1. Homeopaths and Doctors Working Together
Homeopaths have used small doses of animal, plant and mineral products since the early 19th century to prevent and treat illness and disease, yet the general population continues to question the value of taking homeopathic medicines. Are they safe and effective? Although homeopaths and conventional doctors may have had opposing views in the past as how to best treat a patient, they now recognize the importance of the cooperative use of both conventional medicine and homeopathic remedies. Like doctors, homeopaths evaluate a patient's complete medical history, including dietary, sleep and behavioral habits, before prescribing a remedy.
2. In Sickness and Health
Homeopathic medicine aims to treat the underlying disease, not just its symptoms, through total body rehabilitation. Homeopaths can help patients who are experiencing both long and short-term symptoms of diseases such as asthma, digestive disorders, stress, fatigue, skin conditions and more. Because homeopaths value the body in sickness and in health, they consider homeopathic treatment to be ongoing and encourage patients to visit even when they don't show symptoms of disease.
3. Start Small and Adjust
Homeopaths prescribe homeopathic remedies in small dosages as both a precautionary measure and to evaluate the side effects. Not all patients benefit from the same amount of medication, so starting out with a low-dose remedy gives the homeopath the opportunity to measure the patient's response to the medication and then adjust it accordingly. As a patient, you should always seek the advice of a trained homeopath before starting a homeopathic remedy. Skilled homeopaths go through extensive training in learning how to evaluate patients through case studies, determine the toxicology of medication and diagnose disease.
4. One Remedy at a Time
Homeopaths prescribe remedies as pills, powders, liquids and ointments. It's common for patients to notice an aggravation in symptoms when beginning a homeopathic remedy, which is normal and a sign the medication is working. You should stop taking the homeopathic remedy once the symptoms disappear and resume the treatment only if you experience the same symptoms. To be safe, you should not take more than one remedy at the same time. Always consult your doctor for severe medical disorders.
5. Store Bought Remedies
Homeopathic medicines found on store shelves are actually combination pills; in other words, they are a mixture of several homeopathic remedies that best treat a particular ailment. For example, if a consumer purchases a store bought homeopathic remedy to use as a sleep aid, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers it safe and effective. To get maximum benefits, however, a patient should consult a trained homeopath to review his medical history and receive a remedy specific to his ailment.
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