Homeopathic medicine originated in Germany more than 200 years ago and caught on in the United States in the early 19th century. The medical system is based on the principle of similars, or "like cures like." As it relates to homeopathy, this means a tiny amount of a substance can be used to cure a disease, but a larger dosage of the same substance produces symptoms similar to those of the disease when taken by a healthy person. Homeopathy is used to treat a wide range of conditions, as well as for wellness and prevention.
Effectiveness
Homeopathy is a controversial field because many of its key concepts are not consistent with scientific standards and because little research has been conducted on the safety of treatments. Although some studies have reported positive findings, little evidence exists to support the general effectiveness of the approach, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Consult your physician before beginning a homeopathic approach to treatment.
Wounds
Those who practice this type of medicine believe minor wounds can be treated with homeopathic remedies to reduce pain and speed healing. Serious wounds require a doctor's attention. A wound is a break in body tissue. A break in the skin or mucous membranes is an "open" wound. A "closed" wound is a break that occurs under the skin. There are five types of open wounds: An abrasion is the result of scraping your skin against a rough surface; an incision is a cut from a sharp object; a laceration is the tearing of soft tissue; a puncture occurs when a pointed object, such as a nail, pierces a hole in the skin; and an avulsion is the forcible tearing of tissue resulting from such things as a gunshot wound or animal bite. A bruise and internal bleeding are examples of a closed wound.
Remedies
Aconitum, also known as monkshood or wolf's bane, is a genus of plants belonging to the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae) found in temperate regions of the northern hemisphere. Aconitum napellus and aconitum carmichaeli are used for medicinal purposes. Napellus is more commonly employed. It is a perennial that grows to 3 feet in mountainous regions of central Asia, Russia, Europe and Great Britain. The plant's flowers are dark blue, and its leaves are dark green and glossy.
Ledum is a genus of the Ericaceae family of evergreen shrubs found growing wild in Canada, northern Europe and in the United States as far south as Wisconsin and Pennsylvania. It can grow to a height of 6 feet and is also referred to as wild rosemary or marsh tea. Ledum is said to help treat the pain from wounds as well as the wounds themselves. The plant's leaves -- narrow, dark and with hair on the underside -- are used for healing.
Bryonia is a genus of the Cucurbitaceae family of flowering plants. It is a perennial, climbing vine that bears red or black fruit and has white flowers. Byronia alba and bryonia diocia are the species commonly used in homeopathy. The thick, white root is used in healing.
Considerations
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine reports a 2007 National Health Interview Survey found approximately 3.9 million U.S. adults and 900,000 children practiced homeopathic medicine the previous year.
Homeopathic treatments are not consistent. Considerations for body type, symptoms and health history are made when treating patients, so people with the same condition might be given vastly different treatments.
The 1938 Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act included the Homeopathic Pharmacopeia of the United States, which set guidelines for homeopathic remedies. Homeopathic products are regulated just as non-prescription, over-the-counter medicines are, though they do not undergo the same rigorous testing because they have few or no active ingredients.
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