Homeopathy

Homeopathy uses very tiny amounts of natural substances to cure symptoms. It is based on the theory that illness is caused when the body's "vital force" is out of balance. Homeopathic medicines, called remedies, help restore the vital force so the body can heal itself. The practice is common in Europe and is gaining status in the U.S.

The remedies are based on a belief that "like cures like." Dr. Samuel Hahnemann, a German doctor and chemist, began homeopathy in the 1790s. He found that when healthy people took a substance like coffee, they had symptoms—like trouble sleeping. But very dilute amounts of the same substance could cure the symptoms. So, a remedy with coffee might be used to help insomnia. Remedies have even been used with success on pets.

Homeopathic remedies are made from plants, minerals, and animals—even from gemstones, like amethyst. The remedies are made by soaking a very tiny amount of a substance in pure alcohol and water and shaking ("succussing") it. Some of this fluid is then put in more alcohol and water, and so on. This may be done many times. In some cases, not even a molecule of the substance is left—just an energy "pattern." More dilute remedies are thought to be stronger. They are sold in small vials of white pellets made from sugar or milk sugar, for a few dollars each. Homeopathic remedies are classed as drugs by the Food and Drug Administration. Most are sold over-the-counter, but some do need a prescription.

Caution: Homeopathic pellets contain sugar. If you have diabetes and prefer to avoid sugar, order the remedies in liquid form from a health food store or a homeopathic practitioner. Or, drop a few pellets into a glass of water and drink a sip of the water.

Taking homeopathic remedies

Homeopathic remedies are very subtle. Don't touch the pellets with your hands—shake 3 or 4 pellets into the lid of the jar and then tip them into your mouth. Chew them or let them melt under your tongue. Avoid food, drink, coffee, mint (including toothpaste), and camphor or menthol (in some lip balms) for 20 minutes before and after taking a remedy.

There are no known drug interactions between homeopathic remedies and medical drugs. Since the amount of active ingredient is so small, there are no side effects. Homeopathic remedies are safe for children and the elderly. One patient says:

I've had sleep problems for many years—and have tried many over-the-counter meds. I haven't wanted to get a prescription. Nothing worked very well until I tried a homeopathic remedy for sleep. Homeopathic remedies are harmless, non-addictive, very benign, and not expensive. I sleep soundly, don't wake up in the middle of the night, and wake up refreshed with no hangover effect. I don't know how they work—the explanations don't make much sense to me—all I know is that they do work for me. They've been used in Europe for many, many years as a matter of course. Recently I sprained both of my Achilles tendons. Since I couldn't stay off my feet for a week or two (recommended cure), my doc offered to give me codeine for the constant pain, but I declined—I hate the codeine haze. But again, a homeopathic remedy really cut the pain.

A remedy will often work quickly, within 24 hours. In some cases, symptoms may temporarily get worse before they get better. You can't harm yourself (other than your wallet) by taking the wrong remedy, but you won't get the results you want. To learn how to use homeopathy, find a handbook, or see the National Center for Homeopathy for courses and a list of study groups or practitioners in your area.

How homeopathic practitioners are trained

There are many training programs in homeopathy. Practitioners must complete 2 to 4 years of study to gain skill in choosing remedies for each person's symptoms. Only a few states (AZ, CT, and NV) protect homeopathy through licensing laws. Medical doctors using homeopathy in these states must be approved by a state homeopathic licensing board.

You can learn to use homeopathy yourself, or find a homeopathic practitioner. Many remedies can be bought at a natural food store, natural pharmacy, or on the Internet. While symptom "cures" may seem simple, homeopathic diagnosis looks at each unique person, and can be complex.