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This Homeopathy Guide exhibits common homeopathic remedies given for a representative group of complaints. The remedies could be a stand-alone treatment or used in a combination form. The information presented is meant to be a quick reference guide. The dosage can be anywhere from 1X and up. Listed here are the most common single remedy dosages and the symptoms associated with the given condition.
It is no surprise that Americans are reaching for natural medicine at a record pace. One of the systems of medicine that is poised to gain an increase in popularity is homeopathic medicine. Homeopathy has been growing consistently worldwide since its birth some 200 years ago. In fact, the World Health Organization has stated that homeopathy is the second leading system of medicine for primary health care in the world. It is covered by national healthcare systems in many countries and is recommended by healthcare professionals worldwide. Homeopathy has distinct assets that make it an ideal consideration as part of, or the first choice for, common self-care complaints, in addition to being a part of a comprehensive approach to helping a person’s disease or condition.
In the United States, homeopathy has somehow lagged behind in terms of its integration into the natural care market. But with more and more people trying it, along with new evidence supporting homeopathic dilutions from scientific research, the growth of homeopathy looks promising for the U.S. The latest research demonstrates that high dilutions of a particular agent can affect the physical make-up of a human cell. Although this research does not tell us how it happens, it does show that a homeopathic agent in high dilutions can create a response in the body. As more research continues to validate this 200-year old system of medicine, many more people will find its application useful in promoting their health and wellness.

Historical Perspective

Although the origins of homeopathy can be traced back to the time of Hippocrates, it was first organized by Dr. Samuel Hahnemann (1755-1843), a physician and chemist. Hahnemann believed that the medical practices of his day, which included severe bloodletting, were barbaric, outmoded, and made for poor patient compliance. He coined the term allopathy for this practice of medicine from the Greek word “allo” meaning “other than” and “pathy” meaning “disease”. He described these medical practices as the suppression of symptoms.

While translating a text by Dr. William Cullen, Hahnemann read that cinchona bark was useful in treating malaria. Hahnemann decided to experiment with stronger agents and found they had no effect on the symptoms of malaria. So he began to experiment on himself and eventually others, and found that in the vast majority of cases, the diluted remedy was still effective at relieving malaria symptoms. Over the next 10 years, Hahnemann researched the profiles of a large number of plants. He recorded the findings and named this process a proving, a test of the effects of a substance on a healthy person. Hahnemann wrote the first homeopathic Materia Medica (a book that lists substances and the symptoms produced by their ingestion) and published it in 1810.

When someone became ill, Hahnemann conducted physical exams and questioned the person thoroughly about their general health, outlook on life, and symptoms they were experiencing. Hahnemann then attempted to match the patient’s symptoms to the “provings” and administer a dilution of the matched compound. He called this “Similia similibus curantur” or “Likes are cured by likes.” This is also referred to as The Law of Similars.

Hahnemann concluded that a cure may be evidenced by the disappearance of some or all of the symptoms by the use of an agent with a proving that matches the symptoms of the person who is ill. The curative agent is given in an appropriate dilution to effect the safest cure without aggravating or intensifying the pre-existing symptoms. Hahnemann knew that giving even small doses of toxic material could have negative effects, so he developed a unique system of dilution. By this method, he found that he could take advantage of the curative properties of an agent without causing any side effects.

Hahnemann’s concepts continued in Europe and were introduced to America in the 1820s. The first medical association in the United States was the American Institute of Homeopathy, which recently celebrated its 150th anniversary. Reportedly, until the early 20th century, 15 percent of physicians in the United States were trained in homeopathy, at one time numbering upwards of 14,000 physicians.

Homeopathy is valued around the world as a valid system of healing, applied to both acute and chronic conditions. Homeopathy can be used along with herbs, nutrition, and other natural therapies to assist the individual in his/her health and wellness plan. In order to fully appreciate the quality and professional nature of homeopathic medicine in this country, it is important to understand both the regulatory status of and the manufacturing practices for homeopathic medicines in the United States.