Welcome to the world of homeopathy! If you’re new to this well-established healing practice, you may wonder what it is and how to get started. In this blog post, we’ll cover the basics of homeopathy and answer some of the most common questions we receive about using homeopathic remedies.
I discovered homeopathy almost 30 years ago while seeking assistance with my firstborn’s minor childhood illnesses. I loved how easy they were to administer, how fast my child responded, and how comfortable I was giving her something that supported her immune system over medications that forced a reaction and had consequences for their use.
What is Homeopathy, and how does it work?
Homeopathy is a holistic medicine system developed in the late 18th century by German Medical Doctor Samuel Hahnemann. Based on the belief that illnesses are caused by disturbances in a person’s “vital force” or life energy, which can be rebalanced by administering highly diluted remedies that follow two fundamental principles: “like cures like” and the “law of minimum dose.”
The principle of “like cures like” suggests that a substance that can cause symptoms in a healthy person can treat similar symptoms in a sick person. This concept is derived from Hahnemann’s observation that certain substances produce specific symptoms when administered to healthy individuals. By administering highly diluted forms of these substances to individuals exhibiting similar symptoms, homeopathy aims to stimulate the body’s inherent healing abilities.
The “law of minimum dose” refers to the idea that the more a substance is diluted and succussed (shaken), the more potent it is therapeutically. Homeopathic remedies are prepared through a process of dilution and succussion, where a small amount of the original substance is repeatedly diluted in water or alcohol. The belief is that this process transfers the substance’s energetic “memory” or essence to the diluent.
Homeopathy considers not only the physical symptoms but also the emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects of an individual when selecting a remedy. Homeopathic remedies work energetically and are believed to stimulate the body’s self-healing mechanisms. The aim is to support the body in rebalancing and healing itself, based on the principle of “individualization,” meaning that the homeopathy’s dosage and potency treatment is tailored to the specific symptoms and characteristics of the person rather than solely focusing on the disease or condition.
Homeopathy derives remedies from various sources, including plants, minerals, animals, and even some disease products. To create potent remedies, these substances undergo rigorous preparation, including dilution and succussion.
Homeopathy addresses many acute and chronic health conditions, including allergies, respiratory illnesses, digestive disorders, skin conditions, musculoskeletal problems, and emotional imbalances. It stimulates the body’s vital force or life energy, restoring balance and promoting self-healing.
This approach has gained continuous popularity for its holistic perspective and personalized treatment.
Where to Buy Homeopathic Remedies:
You can find simple, safe, introductory homeopathic remedies on our website and at grocery stores that focus on holistic options, such as Whole Foods or Sprouts, health food stores, and online! Trusted brands are Hahnemann Labs, Borion, Hylands, and Bach Remedies.
A fantastic beginner book to learn more about caring for your family with homeopathics is Family Guide to Homeopathy Symptoms and Natural Solutions by Andrew Lockie.
More advanced homeopathic care can be ordered to assist with a plethora of health issues by a doctor trained in using advanced formulas. If you want to consult with Dr. Jessica about homeopathic remedies, book your appointment here.
How to Pick the Correct Dosage?
Potencies or dosages refer to the dilution and succussion (shaking) a remedy undergoes during its preparation and is represented by a number and a letter (e.g., 30C or 200X). The different potencies determine the strength and depth of the remedy’s effect.
Homeopathic remedies are generally taken in small doses, often a few pellets or drops. They are typically taken several times a day, but this will depend upon the dilution of the remedy you have. Homeopathic remedies’ potency is indicated by a number followed by a letter.
The most commonly used potencies in homeopathy include X, C, and LM potencies:
- X Potencies: X potencies are prepared through a dilution ratio of 1:10. The “X” stands for the Roman numeral “10.” For example, a 6X potency indicates that the original substance has been diluted and succussed six times in a 1:10 ratio. X potencies are relatively low and often used for acute conditions or in cases where a milder effect is desired.
- C Potencies: C potencies are prepared through a dilution ratio of 1:100. The “C” stands for the Roman numeral “100.” For instance, a 30C potency means the original substance has been diluted and succussed thirty times in a 1:100 ratio. C potencies are the most commonly used and are considered medium potencies. They are often used for both acute and chronic conditions.
- LM Potencies: LM potencies are prepared using a slightly different method, the “50 millesimal” scale. LM potencies involve dilution and succussion in a 1:50,000 ratio. LM potencies are considered high and typically used for chronic and deeply rooted conditions. They are known for their gentle yet powerful effects. The LM potencies are indicated by a number followed by an “LM” (e.g., 0/1 LM or 30 LM).
It’s important to note that as the potencies increase, the level of dilution becomes higher, and the amount of the original substance significantly reduces.
According to homeopathic principles, as the remedy becomes more diluted, its energetic imprint becomes more potent, allowing it to act on a deeper level or to have a more profound and longer-lasting or emotional effect. In comparison, lower potencies are believed to work more on the physical level.
Choosing the appropriate potency depends on various factors, including the nature of the symptoms, the individual’s sensitivity, and the chronicity of the condition.
How do I take homeopathic remedies?
Homeopathic remedies come in different forms, including pellets, tablets, liquids, and creams. The instructions for preparing the remedy will depend on the specific form of the remedy.
