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Demystifying Homeopathy: Your Path to Natural, Holistic Health

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the endless options in the world of alternative medicine? You want a gentler, more natural medicine approach to your wellness, but the jargon can be confusing. If you have ever stared at a shelf of natural remedies and wondered, "What is homeopathy, and how does homeopathy work?"—you are not alone.



What is Homeopathy?


Homeopathy is a form of natural medicine that has been used throughout the world for over 200 years. Homeopathic remedies are the diluted form of a substance used to trigger a healing response in your body. Because it is your body doing the healing, homeopathy is safe for every stage of life and every level of health. 


So how does homeopathy trigger this healing response? We'll dig more into the science of it later, but let's start with an example. What happens when you come into contact with poison ivy? You get red and itchy, and pretty miserable, but then...your body HEALS, all on its own. Homeopathic remedies harness this very same healing ability by "telling" your body that it is out of balance and giving your immune system a gentle push into action. It does this by using the principle of “like cures like.” That means we choose a remedy made out of a substance that would cause similar symptoms to those you are experiencing.


Back to the poison ivy example, the homeopathic remedy Rhus Tox is made from highly diluted poison ivy. When your body comes in contact this highly diluted form of poison ivy, it acts like a messenger, telling your body what the problem is so that your immune system can begin the proper healing response. Thus, Rhus Tox is great for poison ivy exposures and poison ivy-like rashes, among other symptoms. Another great example is Allium Cepa, made from onions. This remedy works wonders for allergies and colds with watery, burning eyes and drippy noses…just like what you would feel when coming in contact with an onion. When you take a remedy made out of onions, your body gets the memo to deal with whatever is causing that particular type of imbalance.



The History of Homeopathy

Homeopathy was founded in 1796 by German physician Samuel Hahnemann. He started to develop homeopathy after he noticed a pattern throughout the traditional medicines of the world: that many cultures used poisonous substances in small, diluted amounts to heal. Furthermore, larger amounts of these substances would cause very similar symptoms to those that it was treating. For example, the Chinchona bark used in South America to treat malaria would cause malaria-like symptoms when too much was given. But when given in small, diluted amounts (as in quinine), it healed malaria.


Hahnemann expanded on this idea and found that the more things were diluted, the less the negative effect and the deeper the healing properties. Eventually he diluted these substances until technically there was none of the actual substance left, and found the principle still held true. He experimented with hundreds of remedies and did his own blind studies to see how these remedies acted. 


Hand holds dried plant fibers toward a man in a hat inspecting them in a lush forest, with a tree trunk and hanging tool in view

After much success in Germany, the homeopathic practice was brought to the U.S. by physicians like Constantine Hering. By the late 1800s, America had over 20 homeopathic medical schools and thousands of practitioners. Homeopathic schools were the first to allow women to graduate. Homeopathy was widely used by some famous names in our history, including Abraham Lincoln, Florence Nightengale, Herbert Hoover, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Loisa May Elcott, and Susan B Anthony. Pope Leo XIII, the longest living pope in history, depended on homeopathic remedies to manage his chronic respiratory issues.


In the 20th century, with the discovery of germ theory and the invention of pharmaceuticals, many alternative practices were dismissed. Some even say that homeopathy was pushed out by pharmaceutical companies who were trying to capitalize the market. Many homeopathic schools closed and decades of homeopathic success was ignored simply because it could not be explained the science of the day.


Today homeopathy is still widely used around the world, in countries like India, South America, Australia, Switzerland, and Germany.  It is also making a big comeback in the U.S. as people are discovering that pharmaceuticals are not bringing the true healing they are looking for. 


The science behind homeopathy

Even though science has struggled to explain exactly how homeopathy works for the past two centuries, it is now catching up. We can now measure frequencies, see energetic imprints in water, and look at genetic expression and mitochondria. All these advances are bringing us answers to how homeopathy works. It just took a while for science to catch up. 


