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In the world of medicine, there are newer and more powerful drugs being constantly discovered and promoted. In our quest for the scientific in medicine, have we forgotten our heritage of natural remedies? Time was when we relied mostly on our natural resources to heal us as well. But allopathy changes all that. As more and more huge pharmaceutical companies are being set up, we are growing further and further away from the simple remedies we once knew and practiced. However, what seems to be a ray of hope is the slow renewal of interest in the old world remedies. And we’re calling the cures of our forefather alternate medicine!

Many years ago, there was no ‘other’ medicine. What we see as alternate now was what was practiced. It was only after science and advances in allopathic medicine came in that this was relegated to the pages of history. Not anymore. The time has come for the old world medical knowledge to come out of the closet and make its presence felt. It is a fact that there are certain diseases and conditions that need to be treated with modern medicine to be effectively cured. But both streams can exist together quite comfortably and more and more all over the world are waking up to this fact.

Why exactly is this happening? It could be that more people are aware of the side effects that usually accompany modern medicine. And the fact that traditional medicine and natural remedies are usually much less expensive helps. Of course, there are the skeptics who will not try anything natural and refuse to believe that it could be effective. But the numbers who are trying and sticking with it for a variety of ailments are growing. As that happens, the evidence that these medicines work also mounts. This in turn makes more people want to try. It might also have to do with how a lot of people view health today. It is seen as a state where you function at the optimum level, not as just an absence of disease.

So the term ‘wellness’ suddenly gets new shades of meaning. Those who are ill want to get better so they can live with a desirable level of fitness. And the fit want to get even fitter so they can live up to their best possible potential. So either way, well or unwell, it enables people to function the best they can. Natural remedies and health supplements help you do just that. So also what we eat and drink. Our diet pattern has a strong influence on the way we are. There are so many kinds of food and drink that cause havoc in the body when taken over a period of time. So replacing them with natural foods has a positive influence on the body.

The 50s was when the trend towards the natural started in a small way. It was then when homeopathy, herbal remedies, vitamins, minerals and probiotics started becoming popular. The great thing about a lot of them is that they do not need to be prescribed in order for you to take them. So the choice really is up to you. You can choose to go natural or not. Your health is in your hands.

In today’s world, people of all age groups, women in particular, are getting increasingly beauty conscious, a wide array of treatments ranging from allopathy to herbal, have made their way into personal care segment. Looking good has become more of a necessity in today’s globalized environment. Though, natural lotions and creams are temporarily good for the skin, for a permanent good looking skin, one may be required to work at it from inside out. This is possible only through Ayurveda, the 5000 year old holistic healing system in India.

Ayurveda believes that a well balanced diet, proper digestion and elimination of the toxins are vital for good skin. This, combined with ayurvedic beauty treatments will have a long lasting impact in maintaining a healthy skin, which is the most important aspect when it comes to beauty. Ayurveda, apart from offering holistic treatments for leucoderma and psoriasis, also offers rejuvenation therapies and anti-ageing treatments. For instance, the Rasayana Chikitsa, is an Ayurvedic treatment, which is basically an anti-ageing treatment, that focuses on the internal causes of the skin disorders, like for example, hormonal imbalances which is the cause for skin rashes, are rectified through blood purification treatment. Even the “Panchakarma” actually consist of five methods of skin purification which includes intestine cleansing, purgation and the blood-letting processes.

Apart from treatments, the key to a glowing skin is the diet. According to ayurvedic principles of diet, one must find out the category under which their skin type belongs to; vata, pitta or kapha. Based on the skin category, certain suggestions are given for feeding essential nutrients to the particular skin type. Individuals with vata skin type, may need to include some healthy fats such as sesame or olive oil, in their diets to maintain natural luster of the skin. Pitta skin types are advised to stay away from spicy, hot and oily foods to avoid skin irritations, while the kapha skin types may be recommended to enhance their digestion by drinking lime juice to which a few drops of fresh ginger juice is added, before meals. Green leafy vegetables and carrots are ideal for all skin types. More such diet facts, including herbs and spices that can be incorporated into regular diet, can be recommended by Ayurvedic physicians, based on the skin type.

