Homeopathy

A Valid and Effective System of Medicine

The highest ideal of therapy is to restore health rapidly, gently, permanently;
to remove and destroy the whole disease in the shortest, surest, least harmful way,
according to clearly comprehensible principles.”
(Taken from The Organon of Medicine by Dr. Samuel Hahnemann,
considered to be the father of homeopathic theory)

Healing Without Harm

Restoring health and proper functioning to the body following accident or illness is something that should concern us all. Doing so without causing further harm can be a challenging proposition. This has always been the goal of good people working in medical modalities. Homeopathy can be, for anyone who is willing to make an effort, the answer to that quest.

When Samuel Hahnemann created his first remedy by homeopathic principles, he showed us the way to heal without causing harm. Homeopathic remedies bring about positive changes in health. They do so without the destruction of delicate tissues or negative effects on the mind or the emotions.

I love essential oils! I love them so much that I created a company to provide good ones to people at more reasonable prices. HOWEVER—when the situation is serious and speed of healing is important—it is homeopathy that I turn to. Essential oils and herbal remedies will be used also, but the homeopathic remedy will be at the core of my efforts.

An Effective System of Health Care

In 2004, WHO (World Health Organization) issued a 40-page draft report on homeopathy. It was a review and analysis of reports on controlled clinical trials of homeopathic remedies. This report claimed that the “majority” of peer-reviewed scientific papers published over the past 40 years “have demonstrated that homeopathy is superior to placebo in placebo-controlled trials and is equivalent to conventional medicines in the treatment of illnesses, in both humans and animals.”

The WHO also called for closer incorporation of homeopathy into “western medical systems.”  They said, “The development of research and evaluation structures, combined with a critical education in the discipline, would help to improve practices and define homeopathy’s potential role in relation to the other therapies, conventional and unconventional, used in Western health systems.”   (Ref: Poitevin B, Integrating Homoeopathy in Health Systems, WHO Bulletin, 1999, 77, 2, 160-166.)

A Popular Modality

The WHO states that homeopathy is the second most used medical system internationally. They claim that there is $1 Billion in expenditures for such therapy. In the United States, there are more than 500 physicians and 5000 non-physicians using homeopathy in clinical practice. 2.5 million Americans currently use homeopathic medicines. Moreover, two-thirds are self-prescribed. (Please remember that this is WHO speaking. I do not know where they got these figures or how reliable they are. I did do my best to confirm that this report actually exists, however.)

Scoffers and Supporters

Homeopathy celebrated the 200th anniversary if its existence in 1996. At that time Germany’s Health Minister, Horst Seehofer, stated that the success of homeopathy “could not be denied, even though this has often been attempted.”

I have researched and followed the path of homeopathy in the United States and other countries for many years.  I would certainly agree that disproving the effectiveness of homeopathy as a healing modality “has often been attempted” here and around the world.  Homeopathy continues to be under attack continually worldwide, in fact.  In spite of such opposition, homeopathy continues to do good and bless lives.

In one book that I came across recently, the author called homeopathy “voodoo science.”  He based this on what he called the dilution principle. He claimed that after a remedy was diluted past a certain point, there was nothing left to bring about healing.  Likely he is right about nothing left of the original substance, especially at the higher potencies.  He is absolutely wrong about the bringing about healing part of his claim.  I have had too many amazing personal and family experiences with homeopathy to ever question its effectiveness!

A Subtle Energy Modality

Homeopathy is, and has always been, an energetic modality. Whether Hahnemann (considered the father of homeopathy) understood this or not is unclear.  But that homeopathy works by energy principle is certainly true. Whether Hahnemann knew it way back then or not doesn’t change that fact.  That subtlety (and subtle energy) has more power, for good or ill, than does force is certainly understood today.  The use of homeopathic remedies is the use of subtle energy principles at its finest.

Homeopathic remedies are energetic remedies. They impact the body at the vital energy level. Blessed Waters, energetic reproductions of remedies prepared by standard homeopathic principles, do this also. Blessed Waters are available at Butterfly Express.   I write and teach about homeopathy because the principles of subtle energy by which both types of remedies work are very similar.

