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Frequently Asked Questions Q: What is homeopathy?
Homeopathy (from the Greek homeo - similar, and pathos – suffering) is a safe and effective system of
natural holistic medicine used by millions of people worldwide for more than 200 years. It promotes self-
healing and restores the natural balance of the body. Homeopathy is based on the Law of Similars, “Like-
Cures-Like”, which means that if substances can cause symptoms of the disease in a healthy person,
then it can cure a sick person, suffering from similar symptoms. The knowledge that Like can be treated
with Like can be traced back to Hypocrites times and it was developed into the usable practice by Samuel
Hahnemann (1755-1843). Hahnemann conceived of the "Law of Similars", otherwise known as "like
cures like" (Latin: similia similibus curentur) as a fundamental healing principle. He believed that by
inducing a disease through the use of drugs, the artificial symptoms empowered the vital force to
neutralize and expel the original disease and that this artificial disturbance would naturally subside when
the dosing ceased. Everyone knows, that cutting an onion can cause watery eyes and burning nasal
discharges. In homeopathy Allium Cepa ( a remedy made from an onion) is often used to treat hay fever
and the common cold. Hahnemann observed from his experiments with cinchona bark, used as a
treatment for malaria, that the effects he experienced from ingesting the bark were similar to the
symptoms of malaria. Through further experiments with other substances, he therefore reasoned that
cure proceeds through similarity, and that treatments must be able to produce symptoms in healthy
individuals similar to those of the disease being treated.
Q: What are homeopathic remedies?
The science and art of Homeopathy is a natural approach with medicine which addresses a persons
unique pattern of symptoms i.e., headache, stomach problems, low energy, respiratory, colds, flu,
allergies, back pain, PMS, etc.... No matter what symptoms the individual person may have, they are very
important, because it is the organism's method of adapting to the various internal or external stresses of
life. Homeopathy is a form of alternative medicine that treats a disease with heavily diluted preparations
created from substances that would ordinarily cause effects similar to the disease's symptoms. As first
expounded by German physician Samuel Hahnemann in 1796, homeopathic preparations are serially
diluted, with shaking ("potentizing") after each step, under the belief that this increases the effect of the
treatment. This dilution often continues until no molecules of the original substance remain. Within the
Homeopathic approach is a deep respect for the body's wisdom to move toward healing itself.
Homeopathy is a method that considers the individuals symptoms and gives natural substance in
minute amounts to stimulate the body's own immune and defense system to initiate the healing process
while regulating the individual's symptoms. Every Nova Homeopathic Remedy is formulated to offer relief
from related symptoms as a single remedy. When the symptoms exceed the indications of one complex
remedy, you may combine, if necessary, two or more complex remedies to address all symptoms.
Q: Are homeopathic remedies safe?
Yes, they are safe, non-toxic and non-addictive and could even be taken by pregnant women and children.
Homeopathic remedies are FDA approved medicines, prepared by the guidelines of Homeopathic
Pharmacopoeia of the United States in homeopathic pharmacies. The remedies are prepared from all
natural substances of a plant, mineral or animal kingdom.
Q: How does the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulate homeopathic remedies?
Because of their long use in the United States, the U.S. Congress passed a law in 1938 declaring that
homeopathic remedies are to be regulated by the FDA in the same manner as nonprescription, over-the-
counter (OTC) drugs, which means that they can be purchased without a physician's prescription. Today,
although conventional prescription drugs and new OTC drugs must undergo thorough testing and review
by the FDA for safety and effectiveness before they can be sold, this requirement does not apply to
homeopathic remedies. Remedies are required to meet certain legal standards for strength, quality,
purity, and packaging. In 1988, the FDA required that all homeopathic remedies list the indications for
their use (i.e., the medical problems to be treated) on the label. The FDA also requires the label to list
ingredients, dilutions, and instructions for safe use. The guidelines for homeopathic remedies are found
in an official guide, The Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United States, which is authored by a
nongovernmental, nonprofit organization of industry representatives and homeopathic experts. The
Pharmacopoeia also includes provisions for testing new remedies and verifying their clinical
effectiveness. Remedies on the market before 1962 have been accepted into the Homeopathic
Pharmacopoeia of the United States based on historical use, rather than scientific evidence from clinical
trials.
Q: Have any side effects or complications been reported from the use of homeopathy?
The FDA has learned of a few reports of illness associated with the use of homeopathic remedies.
However, the FDA reviewed these reports and decided that the remedies were not likely to be the cause,
because of the high dilutions.
Homeopathic medicines in high dilutions, taken under the supervision of trained professionals, are considered safe and unlikely to cause severe adverse reactions. Some patients have reported feeling worse for a brief period of time after starting the use of homeopathic remedies. Homeopaths interpret this as the body temporarily stimulating symptoms while it makes an effort to restore health. Liquid homeopathic remedies can contain alcohol and are permitted to have higher levels of alcohol than conventional drugs for adults. This may be of concern to some consumers. However, no adverse effects from the alcohol levels have been reported either to the FDA or in the scientific literature. Homeopathic remedies are not known to interfere with conventional drugs; however, if you are considering using homeopathic remedies, you should discuss this with your health care provider. As with all medicinal products, a person taking a homeopathic remedy is advised to contact their health care provider if his symptoms continue unimproved for more than 5 days. And as with any medicine, keep the remedy out of the reach of children. Q: What is the difference between homeopathy and conventional medicine?
Homeopathy eliminates the ailment while synthetic drugs suppress the symptoms. Long-term
suppression of the body's symptoms can evoke other ailments, which require additional
pharmaceuticals to balance the side effects caused by the original prescription drugs. “Similar”
principals form the basis of conventional allergy treatment, where the allergic substance is given in small
doses, and in vaccines where an impotent form of the virus is given to bolster the immune system
against that particular virus. Homoeopathy treats the patient who is diseased, whereas conventional
medicine treats the disease and not the individual. Homeopathy considers that disturbance of a life force
and a vital energy of the body causes disturbance of the whole organism. By using individualized
approach to each patient, homeopathy offers long lasting results, treating the disease from its roots,
removing the underlying cause and offering permanent cure. Conventional medicine on the other hand,
does not differentiate from person to person, and controls the illness through regular use of medical
substances to treat the symptom. If the medication is withdrawn, however, the person returns to illness.
Q: Why use Homeopathics?
Homeopathy is extremely effective. When the correct remedy is taken, results can be rapid, complete and
permanent. Homeopathy is completely safe. Even babies and pregnant women can use Homeopathy
without the danger of side effects. Homeopathic remedies can also be taken alongside other medication
without producing unwanted side effects. Homeopathy is natural. Homeopathic remedies are normally
based on natural ingredients. Homeopathy works in harmony with your immune system, unlike some
conventional medicines which suppress the immune system. (For example, cough medicines suppress
the cough reflex, which is your body's attempt to clear the lungs) Homeopathy is holistic. It treats all the
symptoms as one, which in practical terms means that it addresses the cause, not the symptoms. This
often means that symptoms tackled with Homeopathy do not recur.
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