Homeopathy is a system of medicine founded by Samuel Hahnemann late in the 18th century, which operates on the simple principle that “like cures like.” This infers that any substance causing symptoms in healthy individuals can cure similar symptoms in sick people given extreme dilution, a practise better known as potentisation.
Potentisation is the central philosophy of homeopathy; emphasising the whole individual including their emotional and physical well-being rather than the disease alone. While the practise is popular in many parts of the world — particularly in Central Asia and parts of Europe — it’s been a hot-button topic of debate in terms of its scientific credibility for centuries. This post provides a comprehensive introduction to the world of homeopathy.
Core Principles of Homeopathic Medicine
If you’re looking for a homeopathic pharmacy, Australia has the Australian Register of Homoeopaths (ARoH), which sets the standard for registration of homeopathic care providers and goods. As part of the broader category of complementary medicine, homeopathy is fairly well-regarded in the country, but it’s worth noting that it isn’t officially recognised by the Therapeutic Goods Administration as effective for any health condition.
Other than ARoH registration, it’s important to select homeopathic care providers and products that operate on the following core principles:
- Similia similubus curentur i.e. “Like cures like” is a principle suggesting that a substance that can be problematic in large doses can cure its own symptoms in controlled doses. For example, while onion juice can cause watery eyes and burning nostrils, any experienced homeopath will attest that a highly diluted onion solute can effectively treat bouts of hay fever, which presents with the exact same symptoms. While coffee typically functions as a stimulant, a highly diluted form of coffee known as Coffea cruda is a common homeopathic remedy for insomnia.
- Potentisation i.e. the Law of Minimum Dose governs how homeopathic remedies are prepared. This typically involves thorough dilution and vigorous shaking, known as succussion, to the point where very little of the original base ingredient is left in the final medicinal preparation.
- An Individualised, Holistic Approach with an emphasis on treating the whole person rather than simply suppressing the direct symptoms of a given disorder (e.g. acetaminophen for tennis elbow). A homeopath will tend to go beyond physical symptoms, requesting a case history along with details of a patient’s lifestyle and recent emotional health. This allows for a much more comprehensive approach to formulating remedies, taking into account each patient’s unique circumstances.
Controversy Around Homeopathic Care & Methods
The National Health and Medical Research Council has stated in a review that the curative and therapeutic potential of homeopathy lacks robust scientific support, citing a lack of consistent reproducibility in improvement of outcomes. However there’s quite a bit of data to suggest the opposite: in fact, hundreds of published studies have highlighted the efficacy of homeopathic methods and techniques across a range of acute as well as chronic disorders.
A notable Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal meta-analysis of controlled clinical trials from 2003 found that individualised homeopathic treatment was effective in reducing the duration of childhood diarrhoea. A 2005 systematic review by The Norwegian University of Science showed homeopathic treatments were effective in preventing upper respiratory tract infections. The International Journal of High Dilution Research has also archived several published studies demonstrating positive outcomes of homeopathy for a variety of conditions.
Australia’s eminent health authorities and regulators have yet to recognise homeopathy as a valid course of treatment for any disease. However, there’s plenty of anecdotal as well as scientific evidence to suggest its value as part of a broader, complementary health plan alongside conventional medicine.
Homeopathic Products Near Me: How to Find a Pharmacy
For anyone looking for a homeopathic pharmacy in Sydney, Kennedy’s is open six days a week, and stocks a healthy selection of homeopathic preparations ranging from tissue salt blends and Actinobacter baumani to hydrofluoric acid. These remedies can be used or combined to relieve symptoms and conditions including irritable bowel syndrome, dermatitis, and high blood pressure.
Our multilingual staff is professional and sufficiently knowledgeable to make sound recommendations complementing your GP’s advice or prescriptions. When it comes to homeopathy medicine, Sydney has what you’re looking for — provided you select a reputable and discreet pharmacy for your needs!