Blessed Waters

Homeopathic remedies, as discussed above, are a modality that operates according to the principles of subtle energy.  Butterfly Express, years ago now, moved away from conventionally prepared homeopathic remedies and on to the more energetically based Blessed Waters.   They work by much the same principles.  I have chosen not to rewrite books and rename classes.  Whether you purchase and use homeopathic remedies or Blessed Waters, the principles taught are applicable.  To save confusion, the homeopathic similinum (names) has been listed on the Butterfly site.   I have been using Blessed Waters for years now.  It is my opinion that the more subtle energy of a Blessed Water is even more effective at stimulating a response from the subtle energy of the body than homeopathic remedies.

Vital Energy and the Human Body

Many modalities teach that every ailment of the physical body had its beginnings in the vital energy of the body. Certainly, this is one of the basic principles of homeopathic thought. Homeopathic theory also teaches that the systems of the body are interconnected by this vital energy. This interconnection is so complete no ailment can confine itself to only one area of the body at a time. It is impossible to have just a pain in the head or a break in a bone. Any dysfunction will bring on symptoms which will range over the entire body. They will likely affect the emotions and mental processes, as well.

With homeopathy, we see the reverse corollary of this truth. This corollary is that substance utilized for healing purposes (or any other purpose) also affect a variety of body systems. They go into the energy itself to reestablish (or disrupt) health.

Homeopathic remedies are studied and their effects recorded in this manner. The description will include the remedies effects throughout the body as well as on the mind. I repeat, the choice of a remedy is based on symptoms presenting throughout the entire body and the mind. The remedy is meant to, and does, care for and restore balance to all of these areas.

A Unique Modality

Homeopathic theory and practice differ greatly from other healing modalities, past or present. In some ways, the principles of homeopathy are in stark contrast to the predominant medical thinking of our day. It takes some study, some thought, some pondering to wrap the modern mind around these principles. Certainly, it is easier to learn homeopathy today than it was a few years ago. This is because homeopathic principles are in agreement with much of what modern quantum physics is discovering.  In fact, this is an exciting time to be alive and to be learning homeopathy theory.

Safety

At a congress of the International Homeopathic Medical Organization, WHO”S Medical Office for Traditional Medicines, Dr. X. Zhang spoke about the integration of homeopathy in the national health systems of numerous countries. She described homeopathy as approaching the patient holistically. Dr. Zhang said that homeopathy prescribes medication that stimulates the spontaneous defense mechanism of the body. Further, she pointed out that homeopathy uses a minimum dosage of the active agent.

On the safety issue, Dr. Zhang said, “There is no doubt about the safety of homeopathy because the medical substances have been extremely diluted in homeopathic drugs.”  (I don’t much like the reference to homeopathic remedies as ‘drugs’.  She worded it this way, however.)

Homeopathy and the Legal Climate Today

There has been, on Facebook and elsewhere, quite a bit of hoopla about homeopathy lately.  For just a minute, here, I will try to explain it to you as my lawyer explained his research to me.  This will require a bit of a history lesson.

A Brief (very) History of Homeopathy

Sometime during the 1930s, the American Medical Association got a law/rule (something) passed concerning homeopathy.  Basically, for a homeopathic remedy to be considered legitimate, it had to be listed in the American Pharmacopoeia.  (Yes, the AMA has been around that long.  Even longer, 1897, actually.)  At that time, and over the next few years, many homeopathic remedies proved their effectiveness and achieved this status.  Since then, over the years and from time to time, homeopathy has come under attack.  I have not the time nor the patience to outline it all for you.  Persecution, driven by financial motivations, sums it up sufficiently.

Moving on to more recent history. In the 1970s (or somewhere about then) new labeling laws came into effect nationally.  Basically, these rules state that homeopathic remedies must be properly labeled as spelled out by these regulations.  Outrageous claims for curing life-threatening diseases are not permitted on labels.  Homeopathy does not require a medical doctor’s prescription, only proper labeling.

Since the 1970’s, many new homeopathic remedies are now available.  These remedies are listed in materia medicas, repertories, and online.  Information about them is freely available.  They are for sale from major homeopathic manufacturers.  Most of these newer remedies are not listed in the Pharmacopoeia.  No one in recent years has given that very old requirement much thought.  Homeopathics, also operate by energy principles.  It is the fact that they do not contain a material dose that makes them so effective –  and so free of side effects.

