Homeopathic medicines are therapeutically active micro-doses of natural substances. Similar to other over-the-counter medicines, they are used to treat acute health conditions such as allergies, coughs, colds, flu, stress, arthritis pain, muscle pain, teething, etc. Considered a mainstream choice in Europe, homeopathic medicines are now being discovered by more and more Americans. Pair the medicine's safety record and tried and true results with the public's demand for "natural" medications and one can see why more people are adding homeopathic medicines to their medicine cabinets every year.
Like other over-the-counter drugs, homeopathic medicines can take many different forms such as tablets, gels, ointments and creams, syrups, eye drops, and suppositories. Traditionally though, homeopathic medicines are in the form of pellets taken sublingually (under the tongue). These pellets typically contain only one active ingredient and can be useful for very specific symptoms. For instance, Allium cepa (or the red onion) relieves symptoms of sneezing and runny nose with clear, watery discharge.
Other homeopathic medicines safely combine several single active ingredients to relieve a variety of symptoms such as those produced by a cold. For instance, Coldcalm, a homeopathic cold medicine, combines nine single medicines including Allium cepa to address symptoms at every stage of the cold--from onset through resolution--such as different types of sneezing, runny noses, nasal congestions and minor sore throat.
Some of the most unique benefits associated with homeopathic medicines have to do with safety. Homeopathic medicines are among the safest choices for self-treatment. They are generally free of side effects. They do not interact with conventional medications or herbal remedies, which allows patients to complement other treatments. And they are not contraindicated with existing conditions, making them safe for even high-risk patients with heart disease or liver problems. These unique safety benefits are valued by many: busy individuals who can't afford to lose personal or professional productivity to drowsiness; seniors on medication; and athletes and fitness buffs who avoid substances that hinder their performance.
Parents especially value the safety benefits of homeopathic medicines. They also find that most homeopathic medicines are extremely easy to dispense. Because most homeopathic medicines are in a base of pellets made of small amounts of lactose and sucrose, parents can easily tell if they have dispensed the right amount of pellets. These pellets are designed to melt under the tongue so children are not required to chew or swallow pills. Best of all, children love the sweet taste as the pellets dissolve under their tongue. For the rare liquid products, parents don't have to worry about dispensing too much if a measured liquid spills while persuading a child to take the medicine since there's no risk of overdose.
Another safety benefit is that homeopathic medicines do not "mask" symptoms. The homeopathic approach of treating illness is based on the understanding that symptoms are an expression of the body's attempt to correct an imbalance. Because they work with the body instead of directly suppressing symptoms, patients, parents, and physicians are able to detect and respond faster should a more serious condition arise.
Consumers also have the assurance that homeopathic medicines have been used successfully for over 200 years. Today, an increasing number of scientific studies on homeopathy are being conducted, and in recent years, more than 150 of these studies have been published in medical journals. Clinical research is providing evidence of the efficacy of homeopathic medicines, and basic laboratory research is confirming the biological activity of highly-diluted substances and helping the scientific community better understand their mechanism of action.
Additionally, homeopathic medicines are regulated as drugs by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and have been since 1938. To be accepted as a homeopathic medicine by the FDA, product ingredients must be identified in the Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United States (HPUS) or generally accepted as homeopathic under the principles of homeopathy. Consumers should look for the acronym "HPUS" on homeopathic medicines as reassurance that the product is manufactured according to the highest standards.
Being regulated as a drug, as opposed to a food or dietary supplement, also ensures consumers that homeopathic medicines adhere to drug labeling specifications. Like packaging for conventional over-the-counter drugs, packaging for homeopathic medicines must state specific diseases, ailments or symptoms for which the product is to be used, the concentration of active substance or substances contained therein, the recommended dosage and the mode of application. These clear specifications make choices easier for consumers.
To find a physician incorporating homeopathy in his/her practice, visit the Web site for the National Center for Homeopathy: www.homeopathic.org.
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