FAQS

How Does Homeopathy Work (Mechanism of Action)?

Research over the past several decades has produced several plausible theories that attempt to explain how information from the original substance may be retained during the remedy-making process.

It is important to understand that homeopathy does not appear to work through conventional pharmacology. In higher potencies, little or none of the original substance remains in the way that a pharmaceutical drug remains. Instead, researchers have proposed that the potentization process, involving repeated dilution and vigorous succussion (hitting the bottle aggressively against a semi-hard surface), may create an informational signal that can interact with the body's self-regulating systems.

Three leading areas of investigation have emerged:

Nanoparticle and Nanostructure Theory

Research has shown that homeopathic remedies may contain nanoparticles of the original source material as well as silica nanoparticles released from the glass containers during succussion. These nanoparticles may serve as information carriers, preserving characteristics of the original substance despite extreme dilution.

In this model, the remedy functions less like a chemical drug and more like a biological signal. The nanoparticles or associated nano-structures may interact with the body's regulatory networks and stimulate a healing response.

2. Water Structure Theory

Water is not simply a collection of isolated molecules. Water molecules continuously form and reform dynamic networks through hydrogen bonding. Some researchers propose that the potentization process may induce the formation of stable, organized structures within the water-alcohol mixture.

The early concept of "water memory" suggested that water could retain a lasting imprint of substances that had previously been dissolved in it. While the original water memory hypothesis remains controversial and is not widely accepted, modern versions of the theory focus on more complex and potentially stable nanoscale arrangements involving water, dissolved minerals, silica, gases, and alcohol.

In this view, the remedy contains a structural pattern rather than a chemical dose.

3. Quantum Coherence and Electromagnetic Theories

A third area of investigation proposes that potentization may generate coherent electromagnetic patterns within the remedy. Some researchers have suggested that water may form coherent domains, regions in which large numbers of molecules behave in a coordinated manner rather than independently.

According to these theories, the remedy may store information in electromagnetic or quantum-level patterns that can later interact with biological systems. Because living organisms themselves rely heavily on electrical and electromagnetic signaling, proponents suggest that a homeopathic remedy could act as a subtle informational stimulus capable of influencing the body's regulatory processes.

What Can We Say With Confidence?

We can say that homeopathic remedies are prepared through a unique process of serial dilution and succussion. We can say that modern research has identified measurable physical differences between some homeopathic preparations and control solutions. We can also say that several plausible mechanisms have been proposed involving nanoparticles, nanoscale solvent structures, and electromagnetic phenomena.

Rather than supplying a biochemical dose, the remedy appears to provide a regulatory signal that stimulates the organism's inherent capacity for adaptation and healing.

How Does Homeopathy Work (The Four Guiding Principles or Universal Laws)

Law of Similars: States that something that would cause symptoms in a healthy person can heal those same symptoms in a person who is unwell, if given in a very small dose. Think of cutting an onion. For some of us it’s a miserable experience of eyes stinging and watering. If someone has hay fever with those same symptoms, it’s homeopathic Allium cepa (made from the red onion) to the rescue.
Totality: In homeopathy we aim to consider the full spectrum of symptoms and characteristics that a person presents, not just the isolated issue at hand. If someone complains of a headache We will of course, inquire about the nature of the headache but we also inquire about digestion, food preferences, sleep patterns, dreams, and any other physical discomforts that they may have, and so on. This allows us to gain a full picture in order find a homeopathic remedy that best matches their totality and will address the headache.
Individuality: Each person is unique. Let’s look again at headaches. We don’t want to address a headache that you have, we want to address the exact expression of your headache. We may ask: Where is the pain located Is it in the front, sides, or back of the head? What does the pain or the accompanying sensations feel like? Is it burning, throbbing or stabbing pain? What makes it feel better or worse? Ice, heat, sleep a dark room? The stranger your answers to these questions, the better. If it’s a headache that appears whenever you see your mother-in-law, and disappears when it rains, this unique characteristic not only makes you special, it will likely narrow the remedy choice down to the best match for you.
Minimum dose: less is more: The smaller the dose, the greater its power. Our Job is to encourage the body to become an optimally functioning system, not to overwhelm it. We suggest the least amount of medicine that get’s the job done.

What makes homeopathy a so-called energetic medicine (which basically means that its mechanism of action is too hard for most of us to understand) it the potentiation. This is what gives homeopathy the extra oomph and makes it seem miraculous. Potentization is done by succussing or hitting the bottle or tube against something semi-hard, like your hand or a book. When the remedies are make they are serially diluted and successed after each dilution.