More Recent Events

The FDA, under considerable pressure, passed an in-house memorandum quite recently.  I will leave it to you to figure out , or research, where such pressure might have originated from.  I have not done so.   This memorandum revisits that old 1930s requirement that homeopathic remedies be listed in the American Pharmacopoeia.  This applies only to remedies that are homeopathics.  I suspect this will cause considerable trouble and expense for present-day manufacturers of homeopathic remedies.  It may affect availability.  Who can say?

Poisonous Substances as Medicines

It is, and always has been, a common practice in medicine to use toxic substances as medicines. Homeopathy provides a way to utilize every substance that God (or man) has created (or devised) safely for healing.

Just like modern pharmaceuticals, homeopathic medicines are made from many diverse substances. In both modern medicine and homeopathic creations, some of these substances are toxic. Because of the method of preparation, homeopathic remedies—even those made from toxic substances—are not toxic. They are energetic, not material doses. Nevertheless, they impact the physical body to bring healing.

Worth the Effort to Learn

It takes study, effort, and a bit of experience to become proficient in the use of homeopathic remedies.  Learning to muscle test and using testing to identify the appropriate homeopathic remedy shortens this process.  Learning to use homeopathic remedies appropriately can change your life.  This is true even if you only have a few basic remedies as long as you know what to use for what.  This was certainly true for me for many years.

Butterfly Classes

At Butterfly Expressions,  LLC. we teach classes to help people understand homeopathic/blessed water principles. The Butterfly homeopathic class is a four-day class.  It is typically taught in two parts.  Each part is two days.  The two classes allow time in between to study and ponder,  which works best for most people.  That is a barely sufficient amount of time for newcomers to the modality to grasp the concepts involved.  Many students return, after reading the books from cover to cover, to take the class for the second time.   (There is no charge to the student for the repeat class.  I love homeopathy!  I want students to be comfortable enough with homeopathy to come to love it, too. The only limit on retake students is space – and we have plenty of that at Butterfly Expressions!)  For upcoming classes click here

Butterfly Miracles Books

I have written two books on this topic.  Butterfly Miracles with Homeopathic Remedies contains a lot of basic information.  Book II of the Butterfly homeopathic series discusses various low potency combination remedies available as blessed waters at  Butterfly Express.  It also contains information on women’s health, including pregnancy and childbirth. (The midwife in me certainly had her say!)  I hope that you will find this section especially helpful.

When I first became acquainted with homeopathic remedies, there was very little information available to me.  I had not yet learned to muscle test.  Even so, the few homeopathic remedies I had and learned to use blessed the lives of my family members.  There is a plethora (I have always loved that word!) of information available today – some accurate and some not so much so.  These classes are my best efforts and providing a way to get you going with this amazing modality.  I wish that there had been something like this available when I was working so hard to become competent with homeopathy!

Basic principles

I hesitated to even try to teach basic homeopathic thought and theory in a blog post.  The two rather large books I have written barely contain the basics of what I want people to know about homeopathy.   It has proven difficult to decide what to include – and what to leave out – here.  If this topic interests you, the books will provide you with much additional information.  Come to class, if you can.  We have a great time.  There are bedrooms and a kitchen available at Butterfly for a very minimal cost.

Homeopathy, as I teach it, is broken down into seven basic principles.  These principles are outlined in this article.  The explanations are, of necessity, treated much more briefly than in the books or in class.

Information Relevant to Principle #1

Two Philosophies of Healing

Two distinct and opposing philosophies of healing have existed throughout earth’s history.  One is termed “healing by similars.”  The other is termed “healing by contraries.”  “Contraries” is the method of choice for modern medicine in the Western World today.  Hippocrates, the supposed “father of medicine” treated patients using the “similars” approach.  Hippocrates treated a case of mania using mandrake root, it is claimed.  He did this based on the accepted knowledge that mandrake root, in large quantity, produces a manic state.  This occurred about 400 B.C. and is an example of using a “similar” to effect a cure.   Hippocrates certainly favored the use of similars.  Nevertheless, doctors almost completely ignore his writings on this method today.  “Contraries” is the method of choice for modern medicine in the Western World today.

