Homeopathy belongs in the home!
An educated home-prescriber can do much to keep her family healthy with homeopathy! I am not a healthcare professional, nor am I a professional homeopath. I am a mother and grandmother who uses homeopathy to help keep my family healthy. I made many mistakes as a young mother in caring for the health of my children. For example, I ignorantly allowed the overuse of antibiotics for ailments that could have been treated naturally. I am so thankful that now, as a grandmother, I have learned how to use homeopathy to help keep my family healthy! While complex acute and chronic conditions may require the guidance of a professional homeopath, a mother can learn to equip herself to use the appropriate homeopathic medicines for many common illnesses and injuries. The key is to study and learn, so that you are knowledgeable and prepared when health issues arise.
Did you know that homeopathy began as a Mother’s Movement in the United States in the 1800’s?
The Father of American Homeopathy, Dr. Constantine Herring, introduced small homeopathy kits that he called “Domestic Kits,” which were available for purchase in local apothecaries in the United States in the 1800’s. Mothers loved these kits because the homeopathic medicines they contained were both gentle and effective.
Today it is so important that mothers regain this lost knowledge. Homeopathy has an amazing history of helping families during times of injury, illness and even epidemics!
Principles of Homeopathy
Homeopathy was discovered by Dr. Samuel Hahnemann (1755-1843). Dr. Hahnemann was a German physician and a scholar who served aristocracy and royalty. He was disappointed in the cruel and brutal conventional medical practices of his day, which included blood-letting, purging, leeches, and the like. He left his prominent practice to make a living through writing and translating scientific research. Dr. Hahnemann discovered the Law of Similars, the principle that “like heals like.” This principle of healing dates back to the ancient Greeks. Hippocrates, the Father of Modern Medicine wrote, “Through the like, disease is produced, and through the application of the like, it is cured.”
While translating scientific research, Dr. Hahnemann observed that Cinchona, the bark of a Peruvian tree, produced in a healthy person the symptoms of Malaria, the very disease that it was known to cure. Dr. Hahnemann realized that what causes symptoms in a person who is well, will heal those same symptoms in a person who is not well, if given in a small harmless dose. He coined the term “homoeopathy” which comes from two Greek words: Homoios (Similar) and Pathos (Suffering or Disease). Through his research and writing, he systematized the branch of medicine which is homeopathy.
In homeopathy, it is generally understood that any substance that causes symptoms in a healthy person can cure those very symptoms in a sick person when taken in its homeopathic form.
An example of “like heals like” would be the homeopathic medicine: Allium cepa, which is made from red onion. If one were to cut up or ingest an onion, he or she might experience watery, burning eyes, runny nose, and perhaps sneezing, and great thirst. When red onion is made into a homeopathic preparation it is diluted in a solution of water and alcohol to the point that none of the original substance is left. It is also succussed, or vigorously shaken, during the stages of dilution. What is left is a homeopathic potency that eliminates any toxicity of the original substance and brings the curative aspects to the fore. Getting back to our Allium cepa example, in its raw form an onion causes watery eyes and a runny nose. In its homeopathic form Allium cepa can be used to help heal a person who is experiencing these symptoms. Therefore, Allium cepa is a premier homeopathic medicine for conditions such as colds and hay fever when the symptoms include watery eyes and runny nose. Brilliant!
Understanding the fundamental principles of homeopathy is essential to becoming a successful home-prescriber for your family.
Let’s go over the basics!
(Note- I use the term remedy and medicine interchangeably)
What is a Homeopathic Dilution?
There are two scales of dilution in homeopathy: the X Scale, which is a process of dilution by a factor of 10, and the C Scale, which is the process of dilution by a factor of 100. “30x” means that one drop of tincture of the original substance (or Mother Tincture) is diluted in 9 drops of water and alcohol. This is vigorously shaken or “succussed.” Then a drop of this solution is diluted in another 9 drops and succussed. This procedure is repeated 30 times.
“30c” means one drop of tincture of the original substance is diluted in 99 drops of alcohol. This is vigorously shaken or “succussed.” Then, a drop of this solution is diluted in another 99 drops and succussed. This procedure is repeated 30 times.
“200c” means that the original tincture is diluted in 99 drops of alcohol and water 200 times.
And so on.
There are higher potencies such as M potencies (1000C). Home-prescribers generally should use only lower X and C potencies, unless under the guidance of a professional homeopath.
How can a homeopathic medicine be both potent and dilute?
Because the original substance is extremely diluted, not a single molecule remains in the potentized remedy. The remedy’s strength is in the electromagnetic blueprint or signature of the original substance. The more the substance is shaken and diluted, the more potent it becomes! A mere dilution does not have the force of curative action. The dilution must be vigorously shaken (succussed) at each stage. It is the process of potentization, i.e. dilution AND succussion together, that give homeopathic medicines their curative ability. Unlike chemical drugs, homeopathy works at the nano-molecular or energetic level within the body.
Which Homeopathic Dilution Should I Choose?
In general, home prescribers should stick with low potencies, such as 6x or 30c, until they have gained more experience. The more severe, sudden, or persistent the symptoms, the higher the potency can be. With a bit of studying, home prescribers can quickly learn which first aid remedies may be called for in a higher potency such as 200c. For example, I learned quickly after taking the Gateway to Homeopathy course, that Apis 200c could be used for an anaphylactic allergic reaction. With just that one homeopathy course under my belt, I knew to use Apis 200c to help my granddaughter recover from an anaphylactic reaction to a food that she ate. She recovered in a matter of minutes with no need to use the EpiPen. I was so thankful that I had that knowledge!
In general, the higher the potency, the less often you need to dose.
One key for taking homeopathy is to stop or reduce dosing when symptoms improve.
