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Ancient Wisdom

Drops, gels, tablets, before meals after meals, five drops every two hours or three drops every hour?? Exploring the world of homeopathy can be an education unto itself. The selections and possibilities are endless. Children's cough and bronchial syrup, sugar free, no artificial flavoring or coloring!! "Califora" - Calendula gel a homeopathic for cuts, sunburn. (Which by the way is excellent and works quickly). Sore throat remedy for relief of sore, dry or burning throat. But of course, every household should not be without- "arniflora" an arnica gel that relieves pain, swelling, and stiffness! Choices!!

One of the most beneficial aspects of using homeopathic remedies is the user must take the time to assess their symptoms and get involved in their own health care or work in a partnership with a homeopathic practitioner who will take time to assess the best formula for the best results. It is a process that involves individualized medicine.

Let's again join Dr Kathleen Jones D.C., N.M.D, a homeopathic practioner, as she continues sharing her expertise with us.

Last week we discussed the history of homeopathy and how to use them properly. Today we will discuss the specific uses of remedies, the more commonly used ones, and how they can be of benefit to us all.

When choosing a remedy, you must list all of your symptoms. Knowing the whole symptom picture is fundamental to finding the correct homeopathic medicine. If you have a complicated history or disease pattern you must seek medical advice from a qualified practitioner. If your symptoms are simple and fairly recent, you may be able to explore homeopathic remedies on your own. There are many possibilities when considering which remedies to choose.

Several reference books are a must if you are unsure of which remedy will work. A " Materia Medica" lists all the remedies and the symptoms associated with their use. The reperatory has headings related to particular problems and lists possible remedies. You choose the remedy that most closely matches your symptom list. It is rarely a perfect match, because there are so many symptoms listed.

When visiting a classical homeopath, the patient would be interviewed for three to four hours to discuss all the associated symptoms and then the doctor would review her books and come up with one specific remedy. When the correct remedy is chosen, great cures will be possible. However, this is time consuming, so some shortcuts were developed to help the process. Most modern homeopaths now mix several remedies together to create a blended medicine that will meet the patient's needs.

Some of the more commonly used homeopathic medicines are:

ACONITE
Used for sudden, intense, acute symptoms such as first stage cold or flu or for sudden fright or shock.

ARNICA
Reduces swelling of blood vessels, inflammation of muscles and nerves, shock, and tension. A wonderful remedy for injuries, falls, and surgery -reduces pain and swelling quickly. Works for those toddlers who fall and have a lot of bumps and bruises.

ARSENICUM ALBUM
Combats anxiety and lack of energy. Great for those who overextend themselves.

BELLADONNA
Symptoms usually related to children who have a sudden, acute, strong and rapid onset of an illness. Usually there is heat and burning sensation associated with the face or neck.

BRYONIA
Very powerful for lung conditions.

CHAMOMILLA
Great calming remedy used for children who are teething or irritable. Must be used frequently to work effectively when teething pain is present. Used to aid in sleep and stress reduction.

NAT MUR
Helps with circulation of fluids in the body. Great for pre-menstrual bloating.

NUX VOMICA
Usually for adults only, it reduces nausea and vomiting. Works to aid irritability and improve moods!

SULPHUR
A very healing and cleansing remedy for the entire body, helps in long-term and chronic illness.

There are many more remedies available. By their nature, remedies that can cure in very dilute (homeopathic) form may cause illness in large doses. Use only correctly prepared homeopathic remedies. Seek medical advice for any symptoms or conditions that persist or become serious.

With a little study, homeopathic medicine can be a safe and effective way to help the body find natural balance and health. It works.

Thanks to Dr. Jones we can begin trying and using homeopathic remedies.

It is time for us to be very concerned about our increased use and abuse of pharmaceutical drugs. The side effects of drugs are just starting to surface. This is a great time for the study and use of homeopathic remedies. Homeopathy has the opportunity to become an important part of our American healthcare system. Columbus, by the way, has a well-grounded and well-established community of practioners and users of homeopathic medicine. If you are looking for progressive solutions to your health care and health problems turn to practioners who specialize in individualized health care - who specialize in you!! Write us at Alive - Healing for a list of homeopathic practitioners.

Today, in an effort towards quality personal health we often seek ancient wisdom. Homeopathy is an ancient wisdom that is a gift.

May the long time sun shine upon you!

Mary Jo Ruggieri

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