounded in scientific research and evidence. While some individuals may experience positive results from homeopathic remedies, there are many more who cannot say the same for their own experiences with this inconclusive method of treating ailments.
Due to the dilution of substances in water, some remedies may not even contain any pharmacologically active molecules, rendering the effectiveness of the diluted remedy completely ineffective and useless in the eyes of medicine. However, many homeopaths claim that water has a memory that ensures homeopathic remedies work without any of the original substance present in the dilution. Regulations on these homeopathic practices are varied from country to country. There are some countries in which no legal regulations exist while others require degrees and/or licenses in conventional medicine.
Uses
The uses of homeopathic remedies seem far and wide. Some claim to have incredible results that are fast and permanent while others claim no effects at all. Homeopathy is recognized as being mostly safe, save for the rare circumstance, even in children and pregnant women. Since homeopathy mostly uses remedies that are all natural or based on natural ingredients, it is said that homeopathic remedies will work in congruence with your body’s natural processes and in harmony with your immune system, rather than suppressing the immunity as some conventional medicines are said to do.
Homeopathy seeks to treat the source of the illness or condition as a whole rather than the symptoms of that illness or condition, therefore fully curing what ails you. Homeopathic remedies are also usually not addictive as some prescription medications can be.
Prescribing homeopathic remedies for a patient takes more time than conventional methods. Remedies are said to be very specific to each affliction and therefore take time to be completely cured. Homeopathy may also be used as a preventive method for certain issues such as nervousness, anxiety, mental health issues, migraines, ulcers, and/or hypertension. Homeopathic remedies can be used for many illnesses, diseases and condition, but seem to be implemented most commonly for the treatment of typically less serious ailments such as colds, flus, headaches and other minor illnesses.
Benefits
Some benefits to the uses of homeopathic remedies are that these remedies are said to be all natural and created with very small amounts of minerals, herbs and various animal products. Homeopathy is said to treat the root of the illness, disease or condition thereby curing the patient completely rather than simply treating the symptoms as many conventional medical methods seem to do.
Homeopathic remedies are said to have little to no side effects when used and do not interfere with the immune system, but instead use only ingredients said to strengthen the immunity. This is in contrast to conventional medicine which often suppresses the immunity while treating various symptoms.
Safety
The use of homeopathic remedies is fairly safe and usually does not result in any negative side effects. This is said to be because the ingredients used in these remedies are all gained from natural sources that work with the body rather than against it. None of the remedies taken are addictive nor do they have any chemical actions. Homeopathic remedies seek to strengthen the body and it’s natural immunity to improve overall bodily health and wellness.
Related Discussions
- Homeopathic Compared to Traditional Chinese Medicine
- Homeopathy Questions
- Homeopathy: Avoiding the Antidotes
- Threads Tagged with homeopathy