Treating a problem by anti-doting is to heal by “contraries.”  An example would be the giving of a laxative to correct constipation.  The underlying problem with this method is threefold.

First: Most substances used for healing, then and now, are toxic.  It takes unhealthily large doses of the medicine to bring about the desired result.  In other words,  the treatment (the drug) comes with its own nasty side-effects to the health of the patient.

Second:  The action of the medicine does not stop when the need for it has passed.  Using the example above, we would need to stop the diarrhea that the medicine caused when dealing with the constipation.

Third:  The medicine causes a state of dependency.  The person must continue taking the medicine in order to accomplish normal function.

Homeopathic Principle #1:  The Law of Similars

Simply stated the law of similars is this:  Any substance that can produce symptoms of disease in a healthy person can aid in the amelioration of cure of those same symptoms in a sick person who is displaying those same symptoms.

You probably should read that last sentence over a time or two if you are unfamiliar with this doctrine.  How can that possibly make sense?  Put very simply, the remedy given, because of its similarity to the disease, brings that particular symptom pattern to the attention of the energy system (or the immune system, if you prefer).  The body then focuses on that imbalance.  The innate intelligence of the body handles the situation in the most efficient manner possible.  The body returns to normal function.   A “contrary” medicine has not merely masked or covered up the symptoms, as so often occurs today.

Disease (dis-ease) is an imbalanced state existing in the body.   Under the law of similars, when we experience dis-ease, we seek a remedy that would create the same symptoms of distress if given to a healthy body. The range of symptoms produced by the remedy in a well person is called the symptom picture of that remedy.  The remedy’s symptom picture must match closely the symptoms the person is experiencing.  The closer the match, the more effective the remedy will be for that person.

Information Relevant to Principles #2 and #3

Poisons as medicines

A group of people take a remedy then record their physical, mental and emotional symptoms.  Doing this is a “proving” and the recorded results become the “symptom picture” spoken of above.  Today, provings are done using a diluted form of the original substance – a homeopathic remedy, in other words.  The original provings done in Hahnemann’s day, used the actual substance itself.  China bark, produces malaria-like symptoms.  It was the subject of one of Hahnemann’s early provings because he noted that similarity.

Hahnemann did his research by proving the medications of his day.  Most of the medications were toxic, just as they are today.  Hahnemann faced the same three issues that we described above for working with “contraries.”    After much trial and error, Hahnemann developed a method of diluting and succussing (shaking against an object).  This process made the substance less toxic but more effective.  Hahnemann indicated in his writings that he felt more than a little bit of inspiration during the development of this method.   Hahnemann, being a religious man, successed his remedies by tapping them against a Bible.

Dilution and Succussion

Dilution alone eventually produces a remedy that has no side effects.  Neither, unfortunately, does this diluted remedy bring about improvement.  Succussion is a necessary part of the preparation process.  Dilution and succussion is still the method by which remedies are made today.

Homeopathic Principle #2:  The more dilute a substance is, the more potent and effective it becomes

Can homeopathic remedies be effective even if no molecules of the original substance is present?  This is difficult for medical people (and many others) to get their minds around.  Homeopathic remedies produced results for me.  Fortunately, these events happened before I had any idea how homeopathics were made.  Gratitude is what I feel for that turn of events!  My rather literal brain may not have been able to handle homeopathic theory otherwise.

The most dramatic proof of the effectiveness of homeopathy lies in the results obtained by so many people.  These results, many of them quite dramatic over so many years and with so many people, rule out the placebo effect.

Homeopathic Principle #3:  Any substance, prepared homeopathically, may become a potent and safe medicine.

There are more than a thousand remedies today.  Probably more than 2000.  They are created from a wide rang of innocuous substances.  Toxic and poisonous materials are also used.  Remember, if a remedy is going to be effective for nasty symptoms, it must create those same symptoms in well people.

Information Relevant to Principles #4 and #5

Treat the Person, Not the Disease

Imagine the whole person as a jigsaw puzzle.  When putting the puzzle together, you may look closely at each piece.  To see the entire picture, however, you must change your focus.  You must “see” the whole picture as well as the separate pieces.  It is not until you have enough of the pieces put together that you can see the whole picture – or the whole person.  When you can see the whole person, the complete picture, you will be better able to move the entire body, mind, and spirit toward healing.  This is so much better than just masking, covering up, or even treating just one symptom at a time.

