How Do I Select A Homoeo Remedy?
The important part of selecting the correct remedy is to 'match' the symptom picture of the remedy as closely to your own symptoms. Symptom pictures, or descriptions of symptoms take into account the condition of the whole person, not just one symptom. If two remedies seem to be very close and hard to decide between, pick the one that best matches your most annoying symptom.
Potency
Homeopathic remedies are classified into three levels of potencies. X,C and M refer to 10, 100 and 1,000 in terms of the amount of dilution. The confusing and amazing aspect of Homeopathy is that the more a tincture is diluted, the more potent it becomes. So, while a C is more dilute than an X, the C is more potent. The M classification is very potent and is usually prescribed by Homeopathic physicians.
Homeopathic remedies begin with part of the original substance dissolved in alcohol, called the mother tincture. The mother tincture is then diluted many times. After each dilution the solution is shaken or "succussed", this shaking activates the remedy. The solution is then made into pills, powders, tinctures or creams. A 1X potency is created by mixing 1 part of the mother tincture and 9 parts alcohol or distilled water. In each successive number (increasing the potency 2X, 3X, 6X ), 1 part is taken from the previous potency and diluted according to the new potency.
Example: A 3X remedy (10x10x10=1000) has one part of the 2X remedy to 999 parts of alcohol or distilled water.
What does this mean to you when you are trying to select the remedy and potency?
1) The higher the potency (30th potency) the more confident you need to be that you have selected the correct remedy.
2) Use the lower potency (6th potency) when you are uncertain of the remedy.
3) Higher potencies take less doses. Lower potencies take more doses.
4) A general rule is double the C potency number to get the equivalent X potency.
15C = 30X
6C = 12X
How Do I Take A Homeopathic Remedy?
The remedies should be kept in cool, dark place. Be careful not to touch the tablets when taking them, pour the tablets into the cap and then into your mouth. Allowing them to dissolve under your tongue. Always follow the recommend dosage on the packaging.These are only guidelines, not hard and fast rules. Some people feel that these things greatly interfere with the remedy, others do not. It is just a matter of finding out how sensitive you are.
Typically only one remedy is taken at a time. Although when you go to the store to purchase a remedy you will undoubtedly see combinations of remedies, packaged to treat a sore throat, or There are just few guidelines to consider when using Homeopathy. Certain foods, substances or odors are thought to interfere, or antidote the action of the remedy. Garlic, onions and caffeine should be avoided. The use or smell of strong perfumes, eucalyptus, menthol or anything minty, (baking soda can be a good alternative for toothpaste). Also avoid eating anything 15 minutes before or after taking a remedy.
flu. Here again, there seems to be two schools of thought on the subject, and again it is up to you to decide what works best for you.
Homeopathic remedies can be found in most health food stores, and are starting to be carried in regular pharmacies. You can also get them through mail order.
How Do I Know if its Working?
There are several ways the body reacts to homeopathy. 1) Physical symptoms get a little worse, but the mental state improves. Later the physical symptoms improve.
2) Most common reaction is improvement of mental and physical symptoms. Often the improvement is rapid, 20-45min..
3) The patient starts to feel better, then progress seems to level off or decline. If the symptoms are still the same then take another dose of the same remedy.
4) The patient starts to feel better, then progress seems to level off or decline. If the symptoms have changed since the initial remedy, select a new remedy.
5) The patient does not improve, feels worse or the physical symptoms improve but the mental state is worse. These reactions could signal a few things. The incorrect remedy was selected initially. The illness is due more to a constitutional imbalance. Depending on the seriousness of the condition; try selecting a remedy again, or see a doctor.
The rule of thumb is if there is improvement the patient should be left alone. While Homeopathy is safe, over-prescribing can be a problem, as it can confuse the symptom picture. We tend to think; if a little is good - more is better. With Homeopathy a little goes a long way. Be patient, and watch the symptoms.