I don't want to bore you with the history of the homeopathy, but it is still worth a brief insight:
It was developed by Samuel Hahnemann (1755-1843), a German doctor who became dissatisfied with the medical practices of his time. These included the prescribing of toxic substances like arsenic and lead. While studying the harmful effects of such substances, he discovered that illness could be treated with very small amounts of the substance that, in larger quantities, caused it.
Although the idea that like cures like can be traced back to the Greek physician, Hippocrates (460-377BC), it was Hahnemann who developed it into a system of treatment. Hahnemann spent several years experimenting on himself and a group of volunteers testing a wide range of natural substances, such as plants, minerals and metals. To avoid harmful side effects, he diluted each medicine until he reached the greatest dilution that would still produce a response. These experiments were called provings and are the foundations of homeopathic medicine.
Homeopathy is based on the principle of 'like cures like' also called the 'law of similar'.
Similia similibus curantur = like is cured by like: a disease may be cured by something that can cause similar symptoms
The highest core principle - specifically similar/same to cure with such - means that a substance, which causes certain medical conditions in healthy people, in a homeopathically prepared form in a patient with (if possible) exactly the same medical conditions the effect reversed into the opposite, therefore cures.
If we take the homeopathically potentiated bee venom (Apis) after a bee sting, it removes its sequelae.
Homeopathy is also known as stimulation therapy and that means that the remedy should not suppress symptoms such as sneezing or fever, but give the organism an incentive to activate the body's own self-healing powers - offer him help to help himself, so to speak.
Below are some of the homeopathic remedies with a brief description I am using frequently for ourselves and our furry family. I am going to create later an own post for each remedy.
1. Arnica montana also known as wolf's bane, leopard's bane, mountain tobacco and mountain arnica
Arnica is the one remedy that no home should be without. It is the primary trauma remedy: essential for bruises, blows, falls, and concussions. Arnica has a natural anti-inflammatory action and often prevents the need for further remedies.
It limits bleeding, encourages HEALING and reduces pain and the effects of SHOCK. It can be used in any situation from minor sprains and strains to helping with serious traumatic injuries such as a road accident. It is a good idea to give Arnica a day or two before any planned SURGERY (such as spaying or castration) or dental work and for a day or so afterwards, to help heal the tissues. By doing so you can help reduce the risk of haemorrhage and associated complications and ensure that wounds heal quickly with the minimum of bruising or infection. You can use Arnica for dogs that have been over exercised or are just exhausted. It can assist in recovery from STROKES and help revive newborn puppies or kittens.
2. Arsenicum album (The white oxide of Metallic Arsenic. AS2 O3.)
It is the primary remedy for poisoning of any kind, but especially for food poisoning, or for having eaten something a little "off". Vomiting and diarrhea together often call for Arsenicum. Watery stool, especially with blood, is another indication for this remedy, as are acrid (burning) discharges from the eyes or nose - the kind that take the fur off when you wipe them away. Cats that eat well but vomit within a few minutes often respond to Arsenicum. Cats in an Arsenicum state are usually very chilly, restless, anxious or fearful, and thirsty for frequent, small drinks of water. Of course, this describes many cats in their "normal" state and indeed, Arsenicum is a common feline constitutional remedy. It is also a major "vaccinosis" remedy (one that can relieve symptoms that are commonly attributed to vaccination, such as asthma or irritable bowel syndrome).
For very ill cats who are nearing death, Arsenicum often provides at least temporary relief of discomfort, and may ease their transition as well. Arsenicum in very high potency is sometimes used for euthanasia.
3. Bryonia (white Bryony)
Bryonia acts chiefly on joints and on the chest. It is used for treating ARTHRITIS where the symptoms are better for rest and in cool weather and worse in hot weather and for using the leg. Affected joints are sometimes hot or visibly swollen. Bryonia is also used to help with DRY COUGHS where bouts of coughing are induced by the animal moving around. Other uses for Bryonia include CONSTIPATION (with very dry stools) and IRRITABILITY.
4. Cantharis (poisonous Spanish fly)
Cantharis is a well known remedy for symptomatic relief of CYSTITIS and bladder irritation, where prompt use can bring immediate relief of the main symptoms which include straining to pass urine, frequent urination and sometimes blood in the urine. This is also the remedy for RED, RAW SKIN as is sometimes seen in some forms of ECZEMA and DERMATITIS. It has also traditionally been used for the symptomatic relief of sore burning throats, indigestion and stinging cold sores. Burns, scalds and sunburn may also benefit from this remedy.
5. Euphrasia (Eyebright)
As its name suggests, Euphrasia can help with EYE PROBLEMS predominantly. It is commonly used to help with cases of CONJUNCTIVITIS where the eyes have a sticky yellowish discharge and where they appear sore.
6. Hepar Sulph (Calcium Sulfide)
Hepar sulph is often used for treating infections such as PAINFUL ABSCESSES or infected WOUNDS where there is a discharge of pus. Affected areas are sensitive to the slightest touch. SKIN and EYE INFECTIONS where there is a mucky, foul discharge often respond well.
7. Nux Vomica also known as poison nut, semen strychnos, and quaker buttons
This is a good remedy for vomiting problems. Known in humans as an excellent hangover remedy, it has great application in cats for chronic vomiting and suspected ingestion of foreign objects. It can be used for spasms or cramping, as well as for constipation. It soothes irritated tummies as well as simply irritable cats. Nux vomica is indicated for strengthening WEAK BACK LEGS where there is a tendency to drag the feet and for low grade LOWER BACK PAIN.
8. Pulsatilla (Wind Flower)
FALSE PREGNANCY is one of the principle indications for Pulsatilla where symptoms include nesting, milk production, variable appetite, seeking attention or company and submissive behaviour. I have specifically used it for one of our breeders with a Pyometra. It is cleaning out the Uterus combined with 2 other remedies. Pulsatilla is also used for CATARRH, RHINITIS and SINUSITIS where there is a creamy yellow colour discharge and for DIGESTIVE UPSETS caused by rich, fatty foods.
