Homeopathy (more than just ‘water with a memory!)
Homeopathy is a form of holistic healing that some people dismiss as being ‘water with a memory’, as the remedies are diluted down to be more effective, rather than the other way around.
In fact, it was invented by a medical doctor, and has a lot of anecdotal evidence, though not as much scientific evidence as say medical acupuncture.
Having said that, as ‘water with a memory’, it has no side effects. The only issue really is to avoid any animal ingredients (a few remedies contain lactose, and some are made from bee stings, which could kill the bees (abroad, some are even from rabid dogs?)
But for plant-based remedies, homeopathy does no harm, the first rule of medicine. Obviously talk to an orthodox doctor for any serious illness too. Some GPs are trained in homeopathy, if you can find one. And they wouldn’t do this, if there was no truth in it.
How does homeopathy work?
18th century doctor Samuel Hahnemann used the premise of ‘like cures like’. This is the same as how vaccines work. So to ‘cure chickenpox’, you would receive a homeopathic remedy with a watered down version of the chickenpox virus, to gain immunity.
A steaming nose remedy may contain onions! A remedy for insomnia may contain coffee. Dispensed under the law of ‘minimum dose’, the dilutions are shaken to made them more gentle (yet more potent).
Say you make a cup of tea and stir in sugar. If you keep adding water, the taste will grow less sweet. But the sugar is still there.
How homeopathy works in practice
Most health shops sell various remedies (may people keep a tube of arnica for bruises, or calendula cream to heal cuts). But for proper remedies, it’s best to visit a qualified homeopath who has trained for years, and likely will prescribe custom remedies in different potencies (6C or 30C).
Remedies are stored in a cool dark place, and usually you’re asked to avoid anything minty (toothpaste, mints, breath freshener, peppermint tea). Also avoid gum (which contains pet-toxic xylitol).
What conditions can homeopathy help?
Homeopathy like all holistic remedies, works alongsiede healthy lifestyle changes. But in general, it can be used for:
- Allergies: Streaming eyes and noses, sneezing fits.
- Digestive upsets: Nausea, bloating and sluggish digestion.
- Stress and mood: Grief and mental fatigue.
- Minor injuries: Bruises and small cuts or grazes.
- Colds and flu: Heavy limbs, aching bones and droopy eyes!
Although not suitable for emergencies (an acute infection or road accident needs antibiotics or a medical doctor), for other conditions, many patients prefer its gentle approach. And the one-on-one deep discussion with a qualified practitioner, rather than just a 15-minute ‘doling out pills’ appointment.
Find qualified practitioners at Society of Homeopaths or the Faculty of Homeopathy (some insurance companies will pay out for properly trained and insured homeopaths). You must tell the practitioner if you take drugs, or are under a GP care for any medical condition).
Further reading on homeopathy
- Claire Gardener Homeopathy is proof that homeopaths can offer plant-based remedies in sustainable packaging.
- Dr Jonathan Hardy is a medical homeopath with information on how it works. He switched from studying medicine after being amazed by results.
- Homeopathy & Natural Remedies for Children is a book by a homeopath who has treated many childhood ailments. Her site has one patient’s story of recovering from a near-fatal brain injury.
- Alliance of Registered Homeopaths lists practitioners, many covered by medical insurance.
How homeopathy can help animals
When Manchester’s Fox Rescuers have a fox with mange, they send out a homeopathic remedy (serious cases require wildlife rescues to humanely trap the fox for conventional medicine).
Homeopathy at Wellie Level offers help and vet-endorsed courses (in person or online) for farmers to help prevent and treat common conditions. These can improve farm animal welfare, reduce antibiotic use and help towards organic certification.
One Irish vet had cattle recover from mastitis using homeopathy. Deciding it was a coincidence, he took them off it, and the the disease returned. So he returned to homeopathic medicine, and is now a convert!
