Homeopathy – A Guide to Self-Prescribing - What is homeopathy?
Homeopathy has been in existence for more than 200 years and is one of the
most widely used forms of medicine in the world today. The fundamental
principles for it's use have remained virtually unchanged. For the home
prescriber a basic understanding of these principles is extremely helpful for it to
be used effectively.
Homeopathy works by triggering the body's own healing mechanisms and works
on the principle known as 'law of similars'. This law states that a substance
which can cause symptoms in a healthy person can also be used in minute doses
to relieve those symptoms. An example of this is the common Stinging Nettle.
Contact with a stinging nettle usually results in a red, itchy skin rash. The
homeopathic preparation of nettle, known as Urtica Urens, can be helpful in
relieving skin conditions with the same characteristics.
Many and varied substances are used to make homeopathic preparations,
including plants and minerals. The remedies are prepared in a homeopathic
pharmacy using a process of repeated dilution and vibration known as
'potentisation'. The potentisation process intensifies the healing power of the
substance whilst at the same time removing any toxic effects.
Homeopathic remedies are available in a number of different strengths known as
‘potencies’. The number before the letter ‘C’ denotes the potency. So for
example Arnica 30C denotes the remedy Arnica in a 30C potency. The 30C
potency is the most commonly used in acute conditions and first aid situations.
What can homeopathic self-treatment be useful for?
Homeopathy can be used safely and effectively by anyone including babies and
children. Self-treatment is safe for simple, uncomplicated conditions such as
colds, coughs, sore throats, indigestion and teething babies. For anything more
serious, if symptoms persist or if you are in any doubt always seek professional
advice.
Homeopathy can also be helpful in minor first aid situations such as bruises,
sprains, insect bites and stings. It can be used in some more serious first aid
situations until help arrives but never delay calling an ambulance or seeking
medical advice if necessary.
Homeopathy can be used alongside conventional medicine, however never make changes to your medication without first consulting your doctor.
How to prescribe
Each remedy has a unique ‘picture’ i.e. a particular set of symptoms and
conditions which are characteristic of that remedy. The success of homeopathy
relies on individualisation. No two people will experience an illness, or even the
same symptoms, in exactly the same way. In order for the remedy to work
effectively you need to select the remedy which most closely matches your
individual combination of symptoms. It is best to base you remedy choice on
symptoms that stand out clearly and strongly rather than those which are vague
or unclear. However, if you are finding it difficult to decide which remedy to use
the less clearly defined symptoms may help you to differentiate.
When deciding on a remedy for your condition first make a note of the most
noticeable symptoms. Examples of things to consider include:
State of mind – anxiety, fear, grief, depression, panic, agitation.
Location in the body – left or right sided headache, pains moving up or down.
Characteristics of the symptoms – is the pain stabbing, burning, nagging,
aching? Does skin feel hot, cold, itchy? Is the cough loose or dry?
When symptoms first appeared and what brought them on – getting cold or
overheated, a shock such as bad news, injury.
What makes symptoms better or worse – hot or cold environments, specific time
of day, motion, touch, noise, eating certain foods.
Once you have made a note of your symptoms carefully read through the
remedy pictures on the website and select the remedy which most closely
matches.
Taking the remedy
Remedies are supplied in the form of small, white pillules. The pillules should be
sucked until it completely dissolves in the mouth. For babies and small children a few pillules can be stirred into a glass of spring water and a teaspoonful given as a dose.
Avoid food and drink (other than water) for fifteen minutes before and after
taking the remedy.
Avoid handling the pillule if possible, tip the remedy into the lid of the bottle or
use a clean spoon.
The frequency of the dose depends on the severity of the condition. In relatively
minor complaints where there is not a great deal of discomfort take one dose
every two to three hours. For more urgent conditions accompanied by
unpleasant symptoms such as nausea or moderate pain take a dose every one
to two hours. If there is a great deal of distress or pain the remedy can be
repeated every 5-30 minutes.
As symptoms start to improve the time between does can be gradually
increased. The aim is to trigger the body’s own healing systems to take over and
then to taper down the dose accordingly.
If improvement continues stop taking the remedy. If symptoms return the dose
can be repeated.
If absolutely no improvement is seen after six doses it is likely that it is the
incorrect remedy. In which case review the symptoms and select a different
remedy. If the original symptoms have improved but the picture has changed
slightly or new symptoms have appeared you may also need to change to a
different remedy.
Care of remedies
As with all medicines, homeopathic remedies should be stored in a cool, dark
place out of the reach of children.
Avoid strong smelling substances such as mint, menthol and camphor as these
may interfere with the action of the remedy. It is also advisable to avoid coffee
for the duration of treatment as this is is known to antidote remedies in some
people.
Avoid opening remedies in the presence of strong odours such as perfumes and
air fresheners.
