HOMEOPATHY
Homeopathy is a branch of medicine that is based on the principle, Law of Similars,  that is  ‘like cures like’. It means when any substance in a larger dose causes the symptoms, the same substance in smaller dose cures the same symptoms. Homeopathy helps to build the natural tendency to the body to heal itself.

History and Discovery of Homeopathy
The German physician, Dr Samuel Hahnemann (1755-1843) is the founder of Homeopathy. Dr. Hahnemann started his own medical practice after graduating from the medical school in 1779. During that time, the physicians use to give harsh medical treatments like bloodletting, use of leeches, extensive use of mercury and sulphur, and many more. Dr Hahnemann was not satisfied by this way of treating the patients and so he decided to stop his medical practice and began translating the books to earn some income. When he was translating the book he came across the article where a healthy person took the large quantity of cinchona bark and he developed the symptoms that is similar to malaria and same medicine is given to cure malaria. Hahnemann was not convinced with this statement and decided to repeat the same experiment on himself. So he took the cinchona and note down the symptoms and to his surprise the symptoms were same as of malaria. Hence he concluded that cinchona cures malaria because it produces the same symptoms when taken in large doses by healthy person. And here comes the Law of Similars. In the same way Hahnemann decided to experiment on himself and discovered new remedies.

How Homeopathic remedy works on human body?
Homeopathy remedies are prepared from plants, animal products and minerals. The homeopathic medicines are made in liquid form called as ‘mother tinctures’ and liquid dilutions. This liquid is diluted in the smallest part as homeopathy believes the more the medicine is diluted the more curative power the medicine possess.
This homeopathic remedies help to stimulate our defense system and build the natural tendency to heal and fight against the diseases. Homeopathy is based on individualization. It means homeopathy believes that every person is different and so the diseases even though they look similar for others. Hence homeopathic treatment takes mental, emotional and physical complaints into consideration in order to achieve the complete cure. For ex- if two people suffering from same symptoms of cough and fever both of them will require the different remedy based on the their individualization. Hence when correct homeopathic medicine is prescribed the disease is cured from the root as mental, physical and emotional problems are taken into consideration.

Homeopathic Consultation
Homeopath will need to know a person in detail in order to prescribe the correct remedy. As a result you will see homeopaths asking questions regarding your sleep, dreams, appetite, food habits, mental stress, and your general nature. Usually the detailed case taking takes 1-2 hours and based on that the homeopath can come to a conclusion. The patients should not hide anything from the homeopath because that will misguide him and cannot prescribe the proper remedy. During the follow up patient must note down or keep in mind the changes that he noticed in his health after the medication. Follow up doesn’t take more than 20 to 30 minutes.

How to take the homeopathy medicines?
Homeopathic medicines are given in small pellets or pills form. Homeopaths usually advise you to dissolve certain number pills under your tongue and refrain taking any food or water 30 minutes before and after the medicine. These medicines are kept under the tongue because the tongue has many nerve endings and the medicinal effects are seen immediately. You need to avoid strong coffee, tea, raw ginger, raw onions, lemon and mint as they may interfere with the medicines.

How does the prescribed remedy affect your body?
Usually after taking the medicine patient may feel the symptoms are getting worse but not to worry as this is the good sign. It means the prescribed medicine is correct and surely you will be getting better. But if you don’t feel worse it doesn’t always mean that medicine is not correct. It may be because the medicinal dose and potency is perfect not too high or too low. The symptoms get worse for a shorter period of time sometimes it is not noticeable too.
Homeopathy believes in minimum dose of medicine as a result the side effects are not seen. These medicines can be given to infants and even pregnant women.
The cure depends on the severity and the time period patient suffering from. Every individual needs the different time to cure. But never try to self – medicate that may worsen your problem. Always consult the knowledgeable homeopath.