Resolve Health Niggles with Homeopathy
How to use homeopathic remedies to boost well-being
Homeopathy is an energy-based healing system that works by stimulating the body’s innate self-healing abilities. It operates on the principle of ‘like cures like,’ considering all aspects of an individual’s physical, mental and emotional health.
This holistic approach aims to uncover the root cause of illness and addresses it directly. Even when symptoms are physical, homeopathy delves into emotional states, recognising that they often play a role in overall health.
In my practice, I frequently encounter cases where seemingly straightforward ailments reveal deeper underlying issues. There is often more to a stomach-ache in a child or IBS in a business man than meets the eye.
Let’s explore how you can use homeopathy to resolve health niggles and boost your well-being, and learn how I used homeopathy to address night terrors and compulsive behaviour in a four-year-old.
What can homeopathy be used for?
Homeopathy can be used for almost any physical or emotional complaint, including:
- IBS
- OCD
- Nervous tics
- Re-occurring colds
- Depression
- Constipation
- Fevers
- Chronic Fatigue
- Grief
- Eczema
- Stress
- Long covid
- School phobia
- Tooth abscess
- Acne
- Asthma
- Sleep difficulties
- PTSD
What is a homeopathic remedy?
Homeopathic remedies are derived from various sources in nature, including plants, minerals, and even animals. Arnica, a beloved remedy, comes from a plant in the daisy family and is commonly used to address bumps and bruises as a first-aid solution.
Minerals like Silica are adept at expelling foreign objects from the body, such as splinters, while Phosphorus can provide relief for anxiety and childhood fears, especially those related to the dark and imagined creatures lurking beneath beds. Lachesis, sourced from snake venom, proves effective in treating throat conditions like tonsillitis.
Let’s not forget Sepia, derived from Cuttlefish ink, a personal favourite of mine. It was the first remedy I ever received, and it remains a staple in my practice, often prescribed for fatigued mothers experiencing the strains of motherhood.
Remedy types and potencies
Homeopathic remedies come in various forms, including pills, powders and liquids, with the most common being small round pilules made of sucrose or lactose. While single remedies are frequently purchased and prescribed, combination remedies tailored for specific conditions like stress or insomnia are also available. Homeopathy kits are popular among those who self-prescribe.
These remedies are offered in different potencies or strengths, with common options in the UK being 6c or 30c (although potency usage varies by country). Professional homeopaths may prescribe higher potencies like 200c, 1M, 10M and 50M.
Where to buy homeopathic remedies
You can source homeopathic remedies from health food shops, homeopaths or specialised homeopathic pharmacies like Helios, Ainsworth or Nelsons, all of which are based in the UK.
Constitutional prescriptions vs self-prescribing
Regular use of homeopathy aims to enhance the overall constitution or vital force (vitality), promoting a better balance both physically and emotionally. This balanced state boosts immunity and facilitates the management of life’s stresses. Homeopathy can be easily self-prescribed for at-home use for minor ailments and first aid situations. To get started, all you need is a homeopathy kit, a guidebook and an introductory homeopathy course.
Constitutional prescriptions are personalised treatment plans addressing an individual’s unique physical, mental and emotional traits. You can obtain constitutional prescriptions by consulting a professional homeopath. Constitutional homeopathic remedies target the root cause of health issues by considering overall constitution and vital force.
Homeopathy success story
In a recent case, a 4-year-old boy presented with night terrors, waking up every night screaming and highly agitated. His mother found it difficult to comfort him, resorting to simply lying beside him until he gradually calmed down, which sometimes took a while. He displayed OCD tendencies, such as meticulously lining up his toy trains and insisting that his food not touch on his plate during meals. His repetitive gestures further indicated his struggle with compulsive behaviour. His mother, understandably concerned, also noted his frequent illnesses, marked by recurring coughs and colds.
The child, appearing calm and gentle, preferred the comfort of home. He faced occasional constipation and had a robust, “Buddha baby” physique. After a prescription of Calc Carb 200c once weekly for a month, his mother noticed immediate improvements following the initial dose. His nighttime screaming ceased, and he began sleeping soundly through the night. His OCD tendencies gradually diminished, and by the second follow-up, his mother joyfully reported his remarkable progress: ‘He is thriving! His health has significantly improved – no more colds, no more bouts of feeling run down. His sleep is restful, and he’s even showing more openness to trying new foods!’ It is cases like this that make me love homeopathy even more!
To learn more about the wonders of homeopathy, take a look at CNM’s short course Homeopathy for Everyday Living and in-depth Homeopathy Diploma training.
Written by Zoe Scanlan (SDS Hom), CNM’s Homeopathy Director