What Is Naturopathic Medicine?

Homeopathy is a modality of medicine that originated in Germany hundreds of years ago. Homeopathic remedies are often presented as pellets, creams, or gels. They are derived from diluted substances such as plants, minerals, and animal products. The substance is diluted hundreds of times so that no substance will be found in that remedy if tested. It is believed that dilution allows for the extraction of the energetic essence of that substance. Homeopathy is based upon what is known as the theory of the “Law of Similar’s.” This is the principle of “like cures,” where an illness can be cured by a substance that produces similar symptoms in otherwise healthy individuals. Think of someone feeling down or angry; they often gravitate towards sad or angry music to feel better. We also see this play out in the conventional world, where a child with ADHD is prescribed a stimulant (Adderall/Ritalin) to calm down. These are examples based upon the Law of Similar’s.

Hundreds of studies show homeopathic medicine is practical. However, the exact mechanism of action has yet to be discovered. This is one of those scenarios where science hasn’t entirely caught up yet. Several theories exist. Physicists acknowledge that everything on Earth vibrates at a specific energetic frequency. One theory is that one’s disease or illness also carries its own frequency. When that disease or illness is matched with a homeopathic remedy of the same frequency, it is believed they cancel each other out. This brings the patient back to their original state of health. For example, when peels an onion, their eyes often burn and itch. One will often experience watery eyes and a runny nose. These are usually the symptoms experienced by those who suffer from seasonal allergies. To address this, the homeopathic remedy of Allium cepa, which is derived from red onions, is often used.

If you are interested in researching the science behind homeopathy, see the studies listed below:

Bell I et al. Improved clinical status in fibromyalgia patients treated with individualized homeopathic remedies versus placebo Rheumatology 2004;43:577–582

Magnani P et al. Dose-effect study of Gelsemium sempervirens in high dilutions on anxiety-related responses in mice Psychopharmacology DOI 10.1007/s00213-010-1855-2

Grimaldi-Bensouda L, Engel P,Massol J, et al. Who seeks primary care for sleep, anxiety, and depressive disorders from physicians prescribing homeopathic and other complementary medicine? Results from the EPI3 population survey. BMJ Open 2012; 2:e001498. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2012-001498

Olioso D, Marzotto M, Bonafini C, Brizzi M, Bellavite P. Arnica montana affects gene expression in a human macrophage cell line. Evaluation by quantitative Real-Time PCR. Homeopathy. 2016 May;105(2):131-47. doi: 10.1016/j.homp.2016.02.001. Epub 2016 Mar 14. PMID: 27211321.

Papp R. et al. Oscillococcinum® in patients with influenza-like syndromes: A placebo-controlled double-blind evaluation. British Homeopathic Journal 1998, 87, 69-76

Homeopathy is highly individualized and tailored to each person. It is widespread for multiple patients with the same disease to be prescribed different homeopathic remedies. Homeopathy is based on the “picture” of one’s disease or illness and not the illness itself. For example, we could infect multiple people with the same common cold virus, and each person may present this cold differently. One may become feverish, hot, and irritable with a pounding headache.

On the other hand, another individual could become cold, sad, and have a sore throat. These are all different ‘pictures’ that can arise from the same virus. So, instead of matching a remedy to a particular virus or illness, we check it based on the exhibited picture. Ideally, the homeopathic remedy that is prescribed will cover all of the physical and mental/emotional symptoms that are present.

An improvement in symptoms will often occur within several hours for acute conditions. For chronic conditions, on the other hand, one will often notice an improvement in symptoms within a week or two. The healing process in chronic conditions is usually gradual and subtle. This is why reviewing your symptoms in detail during every follow-up is critical to evaluate if a change has occurred. With homeopathic treatment, there is a possibility that an incorrect remedy may, at first, be prescribed. It may take some trial. 

And error before discovering the homeopathic remedy that is best for you. However, most patients will at least see a partial improvement in symptoms within the prescribed first or second remedy.

• Migraines/Headaches
• Anxiety
• Social anxiety disorder
• Trauma
• Agoraphobia
• Insomnia
• Grief
• PTSD
• Anorexia/Bulimia
• Bipolar
• Depression
• ADD/ADHD
• PMDD
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
• Arthritis
• Chronic Pain
• Morning Sickness in Pregnancy
• Menopausal symptoms
• Endometriosis
• PCOS
• PMS
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Multiple sclerosis
• SALE
• Hashimoto’s/Graves disease
• Crohn’s
• Ulcerative colitis

Don’t see your condition listed above? Contact Dr. Mykayla Werner at mykayla@infinitehw.com to see if homeopathy suits you!