Herbal remedy flat lay with mortar and pestle, homeopathic remedy pellets, droppers, dried flowers, and herbs on a white table.

One of the biggest arguments against homeopathy centers on the dilution of the remedies. Remedies are diluted to the point that technically none of the original substance is left. This has left many wondering how they can actually they can do anything at all and many have claimed that the success of homeopathy to be only a placebo effect. However, this mystery of homeopathy is now being explained as we learn more about the concept of energy. By energy, we don't mean some kind of woo-woo energy, but the actual energy we can measure coming out of atoms and molecules. Researchers have seen that the energy of a physical substance can remain even when the physical matter is gone. For example, through the work of Veda Austin and Masaru Emoto we see that the energy of a substance can imprint itself in water and remain there when the physical matter is long gone. This means that homeopathic remedies, though lacking in physical healing substance, can still carry the energetic imprint of the healing substance.


Furthermore, scientist are learning that there is much more than the physical and visible at work in our bodies. The energy interacting with and emitting from our body systems is also hugely important. Studies are showing that the invisible frequency and energy of EMFs or emotions have very real physical ramifications. And, in newer in-vitro studies we see that these homeopathic remedies ARE indeed doing something. In one study scientist used pitri dishes with pathogens and introduced appropriate homeopathic remedies to the dish. They saw a significant decrease in the pathogens only in the dishes where the remedy was introduced.



Six petri dishes with varied bacterial colonies on colored agar, showing black, amber, and blue growth patterns.


There have also been several studies showing that homeopathic remedies can change gene expression and mitochondrial behavior. So even if stress, an illness, or unhealthy lifestyle turns on the genetic disposition to a certain disease, homeopathy can reverse it. These studies literally see the physical gene makeup changing after homeopathic care.


You might be asking, what about all the studies that show homeopathy doesn't work? There are plenty of those that are often sited by those who doubt homeopathy. But when you look into them, most are not set up fairly. They set it up exactly as they would when testing a drug, where they give everyone with a certain condition all the exact same remedy, and compare the results with a placebo. Sounds fair...until you learn more about how homeopathy works. In homeopathy there isn't one remedy to match a one condition, such as arthritis. Instead, the remedy needs to match the unique set of symptoms presenting in that particular person (more on that later!). Because of this, twenty different people with arthritis may all need twenty different remedies. No homeopath would ever claim that throwing the same remedy at everyone would bring any sort of pain relief, and in fact would expect such a study to fail. In studies where homeopathic remedies have been given with an individualized approach according to regular homeopathic practice, we see astounding success.


Beyond all the studies and the science, we also have story after story of the profound effects of homeopathy on people's lives. Can the placebo effect make a screaming baby suddenly have complete pain relief during an ear infection? Can the placebo effect lift decades of crippling anxiety? Can the placebo effect make a blistered burn disappear in 24 hours? Or months of bloody diarrhea stop in a week? If so, then I say give me that placebo!



Homeopathy's Unique View on Symptoms

You're probably already getting a hunch that homeopathy is vastly different than allopathic medicine. This holds true in how homeopathy views your symptoms.


In allopathic medicine, symptoms are often viewed as something to get rid of. Stop that heartburn, lower that fever, make the rash go away. In homeopathy, however, we see symptoms completely differently. We see your symptoms as a way that your body is trying to heal or rebalance. They tell us about stressors and triggers. They are an expression of what’s going on inside. For example, when you have a snotty nose, your body is trying to expel the virus. That fever is killing a pathogen. A rash is pushing toxins to the surface. When we unnecessarily stop those symptoms using pharmaceuticals it can stop the body’s defense mechanism and push the problem deeper in.


Young woman in a gray sweater sneezes into her elbow, eyes closed, in warm sunlight indoors.

So what happens if you don't shut up your symptoms, but they still aren't going away on their own? From the homeopathic perspective, chronic cases occur when your immune system isn’t strong enough to clear imbalances and pathogens. So instead of silencing those symptoms, homeopathy gets to the root and helps strengthen the immune response. This will allow your body to address the root cause and clear the symptoms over time.



