The Heart of Homeopathy: Like Cures Like

The principles of homeopathy are over 200 years old. They come from a time before our traditional evidence-based medical system was established, when doctors used leeches and blood-letting as genuine medical techniques. However, some medical professionals still adhere to some principles of homeopathy, considering it a good complementary treatment to common illnesses. This is become a point of contention and controversy within the medical community.

What Is Homeopathy?
The basic concept of homeopathy is “like cures like.” Hence, homeopathic practitioners use potentially toxic substances to provoke defense and self-regulatory responses. Hence, something that causes an illness (like vomiting) could cure the illness if it’s served in smaller, less-concentrated quantities. Homeopathic products can come from plants, minerals, venom of poisonous snakes, or, sometimes, prescription drugs.

What are Some Common Homeopathic Treatments?
Most homeopathic treatments are designed to treat common, household ailments like headaches, coughs, stress or insomnia. Homeopathic treatments should NOT be used to treat complicated medical illnesses, like diabetes, high blood pressure, thyroid conditions or cancer. Plus, it should never be used in place of a prescribed treatment plan from your physician or other health-care provider.

Common homeopathic remedies include:

• Belladonna: An extract from a flower of the same name, it was used back in the 1500s to cosmetically flush the cheek! It has also been used as a favorite tool of murder in the Roman Empire. However, if diluted properly it becomes a non-toxic remedy that may help alleviate a high fever.
• Gelsemium: This beautiful yellow flower is poisonous. However, when diluted and made into a homeopathic remedy, it can treat flu symptoms.
• Pulsatilla: This is one of the oldest homeopathic remedies. In excess, it can slow the heart and cause diarrhea, vomiting and convulsions; however, if diluted properly, it may help with colds, cough, and sinus infections.
• Nux Vomica: This poisonous nut comes from the seeds of strychnine tree. However, prepared as a homeopathic remedy, many claim that nux vomica can help with nausea that comes from overindulgence of overeating or eating rich and spicy foods. It can also help with bloating after eating, indigestion and heartburn.
• Guna Sleep: A blend of diluted botanicals like avina sativa, chamomilla and valeriana, guna sleep can help with insomnia in lieu of sleeping pills. You can take 20 drops of the blend 30 minutes before bed.