Homeopathy Blog

What Is Homeopathy?

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 19:13:52 +0000

The primary principle underlying homeopathy is "Similia Similibus Curentur" - Let like be cured by like. A symptom or pattern of symptoms can be healed by a substance in nature that can cause those symptoms. In other words, by finding the substance in nature which can cause the same conditions we are experiencing, we can give a dose so dilute that it is absolutely safe and still gives our bodies just the "formulae" they need to stimulate many levels of cure. Homeopathic remedies, correctly chosen, are capable of affecting cure for acute symptoms as well as deep personal concerns. Arsenic, for example, can cause symptoms which we could easily relate to food poisoning: severe vomiting, diarrhea, .... but the homeopathic dilution of Arsenic, Arsenicum alb, when taken for acute stomach flu or food poisoning brings much relief, both during and after the necessary purging - minimizing discomfort and recovery time. If you were to take Arsenic in small poisonings over a longer time, you would likely become very restless especially at night, irritable, with weakness and exhaustion; you would move constantly, grow very afraid of death, being left alone, and might even become suicidal, miserly, selfish and malicious.

Thus with higher potencies and professional guidance, you can use Arsenicum alb to treat individuals whose life has somehow driven them to similar despair. The remedies really can resonate that deeply, but at this level of care, the remedy selection and dosage is critical. Just as certain things in nature can, in susceptible individuals, cause hayfever, constipation, headaches, rashes, pains..., those very things can stimulate healing responses both acute and manifest.

How it works:

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 17:34:11 +0000

How these incredibly minute doses can have such resonance in our bodies is a little too technical for science quite yet, though science is finding more and more applications for energetically diluted substances in and out of medicine from engine additives to experiments in chemotherapy.

But the way we see it is this: Our bodies have incredibly sensitive receptors which trigger adjustments and responses to even the slightest changes and dangers in our environment. Changes which thanks to these receptors, we usually know nothing about. The body adjusts to every temperature change, to chemicals in the air and in our food, to fluorescent lights, germs and bacteria present in every breath we take, it responds to bitterness, dryness, acidity, .... Only when these aggravants are in excess or our reactions are too burdened do we ever know what changes our systems have made to keep us comfortable and safe. This is not news to those of us who know the healing powers of homeopathy's extremely minute doses. In response to the slightest hint that something is present which can cause a certain set of symptoms, the body sets out to heal itself.

Homeostasis and Homeopathy

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 17:31:13 +0000

Homeostasis is a great concept for how homeopathy works inside us. 'Homeo' being 'same' and 'stasis' being 'standing', the term means 'tendency toward a state of equilibrium'. Our bodies are in a constant state of flux - a series of actions and counteractions to every stress life presents. The right homeopathic remedy at the right potency can provide the force we need to swing the pendulum just the right way.

In his book, The Organon '66, Hahnemann describes it: "To be sure, all of these potencies, in small doses, bring forth an initial action that is perceptible with due attention, but the living organism produces, in return, only as much counter-action as is required for the restoration of the normal state."

Who can take it - do you have to be sick, old, young, healthy?

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 17:29:07 +0000

How do we make it?

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 17:27:09 +0000

By the Book When you ask "How are they made?" we usually say "in accordance with the HPUS." That's pretty dull, so, here's the scoop. The HPUS is the Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United States. Contrary to popular belief and gossip, homeopathic remedies are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the United States and of course they need some rules to regulate by. So, in 1938, when the U.S. Congress wrote the Food, Drug and Cosmetics Act, they included homeopathic medicine as it is defined in the HPUS. Bottom line - we are recognized and regulated by the FDA using the HPUS which is published and maintained by a board of homeopathic doctors and pharmacists.

Each remedy is an individual substance that is recognized as homeopathic based on its method of preparation, homeopathic uses and scientific tests. The HPUS defines each remedy's substance (plant, mineral or whatever), lowest safe dilution, and initial method of preparation. The HPUS decides which remedies can be manufactured in the United States and which remedies and potencies can be sold over the counter. Once we run analysis tests on the raw material and follow HPUS defined preparation methods for that item, other processing stages vary by remedy or purpose, but it all starts with potency.

What is potency?

