Homeopathy and its applications

Many people have become more cautious in their use of medicines. They long for well-tolerated medicine with few side effects. Some of them therefore swear by homeopathic remedies. They are particularly suitable for self-treatment, as they are easy and safe to use. In addition, the preparations can be used for both acute and chronic diseases.

The German physician and chemist Dr. Samuel Hahnemann (*1755) was dissatisfied with the art of healing of his time. Therefore, he developed a new treatment approach according to the principle: "similar things should be cured by similar things". In the test phase, he had healthy persons take various herbal, mineral and animal substances in small amounts. From the symptoms that subsequently appeared, he deduced for which diseases the substance could be used. He produced medicines for sick people whose ingredients would cause similar symptoms in a healthy person. Interestingly, Dr. Hahnemann observed that the effect of his preparations was stronger and occurred more quickly the more diluted the substance was.

Aconitum is the first remedy for sudden onset of infections, rising fever with chills, and discomfort caused by drafts. Belladonna is used for acute sore throat and earache and high fever. Apis mellifica is used for a stinging sore throat with difficulty swallowing, Arnica or Eupatorium perfolatium for aching limbs. Echinacea has proven itself in homeopathy for a general increase in the immune system.

Nausea, stomach ache and belching after heavy meals or messy eating are treated with Pulsatilla or Nux vom ica. Those who get diarrhea during a long-distance trip because they cannot tolerate the food or have upset stomachs take Okoubaka. For constipation, Bryonia or Alumina are indicated. Vomiting diarrhea is often treated with Arsenicum album or Veratrum album .

Gloomy mood? Homeopathic remedies can also be used in emotionally stressful situations and depressive moods. They are intended to restore mental balance and improve general well-being. Many people use homeopathic remedies for job-related stress, mental exhaustion, dejection, inner turmoil, mood swings, sadness or guilt. However, homeopathic remedies cannot correct the cause of the problem. Therefore, serious depression requires medical and psychological care.

The potency indicates the degree of dilution of the starting substance. There are D, C, M and Q potencies. In self-treatment, D and C potencies are mostly used. In D potencies, the substance is first diluted 1:10 with a solution and shaken. This produces a D1 potency. This is diluted again with 10 units of the solution to produce a D2 potency. This procedure is continued until the desired potency is obtained (often D6 or D12). For the C potencies, the dilution steps are much more severe. For a C1 potency, the substance is mixed with the solution in a 1:99 ratio.

For disorders at the superficial level (for example, a cold), low potencies, such as D6 or D12, are suitable. For deeper problems (for example, chronic diseases), highly diluted substances are used, such as C30 potencies.

Homeopathic remedies are available as drops, tablets, powder or globules (small scattering balls). Drops contain alcohol and therefore should not be used in children. Tablets should be avoided by people with lactose intolerance, as they contain lactose. Globules are among the most popular dosage forms. For self-treatment, the use of D6 potencies and D12 potencies has proven effective. Higher potencies should be taken only after consultation with a doctor. This is because the effectiveness of the appropriate remedy also depends on the choice of potency level and frequency of use.

For self-medication, the following applies: the more acute the disease or symptom, the more frequently it should be taken. If the symptoms worsen after the first dose, the remedy is discontinued until they subside. Infants receive one-third, infants up to 6 years of age half, and children between 6 and 12 years of age two-thirds of the adult dose.

• Low potencies (up to D10/C10): For acute complaints, take 5 globules every half to full hour until improvement occurs (but no more than 6 times daily). Thereafter, and in chronic diseases, take 5 globules 1 - 3 times daily.
• Medium potencies (up to D29/C29): 1 - 2 x 5 globules daily.
• High potencies (from D30/C30): Only a single dose of 5 globules required.

For drops the same dosage applies as for globules, for tablets 1 - 2 pieces per administration. Since the substance is already absorbed by the oral mucosa, it should be kept in the mouth for a few minutes if possible (let it melt on or under the tongue). If you take several preparations at the same time, make sure that they are at least 15 minutes apart. In order not to influence the effect by other substances, they should not be taken directly after meals or after brushing teeth. Smoking can also weaken the effect.

Homeopathy is particularly suitable for self-treatment due to its simple application with few side effects. Even though critics repeatedly emphasize that the effectiveness of the preparations has not been scientifically proven, the number of homeopathy fans is increasing. In addition, more and more health insurance companies are covering the costs of homeopathic medicines, also because they are often cheaper than other medicines.