The Best Information on Homeopathic Remedies?

Answer 1

Homeopathy is an alternative medicine invented in 1796 by Dr. Samuel Hahnemann. Homeopathic practitioners, or homeopaths, employ highly diluted homeopathic preparations. These preparations are said to, according to the theory, trigger specific symptoms in healthy patients. These substances are then given in very diluted form to patients exhibiting those same symptoms. Hahnemann called this the law of similars.

Homeopathic medicines are created by a process of serial dilution. This process includes several phases. The first is called succussion, a term which literally means shaking a person to determine if large amounts of liquid are present in the body. Succussion involves shaking the substance after each dilution to increase the effectiveness of the remedy. The result is termed potentization. The dilution may continue until none of the original element is present in the solution. At this stage, in fact, homeopathic remedies may contain no pharmacological molecules. Some homeopaths suggest its proposed efficacy happens via a form of memory in water. Others propose subatomic explanations.

Homeopaths recommend homeopathic remedies based on their appraisal of a patient’s overall physical and psychological condition. A specific homeopathic remedy is chosen based on all the information available to the homeopath. The remedy choice is further guided by homeopathic desk references called repertories.

As there are usually little discernible pharmacologically active ingredients in homeopathic remedies, most homeopathic remedies are deemed safe. Concerns have been raised regarding lack of normalization and regulation in some countries. With international commerce, homeopathic remedies may be purchased from countries with lax or non-existent regulation. There is also the matter of homeopaths recommending that their patients abstain from more conventional medications.

Many early studies have suggested homeopathic remedies have value. Bigger research studies suggest that homeopathic remedies are effective solely through the placebo effect, with the mind of the patient being the important factor. Critics of these bigger studies point out that some have been funded by larger organizations with pharmaceutical industry ties. They suggest their views may be self-serving and biased.

Any definitive verdict drawn from the homeopathic body of evidence remains unclear.