Homeopathy is an excellent way to handle a dramatic or sudden situation or symptoms.  Homeopathy works quickly and, usually, dramatically.  This makes them very effective as first aid remedies for accidents. It also makes homeopathic remedies excellent for allergic reactions.   Homeopathic remedies used in this way, as first aid and allergic reaction remedies, will be covered in the next blog post.  Even so, although you have given the remedy because the person has just cut themselves badly, for example,  the remedy will be making improvements all over the body.  It will do this while dealing with the cut or whatever – if the best remedy was chosen.

Choosing a Remedy for the Whole Person

The first step in choosing a remedy for the “whole” person is to make a comprehensive list of symptoms.  Once you have this comprehensive list, there is an important question to ask yourself.  The question is, “How are this person and their symptoms different from other people in a similar situation?”  I cannot over-emphasize the importance of this question and this perspective.

What a person is suffering from and focusing on is likely a reflection of how they are coping overall.  A person’s unique personality and the unique circumstances of his life are combining to create a unique situation.  The choice of a homeopathic remedy will reflect both his own nature and the nature of his circumstances.  This is true even when treating for a specific event or situation.  It is especially important when treating for a chronic illness or a specific disease.  “Real” homeopathic practitioners never use disease names as a complete diagnosis.  They recall the basics of the disease being named.  Then they look for circumstances and symptoms unique to that person and that person’s situation.

Homeopathic Principle #4:  Treat the whole person, not just a single symptom or symptoms based only on a “disease” name.

“It is more important to know what kind of person has the disease
than to know what kind of disease the person has.”
~Hippocrates~

As homeopathic remedies are “proven” and a remedy picture is compiled, symptoms common to many people are listed in bold.  Particularly common symptoms are even listed in BOLD and ALL CAPS.  These are important symptoms.  The person’s symptoms should fit this picture.  Pay particular attention to the unique, less common symptoms shown in regular type.  These symptoms will be the ones unique to that person.  Note:  No one will have all of the symptoms listed unless they are a bit more than half dead!  Don’t expect them to.  Don’t panic when they don’t.

For a remedy to be as effective as possible, there should be matching symptoms on several levels.  There should be symptoms applying to the physical body.  Some matching mental or emotional symptoms should also be present.  There should be matches among the things that make them feel both better and worse.  Better for and worse for are very important symptoms. They will be referred to as modalities in the reference books.  For example, the remedies Bryonia and Rhus tox share many common symptoms.  Bryonia, however, lists “worse for motion.”  Rhus tox lists “worse for inactivity.”  These important symptoms will sort out the best remedy for you.

Always match the symptoms the person is displaying, on all levels, to the symptoms listed for that remedy.  Match as closely as possible.  Pay particular attention to the modalities.

Homeopathic Principle #5:  The “totality” of symptoms always governs remedy choice.

The correct remedy brings about results that are often immediate and amazing!  Better still, however, is that the remedy creates a deep response in the person’s energy system.  The physical body responds to the energetic message.  Healing begins.  It begins to unravel the misperceptions and imbalances that exist.  The removal of these imbalances impacts the future of that person for good.  They are able to respond more appropriately – physically, mentally, emotionally – to similar events in the future.

Homeopathic Principle #6:  The correct remedy, chosen using “holistic” principles will produce immediate results.  At the same time, it will impact the future for good.

Yes, I know that it is about the same thing as Principle #5 but this is important stuff!  I want to be sure that you grasp this concept firmly!

Information Relevant to Principles #7

A homeopathic remedy is an energetic catalyst.  It stimulates the body to begin looking for ways to heal itself.  Once the body gets the message and healing begins, the need for the remedy goes away.  Discontinue the remedy at this point.  Take the remedy again ONLY when the symptoms return.  Give the same remedy if the returning symptoms are the same.  Consider giving a higher potency.  A higher potency will reach deeper into the energy system, accessing the next layer of healing.    Give a remedy more closely matching the new symptoms if the symptoms have changed, even a little.

