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An Overview of Homeopathy
by Carrie A. Corson, from the January 2003 newsletter
The basis of homeopathy is the principle of "like can cure like."
That is, an illness can be treated by a substance capable of producing similar
symptoms to those being suffered by the patient. This principle dates back to
the Greek physician Hippocrates in the 5th century, BC. Hippocrates is considered
the seminal figure in the history of medicine because he was the first person
to think that disease is the result of natural forces, not divine influences.
Central to his beliefs was the idea that careful observation of the symptoms
specific to an individual and of that person's reaction to disease should be
taken into account before reaching a diagnosis. He also believed that the patient's
own powers of healing are essential to choosing an appropriate cure and should
be encouraged.
200 years ago, German doctor and chemist Samual Hahnemann (1755-1843) rediscovered this principle and is considered the founding father of the current system of homeopathy. It was through Dr. Hahnemann's studies that the system of making homeopathic remedies was discovered. Because some of the remedies used were actually poisonous, Dr. Hahnemann developed a technique of diluting the remedies to such a degree that they were no longer harmful when taken internally. In treating patients, Dr. Hahnemann found that studying symptoms or building a "symptom picture" of that patient was very important in determining which remedy would be most effective. Once he had established a symptom picture he would match it to the drug picture of various substances. Only when he had established the closest match would he prescribe a remedy. He found that the closer the match, the more successful the treatment. During his lifetime Dr. Hahnemann perfected his method of dilution until his remedies caused no ill side effects whatsoever and would "prove" the efficacy of about 100 homeopathic remedies.
Homeopathic remedies are made using plant, animal and mineral extracts and diluted in varying degrees in order to avoid unpleasant side effects. Extracts are dissolved in an alcohol/water mixture that contains approximately 90 percent alcohol and 10 percent distilled water (this ratio may vary depending on the substance). This mixture is left to stand for 2-4 weeks, shaken occasionally, and then strained through a press. The resulting liquid is known as the 'mother tincture' or tincture.
To produce different remedy potencies, the mother tincture is diluted in an alcohol/water mixture according to one of two scales, the decimal (x) and centesimal (c). Between every stage of dilution the tincture is 'successed' (shaken vigorously). In the decimal scale the dilution factor is 9 drops of alcohol to one drop of mother tincture (referred to as 1:10); and in the centesimal, it is 99 drops of alcohol to 1 drop of mother tincture (referred to as 1:100). The number of a homeopathic remedy shows how many times it has been diluted and successed. For example, Allium 6C has been diluted and successed six times. In the homeopathic system, the more dilute a remedy is, the stronger it is considered to be. So a 12C or 24X dilution is considered stronger and to act more deeply than less-dilute potencies of 6C, 6X, 12X or 30C (these are the potencies most often found in retail stores).
Once a homeopathic remedy has been diluted beyond 12C potency, it is unlikely that a molecule of the original substance still remains. This is the main reason why homeopathy is viewed with such skepticism by many orthodox medical practitioners and scientists. However, homeopathy continues to be studied and practiced. In 1995 a team from Glasgow University succeeded in proving, in controlled trials, that 30C potencies of pollen and house dust mites were more effective than placebos in treating hay fever and asthma, respectively.
Despite the skepticism, Homeopathy is gaining popularity as an alternative treatment to many common ailments. One reason for this popularity is that homeopathic remedies are considered safe for use by anyone including babies, children, lactating women and the elderly. Many holistic veterinarians also recommend in some treatments for animals. In addition, there are no known drug interaction risks between homeopathic medicines and traditional pharmaceutical medicines.
Homeopathic remedies can be found both in single ingredient dilutions and formulated remedies. They are often found in the form of lactose pellets or tablets, which readily dissolve in a person's mouth. Combination remedies are considered easier to use for those not as familiar with homeopathy. These combinations may be helpful for a wider variety of symptoms than single remedies, which are quite specific in the symptoms that they may be useful for.
Remember, always check with a health care professional before adding any product to your treatment regimen.
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