What is Homeopathy and Guidelines for Safe Use

What is homeopathy?

Many browse the internet and natural food store aisles looking for that special something to ease a concern or condition.

Homeopathy is a popular concept and can be an effective complementary alternative medicine (CAM). It can be used alone and to support traditional medical treatment and other alternative medicine modalities.

We’ll explore the basics of homeopathy and some guidelines for safe use.

Homeopathy or homeopathic medicine was introduced in the late 1700’s by Dr. Samuel Hahnemann, a German physician.

In a nutshell, this treatment is based upon 2 theoretical principles. The first, “like cures like”, means that a condition can be treated with minute doses of a substance that causes the same symptoms in other healthy individuals.

The second is the “law of minimum dose” meaning that the lower the dose, the stronger the remedy.

For example, a homeopathic remedy for a grass pollen allergy would contain a calculated low concentration of grass pollen to minimize the potential for a reaction but enough to stimulate the body’s healing response.

Homeopathic remedies are made from natural sources. Ingredients can be plants, minerals, and animals. Application methods vary and include topicals (crèmes, lotions, etc.), sub-lingual pellets placed under the tongue, tablets, or liquid drops (Langevin & Shurtleff, 2021).

Where to find homeopathic remedies.

Homeopathic products can be created by a qualified homeopathic practitioner or purchased over the counter (OTC) at local pharmacies, retail, big box, health/natural food stores, and on-line.

Before purchasing any product, it’s important to know how it works and what’s in it.

It’s best to purchase products from reputable manufacturers with high standards using GMP (good manufacturing practices) and quality, measured ingredients.

They may be a bit pricier, but we get what we pay for, and this holds true here.

There are A LOT of unsafe products marketed to consumers by profit driven companies, so be careful.

How can we use homeopathic remedies safely?

Here are some important things to know and consider with homeopathic remedies whether custom made or over the counter (OTC).

1. Ask a medical care provider or local pharmacist for recommendations if needed before trying a new OTC homeopathic product.
2. Read about and research all products before using.
3. Use products only as directed. Read and follow the directions, warnings, special considerations, contraindications (reason not to use), and dosing.
4. Keep in mind that taking more than directed or mega-dosing isn’t a good choice. Many have been harmed by this practice.
5. As with anything, understand what the remedy can and cannot do.
6. Pay close attention to your body’s response and continue or not as indicated. Report concerns or unusual effects.
7. For complex conditions, consult a qualified, experienced homeopathic practitioner who will work closely with your medical provider(s).
8. The homeopathic practitioner should be aware of your medical information including supplements and medications to create the safest and best possible plan/remedy to address your specific needs.
9. Keep the medical provider(s) responsible for your care aware of any homeopathic treatment(s) to lessen the potential for ill effects or drug interactions.
10. Keep all providers in the loop so they can work together and collaborate.
11. Always check the expiration dates of homeopathic products.
12. Keep in mind that once opened many OTC homeopathic products have a very limited shelf life. Some products may expire within as little as 2 weeks after opening. Dating an opened bottle helps keep track.
13. For a customized product’s expiration date, ask your homeopathic practitioner.
14. Check with a pediatrician before administering OTC homeopathic products to children. Many have helpful child safe product suggestions. They also need to be kept in the loop and should be aware of changing conditions.
15. Please do not change a medication or treatment regimen on your own. Seek the advisement of a qualified practitioner as this needs to be monitored.
16. Those with pre-existing chronic conditions, pregnant, lactating, the young or very old should take special care. Some homeopathic remedies are contraindicated or not recommended to be used with certain ages or conditions.
17. Lastly, please do not replace or postpone seeing a qualified medical provider if the concern is new, progressing, or related to an existing condition no matter the age.

How to find a certified homeopath.

Finding a homeopathic practitioner with the training and expertise to create safe and effective customized products will involve some time and research.

Sometimes word of mouth from a trusted source provides a great connection to a reputable practitioner.

Here are some links to free directories that may be helpful for finding registered homeopaths in your area.

Click here for NASH (North American Society of Homeopaths).

Click here for the National Center for Homeopathy.

How are homeopathic OTC products monitored?

The (NCCIH) National Center for Complimentary and Integrative Health notes conflicting views on the effectiveness and safe use of homeopathic products.

Concerns that the quality, strength, and ingredients contained in some products may actually or potentially cause side effects and/or drug interactions have been also been noted.

As with any marketed product, maintaining safety, quality, and establishing standards is important.

In 2016–2017, guidelines were established by the FTC (U.S. Federal Trade Commission) and the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) regarding OTC (over the counter ) homeopathic products.

Companies were required to provide evidence based support of a homeopathic product’s health claims and certain products, applications, and curative claims would be monitored and investigated (Langevin & Shurtleff, 2021).

Although this is comforting, we know that sometimes policies are not as effective as intended.

Things can fall between the cracks or lie in those “gray” areas. It’s always important to research each product and purchase only high quality, reputable, proven and true, homeopathic OTC products.

Here’s how I was introduced to homeopathy.

When you don’t feel well, life becomes more difficult and the search for wellness becomes a motivating force.

I was first introduced to the homeopathic world many years ago. After completing a course of antibiotics for chronic Lyme disease with my medical practitioner, I continued to experience brain fog, fatigue, and body aches.

Wanting to have better days and avoid medications, I began researching alternative medicine options.

My search led me to a gifted naturopath renowned for his customized formulations and effective results.

The homeopathic drops I received were designed to address my specific wellness needs and involved several formulations taken at different times throughout the day.

Additional lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, meditation, and supplements) supported my healing process.

In my case, adding homeopathy to my traditional medical treatment was life changing.

Homeopathy may or not be your cup of tea. Whatever you do decide to experience on your wellness journey, please take the time needed to do so safely.

Click here for a list of my favorite reputable on-line retailers. Many on the list sell homeopathic products.

I hope this information was helpful. Please feel free to share and pass the word to others. If you have questions, or comments, please reach out. I would love to hear from you.

Wishing your continued health and wellness.

Kimberly I

Updated December 2023 by Kimberly Iacoponi

The information provided is not approved or intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease or illness, suggest a specific treatment, or be used for the replacement or substitution of treatment by a qualified medical professional. It is for educational purposes only.

Sources

Langevin, H.M. & Shurtleff, D. (Updated 2021, April) Homeopathy: What You Need to Know. National Center for Complimentary and Integrative Health. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/homeopathy

Ehrlich, S.D. (Reviewed 2015). What is Homeopathy. Mount Sinai. https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/treatment/homeopathy