Ayurveda recommends drinking six to eight glasses of boiled water per day, which sometimes can be combined with suitable herbs to enhance benefits. Ice-cold drinks are not recommended as they curb the digestive fire leading to food indigestion. Vata skin types are recommended to drink warm water, while kapha skin types are advised to sip it hot, and pitta types are suggested to cool it to room temperature before drinking. Eight glasses of water are necessary to flush out the toxins, in the body. It can be combined with herbs for maximum benefits.

What options do you have after you have tried most therapies to treat acute and recurring pain and nothing has been successful. The answer may lie in the use of an acupuncture practitioner. This therapy is no longer considered oriental trickery but instead is established medical science supported by solid scientific research. As such, many people are considering being an acupuncture practitioner as their chosen profession and are attempting to obtain the legal license to practice.

Acupuncture is a type of therapy for pain relief. It can be used to heal many different physical and emotional ailments. Linked with traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture is the placement of small, metallic needles in specific muscles or nerves. Practitioners believe that these needles change the transmission of pain in the nervous system.

Modern allopathy assumes different causes for disease than acupuncture. Acupuncture is based on the idea that health problems are causes by imbalances in fundamental body energies of Chi. An acpuncture practitioner will not only try to remove symptoms, such as pain, but aims to go further and treat the underlying Chi energy balance represented by the opposing forces of Yin and Yan. For example, a Yin deficiency in the liver is said to cause a lack of moisture in tendons responsible for pain free movement. Therefore, not only would pain that hinders mobility be treated, but the liver Yin imbalance as well.

In hopes of relieving the pain, thin needles are used to pierce the skin and reach specific targets on the muscle with due care not to cause any damage to the body. For best results, numerous sessions are required and the identification of the maximum response area can vary between patients. However it generally should not take more than 4 or 5 treatment sessions.

It is important to note that acupuncture therapy should not stop just because the systems have ceased and instead should be continued for at least another year after symptoms cease. A great benefit of this treatment for things like tennis elbow is that it is completely harmless and has no side effects on your body. In fact some people claim that this therapy increases their energy along with fulfilling the primary objective of pain relief.

Modern medicine does not have complete cures for several different kinds of illnesses. Acupuncture can be an easy and effective treatment for these complaints. Acupuncture is one of the alternative treatments for the common cold, and one of the natural remedies for the flu. Next time you are suffering from one of these common illnesses or pain, think about going to the nearby acupuncture practitioner.

The number of people suffering from bad breath is growing at an alarming pace. And the reasons for bad breath can be something as simple a poor dental hygiene or some serious medical problem.

Once you have learnt that you have bad breath, it is imperative that you stick to a proper dental hygiene to tackle it. Start by brushing your teeth twice a day. Clean you tongue properly. See that the tongue is cleaned of the thin film of coating. Gargle frequently either with plain water or by using a mouth freshener. Flossing your teeth once a day is also very beneficial in controlling bad breath.

While simple remedies can be found at home only a qualified doctor can analyze the root cause for bad breath. A visit to a dentist once in six months is mandatory for not only tackling the problem of bad breath but also to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

There are many simple remedies for this ailment. Once the doctor has prescribed the medicines and the regimen, you should follow it strictly. While there are many medicines available in allopathy, even homoeopathy has quite a few remedies for this ailment.

These problems can also be tackled at home by following some simple remedies. The first is by increasing the intake of water. Drink huge amounts of water every day to help combat bad breath. Some researchers in Japan have found that yogurt also help in the control of bad breath. Therefore you can also take yogurt regularly.

