Homeopathy

The Law of Similars

The cure for a particular disease is achieved through the use of substances that, when administered to a healthy person, produce the similar symptoms as those of the disease. The medicines used are given in small doses and made in a particular way. The original substance is diluted to reduce side effects and to cause no harm and it is potentised to enhance the healing effect of its original substance.

For example, when slicing onion most people develop watery eyes and a runny nose. If these symptoms occur during an episode of hay fever, a dose of Allium cepa, the homeopathic preparation of red onion, will relieve them. What the onion can produce in the healthy, it will treat in the unwell.

Sometimes the law of similar can be seen in conventional medical use. For example, Dextroamphetamine and Methylphenidate (or Ritalin) are both stimulants of the central nervous system but both are the main treatments for hyperactivity disorders.

This principle was formulated by Hahnemann with the Latin slogan ‘simila similibus curentur’. Similars are cured with similars. Hahnemann believed this to be one of the fundamental laws of cure. The idea had first been mentioned by Hippocrates, then by Paracelsus, and later by others.

‘The minimum dose’ principle

The medicines used are given in small doses and made in a particular way. The original substance is diluted to reduce side effects and to cause no harm and it is potentised to enhance the healing effect of its original substance. Only enough is administered to initiate the healing process.

About

• Homoeopathic remedies are made from naturally occurring substances, mainly from the plant (e.g. Arnica Montana), animal (Sepia –ink of cuttlefish) and mineral (e.g. Phosphorus) kingdoms.
• They are prepared by systematic dilution and succession (vigorous shaking).
• The more a remedy is diluted and succussed, the higher its potency.
• They are safe to use as they rarely cause side-effects.
• This means when used under appropriate guidance they can be taken by people of all ages, including babies, children and pregnant or breastfeeding women.

How to take Homeopathic Medicines

• Homoeopathic remedies can be prescribed as powders, granules, pills, tablets, drops.
• Remedies are absorbed through the lining of the mouth. There should not be a strong taste in the mouth when a remedy is taken. Therefore, remedies should be taken at least 10-20 minutes away from eating, drinking, smoking or cleaning teeth.
• Pills and tablets are just dissolved slowly in the mouth. For smaller children or babies granules or pills can be crushed with a spoon and possibly dissolved in a drop of water.
• Do not touch the pills, as they can be antidoted by something you’ve touched earlier. First, pour them into the cap and from the cap into your mouth and under your tongue.
• Drops should be held in the mouth for 10 seconds before swallowing to ensure absorption.
• Homoeopathic medicines should be stored in a dry, cool place away from sunlight, electric appliances or strong smelling substances.
• High intake of coffee and exposure to very strong essential oils, such as Camphora or Eucalyptus, might interfere with the action of homoeopathic remedies. Therefore, moderate or only little coffee consumption and no exposure to Camphora or Eucalyptus are advisable during homoeopathic treatment.
• In an acute case, such as an injury, take the remedy immediately no matter when you have eaten.