Today, everyone knows that is is the way that we care for the Earth that determines how long it will last and how will it will thrive. The same is true for people. This is one of the reasons why healthcare is one of today's most important issues. Now, increasing costs and dangerous side-effects are also important reasons why people are searching for a more ecological, more comprehensive, more compassionate way to care for themselves and their loved ones.
The word homeopathy comes from the Greek words "homeo" meaning similar and "pathos" meaning disease or suffering. The "father" of homeopathy is Samuel Hahnemann (1755-1843). He continued the 'vatalistic' and empirical tradition of Western medicine by the development of homeopathy. Its science and philosophy are directly derived from observation of the sick. He didn't create any logical or self-evident mode of treatment depending instead on the individualized reduction of the patient's state. Hahnemann defined homeopathy so well in his six editions of the Organon that little has changed today. Hahnemann was also a pioneer in that he saw the aberrant behaviors of mental patients as a disease. When standard practice was to revile the patient with provocative language with more of the same or use crude cranial surgery and criminal punishment, Hahnemann was asking for isolating patients, boiling utensils, elimination of hydrotherapy, and fresh air. His treatment was the same as a physical disease. Hahnemann is buried in Pere Lachaise cemetery in Paris where there is a large monument to him.
The biggest thing about Homeopathy is how it works under "The Law of Similars". How do you know which medicine to take? Take the same substance that causes the symptoms. With homeopathy, we see that the same substances that cause a set of symptoms if given to a healthy individual in large quantities can also stimulate a sick individual to get better, if given tiny ammounts (micro-doses). This "Law of Similars" or like cures like is also used in conventional medicine as we see with allergy treatments. For example... If you peel an onion, your eyes burn, itch and water. You may have a runny nose and/or begin sneezing. If you had similar symptoms during a cold then a minute dose of Allium Cepa (Red Onion) would help your body heal itself.
Hahnemann began 200 years ago by treating patients according to the "Law of Similars" with large doses of natural substances. While the patients improved, they where sometimes aggrivates by such strong medicines. After years of experimentation, he concluded, "To get a promp, gentle, lasting improvment, you most often need to use infinitesimal doses.". Therefore the body receives only the amount of medicine it needs. Because the medically ative substances in homeopathic medicines occour in such infinitesimally small amouints, homeopathic mediines are non-toxic with no known adverse side-effects, making them safe for adults and children. In addition, there are no known drug interaction risks between homeopathic medicines and traditional phamaceutical medicens. Thus the individual who is taking a conerntional drug for high blood pressure could also take a homeopathic medicine for a cold without fear that the homopathic medicine would interfere with the blood pressure medication. And even better still, when little ones are suffering from illness or going through periods in their growth which cause discomfort, it is vital to choose a gental medicine you can trust. Because homeopathic medicines are made from all natural substances, moms and dads need not worry about chemical ingredients or adverse side-effects. Homeopathic medicines do not try to suppress symptoms, they work with a child's own healing mechanisms. So, you can rest assured that the child using homeopathy is receiving only the amount of medicine he or she absolutely needs. Moreoever, generally administered in liquids (purified water), pellet form (sugar) or syrups (honey) , homeopathic medicines are incredably easy to take and taste great!
How effective are homeopathic medicines? They have been demonstrated by over 200 years if ir successful use by physicians. Aside from this clinicla evidence, there is also prominent scienctific research published in various medical journals. There are more than 100 double blined clinical studies which document the effectiveness of homeopathic medicines includinc Oscillococcinum (R) for symptoms of flu and Arnica Montana for bruises and muscle soreness.
Once you understand the principals of homeopathy; the "Law of Similars" and the Infinitesimal Dose, trying the medicines yourself for self-limiting conditions such as the flu, minor bruises, allergies or PMS can be the best answer the the question of effectiveness. Either way, its up the the person. Mari-Mann Herb Co., Inc. ALWAYS (without exceptions) recommends that you follow the directions of your health care practitioner. However, we do hope that this little section has opened your eyes a little wider the the world of Homeopathy!
