When you go to a drug store like CVS, Walgreens, or even Target, to buy some medicine to cure a cough or stuffy nose, do you know what you’re consuming? Do you know how it’s helping you? Well I asked myself this question on multiple occasions and started to do some research on the subject because, over the years, I’ve noticed that taking medicine makes me feel better almost immediately, but it elongates the time it takes to actually cure my cold. So I went out looking for another solution, a preventative measure to avoid a cold versus curing one after I catch it. I discovered this system called homeopathy.
http://www.prideangel.com/p136/fertility-pregnancy/Homeopathy.aspx
Homeopathy, or homeopathic medicine, is a type of alternative medication (NCCAM). The use of homeopathic remedies to cure sicknesses, from the common cold to fatal diseases, is a controversial issue because most of the proof supporting it is circumstantial. There are claims that homeopathic medicine has a wide range of uses, including relieving physical pain, clearing up acne, and even curing asthma as well as a variety of allergies.
For further research, I attended a workshop specifically explaining the brand called Sprayology, which is a more modernized take on old homeopathic remedies. This brand focuses on a range of remedies from helping cure allergies to fixing an alcohol-induced hangover. The Sprayology website states, in explaining the concept of homeopathy, “It is based on the premise that certain natural substances are able to stimulate the body’s own healing mechanisms, allowing the body to heal itself.” One of the Sprayology representatives used an example to help clarify what homeopathy does; she explained that it’s like giving someone onions repetitively until the onions no longer make their eyes water.
In summary, concept of homeopathy is similar to that of vaccines. A chicken pox vaccine, for example, uses the virus that causes chicken pox in a small dose so the body learns how to fight it; therefore, preparing the body against the virus if it comes again. With both homeopathy and vaccinations, like cures like. Although these two scientific methods are very similar in concept and ideology, vaccinations are more commonly known and more widely accepted. Vaccines are required by schools and as precautions before traveling to certain countries. So why isn’t homeopathy required or recommended? The reason it’s not a required treatment is because it still cannot be scientifically proven to work consistently or as effectively as it claims.
So, at this workshop, out of experimental curiosity, I purchased four homeopathic sprays, each tailored to help a different cause. I used them all as recommended to see for myself whether or not homeopathy worked for me. I’ll get into the details of my experiment’s results in my next blog post, but as a sneak preview, I’ve concluded that some homeopathic remedies actually do work.
Isabella-
In the beginning, I too was extremely skeptical in regards to homeopathy. I didn’t quite believe it until I tried it. I’m still unsure about some of the strong claims you referred to, like curing asthma or allergies, but I do think that some remedies do indeed work. I appreciate your input, if you would like to read more about why I believe homeopathy works, you can read the results of my experiments.
Ann-
Thanks so much for the information on alternate home remedies for colds, it’s really helpful. Like your friend, I’m also against the use of pain relief drugs and I love experimenting with herbs and curing teas as well. I posted my experimental results and I hope you find them interesting and helpful if you’re thinking of looking into homeopathic treatments.
Kaitlin-
I think it’s great that home remedies worked for you in clearing up your acne. I’m curious though as to what exactly these remedies were. Did you ingest it like medicine or was it more of a cream that had direct contact with your skin? Are you still taking them or did they have a lasting effect do to the temporary treatment? Also, if you’re interested, posted the second part of my blog with the experiment’s details.
I’m not completely against natural remedies in lieu of drug treatments, but I have to be a bit skeptical when it comes to homeopathy. In the US, homeopathic remedies are permitted to make pretty strong claims on their labels (unlike herbs and other supplements) without much backing. Homeopathic sugar pills are almost pure sugar and the dilution of the actual remedy is so small it’s not widely accepted in the scientific community as being effective (although it may provide a placebo effect)
http://www.med.nyu.edu/content?ChunkIID=38314
That’s so cool you’re doing your own experiment on yourself! I hope all goes well! But besides that, I have a friend that is very against common pain relief drugs such as Advil or Tylenol. She has recommended to me several times the use of different herbs and oils to soothe common cold issues. She also claims different types of teas will clear her sinuses due to the different spices that are in it. She is one of the healthiest people I know…its very impressive. Keep us posted on how these home treatments go I’m so excited! Oh and here are some other home remedies for cold related problems: http://everydayroots.com/headache-remedies
I love the fact that you are looking into homeopathy! In 8th grade I began to experience really bad acne and went to the dermatologist. After 3 years of taking medicine and using topical creams, my skin was only getting worse so my mom and I sought out other ways to get rid of the acne. I went to a woman who specialized in natural and “home remedies” to cure acne. After about 6 months of seeing her my face began to clear up and today I’m virtually acne free. I can’t wait to hear what your results are with this experiment!