Definition of Homeopathic Herbs

The Greek word homoios (meaning: similar) and pathos (meaning: suffering) together form the word homeopathy. To stimulate the body's natural defenses, a homeopath will treat the body with a homeopathic herb that is able to provoke similar symptoms in a healthy body. In 2002, E. Ernst, in an article for the "British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology," notes that the second principle of homeopathy is that homeopathic herbs (remedies) retain biological activity after repeated sucussion (vigorous mixing) and dilution beyond Avogadro's number.

History

• In 1780, while translating William Cullen's "Materia Medica," German chemist and physician Samuel Hahnemann undertook an experiment with Cinchona (a medicinal bark and the source of quinine) and he discovered that ingesting a small, well-diluted dose of the bark produced symptoms of intermittent fever, suggesting a new medical principle; like-cures-like. Over the next 15 years, Hahnemann tested hundreds of organic substances, his objective being to establish a "physiological doctrine of medical remedies, free from all suppositions, and based solely on experiment" (Gumpert, 92). He founded modern homeopathy in 1796, using this principle and by advocating a healthy diet, sanitation, exercise and good hygiene.

Features

• Homeopathic herbs are a generic term that includes plants, plant-based elements, extracts from insects and minerals. These elements are ground or otherwise processed before being vigorously diluted and mixed into a base to create homeopathic remedies. The dilution and sucussion process continue until the rate of dilution is so great that the original substance is no longer pharmacologically active. This state of dilution is called water memory. This highly controversial water state has received some scientific support as recently as 2003 when new water properties were discovered by Professor Louis Rey (Thomas). Commercially processed homeopathic remedies are frequently mixed with a sugar base to form seed-like sweet pellets. A patient will place the tablet or many tablets under the tongue to dissolve.

Application

• Most homeopathic herbs (remedies) are recommended to be taken on an empty stomach or at least 30 minutes after eating. Patients should not drink coffee, alcohol, use mouthwash or brush their teeth right after taking remedies.

Considerations

• Patients should not self-prescribe. Homeopaths, herbalists, naturopaths and chiropractors who prescribe homeopathic remedies should have specialized training in homeopathy which allows them to evaluate a patient's state of health, prescribe proper dosage and a course of treatment. Patients who are under the care of traditional physicians and who are taking prescription medications or herbs should communicate to all doctors and practitioners, both holistic and traditional, all remedies, herbs, supplements or medications they are using.

Precautions

• While homeopathic herbs are generally considered quite safe, every precaution should be taken to avoid interactions and to ensure the patient the best possible treatment and outcomes.