Homeopathy is a comprehensive medical practice that treats patients using highly diluted drugs to activate the body’s own healing response. It was first developed in the latter half of the 18th century by German doctor Samuel Hahnemann.
Homeopathy is based upon the principle that “like cures like,” which means that a substance that causes problems in a healthy patient could, in tiny amounts, treat the same symptoms in a sick patient.
Homeopathy is often regarded as an alternative or complementary therapy because of its individual method and the notion that it helps the body’s healing processes. The effectiveness of this method is the topic of debate and studies.
Homeopathy: What Is It?
Homeopathy is a type of alternative or complementary therapy that focuses on using natural substances to enhance the body’s self-healing processes. It’s a holistic approach that is based on two theories: The Law of Similars and the Law of Infinitesimals.
Law of Similarity (“Like Cures Like”)
The basic principle behind homeopathy is that a chemical that triggers symptoms in a healthy individual is able to be used to treat similar symptoms in sick people. For instance, a homeopathic treatment for insomnia could be derived from a chemical that causes insomnia.
Law of Minimum Dose or (Law of Infinitesimals)
Homeopathy makes use of extreme dilutions of the substances. It is believed that the higher the degree to which a drug is diluted, the more potent it is. The dilutions usually reach an extent where none of the original substance is left; however, it is believed that the solution has the “memory” of the substance.
Approach to Treatment
The homeopathic treatment is highly individual. The practitioners consider the patient’s physical, emotional, and mental state to determine the best remedy for them. Certain people suffering from the same problem have different treatment options.
The homeopathic approach to symptoms is to view them as manifestations of the body’s effort to heal itself. It takes care of the patient as a whole, rather than only focusing on the condition.
Homeopathic Treatments
Homeopathic products can be produced using a variety of sources, such as animals, plants, minerals, chemicals, and even minerals. Examples of ingredients are:
- Red onion
- Poison ivy
- Belladonna
- Stinging Nerve
- Minerals, including arsenic white
- Whole bees crushed
The homeopathic remedy is available in a variety of types, including:
- Solution in the form of a liquid: Typically offered as sprays or drops
- Tablets or pellets: Small lactose or sucrose-based tablets infused with the dilute homeopathic solution
- Creams or ointments that are applied to the skin: Applied to the skin to treat localized issues
Conditions Homeopathy Frequently Treats
The effectiveness of homeopathy remains an issue of continuing discussion and investigation. Certain research and trials have suggested homeopathy could be beneficial or offer relief from symptoms for specific conditions like:
- Childhood diarrhea
- Otitis media (ear infection)
- Asthma
- Menopausal symptoms
- Muscles that are sore
- Colds and flu
- Allergies
It can also reduce the symptoms associated with mental health issues like major depression (MDD) or premenstrual dysphoric syndrome (PDD)–a severe type of premenstrual disorder (PMS) that causes symptoms like depression, anxiety, and irritability. It can happen a couple of weeks prior to your menstrual cycle.
Evidence and Research
Some critics argue that the benefits of homeopathy are a result of the effect of a placebo. Due to the extremely high concentrations of dilutions utilized for homeopathy, the therapeutic effect could be due to the person’s beliefs about the treatment instead of the actual treatment.
According to other sources, there isn’t enough evidence that homeopathy is effective in treating any health issue. In 2017, the National Health Service in England (NHS England) recommended that healthcare professionals not prescribe homeopathy.
It is important to note that the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) does not endorse it, either. The NICE says that homeopathic remedies are risky, and some contain ingredients that can interfere with medicines. They recommend against making use of homeopathy in the case of life-threatening illness or emergencies, or as a substitute for vaccines.
Homeopathy Safety and Regulation
Based on the National Institutes of Health, there could be safety issues associated with homeopathy. For instance:
- Certain homeopathic remedies labeled as highly diluted can contain substantial amounts of active ingredients that could result in potential adverse reactions or interactions with drugs.
- Homeopathic liquids may have more alcohol than traditional drugs, as allowed by authorities at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
- The FDA has issued warnings regarding different homeopathic remedies, including excessive belladonna found in tablets for teething (2017), and the absence of FDA review of the efficacy and safety of asthma products that are labeled by the FDA as herbal remedies (2015).
Over the last few years, the guidelines for the oversight of products that are homeopathic within the United States have grown stricter to ensure that they’re safe and actually perform. In 2016, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) declared that all homeopathic products sold over the counter (OTC) have to prove that they’re effective, as must any other product that makes health claims. Businesses require solid scientific proof to prove that their products can be used to treat certain conditions.
In December 2017, the FDA suggested a new method to regulate homeopathic remedies that are based on the risks they pose.
- Could pose security issues
- They aren’t intended to be consumed by mouth or applied to the skin
- These products are designed to help vulnerable individuals (e.g., young children)
- Doesn’t meet the quality standards
They concentrate on products that claim to treat or prevent serious illnesses. The changes are designed to ensure that homeopathic remedies meet strict standards before they are sold to the general public.
Criticisms and Arguments
Homeopathy has been subject to significant doubt and criticism from the medical and scientific community. The main concerns:
- Scientific credibility: Critics argue that homeopathic principles, like extreme dilution as well as”the law of similars,” do not have scientific validity and are in conflict with the accepted principles of chemistry as well as Pharmacology.
- Insufficient evidence: In spite of numerous studies reviewed, meta-analyses of systematic studies typically do not provide enough evidence to prove the effectiveness of homeopathy beyond placebo effects. Studies that report positive results usually contain methodological errors or biases.
- Concerns about ethics: There are ethical concerns regarding the use of homeopathy as a method of treatment that could slow down or hinder patients from seeking scientifically-proven therapies that are more effective.
Research and discussion continue to be vital to understand its importance in modern healthcare and help inform the treatment choices based on evidence.
Practitioners of Homeopathy
Homeopathy isn’t licensed in the United States. The homeopathic practitioner who is certified must go through:
- A minimum of 500 hours of instruction from an accredited institution
- 500 hours of professional training
- Courses in the same field at colleges (e.g., anatomy)
- Ethics compliance rules
- The Center for Homeopathic Certification (CHC) Exam
The certification does not automatically allow individuals to practice homeopathy. Every state has its own laws and regulations governing its practice.
How to Assess Your Homeopathic Potential
It’s possible to try homeopathy to treat minor health problems or in conjunction with regular treatments. It’s, however, not safe for long-term or serious ailments, emergencies, or medical emergencies.
To safely use homeopathy, consult a licensed homeopathic physician, utilize reputable products, and be aware of the ways in which these products interfere with other medicines and other supplements.
Always inform your doctor prior to attempting homeopathy, and don’t take off prescribed medications without seeking advice from them. Keep your doctor informed regarding any changes to your treatment or health plans.
A Quick Summary
Homeopathy can be beneficial for minor health problems or in conjunction with conventional therapies. But, it’s not advised for long-term or serious ailments, emergencies, or medical emergencies.
Always consult your physician prior to beginning homeopathy, and avoid discontinuing prescribed medicines without their assistance. To safely practice homeopathy, seek out a certified homeopathic physician, verify the product’s authenticity, and be wary of any possible interactions with other medications or supplements. Keep your doctor informed about any changes in your treatment or health plans to ensure you receive the best treatment.