Another huge difference in how homeopathy views symptoms is that we look at the patient themselves rather than the disease diagnosis. There are dozens of remedies that help with hormonal imbalance, and dozens that will address heartburn. One Noro Virus patient may need the remedy Arsenicum Album, while another may need Phosphorus. We let the details of the symptoms, as well as the triggers and emotional needs of the patient, determine which remedy will bring their unique self back into balance. So while a diagnosis may be helpful in understanding your symptoms, it's not what drives the show in homeopathy.



What to expect with homeopathy

Since homeopathy can feel very different than allopathic medicine, it's helpful to know what to expect before you schedule an appointment. Here's a few things to know:

  1. Homeopathy is an art. In allopathic medicine we're used to taking a med for this symptom and another for that. Working with homeopathy is not so straight forward; it leans on careful noticing and understanding what is happening at the root of your symptoms. Did your illness start after a grief? Are your headaches worse with stress? We give you a remedy that matches your symptoms, your emotional state, and your triggers, and then watch and see how your body reacts. We listen to what your body is telling us. Was that the right remedy? Are you taking it too often? Not often enough? It’s like a dance, where your body leads the way on the path to healing. 


  2. Homeopathy appointments may go deep. Your homeopathy appointments are mostly comprised of us asking questions, like detectives figuring out the best remedy match for your symptoms. And because homeopathy looks for the root of your symptoms, we may ask you some deep questions that don’t seem at all related to your complaints. Questions about emotional triggers, your personality, losses in your life, or your greatest fears. 


    Apothecary-style jars and cloth sachets on a wooden tray, labeled Apis, Arnica, Belladonna, Iodum and others.

  3. Your healing is body-directed. Your body decides what heals first, not your homeopath. Maybe you want your acne to go away, but honestly that isn’t your body’s first priority. Getting you out of an anxious fight-or-flight state is. Or balancing your hormones is. We don’t get to choose which symptom your body will decide to rebalance first, but if you trust the process your body will heal what is most important and eventually get to that acne. 


  4. Healing is not linear. Throughout the process you may see improvements ebb and flow for a bit, but if you're on the correct remedy, the overall trajectory will be better. Another thing you may notice is that your homeopathic remedy triggers a little increase of symptoms as the immune system ramps up, right before you start to see lessening of symptoms. You may also see things like rashes or runny noses, which are the body’s way of releasing toxins or pathogens. Not everyone experiences these things, but you may! It can patience and trust to not react to each up and down, to wait and see the big picture. As we watch how your body responds we will understand even better what your body needs.


  5. Return of old symptoms are possible. In homeopathy we view your health almost like an onion, with layers. Throughout your life, as you face traumas or illnesses, new layers of symptoms are added on, and sometimes they replace the old symptoms. For example, one commonly seen by pediatric doctors is childhood eczema treated with steroids makes the eczema go away but asma appear instead. As we peel off the top layer, your newest symptoms may disappear but then you find that the heart burn you used to have comes back, or your asthma is gone but the eczema returns. This is actually a good sign! It means your body has cleared a layer and an old symptom can be more easily addressed.


  6. You might just need one or two remedies. The best remedy for you is the one that matches the most of your symptoms and your mental and emotional state. So even though you may be on only one or two remedies for a whole year, that doesn’t mean we’re working on only one thing for a year. There is often a wide variety of symptoms we’re addressing at once. Don't underestimate the power of one remedy!


  7. Homeopathy will surprise you. Homeopathy works not just on the physical plain but on the mental/emotional plane. Because of this, clients often discover a deeper rebalancing that they didn’t even know they needed. You could come in for a remedy that addresses your headaches or your gut issues, and find your remedy also lessens your sense of overwhelm or helps you process grief. Maybe you find that you can stand up for yourself more, or be more flexible. Something you didn’t even know was out of balance is suddenly RIGHT and it feels amazing. Sometimes that’s even better than getting rid of those headaches.