A visit to a dentist will help in identifying other factor if any for the problem. If the cause is due to an ailment like diabetes, ulcer on tonsillitis then the doctor will prescribe antibiotics which should be taken as prescribed. Controlling blood sugar in diabetics also helps in stopping the incidence of bad breath. Therefore any medical condition that is contributing to bad breath must be tackled with the help of a qualified doctor.

Medicines are only advised in specific instances. They are only to cure the malady. Proper oral hygiene alone can find a lasting solution. So use only good quality toothpaste and good mouth fresheners. Change your brush regularly. Avoid intake of food that causes bad breath.

It must be quite clear now that the remedy to bad breath is not only in identifying the problem but also finding a lasting cure. And it is only possible with a daily routine of oral hygiene. So follow good oral hygiene and avoid bad breath.

The problem of hair loss is a problem that affect both men and women and in all age groups. In women, the problem is usually heightened during pregnancy. The primary cause of hair loss is hormonal imbalance. In men, the problem is aggravated due to the excessive production go hormone called DHT. This arises from problems in the prostrate gland.

There are many products available to treat the problem of hair loss. However, the best method is to first identify the causes of hair loss and them find a suitable cure.

The first culprit is the scalp. Diseases of the scalp in left untreated can turn septic and also cause the hair to fall. Therefore keep the scalp clean and health at all times. Use good quality hair oil regularly. Shampoos can also help in keeping the scalp healthy.

Products that use extracts of flowers and fruits are quite effective. Keep one thing in mind. Expensive products alone will not guarantee results. The proper and regular usage of product alone will help you find a cure for hair loss.

The various hair loss products available in the market help you in not only preventing hair loss but also help you in growing back lost hair.

Hair loss products are available in Allopathy, Homoeopathy and ayurveda. However it is important to consult a dermatologist and seek his advice before opting for any treatment.

Self-medication could prove quite harmful. Dermatologist will prescribe medical products like Regaine, Propecia and Dutasteride, which are quite effective in preventing hair loss.

There are numerous hair loss products offering guaranteed treatment on the net. Don’t go by false claims. Costly products do not necessarily mean better cure. The root cause should be identified before trying out any treatment. And only a qualified dermatologist can diagnose the cause and suggest appropriate treatment.

Good quality and pure coconut oil if used on a regular basis will help nourish the hair and scalp and keep the hair from falling.

Products that contain extracts of hibiscus flower, amla, neem and tulasi are very beneficial for the treatment of falling hair.

Pure castor oil or products that contain a combination f castor oil along with other ingredients can also be used.

In addition to hair loss products you have alternatives in the form of surgery and wigs. In the case of permanent hair loss and baldness no amount of medication or expensive products may work. In this case the only option available is to opt for hair transplantation.

Some medication may help your acid reflux, but there are some that can actually make the problem worse if you stop taking them. There is a type of medication called PPI (Proton Pump Inhibitors) which inhibit the acid production.

When these medications are discontinued, it is observed that the body responds and bounces back with more acid secretion. This is called “rebound hypersecretion,” It is, therefore, often advisable for people taking PPI’s to avoid sudden stoppage of medication

Several herbs are used as heartburn remedies. A post-meal tea of caraway seeds, coriander, chamomile, anise, fennel, angelica, offers great relief. Peppermint and spearmint teas, contraindicated in allopathy, also work a capsule containing peppermint and caraway seed oils taken for four weeks, also helps. There are specialists who rely on roots and herbs. Ginger root is one herb that’s used in Ayurveda, and taking it regularly can help reduce acid reflux.

Eating enough fiber can also help reduce the symptoms. Fiber helps your body to digest the acid in the foods as well as keeping you regular. If you don’t like eating foods containing fiber, there are pills and powders you mix with water available.

Another major contributor to acid reflux is nicotine, so stopping smoking can help. Nicotine relaxes the esophageal sphincter, allowing fluids to “swish around” freely. Stress can also be related to smoking, which also affects your digestion.

You need to stay away from citrus fruits, potatoes, ground beef, Buffalo wings, chicken nuggets, raw onions, ice cream, cheese, spaghetti, liquor or wine, coffee, tea, and certain salad dressings. There is a life beyond all these eatables.