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 17:25:01 +0000

The potency of a remedy such as 6X or 30C says how many times and by what ratio the base substance has been diluted. The purpose of potency is to dilute the remedy until it can do no harm and to invigorate (potentize) the base substance with energy such that the qualities are preserved while the substance itself is diluted out. Tincture is where it begins. In most remedies, the tincture is made by steeping the powdered base substance in alcohol. Insolubles, like mercury, are made by thoroughly mixing the substance in powdered lactose. HPUS defines this part. After that, the X and C parts begin. For X potencies, we take 1 part tincture and mix with 9 parts diluent (either alcohol and water or powdered lactose), vigorously shake, mix, succuss (shake a set number of times with a thud at the end) the mix with as much energy as we can muster. This is 1X. Then we mix 1 part of the 1X with 9 parts diluent and succuss it again for 2X. And so on. So by the time we make the 6X potency, we have 1 part tincture to 1,000,000 parts diluent, by 12X add 6 more zeros - a dilution much lower than most pollutants allowed in our water.

Now for C potencies, they are processed the same way except with 99 parts diluent at each stage. So a 3C is equal in dilution (1:1 million) to a 6X except it has only been vigorously succussed/mixed 3 times. Add 6 more zeros and you have a 6C or 12X dilution. Etcetera.

What potency should you take?

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 17:22:19 +0000

Just remember, higher is not always better. Homeopathy's founder, Samuel Hahnemann, only used potencies under 30X and his record is impressive. But everyone has their own opinion on this one. As a plan, we like to always leave somewhere to go, so it is best to start at the lowest potency that fits the problem - especially if the symptoms are mostly physical.

Things to know: Low potencies include 6X, 12X and sometimes 30X and 30C, anything above 30C is high potency. The lower the potency, the more general the application, so if you do not have quite the right remedy, you have a better chance of a response with lower than with high potencies. Low potencies can be repeated much more often, and are less likely to provoke strong healing aggravations. The higher the potency, the more precise the selection needs to be and the deeper it can resonate - especially into the mental/emotional realm (though some say that with the right repetition, lower potencies can go pretty deeply). We recommend that potencies above 200C should be the exclusive domain of licensed professionals and 'constitutional' case work, as they should not be repeated often and their effects can be subtle and are not always measurable to the untrained eye. Another general rule for potency is that the faster, more severe the onset of a problem, the higher the potency you can use. You can knock out a sudden severe very restless flu quite quickly with a few doses of a fast acting remedy like 30C Nux or Belladonna repeated every 15 minutes, whereas a slower moving flu like Bryonia's is generally better off with 6X--30X taken 3-4 times a day or as needed when symptoms flare up. A blow to the head obviously needs the highest Arnica on hand whereas a stubbed toe can be mended with a simple 6X dose. As Hering's Law says: the faster the onset, the faster the exit.

What should I expect?

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 17:20:07 +0000

The Short term benefits to using homeopathy are: Minimizing effect, Avoiding suppression, Preserving strength, Minimizing healing / recovery time. Often the first benefits you receive from a remedy is the localization of symptoms, the second level of benefits is more curative. Example: You know how even a badly stubbed toe or pinched finger can upset your whole applecart keeping you from thinking of anything else? The first thing you notice after a dose of Hypericum is that the toe is just a toe again, though still a sore one, that's half the battle. The next half - the actual easing of pain and tenderness follows soon after (especially if you have Arnica to control bruising). If you actually broke your toe, Hypericum would not numb the pain to the point that you would not realize it was broken, but would buy you the composure you need to assess the situation - crucial in a crisis. The same rules apply to emotional symptoms. With Ignatia, grief for example is not cloaked to the point that you have to re-experience the news every 4-6 hours. But it can give you enough distance to find your strength between waves of grief and disbelief, and can also prevent suppression. Thus making the most of a sad situation. Food poisoning/stomach flu can expect similar results. Since it will not suppress the necessary purging, Ars alb (or the indicated remedy) can give great comfort to those awful restless intervals between vomiting, plus relieve much of the colic and discomfort of purging, plus offer the most efficient cleansing available.

