What are Homeopathic Medicines
By: CraigTotal Views: 400, Word Count: 774,
Homeopathic medicines are having an increasing demand worldwide. To know the exact use of these medicines, let us first find out what are homeopathic medicines. Homeopathic medicines are basically a type of alternative medicine in which patients are treated using extremely diluted preparations that can cause healthy people to show symptoms that are similar to the symptoms that the patient actually has.
Homeopathic medicine treatment system was first developed in Germany about 200 years ago. It is used in United States since the early 19th century.
Important Aspects of Homeopathic Medicines
- The principle of homeopathy is that a disease can be cured by a substance that can form similar symptoms in healthy people.
- There are very less evidences to support efficiency of homeopathy. Research is going on to know the exact cause and mode of action of homeopathic medicines.
- There are many challenges as well as controversies regarding homeopathic medicines because the key concepts of this medicine are much higher than the current understanding of science, mainly chemistry and physics.
- There is some degree of research on the safety of homeopathic treatments.
- Most homeopathic remedies are strictly diluted. Hence, no molecules of the actual healing substance reside behind. So we can conclude that, in homeopathy, the substance has left its essence or soul which stimulates the body to repair it.
- Homeopaths use body type, genetic and personal health history, and current physical and mental symptoms to treat patients.
- Remedies used for homeopathy treatment are derived from plants, minerals, or animals. General remedies include red onion, stinging nettle plant, and arnica.
Use in the United States
According to National Health Interview Survey, it is found that there are 3.9 million U.S. adults and approximately 900,000 children who are using homeopathy in the earlier year.
People of US use this alternative medication for chronic fatigue syndrome, health concerns, treatment of diseases, allergies, asthma, ear infections, headaches, depression, digestive disorders, skin rashes, etc.
Side Effects and Risks
There are some general points which can be considered about the security of these treatments:
- A systematic review says that homeopathic remedies in high dilution, taken under the direction of trained professionals, are considered to be safe and unable to cause adverse reactions.
- All liquid homeopathic drugs may have alcohol. The FDA allows upper levels of alcohol than it allows in other drugs.
- Some of the homeopathic patients feel a homeopathic aggravation i.e. a temporary aggravation of symptoms after taking a homeopathic medicine.
- Although homoeopathic medicines do not interfere with conventional drugs; you should still discuss this with your doctor first.
Licensing and Certification
Currently, there is an identical licensing or professional standards for the practice of homeopathy in US. This licensing varies from state to state. Homeopathy is also considered as a part of naturopathy education.
This license of a homeopathic physician is available only to medical doctors. Along with this, doctors of osteopathy in Arizona, Nevada and Connecticut can get license of homeopathy.
Council for Homeopathic Certification, American Board of Home Therapeutics, and the Homeopathic Academy of Naturopathic Physicians give national certification. Before using homeopathy medicines keep in mind that:
- Do not use homeopathy as a replacement for conventional care
- Always ask about the trained and experienced practitioner
- Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should consult their health care provider before starting to use homeopathic medicines.
About the Author
Craig Brown has practiced as a Doctor of Medicine in New Zealand for about 20 years. Although he is retired now, he continues to share his medical knowledge and experience with readers through his writings.
Advice Rating: Not yet rated
Login to vote