Homeopathy comes under the purview of Traditional and Complementary Medicine. The belief is that certain forms of natural substances, when prepared correctly, might stimulate processes of healing in the human body. The homeopathic remedies are developed by standards called pharmacopoeias.
Following are some of the most recognized homeopathic remedies and their uses:
Commonly referred to as the red onion, "Allium Cepa" is made from the onion's bulb and used widely for colds, coughs, and hay fever. Similar to how an onion causes your eyes to water and your nose to run, this remedy functions well for symptoms that can '''mimic''' those effects. If you have a cold where you feel considerably worse inside and better in fresh air, Allium Cepa may be just what you need.
Arnica Montana, commonly known as "mountain daisy" or "wolf's bane", is a fully active agent in injuries related to sports. In case of muscle sprains, bruises, insect bites, or burns, Arnica will come in handy. Arnica reduces pains and quickens the process of recovery. Several other medical conditions include sore throats, bleeding, and certain kinds of internal hemorrhages. Topically, Arnica gel may be used to alleviate osteoarthritis.
Hypericum or "St. John's Wort" is a must in every homeopathic first-aid kit: very effective if the injury involved nerve-rich areas, like fingers, toes, or the spine. Jam your finger in a door? Your remedy is Hypericum. It is also useful after surgery to help mend nerves, put to rest depressions, and anxious feelings that might have occurred subsequent to the accident.
Arsenicum Album is prepared from white arsenic and is a potent medication for fever, flu, and food poisoning. It also addresses symptoms associated with anxiety and restlessness. If you have gastrointestinal complaints like diarrhea or even more life-threatening illnesses like cholera, the indicated medicine could be Arsenicum. It has at one time or another been tried as a support therapy in leukemia with observable amelioration of this multi-factorial disease.
Also referred to as the poison nut, Nux Vomica is famous for the benefits that come along with digestion. Ranging from constipation and diarrhea all the way to liver issues, the uses are endless it would appear. It is also extremely helpful for those tempted by the after-effects of excessive drinking, tobacco smoking, or other drugs of their choice. If you tend to feel irritable or suffer from sleepless nights, then this may be a solution for you too.
Commonly known as "Monkshood, Aconitum" is generally prescribed for cold, fever, and early-stage infections related to bronchitis or pneumonia. Especially useful when the onset of symptoms is sudden, joined by restlessness, dryness of the body, and a sensation of fear or anxiety. Patients commonly find themselves feeling better in the open air but worse in extreme cold or warmth.
Belladonna, also known as "deadly nightshade", is one of the most powerful homeopathic remedies. It provides quick relief in complaints related to headaches, high fever, and inflammation. The usually noticed symptoms in a Belladonna patient are flushed skin, throbbing pains, and extraordinary sensitiveness to light and noise. A substance used in dental problems like toothache, sore throat, and mumps when the affected area is red, swollen, and hot.
Poison ivy is the original source of "Rhus Toxicodendron", which is mainly employed in cases of articular and muscular pains. It is especially useful when the stiffness improves with movements and is aggravated after rest, thus being very suitable for arthritis or any form of sprain. So, if this describes waking up stiff in the morning and feeling better as you move, then Rhus Tox could be the answer. It's also a go-to remedy for itchy skin conditions like rashes from poison ivy.
Apis Mellifica is an important remedy derived from honeybee for swellings, insect stings, and allergic manifestations. It is especially useful when the swelling is red, swollen, and hot to touch, just like being stung by the bee. Whether from an insect bite or hives, the burning and stinging sensations can be relieved by Apis Mellifica. It is also useful in certain cystitis states with swelling due to retention of fluid.
The remedy Pulsatilla is made from the windflower. It is used for a variety of complaints, especially those connected with changes in hormone levels and heightened sensitivity. It's a very popular remedy for menstrual irregularities, mood swings, and colds or flu where there is thick yellow discharge. It is especially suited to people who love sympathy and the outdoors and hate being indoors in warm, stuffy rooms.