What should I expect after taking the remedy? Because people are individuals no one can predict with 100% how anyone will react to any substance, whether it be homeopathy, conventional medicine, food or anything else. Having said this, there are likely responses. Occasionally people have a drastic improvement after taking the well chosen remedy. Typically clients notice gradual improvements in their symptoms and general sense of well-being first, before the physical or emotions symptoms go away. When treating a chronic case, homeopathic remedies often work in a subtle, gentle way, helping the body return to a more optimal state of balance and well-being. You might experience a temporary intensification of symptoms before feeling better, this is a sign that the remedy has ‘registered’ in your system and will work well for you! It is a very good sign. It is crucially important to have your 4 - 6 week followups and to communicate with your homeopathy about the changes you are seeing since taking the remedy so that appropriate adjustments to potency and dosing can be made.

How long will it take to feel better? In an acute case you should feel better quickly in 1 - 5 hours, depending on the nature of the acute illness. For acute conditions, relief might come quickly, often within hours or days. For chronic conditions, it may take longer, and healing often happens in stages as the body gradually restores balance. The time it takes depends on how old you are and how many life assaults you have had. It will take less time for a 3 yr old with PANS to feel better than a 72 year old with Pots, diabetes, asthma and arthritis, whose husband just died and left her with a home in ill repair and lots of debt.

How should I take the remedy? I will give you specific instruction on how to take the remedies and where to order them. It's important to avoid eating, drinking, or brushing your teeth immediately before or after taking the remedy, as this can interfere with its effectiveness. It is also important to avoid strong smells like eucalyptus, mint. If you have any questions about your remedy instructions, please ask the prescribing homeopath.

Can I take this remedy with my other medications? Homeopathic remedies are generally safe to take alongside conventional medications, as they do not interfere with most chemical drugs. However, it’s always best to inform your homeopath and doctor about all treatments you're using, to ensure there are no interactions.

How long should I continue taking the remedy? The duration depends on your symptoms and condition. For acute issues, you only need to take the remedy for a short period.

In an acute situation as soon as you start to feel better, stop taking the remedy. The general rule of thumb for complete resolution of the problem is ‘as many months as the number of years you have had the problem for’. Having said that, you should start seeing a positive response and improvement in your general state in a few weeks. From my experience most patients with chronic problems need at least three months to experience a significant benefit at all levels. As you get closer to full recovery, the frequency of remedy doses should decrease.

The homeopathic treatment is like a journey towards health again. The possibility of optimal health resides at the core of your being with layers of disease that have formed over it, over a period of time. The treatment process can be likened to peeling layers of an onion. In those first few months as the first few layers are peeled off, you will likely feel more free and you will be in a better position to assess the benefit and outcome of the treatment process.

What should I do if I forget to take the remedy? If you miss a dose, simply take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s almost time for your next dose. If you’re unsure, it’s always safe to contact your homeopath for guidance.

Do I need to change anything in my lifestyle or diet while taking the remedy? Generally, no specific changes are required. However, your homeopath may recommend some lifestyle or dietary adjustments to support your healing process.

Can homeopathy cure my condition completely? Homeopathy aims to address the root cause of the symptoms, and many people experience long-term relief. However, results vary depending on the individual, the condition, and how long it’s been present. In chronic cases, multiple remedies or a longer treatment plan may be needed.

Is this remedy safe for my age group or condition? Homeopathic remedies are generally safe for people of all ages, including children, elderly individuals, and pregnant or breastfeeding women. However, it’s essential to inform your homeopath of any specific health conditions or medications you are taking, so they can select the most appropriate remedy for you.

What Things Should I Avoid While Taking Homeopathic Remedies?

Food, drink, or anything else in your mouth for 10 minutes before and after taking the remedy.

Touching the remedy. Use the cap to pour out the pellets. This is not applicable for liquid-based remedies.

Camphor, eucalyptus, and strong essential oils, including products such as Vick’s, Noxzema, Ben Gay, Tiger Balm, Sea Breeze, Carmex, Chapstick, mothballs, or anything else smelling like camphor or eucalyptus.

Dental work, surgery, and other medical procedures. Please let me know if you will have any of these during homeopathic treatment.

Electric blankets and heating pads, which may deactivate the remedy. Please avoid their use during treatment.

Cell phones. Keep your remedy away from your cell phone while the phone is on.

Microwaves. Do not keep your remedy near a microwave oven.

How do I should I store homeopathic remedies?

Store the remedy in a cool dark place away from bright light or strong heat (like a dark book shelf) not the refrigerator. Keep them away from strong odors such as perfumes, spices, aromatic oils etc.