It’s important to note that when using the pellet form, the pellets dissolve when they touch your skin or saliva. Fun fact: it is also thought that the moment the pellet touches you, it begins to work. This is important when administering the remedy to family members. Try your best not to touch someone else’s remedy. So, with that in mind, you will twist the container to release the desired number of pellets into the cap and then pour the pellets directly from the cap and place them under the tongue, allowing them to dissolve.
The dosage frequency can vary from every 15 minutes to several times a day, depending on the severity and nature of the treated individual.
Liquids and creams can be applied topically or taken orally, as directed.
Safety and Overdose
One of the remarkable aspects of homeopathic remedies is their safety profile. Due to the remedies’ extreme dilution and energetic nature, it is virtually impossible to overdose on them. A person can take the whole bottle and will be just fine! This is a massive sigh of relief as many parents have walked in on their kids chomping away. Interestingly in every situation like this, I will ask what remedy they are eating and if there is any sign that they need that. The answer has always been YES! Kids have a knack for picking the remedy they need, even when they can’t read!
Essential Homeopathic Remedies Every Family Needs
Building a homeopathic medicine cabinet can be a wise step in promoting natural wellness. Here’s a list of the top 20 homeopathic remedies for family health care. These remedies can cover many common ailments like colds, digestive issues, minor injuries, and emotional well-being. Each remedy includes the main conditions it helps with:
1. Aconitum napellus (Aconite)
- Use for: Sudden onset of illness, high fever, colds, flu, shock, anxiety, panic attacks.
- Best for: Conditions after exposure to cold wind or sudden fright.
2. Arnica montana
- Use for: Bruises, muscle soreness, injuries, post-surgery healing, shock.
- Best for: Trauma, falls, physical overexertion.
3. Belladonna
- Use for: High fever with red face, throbbing headaches, sudden inflammation, ear infections.
- Best for: Rapid onset of symptoms with intense heat and dryness.
4. Bryonia alba
- Use for: Dry coughs, chest pain, joint pain, constipation.
- Best for: Conditions where motion worsens symptoms, but relief comes from pressure and rest.
5. Chamomilla
- Use for: Teething pain, colic, irritability, ear infections, and infant sleep disturbances.
- Best for: Children who are restless, cranky, and want to be carried.
6. Gelsemium sempervirens
- Use for: Flu with weakness, chills, headaches, stage fright.
- Best for: Drowsiness, heavy limbs, and slow onset of illness.
7. Nux vomica
- Use for: Digestive issues, colic, indigestion, hangovers, constipation, irritability.
- Best for: Overindulgence in food, alcohol, or stress-related problems.
8. Pulsatilla nigricans
- Use for: Colds with thick yellow mucus, emotional upset, digestive issues.
- Best for: Symptoms that change frequently and improve with fresh air.
9. Sulphur
- Use for: Skin rashes, eczema, itchy skin, digestive issues.
- Best for: Conditions worsened by heat and bathing.
10. Hepar sulphuris calcareum
- Use for: Infections with pus, sore throats, coughs, skin abscesses.
- Best for: Sensitive individuals with a tendency toward infections.
11. Ignatia amara
- Use for: Grief, emotional distress, headaches, insomnia.
- Best for: Sudden emotional trauma or loss.
12. Rhus tox
- Use for: Joint pain, muscle stiffness, rashes (poison ivy).
- Best for: Symptoms that improve with motion and warmth.
13. Arsenicum album
- Use for: Food poisoning, diarrhea, anxiety, colds with burning sensations.
- Best for: Restless individuals with burning pain relieved by warmth.
14. Calendula officinalis
- Use for: Wound healing, cuts, abrasions, minor burns.
- Best for: Promoting rapid healing and preventing infections.
15. Silicea (Silica)
- Use for: Chronic infections, abscesses, fatigue, weakness.
- Best for: Expelling foreign bodies (splinters) and treating long-standing conditions.
16. Carbo vegetabilis
- Use for: Bloating, indigestion, faintness, exhaustion.
- Best for: Severe fatigue with coldness and a desire for fresh air.
17. Natrum muriaticum
- Use for: Emotional distress, migraines, colds, hay fever.
- Best for: Deep-seated grief or suppressed emotions.
18. Kali bichromicum
- Use for: Sinus infections, thick nasal discharge, digestive issues.
- Best for: Sticky, stringy mucus and sinus pain.
19. Lycopodium clavatum
- Use for: Digestive complaints, bloating, gas, performance anxiety.
- Best for: Right-side symptoms and worsening in the late afternoon.
20. Phosphorus
- Use for: Respiratory issues, nosebleeds, anxiety, fatigue.
- Best for: Conditions with burning pains and a desire for cold drinks.
How to Use These Remedies:
- Potency: 30C or 200C is most commonly used for acute conditions.
- Frequency: Use 2-3 pellets under the tongue every 15–30 minutes for acute symptoms, then reduce to 3 times a day as improvement occurs.
- Stop once symptoms improve.
Please refer to our medicine cabinet blog for comprehensive information on essential homeopathic remedies.
Conclusion
Embarking on a journey into homeopathy can offer a unique perspective on health and wellness. Understanding the principle of “like cures like” and accessing quality homeopathic remedies allows you to explore a natural and personalized approach to addressing various health concerns.
Contact your All Natural Family Doc via our website today for personalized guidance and support on your homeopathic journey!