Some of the other alternative treatments that have proven popular include meadowsweet, licorice, and some digestive enzymes such as papain. Even marshmallow, mixed with chamomile, can work as an anti-inflammatory and has helped some people with their acid reflux. In the end, a good diet, positive changes in your lifestyle, weight control and lowering your stress level will all help reduce the symptoms of acid reflux.

Quick and easy information at your fingertips

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.

Appropriate or the worst example of invasive allopathy gone haywire?

A study published in the January 14th, 1999, issue of The New England Journal of Medicine discussed the results of 639 women with a family history of breast cancer who chose to have both breasts removed while they were still without cancer. The untreated sisters served as controls. The average length of follow-up was 14 years. The surgery did yield a reduction in cases and deaths from breast cancer, but only 18 lives were saved, meaning that the majority of the women who had their breasts removed may have survived without the drastic procedure.
The authors of the study conclude, “In women with a high risk of breast cancer on the basis of family history, prophylactic mastectomy can significantly reduce the incidence of breast cancer.” Based on the results of this new study, a woman who has a very strong family history of breast cancer is placed in a dilemma. Should she undergo removal of healthy breasts, with the resultant surgical disfigurement and potential psychological damage? Or, should she wait? This is a serious decision that requires soul searching and a full discussion with one’s health care practitioner.

In women who prefer to wait, there are a number of steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of breast cancer. These involve dietary changes, exercise, elimination of smoking, and supplements.
* Reduce your intake of saturated fats and fried foods, margarine, and baked goods.

* Include more omega-3 fatty acids in the diet, particularly through consumption of cold water fish or flaxseed oil. If you don’t like fish, or don’t eat enough marine products, task fish oil supplements.

* Reduce your intake of sugar and simple carbohydrates. Most people don’t realize that sugars can convert into fats, particularly saturated fats.

* Vary your fruit and vegetable intake by purchasing produce that you don’t normally eat. Each fruit or vegetable has a unique set of carotenoids and flavonoids. Attempt, on a regular basis, to consume citrus fruits, berries, apricots, grapes, and other colored fruits.

* Your vegetable intake should include garlic, onions, green leafy vegetables, yellow- or orange-colored vegetables, tomatoes, beets, and others.

* Include more soy products in your diet.

* Drink a variety of herbal teas instead of just regular tea or coffee. Each morning have a different type of tea such as ginger, bilberry, green tea, licorice, peppermint, lemon grass, etc.

* Limit your intake of alcohol to no more than one glass a day.

* Try to reduce stress and maintain an ideal weight. Physical activity will likely reduce your risk for breast cancer.

Step 2: Estrogen’s role

Even though estrogen is sometimes recommended for women at risk for cardiovascular disease, there appears to be a small increased risk of breast cancer linked to the hormone. If you are at high risk for breast cancer, avoid estrogen, take only minimal dosages, or use phyto-estrogen-rich supplements, such as red clover and soy (as mentioned).

Step 3: Supplements

In addition to a healthy diet, consider taking supplements of vitamin C, E, selenium, and a combination pill that includes carotenoids and flavonoids. Several anti-cancer nutrients, such as calcium-d-glucarate, beta-glucan, and IP-6, have been introduced over the past few years. Long-term human trials are limited using these nutrients for cancer prevention but you and your health care practitioner may consider learning more about them.

If you have a strong family history of breast cancer, whether or not to have prophylactic mastectomy is a difficult decision. If you plan not to have the surgery, nutritional and lifestyle changes can dramatically reduce your risk of developing breast cancer. Regular physical exams and mammograms are recommended.

