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Homeopathy is a form of alternative medicine first defined by Samuel Hahnemann in the 18th century. Homeopathic practitioners contend that an ill person can be treated using a substance that can produce -- in a healthy person -- symptoms similar to those of the illness.
According to homeopaths, serial dilution, with shaking between each dilution, removes the toxic effects of the remedy while the qualities of the substance are retained by the diluent (water, sugar, or alcohol). The end product is often so diluted that it is indistinguishable from pure water, sugar or alcohol.
Detractors insist that common homeopathic preparations are diluted beyond the point where there is any likelihood that molecules from the original solution are present in the final product. They claim that it is therefore scientifically implausible that these treatments still have any pharmacological effect, and violate fundamental principles of science. Furthermore, they state that the number of high-quality studies that support homeopathy is small, the conclusions are not definitive, and duplication of the results, a key test of scientific validity, has proven problematic at best.
The proposed rationale for these extreme dilutions -- that the water contains the "memory" or "vibration" from the diluted ingredient -- is counter to the laws of chemistry and physics. Other laws may exist, that are not yet known to science, of course. Critics contend that any positive results obtained from homeopathic remedies are purely due to the placebo effect. They also suggest that homeopathy is inherently dangerous, because homeopaths may offer a false hope that may discourage or delay 'proper' treatment.
Homeopathy has a strong following in India, where it is considered part of Indian traditional medicine. In the 1990s, between 5.9% and 7.5% of English family doctors reported prescribing homeopathic remedies, a figure rising to at least 12% in Scotland. In 2005, around 100,000 physicians used homeopathy worldwide, making it one of the most popular and widely-used complementary therapies.
Source
In producing treatments for diseases, homeopaths use a process called "dynamisation" or "potentisation" whereby the remedy is diluted with alcohol or water and then vigorously shaken by ten hard strikes against an elastic body in a process called "succussion". During the process of potentisation, homeopaths believe that the vital energy of the diluted substance is activated and its energy released by vigorous shaking of the substance. Insoluble solids, such as quartz and oyster shell, are diluted by grinding them with lactose.
Three potency scales are in regular use in homeopathy: the 'C Scale', 'X Scale' and 'Ratio'.
The centesimal, or "C scale", involves diluting a substance by a factor of 100 at each stage. A 2C dilution requires a substance to be diluted to one part in one hundred, and then some of that diluted solution is diluted by a further factor of one hundred. This works out to one part of the original solution mixed into 10,000 parts (100 x 100) of the diluent. Similarly, a 6C dilution repeats this process six times, ending up with the original material diluted by a factor of 1,000,000,000,000. (100 x 100 x 100 x 100 x 100 x 100, or 100^6). Higher dilutions follow the same pattern. In homeopathy, a solution that is more dilute is described as having a higher potency. Higher potencies (that is, more dilute substances) are considered by homeopaths to be stronger and deeper-acting remedies.
30C is a common dilution. A popular homeopathic treatment for the flu is a 200C dilution of duck liver, marketed under the name Oscillococcinum.
Detractors would point out that the chance of a single molecule of the original substance remaining in a liter of 30C remedy dose is about one in 1.7 trillion trillion trillion (10^36). Another example given by a critic of homeopathy stated that a 12C solution is equivalent to a "pinch of salt in both the North and South Atlantic Oceans". One third of a drop of some original substance diluted into all the water on earth would produce a remedy with a concentration of about 13C.
Homeopaths maintain that the diluent retains some essential property of the original material, because the preparation has been shaken after each dilution. Even though the homeopathic remedies are often extremely diluted, homeopaths maintain that some healing force is retained by these homeopathic preparations.
Some homeopaths developed a decimal scale (D or X), diluting the substance to ten times its original volume each stage. The D or X scale dilution is therefore half that of the same value of the C scale; for example, "12X" is the same level of dilution as "6C".
Not all homeopaths advocate extremely high dilutions. Many of the early homeopaths were originally doctors and generally tended to use lower dilutions such as "3X" or "6X", rarely going beyond "12X".
Function
Practitioners select treatments according to a patient consultation that explores the physical and psychological state of the patient, both of which are considered important to selecting the remedy.