The Longer term benefits of using homeopathy is lowered susceptibility via a stronger immune system and a greater sense of balance, especially when reaping the benefits of professional "constitutional" care. That is, remedy work that goes beyond temporary or nagging symptoms to balancing the whole picture - mentally, emotionally and physically. Wouldn't it be great to be in that percentile that did not get last year's flu or your regular hayfever, migraine or ...? The same susceptibility applies to emotions. Wouldn't it be great to always rise above a situation instead of ending up feeling insulted, jealous, or unduly hurt? Homeopathy leaves your system stronger not weaker and certainly better at tackling life's next hurdle.

How to take it - can I overdose?

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 17:17:46 +0000

No. All the remedies are only sold in very safe dilutions whether your remedy comes in pellet, compressed tablet or soft tablet form. All these forms dissolve easily under the tongue. If you think of the remedy as energy it is easier to understand the rest. 1. Try not to touch the pellets because of the oils in your skin - just pour a few pellets or tablets in the lid and flip them under your tongue. 2. Try not to eat or drink anything 10-15 minutes before or after a dose so the surfaces are clean - though we do not advise putting off Arnica just because you bumped your head during breakfast. 3. Try not to expose the remedy to things that affect you strongly - especially strong menthol or minty odors, caffeine, steroids... for as long as possible after dosing (longer for high potencies). 4. The size of the dose (number of tablets) makes little or no difference, it is the potency and frequency of repetition that matters - 6 volts is 6 volts regardless of the size of the wire.

5. For repetition, the accepted plan we like is dose more frequently for severe symptoms (e.g., big bump on the head), even every 5 minutes for 3 or 4 doses then add more time in between and stop as you see improvement. For acute illness (e.g., flu, cold, headache...) a good plan is to dose every 15 minutes for 3 doses, then just take as needed. For nagging but regular symptoms (e.g., joint pain, constipation, skin problems...) you can take the remedy as needed or once or twice a day, but stop when you see signs of improvement. For constitutional dosing with very high potencies, you might only take one dose in 6 months or more - that should depend on your homeopath. In general, the higher the potency, the less repetition. The greater the need, the more repetition at first, slowing down with the improvement of the symptoms.

Side Effects

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 17:15:18 +0000

Apart from 'healing aggravations', homeopathy does not cause side effects. However, since homeopathy treats the whole person, not just the symptom you are after, some of these healing aggravations might feel like side effects. For instance, if taking Silica for a splinter when you have a sinus infection, you might get a surprise sensation that your teeth want to come out as your body tackles the mucus.

If taking Tissue D Acne, you might have a sudden break out as your body cleans out the system. Or, if taking Headaches #33 while constipated, you might get some unexpected movement. Sometimes you might feel sleepy because that is what the body needs most, but it is not the "don't operate machinery" kind of response, just a gentle nudge. These symptoms usually only last a short time, especially strong nerve responses like the Silica example. If they are too much for what you want to deal with, taking Ferrum phos might clear the case.

What remedy should I take?

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 17:12:27 +0000

The first thing we advise before even looking up remedies is to analyze your symptoms. What do you want the remedy to address, what does it feel like, what does it look like, what makes it feel better or worse...

If you want a combination, this process is much shorter: is it a migraine or a regular headache? Combination or single, it is important to define what you are looking for first: new cough, lingering cough, dry barking or loose choking... as these differences can be critical. If you start by reading through the remedies, they all can feel like they fit something. So get at least three good symptoms and what defines them (better with X, worse with Y, started after a cold walk...). Then you can use our mini-repertory, keyword searches or browse options, or check out the resources in our Book section. If the symptom picture is not clear, a week or two of the cell salt combination Bioplasma might minimize peripheral symptoms.

Should I take a single or combination remedy?

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 17:10:06 +0000

'Whichever you are comfortable with' is the best answer. Combinations make the transition to homeopathy easier by grouping remedies together for a particular ailment like #33 Headaches. They also make selection easy when you are not up to the task of figuring out which single remedy you need for your throbbing head or aching fever.

How they work: Dr. Luyties or Dr. Wise designed our combinations in order to give their patients the power to treat their own acute ailments - as buggy service was not always quick, especially for West bound travelers in the 1800s. They selected a set of single remedies which cover the widest range of symptoms within a certain ailment, and kept them in low potencies so you can dose frequently for the gentlest healing and an even wider range of cure. The design is that one of the remedies selected will be close enough to the right single to stimulate cure. But good combinations are designed for acute, often temporary relief. They usually do not penetrate as deeply as the right single remedy in higher potency. So if you know what remedy is the perfect (or at least a really good) match for your symptoms, go single. If not, a combination is the next best thing.