Homeopathic Principle #7:  Once you see improvement, discontinue taking the remedy.  Administer the remedy – or one more closely matching the new symptoms – ONLY when symptoms reappear.

This is an important principle.  You will not do permanent harm by violating this rule.  However homeopathic (and Blessed Water) remedies are energetic suggestions.  At higher potencies,  they are very strong suggestions and the body may respond accordingly.   Improvement will occur but it will be brief.  Then, at the remedies insistence, the body will find and re-display those symptoms.  Not a good thing.    When they symptoms were gone, they were a “well person.”  The remedy has brought on the symptoms. The person is “proving” the remedy.  The symptoms clear away again upon discontinuation of the remedy.

Basic Rules of Homeopathic (and Blessed Water) Administration

• Always stop taking the remedy when improvement occurs.
• Start again, with the same remedy, if the same symptoms reappear. If you have given several doses and have had no response, stop and reassess.  It is very likely that you have chosen the wrong remedy entirely.  Perhaps you are giving the right remedy but are giving it in too low a potency.  In reality, this scenario rarely happens.
• Change the remedy if the symptom picture changes.  If the same symptoms return, repeat the remedy you have given.  You may want to move to a higher potency for a dose or two.
• An improvement in mood and feelings of well-being is often the first improvement you will see.  This is the most accurate indication that you have the right remedy and that it is working.

I think of a homeopathic remedy as a pebble thrown into a pond.  The pebble simply plops into the water.  It is the ripples created within the body that are the healing responses.  A remedy which matches the totality of symptoms is like a pebble that hits the center of the pond.  The ripples are beautiful, balanced and beneficial.

Materia Medicas and Repertories

A Materia Medica provides the names of remedies along with their symptom pictures.  A homeopathic Repertory is somewhat the reverse of a Materia Medica.   Instead of listing remedies and their descriptions, a repertory lists ailments and possible homeopathic remedies to consider for them.  More accurately, a repertory contains lists of body parts and possible nasty symptoms that they might develop.

Using a Repertory

To illustrate, in a repertory under the heading “Eyes” there will be many subheadings.  A few possibilities include aching, bleeding, blinking, bloodshot, blueness, brilliant, burning.   This example only takes us part way through the symptoms that start with the letter “b” under the category of “Eyes”.   Symptoms will be listed under every letter of the alphabet for “eyes” and everything else that you can think of.  In addition, here is a whole separate chapter on vision.  That is a lot of suggestions and a lot of assistance having to do with eyes and seeing clearly.  Every topic you can think of will be listed this way.   It doesn’t take very long to find a couple of remedies that are listed as effective for symptoms that match the person.

In my favorite repertory, the chapter on pregnancy is 20 pages long.  The information is presented in tiny print and on pages that are double columned.  There is a wealth of information and suggestions on those pages.  All repertories of any size are like this.

Turning to the Medica

Let’s return to our example of working with eyes and vision.  With the short list of remedies from the repertory, it is time to turn to the medica.   The goal is to look up each remedy.  Pay attention to ALL of the symptoms, not just those that pertain to eyes and vision.  Find the one that matches the person the closest.  This is the remedy you will choose to give.  It may only be round one.  After this remedy has accomplished all that it can, re-evaluate according to the remaining symptoms.  Do this as many times as necessary.

Gratitude

I love homeopathy.  It has blessed my life so many times and in so many amazing ways.  I would hate to think of my life without first homeopathic remedies and, now, Blessed Waters, in it.  Every time I reach for an energetic remedy I feel touched by Heaven’s concern and caring for His children. What more could a loving Father have done for his children than to provide a way of healing our bodies and minds while doing no harm.  As a remedy brings health to my physical body or perspective to my mind or emotions, I feel the additional healing benefits of gratitude and reverence.

Worth the Effort

It takes study and effort to become proficient in the use of homeopathic or Blessed Water remedies.  Whatever effort is required will be worth it!  In addition, the acceptance of responsibility for our own and our family’s health, coupled with gratitude, blesses and strengthens us in a myriad of ways.

May you find as much joy and success with homeopathic remedies as I, and many others have done!

If you found this article helpful you may also like the upcoming blog on Homeopathics – First Aid and Allergic Reactions