In order to determine which specific remedies could be used to treat which diseases, homeopaths employ a process known as proving. The process of proving involves healthy volunteers receiving remedies and compiling lists of the resulting symptoms into a "Drug Picture". During the process the volunteers are observed for months at a time and are made to keep extensive journals detailing all of their symptoms at specific times during the day.
A compilation of reports of many homeopathic provings is known as a homeopathic materia medica. In practice the usefulness of such a compilation is limited because a practitioner does not need to look up the symptoms for a particular remedy, but rather to explore the remedies for a particular symptom. This need is filled by the homeopathic repertory, which is an index of symptoms, listing after each symptom those remedies that are associated with it. Repertories are often very extensive and may include data from clinical experience in addition to provings. There is often lively debate among the compilers of a repertory and interested practitioners over the veracity of a particular inclusion.
Homeopaths generally begin with detailed examinations of their patient's history, including questions regarding their physical, mental and emotional states, their life circumstances and any physical/emotional illnesses. The homeopath then attempts to translate this information into a complex formula of mental and physical symptoms, including likes, dislikes, innate predispositions and even body type.
The goal is to develop a comprehensive representation of each individual's overall health. This information can then be compared with similar lists in the drug provings found in the homeopathic materia medica. Assisted by further dialog with the patient, the homeopath then aims to find the one remedy most closely matching the "symptom totality" of the patient. There are many methods for determining the most-similar remedy (the simillimum), and homeopaths sometimes disagree. This is partly due to the insurmountable complexity of the "totality of symptoms" concept. That is, homeopaths do not use all symptoms, but decide for themselves which are the most characteristic. This subjective evaluation of case analysis relies on knowledge and experience of the homeopath doing the diagnosis.
Some diversity in approaches to treatments exists among homeopaths. So called "classical" homeopathy generally involves detailed examinations of a patient's history and infrequent doses of a single remedy as the patient is monitored for improvements in symptoms. While "clinical" homeopathy involves combinations of remedies to address the various symptoms of an illness.
Homeopathy uses many animal, plant, mineral, and synthetic substances in its remedies. Examples include Natrum muriaticum (sodium chloride; table salt), Lachesis muta (the venom of the bushmaster snake), Opium, and Thyroidinum (thyroid hormone).
Homeopaths also use treatments called nosodes made from diseased or pathological products such as fecal, urinary, and respiratory discharges, blood, and tissue. Homeopathic remedies prepared from healthy specimens are called sarcodes.
Side-Effects
As homeopathic remedies usually contain only water, sugar, lactose and/or alcohol, they are thought to be generally safe, with rare exceptions. For example, an unusually undiluted (1:100 or "2X") solution of zinc gluconate, marketed as Zicam Nasal Spray, allegedly caused a small percentage of users to lose their sense of smell.
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Homeopathic Remedies can help with the following: | | | | | Allergy |  Allergic Rhinitis / Hay Fever | Dosage is usually 12X to 30C every one to four hours until your symptoms get better. Some of the most common remedies used for allergic rhinitis are:-- Allium cepa for a lot of irritating nasal discharge and tearing eyes
- Euphrasia for bland nasal discharge, with stinging, irritating tears
- Sabadilla for sneezing with watery discharge from nose and eyes
- Wyethia for an itchy nose, throat, and soft palate.
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Hormones |
Hyperparathyroidism| | A homeopathic doctor may use Calcarea carbonica (calcium carbonate) or Calcarea phosphorica (calcium phosphate) to treat problems related to calcium levels. |
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Metabolic |
Susceptibility to Hangovers| | Both ginger and the homeopathic remedy Nux vomica can help to quell nausea the morning after. Take one 6C or 12C tablet every three or four hours. |
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Musculo-Skeletal |
 Abdominal Hernia| | Calcarea carbonica is a leading remedy for general use in hernias. |
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Organ Health |
Chronic Renal Insufficiency| | Reports by doctors using homeopathy say that patient response is better in those who have not yet started with dialysis. Long-term constitutional therapy as well as therapy aimed at improving kidney function helps to keep the patient relatively free of symptoms and complications. Remedies such as Serum Anguillar Ichthyotoxin, Solidago and Urea have been found useful in dealing with chronic renal failure and its complications. Hipuric acid has been found to be useful for the itching of skin arising from chronic renal failure. |
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Skin-Hair-Nails |
Boils, Abscesses, Carbuncles| | Boils, carbuncles and other septic conditions can be effectively treated through homoeopathy. Suggested remedies include:- Arsenicum album: Deeply infected boils with intensely burning pain and offensive discharge. Warmth and hot applications usually are soothing. The person may feel exhausted and ill, yet anxiety and discomfort also make them restless.
