Homeopathic medicine is based on the principle that "like cures like." To stimulate the body's defenses, homeopaths treat symptoms by prescribing minute amounts of a substance that--in larger doses--would cause the same symptoms in a healthy person. Homeopathic remedies contain various herbal, mineral and animal elements that have been highly diluted. The National Institutes of Health recognizes homeopathy as generally safe, if remedies are properly prepared and used under the supervision of a trained professional. However, you should consult your doctor before using homeopathic remedies.
Iris Versicolor
Homeopathic iris versicolor is made from the roots of the iris plant. Roots are gathered in the summer, when herbalists believe them to be most powerful. They are then distilled in alcohol and water to make a mother tincture, which is successively diluted to create the homeopathic remedy. Iris versicolor has a long history of herbal medicinal use, beginning with the Native Americans, who employed it to treat stomach complaints, wounds, and colds. Homeopaths suggest using iris versicolor for headaches--especially migraines accompanied by digestive symptoms--as well as diarrhea and cholera. Homeopaths take personality traits into account when prescribing remedies; according to Herbs 2000, a person who often feels restless and discouraged is a good candidate for iris versicolor. Check with your doctor before taking iris versicolor.
Allium cepa
Homeopathic allium cepa is made from the bulb of the onion plant. Onion has been used for centuries in herbal medicine for its decongestant, diuretic and antiseptic properties. Beneforce.com notes that onions were hung outside houses in the Middle Ages to ward off the plague. A homeopath is likely to prescribe allium cepa for coughs, colds and hay fever, especially where watery eyes and a runny nose are present. A patient experiencing temporary irritability and melancholy due to illness may benefit from allium cepa. If a patient feels worse in stuffy, warm rooms but better when exposed to fresh open air, this is another indication for allium cepa. Before taking allium cepa, consult your physician.
Sarsaparilla
Homeopathic sarsaparilla is made from the root of the Jamaican sarsaparilla plant, a perennial vine indigenous to Costa Rica and other parts of Central America. According to Beneforce.com, sarsaparilla--botanically known as Smilax officinalis--was used in 17th century Europe for skin disorders and rheumatism. Homeopaths value it for treating cystitis and urinary tract infections. If the patient is depressed, this is another indication for sarsaparilla. If symptoms worsen with exposure to cold and wet weather, and with drinking coffee or tea, but improve if the patient urinates standing up, it is even more likely that a homeopath will recommend sarsaparilla. Get the OK from your doctor before taking homeopathic sarsaparilla.
Thuja
Homeopathic thuja is made from the fresh leaves and young shoots of the yellow cedar tree, and is a popular homeopathic remedy for warts, shingles, corns and age spots. Elixirs.com recommends thuja for ear, foot, skin and nail fungus, and notes that homeopaths also prescribe thuja for headache, especially those where the pain is more intense on the left side. If the pain is intense and piercing at the forehead and temples, or if vertigo or nausea is associated with the headache, it is even more likely that a homeopath will prescribe thuja. According to Beneforce.com, people who might benefit from thuja tend to be restless sleepers, and are easily offended. Ask a medical professional before you take thuja.
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