How Homeopaths Classify Illness

Homeopaths classify illness as either acute or chronic. An acute illness is one that comes on suddenly and strongly and runs its course naturally, such as a cold, the flu or an injury. The focus of a remedy in this case is to lessen the effect of the illness and make it run its course more quickly. A chronic illness is one that develops over time, is recurrent, and may deepen in the severity of its symptoms over time as the illness progresses. Some examples of chronic illness would be arthritis, lupus or MS. Very generally, it is more common to treat acute illness with lower potencies and chronic illness with higher potencies.

How Remedies are Made 

Homeopathic remedies are made from plant, mineral, or animal extracts in very minute amounts. In their original form, some of the substances may even be poisonous, which is why it is important to stress that the remedies are used in miniscule amounts and are heavily diluted. A mother tincture is made by taking soluble substances like animal or plant extracts and dissolving the raw material in a mixture of alcohol and water, and letting it stand for 2-4 weeks. The mixture is then strained through a press. For non-soluble materials like gold or graphites, the materials must be ground continually until they become soluble and then prepared the same way.

To make the potencies, a mother tincture (full strength) is diluted and succussed (shaken vigorously) according to one of the scales, decimal (x) or centesimal (c). The "x" potency is lower than the "c" potency and the number in front of the x or the c indicates how many times it has been diluted. For example, an arnica 30c has been diluted in a 1/100 ratio and succussed 30 times. Once a remedy has been diluted beyond a 12c, it is unlikely that a molecule of the substance still remains, but rather that the energy of the substance is what produces the healing. The potentized mixture is delivered in either a lactose tablet or liquid form for consumption.

Using Homepathic Remedies At Home

With acute, or shorter term illnesses, it may be more appropriate to self-treat than with more chronic, complex and longer term illnesses. There are certain remedies that are commonly used for first aid such as arnica, hypericum, ledum, calendula, etc. that can be used safely with a basic understanding of homeopathy or with reference to a homeopathic book. Treating colds, sore throats, minor headaches, the flu and other common illnesses is also okay. It is important to look at the specific symptoms you are experiencing and match them to a remedy as closely as possible. This can be done by reference to a book on homeopathy.  Boiron, one of the large manufacturers of homeopathy, now has an app called Boiron Mecidine Finder which can also be very helpful. If you have any doubt, it is wise to consult a homeopath to help you.  

Common Health Issues and How to Address Them With Homeopathy

Injuries/Bruising/Inflammation-Arnica is the classic single remedy for these issues. For something minor and a single occurrence, such as a bump or bruise, a lower potency like a 6C or 9C would be sufficient. For more complicated or repeated issues, with additional symptoms, you would want to go up in potency. For a serious injury, you may even use a 200ck. Traumeel, a combination of 14 different homeopathic remedies, can address all types of injuries and contains remedies that combat inflammation, soft tissue damage, nerve pain, and swelling. Traumeel can be effective for repetitive use strains or injuries but is not the first choice for the initial stage following a major injury (potencies are not high enough).

Cold/Flu-Friends and family that tell me that they have colds or flu lasting a full week and there is no need to suffer for that long. Even homeopathic novices have heard of Oscillococinnum, the primary homeopathic remedy for flu and colds. This remedy, if taken at the onset of symptoms, will significantly speed the healing process. Unlike herbal formulas, it is easy to keep down even when the flu is accompanied by stomach symptoms. It is delivered in lactose tablets that go under the tongue. For more severe flu or one that has progressed beyond initial onset, we have Flu Plus or Flu Guard, both combination remedies. Coldcalm can be used to move through colds quickly.

Anxiety/Calming/Sleep-We have several combination homeopathic remedies for these issues. They are called Calming by Heel, Neurexan by Heel, and Quietude by Boiron. Ask us which formula might be right for you.

Allergies/Sinus-There are multiple solutions for this, depending on your issue. Bio-Allers has combination formulas targeted to specific allergens like Mold/Yeast/Dust, Hay Fever, or Tree Pollens that are great for periodic relief. Adrisin is a formula that works well for allergic reactions accompanied by some kind of skin reaction. Sinusalia is good for sinus pressure, congestion and headache. Sinusin is a nasal spray that is excellent if there is some kind of sinus infection. Allergy Relief by Vogel deals with all kinds of outdoor allergens.

Heartburn Relief-Considering all of the side effects of acid-blocking drugs (such as reduced mineral absorption), using a homeopathic aid could be a real plus. Boiron makes one called Acidil that is great for heartburn.

Menstrual Cramps-3 different remedies combine in a formula called Cyclease Cramps by Boiron to relieve cramps, whether severe or moderate. Cramps are often a signal of the need for magnesium. Boiron also makes Cyclease PMS for mood issues surrounding the menstrual cycle.

Headaches-We offer several headache formulas for minor headaches and even migraines. Hyland's makes one called Migraine Relief that is especially good for those whose migraines are caused by "stuffing" feelings and those that are triggered by weather changes. Heel's Headache II formulas is for severe headaches and migraines, while the Headache formula can be used for minor to moderate headaches.

Arthritis-Heel makes two combination remedies help relieve arthritis. Zeel is particularly good for osteoarthritis and the more complex joints like the shoulder, hip, and knees, while Traumeel works for repetitive use injuries and those characterized by inflammation. Some of our customers combine the two remedies, using Zeel everyday and Traumeel occasionally. Both remedies come in both tablets and a topical cream. The tablets work better for deeper injuries, while the topical is excellent for the small joints. I prefer Traumeel for any injuries where the nerves are involved (spine, fingers, toes) since it contains hypericum. If the injury is serious, however, you may want to take hypericum separately in a higher potency. Both remedies can also be used for pets and many of our customers have found relief for their furry friends with these two formulas.

Dental Work-Two remedies are classic for any work on the teeth; arnica and hypericum. Arnica works on the swelling and bruising, while hypericum relieves the nerve pain that accompanies dental work. Since dental work is usually a one-time event, potencies up to 30C are appropriate. Alternate the two remedies both before and after dental work to minimize pain and swelling.

Leg Cramps/Restless Legs-Hyland's makes a great formula for leg cramps that is well-loved by many of our customers called "Leg Cramps" (creative, huh!). They also have one called Restful Legs for those with restless legs.

As mentioned above, if your illness or injury is complex or serious, or both, please do consult a qualified professional. Because homeopathic remedies are tailored to the way an individual responds to a condition, it is not wise to take recommendations from a friend, unless it is for a very common remedy like arnica.