How to Take Homeopathic Medicines

Treating allergies, fighting depression, healing injuries and boosting the immune system are the goals of homeopathy, a type of alternative medicine. Pioneered in India and utilized for thousands of years, homeopathic medicines have been a part of human culture since prehistoric times. Using available herbs, ancient humans strove to fight off common ailments and allergies to improve their health and longevity.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer with Internet access
• Time to allow homeopathic medicines to be integrated into the body and to stimulate your natural defenses

Take Homeopathic Medicines Effectively

1. Think of homeopathic medicines as you would any doctor-prescribed or over-the-counter medication. These inexpensive medicines are intended to fight specific conditions and can do so when taken as directed. Learn more about homeopathic medicines at the National Center for Homeopathy Web site (see Resources below).
2. Stick to a routine. Take your homeopathic medicines at the same time every day. This is essential to maximize their effectiveness.
3. Read directions and warning labels carefully.
4. Drink lots of water with homeopathic medicines, unless otherwise directed.
5. Read all available literature on the homeopathic medicines you are taking. You need to be intimately familiar with the condition you are trying to treat and the effectiveness of the treatment you are utilizing.
6. Consult a homeopathic practitioner in your area who has experience treating your particular condition. This is a great resource for understanding the course of treatment and any possible side effects. Find out whether there are any combinations of herbal medicines, prescription medications or foods that should be avoided.
7. Tell your doctor what you are doing. Homeopathy is best used as a complement to traditional medicine, not as a substitute.
8. Take all medicines until they are completely gone, even if you feel better.
9. Stop taking homeopathic medicines and seek medical treatment if your condition does not improve or symptoms persist.

Tips & Warnings

• Homeopathic medicines promote healing by mimicking symptoms of a disease. They 'trick' the body into producing its natural disease-fighters. Do not be alarmed if symptoms linger, or even increase initially, as the body needs time to muster its disease-fighting forces.
• The United States government and governing medical organizations do not license homeopathic practitioners. Consult a doctor for an accurate medical diagnosis and stop taking homeopathic medicines if your condition worsens.
• Acute symptoms such as vomiting, chest pain or blood in the stool should only be treated by a physician or emergency room technician.
• Before you start any alternative medical technique, be aware that many have not been scientifically evaluated. Often, only limited information is available about their safety and effectiveness. Each state and each discipline has its own rules about how alternative medicine practitioners can be professionally licensed. If you decide to visit one, choose one licensed by a recognized national organization. Consult your primary healthcare provider about your decision first. Keep your doctor informed about the alternative medical technique you undertake.