Ignatia Amara is a remedy derived from the seed of the St. Ignatius bean tree and is considered one of the most frequently sought after by people in emotional distress consequent to a shock or grief. If you are feeling sorrow, anxiety, or sleepless following an upsetting experience, this remedy can help you regain your emotional balance. It's also helpful for headaches, throat tightness, and other physical symptoms that arise from emotional tension.
"Sulphur," as the name suggests, is derived from the chemical element sulfur, which often finds application in many skin issues, like eczema and psoriasis and also itching rashes. It best suits those patients who have itchy and irritated tags on their skin, although it worsens during heat. Sulphur is also beneficial in digestion problems, offering a sensation of heaviness after dinner and irritability.
Constructed from calcium carbonate, "Calcarea Carbonica" assists individuals who feel totally drained both in body and mind. It is one of the best treatments for underdevelopment in children, especially when their condition involves late dentition or bone malformation. Calcarea Carbonica also aids in digestion problems such as heartburn, bloating, and constipation.
Gelsemium: This is one of the major remedies for flu-like symptoms, from the yellow jasmine plant, with symptoms including fevers, weakness of muscles, chills, and headaches. This is a remedy when feeling really weak and sluggish, and a person just wants to be left alone. Gelsemium is good for performance anxiety or stage fright, calming nerves prior to that big event.
Bryonia Alba, the white bryony vine, is generally reserved for dry cough, pain in the chest, and swellings of the joints. The symptoms are always worse from moving, and the patient is often irritable. This medicine can be prescribed for a lot of ailments, such as bronchitis or rheumatism, where the basic symptom is a painful condition, for which the patient would like to remain still because movement aggravates this symptom.
Chamomilla: Prepared from German chamomile, this is one of the favorite remedies for teething pain and irritability in children. It's also effective for colic, earache, and restlessness. The best type for whom this works best are people very sensitive to pain, who appear inconsolable, especially when the pain is associated with irritability and sleeplessness.
"Lycopodium"is derived from spores of the club moss plant and is a extremely common homeopathic remedy for digestive complaints such as bloating, gas, and indigestion. It's particularly effective for individuals who feel full from consuming very little food and those who may suffer from possible symptoms related to performance anxiety. Lycopodium is best suited for people who feel the need to be in control but are often insecure when going through new experiences.
More frequently referred to as Hepar Sulph, preparations are made from calcium sulfide ash. This medication is often used in diseases that involve painful, sensitive infections and abscesses. In case of a painful cough, sinusitis, or boils with sharp, shooting pains, Hepar Sulph will ease the pain and hasten recovery. It is also useful for tender skin and a sore throat where it feels as though something is stuck.
The name Silicea is derived from silica, or quartz. Silicea is in common use for ailments of the skin, nails, and hair. It is a very powerful medicine for accelerating the body's natural reaction to an injury, particularly in the case of abscesses, boils, and ulcers that are slow to heal. Silicea helps people who easily feel weak and chilly. It is also employed when there is a need to indurate the nails and hair and to alleviate those suffering from recurrent infections.
“Phosphorus" is named from the element phosphorus and has proved to be versatile in the treatment of everything from respiratory problems to emotional burnout. It's especially good for individuals with coughs, bronchitis, and bleeding tendencies. If you are exhausted, anxious and given to worrying, Phosphorus is a restorative agent. It is also used for nosebleeds and gastrointestinal upset with burning sensations.
Which Homeopathic Medicine is Right for You? Although very effective, homeopathic remedies work best when prescribed by someone qualified to do so. Homeopathy not only takes into account a person's symptoms but also the personality and history of the patient. Certain remedies, such as Arnica and Nux Vomica, are prepared from poisonous plants, which in turn requires proper dosing.
Consult with a certified homeopathic doctor before taking up a treatment. Closing Thoughts Homeopathy treats the whole person with natural and personalized medicines. From common colds to complicated problems, these remedies are an option that assures mere side effects. However, safe and effective treatment requires the guidance of a qualified homeopath.