How should I read homeopathic labels?
Single remedies have three parts to the label: the Latin name, the number of dilutions, and the letter of the scale.
Homeopathic medicines use Latin names. Dr. Hahnemann was a scholar, and since Latin is the universal language of science, Latin names are always used for homeopathic medicines.
The number indicates how many times it has been diluted.
The X, C, or M stands for the scale of dilution.
So for example, the label that reads: “Allium cepa 30c” means that the original substance is Allium cepa (red onion), the “30” indicates that it has been diluted 30 times and the “C” is the scale of dilution that was used–the higher the number, the more potent the medicine.
What is a “Proving” in homeopathy?
A proving is how the medicinal properties of a substance are determined in homeopathy. This word comes from the German word ‘Prűfung,’ which means ‘test’ or ‘examination.’ A group of healthy individuals is given the substance in its crude or potentized form. A record is made of the sensations, symptoms (including mental/emotional), and alterations in health that the individuals experience. This then becomes the basis for the Materia Medica entry for that substance.
Proving a remedy is not dangerous if you use prudence. Homeopathic overusing may result in a proving. This can happen by dosing too often, but not by taking too many pellets at one time. Proving can happen whether or not you’re on the right remedy, so observe carefully while dosing. A remedy should never be taken when it is not needed.
How do I administer homeopathic medicine?
Homeopathy is safe for any age and can be used in conjunction with conventional medicine. Frequency is more significant than quantity in homeopathy. It is generally recommended that you pour 1-4 tablets into the lid and flip them under your tongue. Best practice is to not touch the remedy and take in a clean mouth 15 minutes before or after eating or brushing your teeth. If a remedy is not working as it should, it often helps to avoid strong coffee, aromatics and mints/camphors, which are known to interfere or antidote homeopathic medicines.
One to four pellets is typically considered one dose, however, any number of pellets taken at the same time work as the catalyst and would be one dose. An entire bottle of pellets taken at once is one dose. Of course, taking an entire bottle is not recommended or needed, but this is good to know if a toddler were to get ahold of a bottle and eat all the pellets! The pellets need not be swallowed, simply touching the mucus membrane of the mouth for a few minutes is sufficient.
Pellets can also be dissolved in a few ounces of water, and then one teaspoon or so can be given by dropper and equals one dose.
How frequently should homeopathic medicine be given?
With more severe symptoms, you can dose frequently, even every 5 or 15 minutes for a few doses. Otherwise, 1-3 doses per day, or as needed, is standard. When symptoms improve, you should always stop dosing. Homeopathic medicines are medicines and not nutritional supplements.
How do I know I have selected the right homeopathic medicine
When the correct remedy is chosen symptoms will improve.
How to Antidote an ill-chosen remedy:
If you have administered and ill-chosen remedy and symptoms worsen, you can simply let the symptoms wear off on their own. You can also stop the action or antidote a remedy if needed by smelling any of the mint-family essential oils (such as peppermint, eucalyptus, or camphor) or by taking homeopathic Camphor. Often taking the correct homeopathic remedy will antidote an incorrect remedy.
When should I choose a single remedy over a combination remedy?
Combination remedies are labeled by condition names. For example, Cold Calm by Boiron is a combination of remedies that cover the typical symptoms that most people experience during a cold. You should follow the manufacturers instructions on the label for combination remedies. When it comes to using single homeopathic remedies, it is important to understand each remedy has many uses. In some instances, your symptoms are so specific that it is easy to select one single medicine. The best way to learn how to use single remedies is to study a homeopathic Materia Medica and Repertory. There are many wonderful books and courses that are geared to help mothers and home-prescribers learn.
Many self-medication books and courses are available. Below are some of my favorite resources for learning homeopathy:
Joette Calabrese: Practical Homeopathy Website, Blog, Podcasts and Classes
Sue Meyers: Homeopathy for Mommies Website, Blog, Podcasts and Classes
Melissa Crenshaw: Homeopathy at Home Website, Blog, Podcasts and Classes
Paola Brown: Teach Me Health and Homeopathy Homeschool Curriculum and Adult Homeopathy Book Clubs
Care and Handling of Remedies
The physical environment can antidote a remedy. Avoid: extreme cold or heat; strong electro-magnetic fields; strong odors (perfumes, essential oils, cleaners/chemicals); oils that antidote: peppermint, menthol, eucalyptus, tea tree/melaleuca, camphor.
Join a homeopathy study group!
I lead several guided study groups a year. I highly recommend joining a study group not only for the course content, but also for the encouragement and support that you will receive from the group. My study group community stays connected on Facebook and Telegram. They share their experiences and help and support one another in their homeopathy journey. I typically lead several guided study groups a year. Contact me for more information if you are interested in joining my next guided study group.
You can do this! Learning to use homeopathy in the home is a great way to care for your family and loved ones! You will be thrilled at all that you can do yourself, in treating your family’s health issues. For me, homeopathy was the missing piece of the health puzzle. It has helped us avoid unnecessary drugs and medical procedures. Of course there may be a time that chemical drugs or surgery is needed, but I am thankful that we no longer have to resort to extreme medical interventions for every health issue that comes along.
For complex acute conditions and chronic health issues, seek the guidance of a professional homeopath
While I have been able to help my family with many health issues using homeopathy, there have been some situations that were beyond my ability to address. In those cases, I have sought the guidance of a professional homeopath.
Below are two great websites that can help you when you need the guidance of a professional homeopath:
homeopathyhelpnow.com or homeopathy247.com
One Response
Cathi,
Thank you so much for compiling, preparing, organizing & writing all this valuable homeopathic information in one place. Always nice to have this information in one document. I have a note or two with all the information you have sent this year.