Homeopathic medicine is gentle, safe, and effective. It does not interact with any medications or supplements. Homeopathy is non-addictive and does not create any side effects. However, certain risks may occur upon starting homeopathic treatment. 

One risk is that of experiencing an aggravation (worsening of symptoms). This is where your symptoms may become worse before they improve. This is similar to what others call a 'healing crisis.' An example of this may occur in someone sick with a fever. This individual may take a homeopathic remedy, temporarily worsening their fever before it breaks and resolves altogether. Although it is a risk, knowing that not everyone will experience an aggravation is essential. If it does occur, it is typically seen within the first week of treatment and may last 24-48 hours. If this is a concern, dosing strategies are available to help mitigate this response.

A tiny percentage of the population (roughly 1%) are sensitive to homeopathic medicine. In these cases, adjustments in the frequency of dosing will be required. If you suspect you may be a part of that population, strategies are available to mitigate your response. Upon starting homeopathic treatment, there is also a risk of having a return of old and forgotten symptoms. For example, let's say that you used to experience eczema as a child. You begin homeopathic treatment and notice that while your chief concerns are improving, your eczema is coming back. Although it may be bothersome, this is a great sign your body is healing at an energetic level, back to when you first experienced that symptom!

Most remedies are inexpensive and cost between 10-15 dollars. They can be found conveniently at most health food stores or on our FullScript website, as a single vial typically lasts 1-2 months.

Yes, homeopathy is well-documented to be gentle, safe, and effective in those who are pregnant and breastfeeding. It is so secure; we can also give it to children and animals. Homeopathy differs from traditional medicine in that one could accidentally consume an entire remedy bottle, and no ill or dangerous effects will occur.

Is Homeopathy Safe in Children?

Absolutely! Children and babies, in particular, tend to respond quicker and more effectively to homeopathic treatment than adults. How or why this is is still being determined, but several theories exist. One theory is that their 'vital force' is more potent than adults and, as such, can heal and recover faster.

Yes, homeopathy works well alongside most other medications. Once established on the correct homeopathic remedy, certain patients can wean off or discontinue certain medications altogether. Please note this varies on a case-by-case basis. Homeopathy cannot be used to replace certain life-saving medications. Working with your healthcare provider before implementing any changes in your medication routine is essential. For those with more complex or severe cases, I often recommend the use of both homeopathy and medications. Utilizing homeopathy can help keep one's medication stable and at the lowest, effective dose possible.

When I Google Homeopathy, Why Do People Say It's Not Effective or "Quack" Medicine?

Homeopathy has a poor reputation in America's scientific community. This is due to a need for more understanding of how it works. When we study homeopathy, we have to understand that it is prescribed on an individualized basis. In traditional medicine, we use one specific medication for an illness. Homeopathy, on the other hand, is different in that there are hundreds of possible remedies that one could use for a particular type of illness. Again, this is prescribed based on the 'picture' of the illness that is presented instead of the disease itself.

The gold standard of studies in the scientific community is called double-blind, randomized, controlled trials. This is where one homeopathic remedy is prescribed to multiple patients with the same illness. However, this sets homeopathy up for failure because an experienced homeopath must specify a remedy individually. When these factors are considered, homeopathic medicine performs very well in studies. Many are performed in Europe due to a lack of funding in the U.S.

Homeopathy is used widely across Asia and Europe with great success. It was discovered in Germany and is popular amongst European countries, such as France, England, and Germany. The Queen of England is known to have her royal homeopathic physician. Homeopathic trainings are even recognized and included in medical schools throughout Switzerland, Sweden, and Finland, some of the world's healthiest countries!

Check out the links below for further information:

https://www.hri-research.org/resources/essentialevidence/use-of-homeopathy-across-the-world/

https://homeopathyeurope.org/homeopathy-in-practice/f-a-q/

https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/complementary-therapies_swiss-to-recognise-homeopathy-as-legitimate-medicine/42053830

https://www.boironusa.com/about-us/research-studies/