Homeopathy: The Healing Power of Nature

Homeopathy: The healing power of nature

Who among us here haven’t experienced to be ill? Most of us, if not all, have experienced getting sick; be it mild, acute, or chronic. From simple coughs and severe headaches to chronic illnesses, being sick seems to be inevitable. Once we are sick, our daily routine is of course hampered. If this happens, what we usually do is visit a doctor or take contemporary medicines. But most of the time, we do not know that the medicines we take have side effects, and they can create additional troubles.

I am certain that everyone wants to be worry free when taking medications. Most of us also desire to have an effective approach to our ailments. There are a number of medications and even alternative treatments available nowadays but what struck me most as safe is homeopathy. With this urge, I explored more about this therapy and today I will share with you part of what I know by explaining what homeopathy is, how safe and effective the treatment is, the kinds of sickness that can be treated, and the growth of homeopathy worldwide. Let’s start by defining what homeopathy is.

As defined by MedicineNet.com (2004), homeopathy is a system of therapy where it uses a very small amount of remedy through a highly reduced form of drugs to produce powerful healing effects. These drugs come in the form of lactose pills, pilules or small pills, powder, and granules (Lockie and Geddes, 2000). This form of therapy was invented by a German physician Samuel Hahnemann in the late 18th and early 19^th centuries (Singh and Ernst, 2008). The Society of Homeopaths noted that “like cures like” is the basic principle applied in this therapy, which means that a substance that would cause symptoms in a healthy person is used to treat those symptoms in illness. For instance, one remedy which can be used in a person suffering from insomnia is coffea, a medicine made from coffee (2009).

Now that you know what homeopathy is, you may ask how safe and effective is it. It is so harmless and effective that its safety and value attract worldwide attention. According to the Society of Homeopaths (2009), the medicines come from plant, mineral, and animal extracts, which boost the natural energy of the body and are very safe even in pregnant and sensitive patients. Additionally, it is not dangerous because it has no side effects; it is in harmony with the whole body system; there is no risk of addiction; it treats all symptoms as one; and it has calming effects.

At this point, let me share with you a case history pointed out by Dr. Andrew Lockie and Dr. Nicola Geddes (2000) in their book. This is about a 37 year old woman called Louise who suffered from rheumatoid arthritis. She went to a homeopath and was given a physical diagnosis like any conventional doctor but was asked questions about food preferences and things that trigger stress. The homeopath knew that Louise was grieving over the death of her mother 18 months before her sickness starts. She also felt guilty because she argued with her mother before she died. In food, she craves chocolates and salty food but dislikes fatty ones. According to the homeopath, Louise’s arthritis was triggered by her emotional imbalance and not so much by her food preference and other factors. After knowing these things about Louise, the homeopath gave her a dose of Nat. mur, a remedy made from salt which is given to patients who either crave or dislike salty foods. After a month, Louise’s physical condition improved as well as her emotional state (Lockie and Geddes, 2000). This only shows how effective homeopathy can be.

Despite many such cases, there are still doubters about this treatment even though it proves to cure a number of common ailments. Dr. Andrew Lockie and Dr. Nicola Geddes (2000) name some medical conditions that can be treated with homeopathy. For example, backache, ear and eye infections, eczema and PMS can be treated with Calc. Carb, a homeopathic remedy made from calcium carbonate derived from oyster shells. For skin complaints like cracked skin, the homeopathic remedy is graphite, a form of carbon and is the main substance of pencils. Lachesis, a medicine came from the venom of a bushmaster snake is good for varicose veins, a weak heart, fever, ulcers, and stomach pains. For painful and heavy menstruations and menopause in women, an excellent remedy is Sepia which comes from cuttlefish ink. Silica, which is the main constituents of rocks, is best for treating colds and flu. Insect bites and arthritis can be treated with Apis, a remedy made from honeybees. For asthma, Cuprum met is used, which comes from copper (Lockie and Geddes, 2000). These are just some of the many medical conditions that can be treated with homeopathic remedies.

Not surprisingly, because of homeopathy’s efficiency and safety, it is widely practiced around the world. According to Drs. Lockie and Geddes (2000), in the United States and Canada, homeopathic medications are controlled by the Food and Drug Administration and the Ministry of Health. In India, it is now officially a separate branch of medicine, and has the world’s largest number of homeopathic hospitals. In Germany where it originated, many orthodox physicians also incorporate homeopathy into their practice. In the UK, it has been approved as a method of treatment within the National Health Service since 1950 and is steadily growing in popularity with support from the royal family. It is likewise known and practiced in South America, Israel, Greece, Australia, and New Zealand (Lockie and Geddes, 2000).

To end, I hope that you got to know more about homeopathy, how safe and effective the treatment is, the kinds of ailments that can be treated, and its worldwide growth. With the information I shared, I think that some of you may have second thoughts of considering homeopathy as sickness strikes not only to yourself, but to your significant others too. After all, who doesn’t want to be cured in a safe and effective way like Louise?

References

Homeopathy. (2008). http://www.hpathy.com/homeopathy/homeopathy.asp

Johnsen, M. (19 January 2009). Americans choosing homeopathy for cough-cold. ProQuest Resource Center. American University in Sharjah. http://proquest.umi.com.ezproxy.aus.edu/pqdweb?index=6&did=1636108241&Sr chMode=1&sid=1&Fmt=4&VInst=PROD&V

Lockie, Andrew Dr. and Dr. Nicola Geddes. (2000). Complete guide to homeopathy: The principles and practice of treatment. New York: Dorling Kindersley, Inc.

MedicineNet.com. (2004). Definition of Homeopathy. http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=3775&pf=3&page=1

Singh, S. and Edzard Ernst, MD. (2008). Trick or treatment: The undeniable facts about alternative medicine. New York: W.W. Norton and Company.