Three Homeopathic Staples For Your Medicine Cabinet

The word Homeopathy comes from the Greek homoeo , meaning similar, and pathos , meaning suffering and is a based on treating like with like. Similar examples in mainstream medicine are vaccines.  Remedies used in homeopathy are derived from naturally occurring substances such as plant extracts and minerals, and then specially diluted to leave only the energy of the substance. These substances simply stimulate the body's innate capacity to heal. For example, if my symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea are similar to food poisoning, then a homeopathic remedy might be a substance that, in its natural form, would promote severe vomiting and diarrhea.  In its pure form it could make one severely ill or dead!  In its energetic form it simply triggers the body to go into the healing mode for vomiting and diarrhea.  It is almost like an electro-magnetic switch for the healing system.  The difference is, it is specific for the cause of the symptom. More important, there are no side effects and no drug interactions with homeopathy because of this special process of dilution to energy.

Although the body knows how to heal itself, homeopathy speeds up the healing by stimulating the proper agents within the immune system to do its job better, before the cause of the symptoms can do more harm by spreading. Imagine the immune system as encompassing special agents, each with its own specialty. For instance, the local police are better at solving local crimes. The US Secret Service is specially trained to protect the President and the CIA for providing national security intelligence to senior US policymakers to protect our country. When we get sick with either a virus or infection, the immune system sends in the best agents for the job of destroying the invader. However, first they must recognize the invader. Immunizations send in weakened invaders to stimulate the healing process. However, sometimes the weakened invaders regain strength and increase in enemy numbers. In the case of the flu, it is a guess as to the similarity between the immunization and which flu actually will be present; it is only helpful against that one particular strain of flu. The common cold and flu viruses cost billions of wasted dollars on ineffective antibiotics, since antibiotics are useless against viruses. They can also contribute to antibiotic resistance, leading to a weaker immune system and can change the beneficial bacteria present in the patient's GI system. The so called common cold is actually caused by a huge variety of viruses which mutate frequently during reproduction, resulting in constantly changing virus strains. Thus, there is no immunization now and it is highly unlikely there will be one in the near future. Through homeopathy’s advanced energetic “picture” of the invader, all agents gather together to protect and eradicate stronger and faster, before the invader proliferates.

A Homeopath asks many questions to find the “like” remedy that will give the correct picture to the immune system. However, a few remedies we use at Sedona Holistic Medical Centre are great for generally anyone.  Following are three great ones to keep on hand at home. Remember, it is important to take a remedy at the first onset of symptoms.

Arnica (Ár-ni-ca ) technically called Arnica Montana.  We recommend the ointment and oral capsules as household staples for the relief of bruises, stiffness, muscle soreness and sprains. It is most effective when used immediately. If you wack yourself on a limb and think it will cause a bruise, use Arnica right away. Dr. Ronald Santasiero, MD, DABMA, has introduced Arnica to professional athletes and they are amazed.  Arnica must only be in homeopathic form, because it is toxic in its natural state. Never take Arnica without talking to your doctor if you are taking blood thinning medicine, such as warfarin (Coumadin), clopidogrel (Plavix), aspirin, or enoxaparin (Lovenox).

Calendula Used as a topical ointment and an alternative to cortisone cream, Calendula is thought to cure a range of skin problems from burns to acne. Calendula is basically an anti fungal, antiseptic and astringent. It promotes fast healing of minor wounds, soothes bee stings, eczema, cysts, burns, bleeding, and persistent ulcers, diaper rash and cradle cap. As a tea or a poultice, Calendula can be effective in relieving symptoms of shingles.

Oscillococcinum®  (oh-sillo-cockś-ĕ-num” ), made by Boiron, is used sub-lingually (under the tongue). Used for flu-like symptoms, Oscillococcinum is regulated as a drug by the FDA, and its use is supported by published clinical studies as well as more than 65 years of worldwide use.   It is also safe for children over the age of 2 years. It does not prevent influenza, but found to reduce its length. It should be taken at the first sign of flu symptoms.

            Keep these three in your home and travel first aid kit. After you have used them you will be convinced of their effectiveness. Your doctor should know about any medications you take, no matter how safe they are.