What is Homeopathy

Modern medicine can be “an all-inclusive system. It can well include homeopathy, bio-chemistry and the latest nature-cures”. Mahatma Gandhi.

Homeopathy is a 200-year-old form of alternative medicine that aims to stimulate a healing response and strengthen the body’s ability to heal itself. It is a holistic system of medicine based on the theory of treating ‘like with like’, by using specially prepared, highly diluted preparations.

The preparation of homoeopathic medicines consists of repeated dilution and shaking called ‘potentisation’, to render the remedies capable of stimulating the body’s natural healing forces in order to balance vitality.

However, after the 12th dilution there is no discernible chemical trace of the original substance left in the medicine, but homeopaths believe the preparation retains the qualities of the original substance.

Homeopaths take into account personality, lifestyle and hereditary factors, as well as the individuals history of the disease. Since all people are unique, homeopathic medicines are prescribed to treat individuals. The medications contain minute amount of substances derived from plants, minerals, some insects, animals and even human milk!
Homeopathic medicines are not a replacement for vaccines or conventional medical treatment of serious diseases or infections. It can be used to support other forms of treatment or to boost your constitution. It is a good idea to tell your doctor or midwife if you are planning to start any new treatment, including homeopathy.

A treatment plan for a person is constructed by considering all of the person’s symptoms (physical, mental or emotional) and identify the remedy that is capable of producing in a healthy person, symptoms most ‘like’ the symptoms the person is suffering from. Homeopathic medicines can be in the form of liquid, granules, powder or tablets. General lifestyle advice and dietary changes may be incorporated into your treatment plan.

Sometimes symptoms may temporarily get worse before they get better, commonly called an ‘aggravation’ of symptoms. You may be referred to a midwife or doctor if necessary. Homoeopathic medicines have not been known to produce side effects and can be taken in conjunction with pharmaceutical medications as they are not contraindicated.

Please take note:

To make sure you are not doing any harm, you should:

• Tell your doctor if you are planning to start a course of homeopathic treatment for any condition.

• Never stop taking conventional drugs without the knowledge and approval of your doctor.

• Tell your homeopath what conventional drugs you are taking.

Guidelines for using Homeopathic Remedies

• For BEST results homeopathic remedies should be taken on a clean palate.

• Do not eat or drink 10 – 15 minutes before and after food and drink (apart from water).

• Place the remedy under your tongue and leave to dissolve.

• It is important to try and avoid strong flavours such as mint, coffee or toothpaste.  These can interfere with the absorption of the medicine.

• Remedies can be dissolved in pure water and given in liquid form.  Crush two pillules between two teaspoons and dissolve in a glass of water.  Sip when needed

• Use the remedy that best matches the symptoms at the time.  Not every symptom has to be present for the remedy to help.

• During childbirth remedies can be given every 15 minutes if needed.  If no improvement is seen after 3 doses then stop and change to the next best matching remedy.  A 30c or 200c potency is recommended during labour and childbirth.

• When using remedies after the birth take one dose every 1 – 4 hours until discomfort is relieved.  If there is no improvement by the third dose then change to the next best indicated remedy.  Once there is improvement re dose only if the pain returns.

• Storage:  Store remedies in a cool, dark place away from strong smells, essential oils and direct sunlight.

Homeopathic help for breastfeeding challenges:

Homeopathy will greatly help mothers with nursing and breastfeeding difficulties.  These include mastitis, painful sore nipples, reduced milk supply, over abundant milk supply and emotional difficulties breastfeeding and bonding with their babies.

Castor equi

Excellent for cracked and ulcerated nipples.

Lac caninum

Helps to regulate milk supply if there is not enough milk or to regulate it if there is too much.  Especially useful to help ease emotional difficulties if a mother is in conflict with nursing and the sexuality of her breasts.

Phytolacca

For sore, cracked nipples, which hurt when baby nurses.  Also useful for breast infections (mastitis) where there are hard, sore, painful lumps.

Pulsatilla

 If there is an over production of milk or if milk supply is erratic.  The mother may feel very weepy and needs lots of company and reassurance.

Urtica urens

If the milk production is slow to get going or if there is an over or under production.  Can help establish a good milk supply.

Useful links

https://homeopathy-uk.org/homeopath-and-covid-19

https://homeopathy-uk.org/treatment/evidence-for-homeopathy/research-papers/page-1

https://www.homeopathyoz.org/homoeopathy/homoeopathy-in-australia

https://facultyofhomeopathy.org/randomised-controlled-trials/

https://www.homeopathyoz.org/homoeopathy/frequentlyaquestions

https://www.owenhomoeopathics.com.au/

Free information and resources:

https://www.owenhomoeopathics.com.au/free-information/fact-info-sheets/

https://pipermartin.wordpress.com/homeopathic-birth-stories/