- Belladonna: Used in the early stages of inflammation, before much pus has formed. The area is red, hot, throbbing, and tender, often with intense or stabbing pains. Jarring or touch may increase discomfort. The person may also feel excitable or feverish.
- Calendula: Used as a topical application for boils and infected sores. It can be used in herbal form or in low dilution as a tincture, ointment, or compress. Taken internally, Calendula can help the body overcome infection.
- Echinacea angustifolia: People who need this remedy typically feel sickly, lethargic, achy, and chilly.
- Hepar sulphuris calcareum: When a boil is extremely tender and sensitive to touch, this remedy can be helpful. A splinter-like sticking pain is often felt. The boil may produce deep pockets of offensive pus or be slow to heal. This remedy is also indicated when boils seem to be spreading. A person who needs this remedy usually is vulnerable and touchy, with extreme sensitivity to cold.
- Mercurius solubilis: When boils are very sensitive with advanced development of pus. The person may have moist or greasy-looking skin, with swollen lymph nodes and offensive breath, and be very sensitive to changes in temperature. Warmth may aggravate the pain.
- Silica: Boils that form hard lumps and are slow to come to a head and slow to heal. If many boils form at once, or boils frequently recur, it is often very useful. People who need this remedy are sensitive and nervous, inclined toward colds and swollen glands, and easily fatigued.
- Tarentula cubensis: When a boil is sore and swollen with stinging, burning pain, and purplish or bluish discoloration of surrounding tissues. A person who needs this remedy may also have restless feet and difficulty sleeping.
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KEY | | May do some good | | | Likely to help |
GLOSSARY
Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever)
Inflammation of the nasal mucous membranes that is caused by specific allergen(s). It is an allergy characterized by sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, a runny or stuffy nose, coughing and a burning/scratchy sensation of the palate and throat.
Anxiety
Apprehension of danger, or dread, accompanied by nervous restlessness, tension, increased heart rate, and shortness of breath unrelated to a clearly identifiable stimulus.
Boil (Abscess, Abscesses, Boils, Carbuncle, Carbuncles, Cystic Acne, Furuncle, Furuncles, Hidradenitis Suppurativa, Pilonidal Cyst, Pilonidal Cysts)
A localized infection deep in the skin. A boil generally starts as a reddened, tender area. Over time, the area becomes firm and hard. Eventually, the center of the abscess softens and becomes filled with white cells that the body sends to fight the infection (pus). Finally, the pus forms a "head" and drains out through the skin. A furuncle or carbuncle is an abscess in the skin caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus. It can have one or more openings onto the skin and may be associated with a fever or chills. Cystic acne is a type of abscess formed when oil ducts become clogged and infected. Cystic acne is most common in the teenage years. Hidradenitis suppurativa is an illness in which there are multiple abscesses that form under the arm pits and in the groin area. These areas are a result of local inflammation of the sweat glands. A pilonidal cyst is a special kind of abscess that occurs in the crease of the buttocks. These frequently form after long trips that involve sitting.
Calcium
The body's most abundant mineral. Its primary function is to help build and maintain bones and teeth. The body also needs calcium to carry nerve signals, keep the heart functioning, contract muscles, clot blood and maintain healthy skin. Calcium helps control blood acid-alkaline balance, plays a role in cell division, muscle growth and iron utilization, activates certain enzymes, and helps transport nutrients through cell membranes. Calcium also forms a cellular cement called ground substance that helps hold cells and tissues together.
