Homeopathic Medicine Explained
Homeopathic medicines are safe, all-natural options for the entire family in the alleviation of symptoms of common ailments, from teething to colds to leg cramps and more. However, not all consumers are aware of the benefits associated with homeopathic medicine. In order to help educate consumers on this all-natural alternative, please review the following Q&A.
Q: What is homeopathy?
A: According to the Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United States, homeopathy is the art and the science of healing the sick by using substances capable of causing the same symptoms, syndromes and conditions when administered to healthy people.
Q: So, how does homeopathy work?
A: Homeopathic medicines are thought to act according to the “Principle of Similars” and the “Principle of Minimum Dose.” These principles state that if a drug causes certain symptoms in a healthy person, that same drug may be given in very small doses to relieve those same symptoms in a person exhibiting them from a different cause. More simply put, with homeopathy, “like cures like,” the natural ingredients used in homeopathy help the body rid itself of not just the symptoms (as with conventional medicines) but the cause of the symptoms, in a completely natural way.
Q: When was homeopathy first introduced?
A: Homeopathy has been attributed to German physician and medical translator Samuel C.F. Hahneman (1755-1843), who first observed and codified the system more than 200 years ago.
Q: Are homeopathic medicines safe?
A: Yes. Homeopathic medicines are safe and non-habit forming.
Q: How do we know homeopathic medicines work?
A: Clinical data from trials, case observations and case reports have been accumulated for over 200 years. These data form the basis of the homeopathic literature.
Q: Who uses homeopathic medicines?
A: Homeopathic medicines are suitable for anyone needing symptom relief. Users are all ages and backgrounds. Homeopathic medicines are a safe, effective, and natural option for the entire family.
Q: Can homeopathic medicines be used in conjunction with conventional medicines?
A: Yes. Homeopathic medicines have not been shown to interact with other medicines. For this reason, homeopathic medicines are a great first line of defense in the face of many illnesses.
Q: Are homeopathic medicines regulated?
A: Yes. Homeopathic medicines are classified as drugs and regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. They are also manufactured to the standards set by the Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia Convention of the United States.
Q: How can homeopathic medicines be used to provide safe relief for children?
A: Because homeopathic medicines contain such small amounts of natural active ingredients, they are a safe option for children in alleviating many common childhood ailments. For example, the current movement to encourage the recall of over-the-counter cough and cold medicines is driven by the fact that misuse in dosages of those medicines can result in greater illness or even death in small children. Homeopathic medicines do not carry the same risk because they do not use the same active ingredients that are under evaluation by the Food & Drug Administration. Unlike withdrawn over-the-counter infant cough and cold medicines, homeopathic medicines offer children a wide margin of safety.
Q: What childhood medical issues can homeopathy help?
A: Homeopathic medicines are available to treat many common childhood conditions such as the common symptoms of colds and flus (coughing, sneezing, runny nose, sore throat, etc), teething, colic, diaper rash, earaches, bedwetting, and bruising.
