Common Homeopathic Remedies
They are said to be over 1000 homeopathic remedies known, and 50 of which are available over-the-counter. The following remedies are considered the most commonly used today. Although all remedies are said to help treat a variety of symptoms, the following are categorized into their most common uses.
For colds and flu and many other common viruses, many homeopaths turn most often to these remedies: Allium cepa, Arsenicum album, Bryonia, Calcarea fluorata, Causticum, Drosera, Euphrasia, Ferrum phosphoricum, Gelsemium, Ignatia, Ipecac, and Kali bichromicum. Each are broken down into more specific symptoms based not only on physical appearance, but also emotions experienced by the patient during illness. Some of the most common symptoms treated by these remedies include: upset stomach, fever, vomiting, sneezing, cramps, diarrhea, all forms of coughs, congestion, aches, and sore throat. The emotional symptoms often treated are: irritably, sensitivity to sounds or lights, sense of grief or depression, and a need to be cared for during the illness.
The second set of common remedies used today, mainly focuses on skin issues. Arnica, Calcarea carbonica, Cantharis, Graphites, Hepar sulphuris, Hypericum, Ledum, Sulphur, Thuja, Urtica urens are all used frequently for the skin. Arnica is actually most commonly prescribed for use immediately after an injury to reduce the ache and bruising that may occur. The rest tend to be specific toward the skin, however each has many other helpful uses as well. Bruises, cracked skin, burns, scalds, blisters, eczema, acne, cuts and puncture wounds, sties and warts, are most common.
The final set of remedies which tend to treat similar symptoms can be classed into internal symptoms affecting bones or organs, and also emotionally influenced symptoms. Aconite, Calcarea phosphorica, Kali phosphoricum, and Lachesis, often treat the psychological symptoms such as: depression, violent anxiety, fear, restlessness, grief, insomnia, mental debility, exhaustion, nervousness, and vertigo.
The remedies: Actaea rac., Belladonna, Chamomilla, Cocculus, Colocynthis, Mixed Pollen, Nux Vomica, Phosphorous, Pulsatilla, Rhus Tox, Sepia, Silicea, and Symphytum, tend to treat the more physical symptoms such as: headaches, aches, indigestion, shingles, menopause, tension, night sweats, bronchitis, hangovers, hayfever, nausea, flatulence, cramps, diarrhea, bone fractures and ligament pain.
As was previously mentioned, there are hundreds of remedies used by the average homeopath. All remedies are said to cure or aid in the recovery of an illness by affecting very specific symptoms. The remedies mentioned in the previous paragraphs are of the most widely used today. They also have very common symptoms they are known to treat, and are often subsequently categorized - however many of them are capable of treating a wide variety of symptoms outside of their most common uses. If you're planning to self-administer homeopathic remedies, you may want to consult a professional since their knowledge of the specific uses of each herb is much more extensive.
Before starting treatments, it's very important you discuss all symptoms in great detail with your homeopathic practitioner. The herbs used in homeopathic medications are very versatile and treat extremely specific symptoms. Good luck, and good health.
Related topics about homeopathy
Homeopathy and acupuncture
Both homeopathy and acupuncture aim to restore a person's natural state of homeostasis, or vital energy. As such, these practices are often used in combination to treat a wide range of medical conditions.
Homeopathy & Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy, in its general sense, refers to the treatment of disease by chemicals that kill cells, specifically those of micro-organisms or cancer. Chemotherapy acts by killing cells that divide rapidly (one of the chief properties of cancer cells, hence its use as part of cancer treatments). This means that it also harms cells that divide rapidly under normal circumstances: cells in the bone marrow, digestive tract and hair follicles; these results in the most common side-effects of chemotherapy–myelosuppression (decreased production of blood cells), mucositis (inflammation of the lining of the digestive tract)and hair loss.
Homeopathic Treatments for Eczema
Eczema is a form of dermatitis (skin inflammation). The term eczema is actually used to describe a wide variety of skin conditions, which include recurring rashes characterized by any one or combination of the following symptoms: redness, swelling, itching, flaking, dryness, blisters and so on. Common types of eczema include Atopic eczema (which is probably the most common and linked to allergies as well as being hereditary), Contact dermatitis, Xerotic eczema (extremely dry skin often exacerbated by cold weather; very prevalent among the elderly) and Seborrhoeic dermatitis (eczema of the scalp and face similar to dandruff).
Homeopathy and regulations
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates homeopathic remedies in the United States. Since the 1930s, the FDA has treated homeopathic remedies in a manner similar to non-prescription, over-the-counter drugs; meaning that people can purchase them at local drugstores and a prescription is not required.
Homeopathic Practitioners
If you've made the decision to live a more natural lifestyle, chances are you're searching for homeopathic practitioners in your area that can give you the guidance that you need to live a life that is free of traditional medicine. And, if you're interested in going into the field of naturopathy yourself, you will need to know what types of training homeopathy professionals should complete in order to legally practice medicine.
Homeopathic Doctor
If you're concerned about the various side effects that you may be prone to by taking certain traditional medication, it may be a good idea for you to start learning more about natural remedies. Chances are you'll be able to find a homeopathic doctor in your city or state that can help you to restore your health using plant-based medications, but your appointment will most likely be very different from what you're accustomed to.
The safety of homeopathy for children
Homeopathy, an alternative form of medicine, is gaining popularity in mainstream culture, but is it safe? How safe is it? Is it safe for children? As parents, our children's health and well-being are our top priority. We want to keep them healthy and safe so that they can focus on developing other aspects of their life, like friendship and education.