What is Homeopathy?
Homeopathy is a therapeutic method that uses diluted substances to relieve symptoms. The active ingredients in homeopathic medicines include diluted plants, animals, or minerals that relieve the same symptoms they cause at full strength (i.e., a micro dose of coffee bean helps to relieve nervousness).
Homeopathic medicines have been used for more than 200 years.
They are manufactured in strict accordance with the Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United States (HPUS) and drug Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). Today, homeopathic medicines are used by millions of patients and recommended by healthcare professionals around the world to relieve many acute health conditions such as allergies, coughs, colds, flu, stress, muscle pain, and teething.
Principles of Homeopathy
Homeopathy derives from the Greek words homeo, meaning “similar,” and pathos, meaning “suffering” (such as the pathology of a disease).
Homeopathy operates on a “like cures like” principle that has been used empirically for more than 200 years and is now confirmed by an increasing number of research publications. Translated, this means that a patient suffering from symptoms can be treated by micro-doses of a substance capable of producing similar symptoms in a healthy person.
Homeopathic medicines stimulate the body’s physiological reactions that restore health, with a very low risk of side effects due to the use of micro-doses.
Is there any scientific research on homeopathy?
An increasing number of scientific studies on homeopathic medicines are being conducted and published in peer-review journals. Clinical research is providing evidence of the efficacy of homeopathic medicines, and basic laboratory research confirms the biological activity of highly diluted substances and helps the scientific community better understand their mechanism of action.
Do homeopathic medicines have any side effects?
Homeopathic medicines above 4C have a low risk of side effects and no contraindications. They can be safely taken with other conventional medications and are sometimes recommended to complement other treatments.
Do homeopathic medicines interact with other medications?
Homeopathic medicines above 4C have a low risk of side effects and no contraindications. They can be safely taken with other conventional medications and are sometimes recommended to complement other treatments.
Can I use a homeopathic medicine past its expiration date?
No, we do not recommend taking a Boiron medicine past its expiration date.
Can I overdose on a homeopathic medicine?
Given the small amounts of highly diluted active ingredients, you will not suffer a drug overdose from ingesting an amount of homeopathic medicine larger than the recommended dosage. In dilutions above 4C or 8X, the toxic properties of the original substance have disappeared; the medicine is safe and sold over the counter (OTC).
How are homeopathic medicines presented?
Homeopathic medicines are presented with very clear and specific indications and directions for use. They are available either as single medicines (only one active ingredient) or as branded medicines (most with multiple active ingredients). The branded medicines are available in a variety of dosage forms, such as tablets, gels, ointments, creams, syrups, eye drops, and suppositories. If you are not yet familiar with homeopathic medicines, the branded products make selecting a medicine and treating symptoms very easy, so new users can discover their benefits.
An example of how homeopathic medicines work is the similarity of symptoms between a bee sting and a rash. A bee sting swells and itches. If similar symptoms appear from perhaps hives, a rash, or even another insect bite, the homeopathic medicine most appropriate to treat these symptoms is actually made from a tiny amount of a bee. Instead of masking symptoms, the medicine sends the body a signal to help it rebalance and heal.
Benefits of Homeopathic Medicines
Natural — The active ingredients in homeopathic medicines are diluted plants, animals, and minerals that relieve the same symptoms they cause at full strength (i.e., a micro-dose of coffee beans helps nervousness).
Scope of Use — Similar to other over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, homeopathic medicines can be used to relieve symptoms of a wide range of acute health conditions such as allergies, coughs, colds, flu, stress, arthritis pain, muscle pain, and teething.
Efficacy — Homeopathy has been used for more than 200 years, building a remarkable safety record and generating a great body of knowledge.
Quality-controlled — Homeopathic medicines are manufactured according to the highest standards, complying with specifications of the Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United States (HPUS) and Drug Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
Safe — Homeopathic medicines are one of the safest choices for self-treatment.
– No known side effects such as drowsiness
– No interactions with conventional medications or herbal remedies
– No contraindications with pre-existing conditions
– No masking of symptoms
Forms — Like other OTCs, homeopathic medicines are available in a variety of dosage forms, such as gels, ointments, creams, syrups, eye drops, and suppositories.