The term “homeopathy” is derived from the Greek words homeos, meaning similar, and pathos, meaning disease (pathology). It is a form of medicine established over 200 years ago by Dr. Hahnemann, a German physician, who began to teach that a doctor should see your symptoms not as something that needs to be cured but instead the outward manifestation of your body trying to heal itself. Homeopathy was conceived as a system to help your body cure itself.

Homeopathy is a system of medicine that treats disease by using very minute quantities of a substance that will produce the same symptoms as the disease when given to a healthy individual. The fundamental principle behind homeopathy is “like cures like”. Meaning, that a sick person suffering from symptoms can be treated and cured by administering doses of a substance which produces similar symptoms in a person who is healthy. The human body has an innate ability to heal itself and homeopathy leverages this ability.

Homeopathic remedies are not the same as vitamin or herbal supplements. They are also quite different from pharmaceutical and over the counter drugs. Homeopathic medicines are derived from a variety of plant, mineral and chemical substances. These substances are known as nanoparticles and have very unique properties such as high bio availability, increased rates of absorption, and are strong catalysts for chemical and biochemical reactions in the body, all of which are designed to trigger your body’s innate ability to heal itself.

Oscillococinum, by Boiron, which is commonly found in drug stores and health food markets and is a popular and effective treatment for flu, is an example of a Homeopathic treatment. Boiron offers an entire line of homeopathic remedies for various illnesses. Their remedies can be found in most health food stores and upscale vitamin shops and some pharmacies. In fact they offer an informative guide on their in-store point of purchase displays to help you determine what is the correct homeopathic remedy per your symptoms. This cannot replace the expert advice of a qualified homeopathic or other alternative medicine practitioner but it is helpful for minor ailments.

Millions of people all over the world rely on homeopathy. According to the World Health Organization Homeopathy is the 2nd most commonly used form of alternative medicine.

There are thirteen homeopathic certifications or licenses that a homeopathic practitioner can qualify for. Look for these designations when sourcing a homeopathic provider: CCH, CVH, BHMS, DHANP, DHMS, DHt, DNBHE, FSHom, RSHom, RSHom(NA), HMD, and MD(H).

NaturalMD Search can help you locate a homeopathic provider in your area.