Last Updated on March 9, 2021 by Filip Poutintsev
Homeopathy is a form of medication or health care that embraces a natural method of treatment in which remedies found naturally are diluted to treat various diseases. It is founded on the principle “like cures like”, which means that it allows the body to naturally restore and cure itself without a heavy dose of medication.
Homeopathy medication is considered to be a holistic approach as it doesn’t solely focus on curing diseases, it treats each patient uniquely and considers that healing the whole body- their mind, body and spirit is the most effective form of treatment.
Its remedies are known to be cruelty-free and environmentally friendly and it’s rare for it to cause side effects, making it safe for everyone whether it be an infant or a pregnant woman.
However, the downside of this unique therapeutic process is that there’s no proper scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness. Some even consider this a practice of quackery. Is it effective to follow this treatment?
Does it actually cure disease? Or does it aggravate your immune system instead? If you’re considering practising this approach, it’s better to first know its advantages and disadvantages.
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History of Homeopathy Medication
Homeopathy medicine is formed of devised and introduced by a German physicist, Samuel Hahnemann (1755-1843). Hahnemann graduated in 1779 in medicine and chemistry and continued working as a doctor in the 18th century.
His disillusionment towards the common medical practices, where purging, bloodletting and prescribing a heavy dose of chemical toxins such as arsenic and lead were common, lead to the birth of the concept of homeopathy medicine. He claimed that the high amount of drugs aggravate the illness.
When Hahnemann stopped working as a doctor and began translating medical texts, he began translating William Cullen’s Materia Medica into German. It influenced him to provide health treatment following the principles of “Similars”.
During his translating projects, he was intrigued by South American tree-bark (cinchona) which was used to treat malaria. He asserted that the efficacy of the bark was for other factors. He ingested the bark and concluded that it was efficient since it produced symptoms similar to the disease.
Hahnemann spends 6 years experimenting on himself using the principles of “cures” and “similar”. In 1976, he shared his experience in his journal, Hufeland’s Journal.
In the present, homeopaths receive criticism and opposition from scientists. Thus, over the years, its popularity took a sharp decline. Majority of people trust common medical practices. However, it doesn’t mean that the practice of homeopathy has stopped. The demand for homeopathy practitioners are high and there are people devoted to this exercise.
Pros of Homeopathy Medication
1. Safe and Riskfree
Homeopathy medication is 100% safe. It uses medicine from natural resources such as herbs and spices, reducing the risk of side effects. Anyone can follow this medication whether it is a pregnant woman, infant or an elderly person without concerning about its safety. This treatment uses minerals that are extremely diluted and can be taken with other conventional medication if needed.
2. No Withdrawal Symptom
With homeopathy medicine, the chances of you facing withdrawal symptom is less than when you take normal medicine. It works on eliminating the root cause of the disease and addresses the diseases rather than just its symptoms.
3. It doesn’t Suppress the Immune System
One of the issue while taking conventional medicine is that it can suppress the body’s immune defence. For example, when you take cough syrup it suppresses your cough reflex in order to heal you. But homeopathy medicine takes a unique natural approach preventing any of this.
4. Easy to Take
One of the main concern for parents, while their children are under medication, is trying to convince them to take the medicine. Since many are reluctant and refuse to take the tablets or compounds. Homeopathic medicine makes it easier for both the parents and the children as it’s available in sweet droplets, powders or tiny tablet which is easier to consume.
5. Remedy for Every Disease
Lastly, another advantage homeopathy medication brings, is that every disease has a remedy as it is treated uniquely. Thus, even if no medical term or treatment exists, the certain remedy is wisely chosen only for you. And carefully following it as prescribed ensures healing of your body over time.
Cons of Homeopathy Medication
1. Availability
The problem with homeopathy medication is that medicine might not be available in the drugstore all the time when needed. Since all the remedies are natural and are not commonly used, it might be difficult to get the correct remedy during emergency cases.
2. Prescribing Remedy Takes Longer
Figuring out the correct remedy when there are thousands of options isn’t easy, it takes proper skill and dedication. Physicians have to formulate and decide medication that matches with the symptoms of the patient. So, this means that the patients will have to wait longer, which maybe even up to weeks.
3. Lack of Physicians
This holistic approach is still new to many. The demand for homeopathy practitioners are high but only a few experts are available. This is problematic as people won’t consult professionals and start to use homeopathic treatment themselves. They might consume the wrong dose of medicine and worsen their health conditions.
4. Lack of scientific evidence
One of the main concerns regarding homeopathy medication is that there’s no proper scientific study or research to prove the effectiveness and safety of this approach.
Scientists oppose this concept and oppositions claim it to be ‘childish’ and even ‘barbaric’. Most of the drugstores don’t even support and advertise this medication. Proper studies need to be conducted to encourage more people to follow this process.
Conclusion
On one hand, homeopathy medication is a natural approach which is environment friendly, cheaper and has no side effects. It’s safe for any age group and can be taken with other conventional medicine. However, on the other hand, there’s no scientific evidence to prove it’s effective and whether it brings positive results or not.
There’s a high risk that instead of curing, it can pose danger to your life. Thus, if you ever intend to try this treatment, you should first seek advice from professionals and experts in this field.
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