[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]If you are new to
homeopathy, it is a concept derived from the Greek words for "like" and "suffering," based on the principle that "like cures like." It was developed in Germany in the late 18th century when a physician named Samuel Hahnemann began to explore the idea that if a substance in large doses causes certain symptoms, in small doses it could potentially cure these same symptoms. Through various experiments on himself, Hahnemann postulated his theory of the “Law of Similars,” or ‘like cures like.’
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), homeopathy has its own diagnostic system for assigning treatments to individuals, approaching clinical patterns of symptoms very differently from conventional medicine, including the “Law of Minimum Dose”—the notion that the lower the dose of the medication, the greater its effectiveness. Homeopathy is also governed by the “Law of Infinitesimals,” which suggests that the more diluted the substance, the more potent it becomes.
What are homeopathic remedies?
Homeopathic remedies are derived from herbs, plants, minerals, crushed insects and other compounds, which are repeatedly diluted, and then shaken vigorously, or "succussed." This process of sequential dilution and succussion is referred to as potentization.
Historically, homeopathic products have been identified through “provings,” in which substances are administered to healthy volunteers in concentrations that cause symptoms. Individuals experiencing that symptom would be treated with a diluted solution made from that substance. Through its doctrine, consultation design, and treatment rituals, homeopathy offers a powerful medium to elicit a placebo response.
Homeopathic potencies are designated by a combination of a number and a letter?for example, 6X or 30C?which refer to the number of dilutions that the tincture has undergone to prepare the remedy. The following glossary can help provide you with more information on the main ingredients used in many homeopathic products, and the issues they have traditionally been used for.
Glossary of Homeopathic Remedies
Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis leaf juice) contains many beneficial compounds, enzymes and vitamins. The juice from this succulent plant is often used for burns from the sun, injuries and minor wounds. Aloe juice also supports healthy digestion and elimination.
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Angelica (Angelica Archangelica) Potency: 89C. Angelica is used in homeopathy in cases of stress or anxiety, and to support women’s menstrual health.
† Supplements and herbal medicine products usually contain the root, seeds, fruits and/or flowers of the plant.
Arnica (Arnica montana) Potency: 30. Bright yellow in color and similar in appearance to the daisy flower, Arnica is a perennial herb that grows in Canada, the U.S., Europe and East Asia. It is a popular homeopathic remedy used topically for muscle aches, inflammation and wounds.
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Burdock root (Arctium lappa) Potency: 12X. Burdock is rich in antioxidants as well as inulin, a prebiotic carbohydrate that supports digestive health. Prebiotics such as inulin are largely indigestible, but they promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract.
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Clary sage (Salvia sclarea) is a flowering herb that’s native to the Mediterranean Basin. The essential oil extracted from the leaves and buds of the plant has a clean, refreshing scent that is often used in homeopathy during periods of stress or anxiety as it is thought to support healthy sleep and normal cortisol levels.
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Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea and Echinacea angustifolia) may help support normal immunity. Echinacea is a common homeopathic remedy to help with cold and flu discomforts.
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German chamomile (Matricaria recutita or Chamomilla recutita) is recommended by homeopathic practitioners for conditions involving redness, swelling and rashes. It is also thought to promote relaxation and support feelings of calm in anxious times.
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Chamomile oil is rich in organic compounds called esters which are comprised of organic angelic and tiglic acids; they make up to 80 percent of the oil. Chamomile oil is commonly used in homeopathy to help manage issues such as
acne, eczema, rashes and scars.†
Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) Potency: 10X. Elderberry is thought to have antipyretic properties, which means it contains compounds that may help with fevers
†. Elderberry preparations have long been used traditionally to help manage symptoms of cold and flu.
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Fenugreek (Trigonella foenumgraecum) Potency: 89C. Also known as Greek Hay, this herb is native to Asia and the Mediterranean. Its leaves are a popular culinary ingredient, eaten fresh or dried. Its seeds, which contain powerful antioxidants, are enjoyed as a spice, and they’re found in nutritional and herbal supplements. Fenugreek seeds are used in homeopathy for metabolic and lactation support.
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Garlic (Allium sativum) Potency: 89C Rich in the enzyme alliinase, garlic is thought to contain a variety of beneficial properties. It is used in homeopathy to support healthy cardiovascular and platelet function, and to support normal blood pressure and cholesterol levels when combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise.
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Ginger (Zingiber officinale) Potency: 89C. A thick, knotted underground stem (or rhizome) of the plant Zingiber officinale, Ginger has a deeply rooted history in Asian, Indian and Arabic cultures as a traditional herbal remedy for digestive support and to help manage nausea.
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Green coffee (Coffea cruda) Potency: 30C. This is coffee in the raw, in the form of unroasted seeds—better known as “beans”—obtained from the inside of berries that grow on the coffee plant. Green coffee beans are rich in phytochemicals, including several different naturally occurring acids. The most abundant type is chlorogenic acid, also found in lesser amounts in black tea and some fruits and vegetables, which is thought to offer a range of health benefits.
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Holy basil (Ocimum) Potency: 89C. Native to India, Holy basil has a long history of use on the traditional Indian medicine system of Ayurveda, where it is referred to as Tulsi, India's "Queen of Herbs." Tulsi is quickly gaining popularity by the scientific community and the general global population. This plant is believed to be an adaptogen, which means it may help people respond more calmly to everyday stressors. Antioxidant-rich Holy basil may also support healthy blood sugar levels.
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Kava (Piper methysticum) Potency: 30C. A pepper plant from the South Pacific, Kava is thought to have beneficial effects on the central nervous system.
† It has been used to promote a state of calm in the face of stress and anxious feelings in the South Pacific Islands since the 17th century.
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Milk thistle (Carduus marianus) Potency: 12C. Native to Europe, Milk thistle was brought to North America by early colonists, and is now found throughout the eastern U.S., California, South America, Africa, Australia and Asia. The above ground parts and seeds have been used in various cultures to support liver health.
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Mustard seed (Thiosinaminum) Potency: 8C. Mustard belongs to the same family of nutrient-rich leafy vegetables as cabbage, broccoli and kale?the cruciferous veggie tribe. Mustard seeds contain important minerals such as copper, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, zinc, manganese and selenium. Beyond culinary value, modern science has now started to recognize the medicinal properties this plant offers.
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Oats(Avena sativa) Potency: 30X. Different parts of Avena sativa offer various benefits, from the seeds to the bran, or outer covering. The seeds are a veritable gold mine of vitamins and minerals. Milky, early harvested seeds are rich in potassium and magnesium, whereas mature seeds feature nutrients such as manganese, zinc, calcium and phosphorus, and vitamins A, B1, B2 and E. Oat bran is well known as being a rich source of soluble fiber, which helps support digestive health and normal elimination.
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Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) Potency: 12C. More commonly known as Valerian root, this perennial plant with dark green leaves and small white, pink and purple flowers is native to Europe and parts of Asia. Its roots—dried, ground and consumed in tea or supplement form—have been used in traditional herbal practices and homeopathy to support calmness and restful sleep naturally.
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Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) Potency: 30C. While there are many species of witch hazel, Hamamelis virginiana—a type of shrub native to North America—is most used medicinally in the U.S. Witch hazel contains many compounds with natural anti-inflammatory properties, including tannins and gallic acid. Most often applied to the skin, witch hazel has been widely used in homeopathy and traditional/folk medicine to help ease inflammation and soothe sensitive or irritated skin.
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While this list does not include every single homeopathic remedy, it does give you a greater familiarity with some of the starring ingredients, many of which have played leading roles in herbal and traditional medicine around the world since the dawn of time.
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