Fighter For Life

Homeopathy is rising in popularity, but there is a great deal of confusion about what homeopathy is, how to use homeopathy and what a homeopathic remedy really does.  Some of the questions often heard are: What is homeopathy? “X” vs “C” what strength or potency to use?  How do homeopathic remedies work?  What is a dose, how and how often to take a homeopathic remedy? Is Homeopathy safe? Single homeopathic remedy or combination homeopathic remedy, which is the better choice?

What is homeopathy? A homeopathic is any substance that has been diluted and succussed (shaken vigorously).  The strength of a remedy is the number of times it has been diluted.  A 6 means it has been diluted and successes 6 times; a 30, 30 times. The higher the number on the homeopathic, the stronger effect on the body the remedy has.  How can this be?   The answer to this question is unknown.  When diluted and successed, there is less of the actual material substance found in the remedy.  But, as a result of the succession, the energy of the original substances has been expanded and made stronger.

“X” versus “C”?  The question of which potency to purchase is often the most confusing to the novice.  An “X” potency is a homeopathic diluted 1 to 9: 1 part remedy to 9 parts alcohol.  The “C” potency is 1 to 99: 1 part remedy to 99 parts alcohol. The “C” remedy, being the more diluted is the stronger remedy.  If you begin by using an X or C potency, try to stay with the X or C.  If you can’t get an X but can get a C in the same strength, use it if it is urgent.  Both remedies have been potentized the same number of times, thus the strengths are similar.  When beginning with homeopathy leave the higher doses (ml) to the trained homeopath.

How do homeopathic remedies work?  Homeopathics stimulate different parts of the body into functioning with a better balance.  The “Law of Similars” of homeopathy states “like cures like”.  A substance which in regular doses can cause a problem, in a smaller diluted dose (homeopathic), stimulates the healing of a similar problem.  For instance, a rash on the skin that looks like poison ivy can often be helped by taking homeopathic doses of poison ivy, causing the body to work harder to eliminate the poison ivy like symptoms.

What is a dose how and how often to take a homeopathic remedy?  The exact number of pills/tablets/liquid, size of pellet/tablet is not an important issue.  When using a homeopathic remedy your body is using the energy of the medicine as opposed to the actual substance of that medicine.  Usually it is best to follow the instructions of your practitioner or those written on the label.  As the body improves, reduce the frequency of the dose or stop taking the homeopathic remedy altogether.  Doses can be repeated as necessary.  In an acute situation improvement can be seen anywhere from immediately to 24 hours.  Homeopathic remedies are taken by pouring the pellets or tablets into the cap, and then placing the remedy directly under the tongue.  Placing the remedy directly into the hand should always be avoided.  It is best to avoid food and drink for 20-30 minutes before and after taking a remedy unless it is an emergency.  If you spill the remedy, don’t put it back into the bottle.  To keep remedies effective for years, store them at room temperature, out of sunlight in a drawer or box, not in the refrigerator.

Is Homeopathy safe?  Occasionally someone will experience aggravation, or overstimulation of the healing process. If this occurs simply stop the remedy until the aggravation subsides.  At this point, consider re-taking the remedy, especially if the condition has improved but no other improvement is forthcoming.  If the aggravation is extremely unpleasant the process can be slowed down or ‘antidoted’ by taking a lower potency or exposure to coffee, mint, strong perfumes, etc.  These same substances which antidote, should also be avoided while utilizing homeopathic remedies. No matter what strength the remedy is, if it is the right remedy, it will have an effect on the body.  If taken properly, no side effects or harm should occur.  One important fact to remember – it is seldom necessary to take any remedy for a long period of time.

Single homeopathic remedy or combination homeopathic remedy, which is the better choice?  Making a choice to use combination homeopathics over single homeopathic remedies is up to the individual.  Many companies are developing combination remedies to make using homeopathic remedies easier for the public to determine which remedy to use.  It is up to you whether you choose to do some research to find the best remedy for your situation or choose one of the combinations created for general symptoms, they all are effective.  There is no time like today to start utilizing homeopathy and to begin bringing the body back into balance.

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