Homeopathy, or homeopathic medicine, is a holistic system of treatment that originated in the late eighteenth century. The name homeopathy is derived from two Greek words that mean “like disease.” The system is based on the idea that substances that produce symptoms of sickness in healthy people will have a curative effect when given in very dilute quantities to sick people who exhibit those same symptoms. Homeopathic remedies are believed to stimulate the body’s own healing processes. Homeopaths use the term “allopathy,” or “different than disease,” to describe the use of drugs used in conventional medicine to oppose or counteract the symptom being treated.
Origins

Homeopathy was founded by German physician Samuel Hahnemann (1755-1843), who was much disturbed by the medical system of his time, believing that its cures were crude and some of its strong drugs and treatments did more harm than good to patients. Hahnemann performed experiments on himself using Peruvian bark, which contains quinine, a malaria remedy. He concluded that in a healthy person, quinine creates the same symptoms as malaria, including fevers and chills, which is the reason why it is effective as a remedy. He then began to analyze the remedies available in nature by what he called provings. Provings of homeopathic remedies are still compiled by dosing healthy adults with various substances and documenting the results, in terms of the dose needed to produce the symptoms and the length of the dose’s effectiveness. The provings are collected in large homeopathic references called materia medica or materials of medicine.
Hahnemann formulated these principles of homeopathy:

* Law of Similars (like cures like).

* Law of the Infinitesimal Dose. (The more diluted a remedy is, the more potent it is.)

* Illness is specific to the individual.

Hahnemann’s Law of Similars was based on thinking that dated back to Hippocrates in the fourth century B.C. It is the same thinking that provided the basis for vaccinations created by Edward Jenner and Louis Pasteur. These vaccines provoke a reaction in the individual that protects against the actual disease. Allergy treatments work the same way. By exposing a person to minute quantities of the allergen, the person’s tolerance levels are elevated.

The Law of the Infinitesimal Dose has always caused controversy among those outside the field of homeopathy. Hahnemann contended that as he diluted his remedies with water and alcohol and succussed, or shook, them, the remedies actually worked more effectively. In fact, diluted homeopathic remedies may have no chemical trace of the original substance. Practitioners believe that the electromagnetic energy of the original substance is retained in the dilution, but toxic side effects of the remedy are not. It is this electrochemical “message” that stimulates the body to heal itself.

Homeopathic practitioners believe that illness is specific to an individual. In other words, two people with severe headaches may not receive the same remedies. The practitioner will ask the patient questions about lifestyle, dietary habits, and personality traits, as well as specific questions about the nature of the headache and when it occurs. This information gathering is called profiling or case-taking.

In the early 1900s, homeopathy was popular in America, with over 15 percent of all doctors being homeopathic. There were 22 major homeopathic medical schools, including Boston University and the University of Michigan. However, with the formation of the American Medical Association, which restricted and closed down alternative practices, homeopathy declined for half a century. When the 1960s invigorated back-to-nature trends and distrust of artificial drugs and treatments, homeopathy began to grow again dramatically through the next decades. In 1993, The New England Journal of Medicine reported that 2.5 million Americans used homeopathic remedies and 800,000 patients visited homeopaths in 1990, and it has continued to grow. Homeopathy is much more popular in Europe than in the United States. French pharmacies are required to make homeopathic remedies available along with conventional medications. Homeopathic hospitals and clinics are part of the national health system in Britain. It is also practiced in India and Israel, among other countries.

Benefits

Homeopathic physicians seek to cure their patients on the physical, mental, and emotional levels, and each treatment is tailored to a patient’s individual needs. Homeopathy is generally a safe treatment, as it uses medicines in extremely diluted quantities, and there are usually minimal side effects. Its non-toxicity makes it a good choice for the treatment of children. Another benefit of homeopathy is the cost of treatments; homeopathic remedies are inexpensive, often a fraction of the cost of conventional drugs.

