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1. What is homeopathy?
"Homeopathic medicine is a natural pharmaceutical system that utilizes microdoses of substances from the plant, mineral, or animal kingdom to arouse a person's natural healing response. Homeopathy is a sophisticated method of individualizing small doses of medicines in order to initiate that healing response."*
*(Ullman Discovering xxviii)
2. Do homeopathy medicines have any side effects?
No, many conventional medicines attempt to suppress symptoms without allowing the body to heal itself, sometimes resulting in harmful side effects. Instead of suppressing symptoms, homeopathy gently works with the body to stimulate balance or healing. Also, since homeopathic medicines have no side effects, this reduces the percentage of iatrogenic (doctor-induced) diseases.
3. What are Potencies?
Potencies are how much strength is available in a homeopathic medicine. Homeopathic medicine consists of natural substances that are extremely diluted. These dilutions, stimulate the defense system of your body. The amount of dilution is called potency. The lowest potency scale is X. A medicine with 30X has more strength than a medicine with 6X. The C scale is a higher potency than X. Depending on your condition, a doctor may prescribe a dilution of X (decimal), C (centesimal), or M (millennial). M is the strongest and an extension of the C scale.*
*McCabe 302-303 (See the single remedy guide for additional details).
4. What are combination homeopathic medicines?
Combination remedies are often used to treat acute problems such as, but not limited to, colds, flu, headache, back pain, etc. This is convenient for short term illness and for those who do not want to devote their attention to a licensed doctor. They contain several single remedies of similar effect to heal your body safely and effectively.*
*Jonas 112-113
5. Are there guidelines to follow for homeopathic medicines to be effective?
Yes, since homeopathic medicine stimulates your own defense system there are certain rules that must be followed to maximize the effectiveness of the homeopathic medicine.
Rules for Taking Homeopathic Remedies
- Take nothing by mouth 10-20 minutes prior to or following dosage. This includes food, drink, chewing gum, toothpaste etc.
- Limit as much as possible caffeine in any forms, such as soft drinks, coffee, or chocolate.
- No camphor, such as in muscle and joint rubs. Avoid moth ball fumes.
- No dental drilling. If dental drilling, use injectable or extra dermal application.
- Limit contact with cigarette smoke, especially menthol as much as possible.
- Avoid raw garlic, cooked is okay.
- Alcohol sensitivities: If the patient is sensitive to the alcohol, they may put the drops into a glass (3 oz) of warm water. Allow one minute for the alcohol to evaporate.
6. How do I take homeopathic medicines?
It depends on what type of medicine you are using. Typically with single remedies, the pellets or tablets dissolve in the mouth or under the tongue. King Bio Sprays are sprayed under the tongue for fast relief. Food should not be taken with medicines. Certain sprays, gels, and lotions should be applied topically.
7. Do homeopathic medicines take longer to work than conventional medicines?
The success of homeopathic medicine depends on the situation and how closely homeopathic rules (see question 5) are followed. In addition, for the most part, the duration of the healing process is proportional to the duration of your ailment. A chronic condition can be cured effectively, but not overnight.
8. Can homeopathic medicine and conventional medicine work together?
Yes, homeopathic medicine and conventional medicines may work together. It is advised that you have your doctor closely monitor this situation. Since homeopathic medicines have no side effects, they do not interact with other medicine, homeopathic or otherwise.
9. Is Homeopathy governed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)?
The Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia Convention of the United States is responsible for establishing good manufacturing procedures and industry standards in collaboration with the FDA. The FDA does not use the same standards for approval of homeopathic medicines as it does for conventional drugs due to the overwhelming safety record of the homeopathic approach and extreme dilutions.
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