Chronic Renal Failure (Chronic Renal Insufficiency, Kidney Failure, Renal Insufficiency)
(CRF) Irreversible, progressive impaired kidney function. The early stage, when the kidneys no longer function properly but do not yet require dialysis, is known as Chronic Renal Insufficiency (CRI). CRI can be difficult to diagnose, as symptoms are not usually apparent until kidney disease has progressed significantly. Common symptoms include a frequent need to urinate and swelling, as well as possible anemia, fatigue, weakness, headaches and loss of appetite. As the disease progresses, other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, bad breath and itchy skin may develop as toxic metabolites, normally filtered out of the blood by the kidneys, build up to harmful levels. Over time (up to 10 or 20 years), CRF generally progresses from CRI to End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD, also known as Kidney Failure). Patients with ESRD no longer have kidney function adequate to sustain life and require dialysis or kidney transplantation. Without proper treatment, ESRD is fatal.
Dialysis
The artificial process of cleaning wastes from the blood when kidneys fail.
Discharge (Discharges)
A secretion, of pus for example, from a wound or bodily orifice.
Gland (Glands)
The glandular system is one of the most important and complicated systems of the body. Gland tissue can be either an organ or general tissue that secretes chemicals and there are two types of gland: exocrine and endocrine. Those glands which secrete chemicals through tubules or ducts are called exocrine and include sweat, tear and salivary glands. Ductless glands - part of the endocrine system - secrete special chemicals (hormones) directly into the blood.
Herbs (Herb, Herbal)
Herbs may be used as dried extracts (capsules, powders, teas), glycerites (glycerine extracts), or tinctures (alcohol extracts). Unless otherwise indicated, teas should be made with one teaspoon herb per cup of hot water. Steep covered 5 to 10 minutes for leaf or flowers, and 10 to 20 minutes for roots. Tinctures may be used singly or in combination as noted. The high doses of single herbs suggested may be best taken as dried extracts (in capsules), although tinctures (60 drops four times per day) and teas (4 to 6 cups per day) may also be used.
Homeopathy (Homeopathic)
A system of medicine based on the belief that the cure of disease can be effected by minute doses of substances that, if given to a healthy person in large doses, would produce the same symptoms as are present in the disease being treated. Homeopathy employs natural substances in small doses to stimulate the body's reactive process to remove toxic waste and bring the body back into balance.
Hormones (Hormone)
Chemical substances secreted by a variety of body organs that are carried by the bloodstream and usually influence cells some distance from the source of production. Hormones signal certain enzymes to perform their functions and, in this way, regulate such body functions as blood sugar levels, insulin levels, the menstrual cycle, and growth. These can be prescription, over-the-counter, synthetic or natural agents. Examples include adrenal hormones such as corticosteroids and aldosterone; glucagon, growth hormone, insulin, testosterone, estrogens, progestins, progesterone, DHEA, melatonin, and thyroid hormones such as thyroxine and calcitonin.
Kidneys (Kidney, Renal)
Bean-shaped organs, each about the size of a fist. They are located near the middle of the back, just below the rib cage. The kidneys are sophisticated reprocessing machines, each day handling about 50 gallons of blood to sift out about half a gallon of waste products and extra water. The waste and extra water become urine, which flows to the bladder through tubes called ureters. The actual filtering occurs in tiny units inside the kidneys called nephrons. Every kidney has about a million nephrons. In a nephron, a glomerulus -- which is a tiny blood vessel, or capillary -- intertwines with a tiny urine-collecting tube called a tubule. A complicated chemical exchange takes place, as waste materials and water leave your blood and enter your urinary system. The kidneys recycle chemicals such as sodium, phosphorus, and potassium and thus regulate their levels. Renal: Pertaining to the kidneys.
Liter (Liters, Litre, Litres)
A metric measure of volume equivalent to 1.057 liquid quarts or 0.2642 gallons.
Liver (Hepatic)
The largest and one of the most complex organs of the body, the liver is responsible for much of the metabolism of fats, proteins and carbohydrates. It is the site of much of the body's detoxification. It is connected very closely with digestion and the regulation of blood sugar, among many other functions. Found behind the ribs on the right side of the abdomen, it has many important functions such as removing harmful material from the blood, making enzymes and bile that help digest food, and converting food into substances needed for life and growth. Hepatic: Pertaining to the liver.