How Homeopathy Can Help You

Now that we've learned all about homeopathy, how can homeopathy help YOU? Whether you use it on its own, or alongside other therapies, homeopathy has a lot to offer. It can address illnesses, injuries, mental health issues, trauma, and chronic conditions.


Green infographic listing homeopathy uses for children, gut issues, women’s health, elderly, injuries, mental health, mothers and babies.


Babies and Children

Homeopathy can help with most childhood and baby complaints. It is very effective for teething, colic, constipation, and even excessive clinginess. It can help your children through flus and ear infections, nightmares, and ADHD.


Women's Health

Homeopathy is amazing at balancing hormones, reducing PMS symptoms, addressing PCOS and Fibroids. In pregnancy and motherhood it can help with things like morning sickness, breached babies, milk supply issues, and postpartum depression. It is also an invaluable support for hormonal fluctuations like perimenopause and menopause.


The Elderly 

Homeopathy is a wonderful tool for helping the elderly. It can be used alongside meds, with pacemakers, and is a valuable tool for strengthening their immune system. It can address issues like memory loss, diabetes, arthritis, low energy, surgery recovery, strokes and heart attack prevention and recovery, and end of life comfort.

Elderly man indoors studies a homeopathic remedy bottle and pellet, in a cozy room with floral curtains.

Injuries

Homeopathy also vital when facing injuries. It can be a game changer when it comes to concussions and traumatic brain injuries, and can support the body when healing from broken bones, cuts, and burns and more.



Facing an injury or sickness? Check out our homeopathy hotline for quick help from the comfort of your home!

Gut Issues

Whether you're facing bloating, constipation, IBS, Colitis, parasites, or SIBO, homeopathy can help your gut rebalance and give you relief. We've seen chronic cases of Crone's Disease and Colitis 75% better within a week.


Mental Health

Mental health is an area where homeopathy really shines. It can help relieve symptoms of anxiety, depression, SADS, ADHD, PTSD, Phobias, and OCD. It can also support your body in processing traumas, grief, and abuse that are effecting your health. We've seen countless clients able to slowly wean off anxiety meds, ADHD meds, and find joy in life again.


Emotional Imbalance

Not only does homeopathy help with mental health, it can gently shift emotional non-diagnosable patterns, such as burn out, overwhelm, anger, emotional shut-down, low self esteem, lack of boundaries, self-sabotage, and more.


Mystery Diseases and Non-Curable Symptoms

If the doctors have said they don't know why you have chronic fatigue, or they can't figure out what is causing your pain, give homeopathy a try. Many come to homeopathy as a last resort, and have found relief. Or if you are diagnosed with one of those incurable diseases, like chronic Lyme, PANS/PANDAS, fibromyalgia, or long covid, there is hope for you! Check out Nikita's story below!





Taking your first steps

If you're ready to get started with homeopathy, there's a few ways you can start.

  1. Book a discovery call. If you want to learn more about homeopathy, ask some questions, or get a picture of what homeopathy would look like for YOU, book a 15 minute discovery call.

  2. Use our homeopathy hotline. Our homeopathy hotline is here to help you when you're facing an acute condition. Those are things that are more short-lived, such as an illness, an injury, a teething baby, or poison ivy exposure. We'll respond within 24 hours any weekday to help you figure out the right remedy and find some relief. Learn more here!

  3. Book an intake appointment. If you want to get to the root of an on-going health issue, such as chronic fatigue, body pain, allergies, mental health issues, or hormonal imbalance, this is a great place to start. We'll have you fill out an an-depth intake form and then meet with you to figure out the remedy that matches your unique health picture.



If you're on the fence, we encourage you to dive in. Once you experience the power of homeopath you'll never look back.




Studies + References

Here's a few links if you want to dive deeper into some of the studies supporting homeopathy.

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