Are they compatible with my other medicines?

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 17:02:30 +0000

Homeopathy is 100% compatible with other medications. That is, it will not interfere with the effectiveness of other medicines. It is possible that other medicines will lessen the effectiveness of homeopathy. Depending on the patient's sensitivity, many remedies can be antidoted by strong odors, steroidal medicines (prednisone), caffeine or even other homeopathic remedies- some claim x-rays at the airport can affect remedies, also.

Higher potencies,used in constitutional therapy, are more sensitive to antidoting, especially in the first day or two after dosing. There are a few remedies that should never be taken together, especially in high potency Apis and Rhus tox are best known for not getting along, but Sepia and Rhus tox can have problems too. If you think you have taken too many remedies together, you can always take a dose of Ferrum phos 6X and start over - it is a master at cleaning the slate.

What about lactose?

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 16:57:22 +0000

Homeopathy's History

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 16:34:31 +0000

A safe and effective system of medicine that helps the body's efforts to heal itself by dosing it with minute "potentized" quantities of the plant, mineral or animal by-product capable (in full strength) of creating similar symptoms to those presented by the patient.

That is to say . . . When translating Dr. Wm. Cullen's treatise on materia medica, Dr. Samuel Hahnemann was dissatisfied with Cullen's argument for why cinchona bark (quinine) was able to cure many cases of malaria. So Hahnemann began dosing himself with cinchona bark extract to see what his reaction would be. He became feverish and nauseous with severe diarrhea and vomiting, had pain in every limb, numb fingers and toes, blue around the eyes, and ringing in his ears - the exact picture of many malaria cases. From this and similar experiments, Hahnemann deduced the Fundamental Principle of Homeopathy - Similia Similibus Curentur - let like be cured by like, or, that which can cause certain symptoms has the power to stimulate cure of those symptoms when they occur in illness. Hahnemann's next task was to find a dose which would not cause harm. He devised an energetic system for diluting substances - now known as "potentization." To his surprise, he found that the remedy became stronger, more curative, as the substance was diluted. Because of the vigorous succussion process, the power (potency) of the remedy increased as the amount of the substance decreased. Thus, another Fundamental Principle of Homeopathy - the Minimum Dose. Nowadays, technology is just catching up with Hahnemann as new high tech applications of this process are being explored. Hahnemann and his students then and now have tested thousands of substances, meticulously recording every physical, emotional and mental symptom in books called Materia Medica. The key to making homeopathy work for you is finding the remedy which can cause the symptoms you are experiencing and finding a manufacturer whom you can trust to prepare it in a completely non-toxic dose. The second part is easy - that's Luyties 1-800-HOMEOPATHY. To help you find your remedy, we have included a mini-repertory (symptoms to remedy index) and carry several educational guidebooks and combination remedies. Just remember, homeopathy treats the whole person not just a symptom.

1-800 Homeopathy's History

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 16:19:12 +0000

Luyties, that's pronounced LOO-TEEZ In the 1840s, Herman Luyties, MD, opened a small homeopathic practice in downtown St. Louis. Soon after, doctors moving west began pressing him for homeopathic kits and supplies since he was the first local resource west of the Mississippi River. As the demand increased, he moved his office to the back and in 1853 officially opened a small homeopathic pharmacy. When the Homeopathic Medical College of Missouri was established in St. Louis in 1857, Luyties Pharmacal Company became a primary resource for homeopathy across the country. Dr. Luyties worked diligently on formulating combination tablets for specific ailments which would make it easier for his patients to care for their own self treatable conditions, especially for patients travelling or living too far out for him to reach them quickly.

In 1904 August Luyties, (Herman's son) built our current building, a much needed factory size building. Luyties has been a much loved family business ever since it began. This long history helps explain our wide product line, our loyal customer base, our family heritage and our commitment to classical homeopathy. As a family owned and operated company, Luyties' generations of dedicated employees have fostered the art and science of manufacturing homeopathic remedies and remained steadfast to homeopathic principles through the trials and hardships homeopathy has endured to reach today's level of acceptance and popularity.