Homeopathic treatment has been shown effective in treating many conditions. Colds and flu may be effectively treated with aconite and bryonia. Influenza suffers in a double-blind study found that they were twice as likely to recover in 48 hours when they took homeopathic remedies. Studies have been published in British medical journals confirming the efficacy of homeopathic treatment for rheumatoid arthritis. Homeopathic remedies are effective in treating infections, circulatory problems, respiratory problems, heart disease, depression and nervous disorders, migraine headaches, allergies, arthritis, and diabetes. Homeopathy is a good treatment to explore for acute and chronic illnesses, particularly if these are found in the early stages and where there is not severe damage. Homeopathy can be used to assist the healing process after surgery or chemotherapy.

Homeopathy, which was developed at the end of the 18th century by Samuel Hahnemann, M.D., a German physician, is a complete system of medicine which aims to promote general health by reinforcing the body’s own natural healing capacity, reported Dr. Christopher Hammond in The Complete Family Guide to Homeopathy.

In other words, homeopathy, as practiced by a homeopathic physician, does not have treatments for diseases. Instead, it has remedies for people with disease.

“Homeopathy works in a totally different way from conventional medicine, which is known to homeopathic practitioners as allopathy,” Hammond explained. “Allopathy means different from the suffering’; the drugs that are given work against the disease and its symptoms. Therefore, drugs that are [labeled] ‘anti’ are found, such as anti-biotics, anti-depressants, anti-inflammatory and anti-pain drugs, etc.”
Homeopathy, in contrast, Hammond added, means ’similar to the suffering.’ The remedies used to treat sick people are actually capable of producing similar symptoms in a healthy person to those present in the patient needing the remedy.

Hammond went on to say that homeopathic remedies are very diluted in their preparations, though their efforts cannot be explained so simply. It might be suggested that the remedies work at the level of energy and not of matter. And the method of preparation of the remedies and how they act is not essential to an understanding of homeopathy. Therefore, he said, homeopathy is about why a remedy is given, not what is given.
“No two individuals manifest their illnesses in exactly the same way, even if they are given the same disease label,” Hammond continued. “It is only when a substance is matched with a patient according to the Law of Similars that it becomes homeopathic. When it is sitting in the medicine chest or pharmacy, it is not homeopathic at all; it is just a potentized remedy.”

In a nutshell, the Law of Similars, as explained by Hahnemann, is basically “like cures like.” Any substance which can produce a totality of symptoms in a healthy human being can cure that totality of symptoms in a sick human being.

Since many Americans do not have access to a homeopathic physician, health food stores provide an abundance of homeopathic remedies already formulated in over-the-counter preparations for a variety of illnesses. And many of these products are designed for children.

Writing in Homeopathic Medicine Today, Trevor M. Cook lists some of the childhood problems which may respond to various homeopathic remedies.

* Bed wetting (enuresis). Bed wetting that occurs during a deep sleep, and is usually worse from 10 p.m. to midnight, may respond to belladonna (deadly nightshade). If it occurs just after the person has fallen asleep, homeopathic physicians often prescribe Sepia officinalis (squid ink). Pulsatilla (wind flower), Ferrum phosphoricum (ferric phosphate) and cantharis (Spanish fly) may also be recommended.

* Mumps. In its initial stage, Aconitum napellus (aconite) may be prescribed. If the testicles are affected, pulsatilla is often the choice. When the fever subsides, Mercurius vivus (mercury) may be suggested.

* Chicken pox. When the illness becomes worse around 4 p.m., a homeopathic physician may prescribe pulsatilla. Rhus toxicondendron (poison ivy or poison sumac) may also be recommended.

* Whooping cough. If it becomes worse after midnight, the prescribed remedy may be Drosera rotundifolia (sundew plant). Ipecacuanha (ipecac root), Cuprum metallicum (copper) or Hepar sulphuris (sulfur) may also be suggested.

* Measles. If the illness becomes worse at night, Aconitum napellus may be the remedy of choice. Belladonna and pulsatilla are also popular remedies.

A more detailed listing of homeopathic remedies for children is given in The Complete Family Guide to Homeopathy. However, the various remedies recommended for childhood illnesses in the OTC preparations are simplified for those who do not have access to a homeopathic physician.