Lymph Nodes (Axillary Nodes, Inguinal Nodes, Lymph Gland, Lymph Glands, Lymph Node, Lymphatic)
Small, bean-shaped nodes at various points throughout the body that function to filter the lymph fluid and attempt to destroy the microorganisms and abnormal cells which collect there. The most common locations are the neck (both sides and front), armpit (axillary) and groin (inguinal), but also under the jaw and behind the ears. Swollen or painful lymph nodes generally result from localized or systemic infection, abscess formation, or malignancy. Other causes of enlarged lymph nodes are extremely rare. Physical examination for lymph nodes includes pressing on them to check for size, texture, warmth, tenderness and mobility. Most lymph nodes can not be felt until they become swollen, and then will only be tender when pressed or massaged. A lymph node that is painful even without touching indicates greater swelling. Lymph nodes can usually be distinguished from other growths because they generally feel small, smooth, round or oval-shaped and somewhat mobile when attempts are made to push them sideways. Because less fat covers the lymph nodes in children, they are easier to feel, even when they are not busy filtering germs or making antibodies. Childrens' nodes enlarge faster, get bigger in response to an infection and stay swollen longer than an adult's. Also known (incorrectly) as lymph glands.
Mineral (Minerals)
Plays a vital role in regulating many body functions. They act as catalysts in nerve response, muscle contraction and the metabolism of nutrients in foods. They regulate electrolyte balance and hormonal production, and they strengthen skeletal structures.
Nausea
Symptoms resulting from an inclination to vomit.
Pharmacological
Involving the use of drugs.
Placebo (Placebos)
A pharmacologically inactive substance. Often used to compare clinical responses against the effects of pharmacologically active substances in experiments.
Pus
White cells that the body sends to fight an infection.
Serum
The cell-free fluid of the bloodstream. It appears in a test tube after the blood clots and is often used in expressions relating to the levels of certain compounds in the blood stream.
Sodium
An essential mineral that our bodies regulate and conserve. Excess sodium retention increases the fluid volume (edema) and low sodium leads to less fluid and relative dehydration. The adult body averages a total content of over 100 grams of sodium, of which a surprising one-third is in bone. A small amount of sodium does get into cell interiors, but this represents only about ten percent of the body content. The remaining 57 percent or so of the body sodium content is in the fluid immediately surrounding the cells, where it is the major cation (positive ion). The role of sodium in the extracellular fluid is maintaining osmotic equilibrium (the proper difference in ions dissolved in the fluids inside and outside the cell) and extracellular fluid volume. Sodium is also involved in nerve impulse transmission, muscle tone and nutrient transport. All of these functions are interrelated with potassium.
Thyroid (Thyroid Gland)
The thyroid gland is an organ with many veins, anchored around the front of the throat near the voice box. It is essential to normal body growth in infancy and childhood. It absorbs iodine from the diet and releases thyroid hormones - iodine-containing compounds that help govern the rate of the body's metabolism (its total life processes), affecting body temperature, and regulating protein, fat and carbohydrate catabolism in all cells. They keep up growth hormone release, skeletal maturation, and heart rate, force, and output. They promote central nervous system growth, stimulate the making of many enzymes, and are necessary for muscle tone and vigor. To a high degree, metabolism is regulated by the hormone thyroxine, which can be made by the thyroid if enough organic iodine is available. An enlarged thyroid gland that is not cancer is sometimes called goitre.
Tincture
An alcohol or water-alcohol solution, usually referring to a preparation from herbal materials.
Topical
Most commonly 'topical application': Administration to the skin.
Zinc
An essential trace mineral. The functions of zinc are enzymatic. There are over 70 metalloenzymes known to require zinc for their functions. The main biochemicals in which zinc has been found to be necessary include: enzymes and enzymatic function, protein synthesis and carbohydrate metabolism. Zinc is a constituent of insulin and male reproductive fluid. Zinc is necessary for the proper metabolism of alcohol, to get rid of the lactic acid that builds up in working muscles and to transfer it to the lungs. Zinc is involved in the health of the immune system, assists vitamin A utilization and is involved in the formation of bone and teeth.
Last updated: Oct 08, 2008
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