What is homeopathy?
In 1796, Samuel Hahnemann , founder of homeopathy, evoked the principle of similarity by which he explained that “what makes one sick in a heavy dose can be cured in a small dose”.
Homeopathy (natural medicine) is a therapeutic method based on this principle of similarity. “Homeopathic remedies” are prepared with successive dilutions of an active substance called “strain”. Homeopathic strains can come from the mineral, plant and animal kingdoms.
Homeopathy is also based on the principle of individualization, it is a holistic approach to the individual. Thus, homeopathy is a treatment with an infinitesimal dose coming from a mineral, plant or animal strain, potentially pathological in a heavy dose. It is important to keep in mind that homeopathy is not an exact science.
It is based on principles set out in the 18th century, but nothing has been scientifically proven and validated to date regarding this treatment.
What are alternative medicines?
So-called alternative medicine concerns unconventional medicine. There are 4 main areas of alternative medicine, but in reality, we can vary around twenty unconventional medicines.- Homeopathic medicine is one of alternative medicines.
- Ayurvedic medicine is a traditional medicine, using plants and energetic beliefs, commonly used in India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.
- Traditional Chinese medicine which uses numerous therapeutic methods based on the overall energy of the individual. There we find acupuncture, Tui Na massages, Tai Ji Quan, etc.
- And finally, traditional European Naturopathy , used for over 2500 years.
Other medicines are qualified as alternative medicine, this is the case of osteopathy, often wrongly confused with physiotherapy which is conventional medicine. Chiropractic, which studies the biomechanics of the human body in the same way as osteopathy, is also an alternative medicine.
What is the difference between homeopathy and herbal medicine?
Homeopathy is a natural medicine , just like herbal medicine . Both have been used for centuries. They are called “soft” medicine because they help the body to regain a state of balance in a natural and progressive way. However, they have a different therapeutic approach.
Indeed, herbal medicine seeks to target the disease to resolve it while homeopathy focuses on the patient . On the other hand, as explained earlier, homeopathy uses the mineral and plant kingdom as well as the animal kingdom . However, herbal medicine only uses the plant kingdom , medicinal plants .
Phytotherapy, in addition to being based on ancestral and traditional preparations, is based on a real scientific approach. She studies plant active ingredients as well as the functioning of the plant as a whole in order to reap all the benefits. In addition, the quantities used in herbal medicine are much higher than those in homeopathy.
Homeopathic treatment is not the same as herbal treatments.
Herbal medicine can be used in the form of capsules, powder, dried plants, herbal tea or infusion for example. It is available in pharmacies, herbalists, in the food supplement industry or even in the garden of those with a green thumb!
Homeopathy comes in the form of granules similar to small sweet balls or in liquid format with dropper consumption.
And finally, homeopathy is generally consumed in the evening before bedtime while herbal medicine is consumed at different times of the day depending on the plants used and the desired effects (sleep, vitality, stress, cognitive function).
What is the difference between a homeopath and a naturopath?
Both the homeopath and the naturopath have a holistic approach to humans .
The naturopath takes care of both the dietary plan and the lifestyle of the individual. It analyzes humans in their environment in the broad sense. It uses natural products, preferably organic (from organic farming) in order to strengthen the immune system and bring the body to a state of balance.
The homeopath uses homeopathic medicines in the form of granules or in liquid format designed from natural sources (mineral, plant and animal) to treat the patient in infinitesimal doses. He does not take care of the patient's lifestyle or diet.
Who can take homeopathy?
In France, the doctor, the pharmacist and even the midwife (since October 2011) can prescribe or recommend homeopathic medicines. Homeopathy being a natural medicine, it is simpler to follow in treatment. Anyone can be prescribed homeopathy as a natural medicine. This alternative medicine is risk-free and suitable for both pregnant women and young children.
Indeed, homeopathy is often used by mothers to supplement their children's allopathic treatments. This population is very limited in terms of medication, so homeopathy is a real advantage for them.
Homeopathy, a safe and effective alternative medicine?
Among allopathic treatments , there can be a very long list of side effects or contraindications. In addition, pregnant and breastfeeding women, as well as young children, find it very difficult to treat themselves with allopathic medicines offered on the market.
As mentioned earlier, there are no adverse effects of homeopathy, which is why everyone can consume it. This is therefore a real advantage for the most fragile patients.
However, this natural medicine is widely used for prevention of ailments rather than for cure. There are no studies demonstrating significant effects of homeopathy to treat a pathology. This medicine, based on successive and very numerous dilutions, results in a finished product containing no visible or identifiable active ingredient in analysis. This is why science has great difficulty justifying the beneficial effects of homeopathy.
Which medicine to choose?
It is important to take the patient, the individual, the human, as a whole. There is no miracle medicine that can cure or prevent all illnesses. Everything lies in the environmental and physiological balance of Man.
If you are unsure which discipline to choose, talk to your doctor first. He or she will be able to direct you to the therapist best suited to your needs, whether you are a man or a woman of any age.
But above all, take care of your health! Take care of yourself and those around you!
