What is Homeopathy? (and how to get started)

I’ve been studying herbalism for a number of years now to the point where I feel relatively confident in turning to herbs for additional needed support when we get sick or our bodies need an extra boost. 

I had heard of homeopathic remedies before, but I never took the time to study them or learn how they could be useful in my own life.

That all changed one day when I stumbled upon the Clearance section at Publix. 

Publix was clearancing out all of their homeopathic remedies and selling them for over half off. They had over fifty remedies! I was so excited to find such a great deal. I grabbed a bunch that seemed relevant to our life and excitedly got in the car and ordered two books so I could start learning about them.

A few days later, I went back to Publix and bought even more remedies.

Then I found a clearance sale happening at Whole Foods and bought a few more remedies in a different potency.

I’ve been addicted to collecting remedies ever since!

So, what is homeopathy?

Homeopathy is a system of natural medicine that has existed for hundreds of years. It begins with the premise that “Like” Cures “Like”, meaning that you can help your body fight against any symptom by using a remedy that contains a substance that, in its natural form, would cause the same symptom.

This makes homeopathy unique compared to herbalism and other healing systems.  Homeopathy utilizes herbs, poisonous plants, and even parts of animals for their healing properties. 

The homeopathic remedies are diluted many times over so that there are virtually no actual molecules of the original substance (plant or poison) left in the remedy.  Homeopathy is energetic medicine that interacts with the body on an energetic and physical level, to help bolster the body’s defense system to defend against sickness or symptoms.

There are hundreds of homeopathic remedies – some of the most common remedies include Arnica, Belladonna, Chamomilla, and Apis Mellifica. These remedies are great examples of the variety of sources that homeopathic remedies are created from. 

Arnica and Belladonna are remedies made from the plants Arnica and Belladonna, which are both poisonous in their natural flowering form, although to varying degrees.  Chamomilia is made from the plant Chamomile, which is a gentle, very safe, flowering herb. And Apis is made from bee venom. 

All of these remedies are diluted to the same degree, usually hundreds of times, depending on the potency of the remedy. This is why remedies made from poisonous plants like Belladonna can be safely and effectively used when in homeopathic form.

The remedies are then taken to treat various symptoms to help the body fight off illness. 

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One of the basic laws of homeopathy is that “like cures like”.  This means that you take a remedy that would cause the same symptoms that you are experiencing in its natural form. 

A great example of this is Apis, made from honey-bee poison/venom. The homeopathic remedy Apis is indicated when someone has swelling, puffy red swollen skin, or an allergic reaction where there is swelling of the face or eyes or other body parts. (Apis is also indicated for much more detailed scenarios, so always check with a book or other resources first before giving a remedy). 

These indications make sense, since Apis is made from Bee venom, and what happens when someone gets a bee sting? They usually swell up, get itchy and red skin, etc. 

So by giving the homeopathic remedy Apis when there is swelling due to a reaction, the Apis will help strengthen the body to not overreact and calm the swelling. 

(It’s annoying that I feel like I have to say this, but PLEASE always take allergic reactions seriously and get professional help when needed). 

There are some incredible stories of healing that have taken place from people who have worked with a homeopath – someone who is extensively trained in homeopathy. For any type of chronic or complicated condition, I highly recommend working with a trained professional homeopath, and not trying to self-diagnose and treat.

What I love about homeopathy is that it gives me another tool in my tool belt to help my family through mild, acute situations or sicknesses. 

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So how can busy moms get started with homeopathy?

1. Look at this first aid chart and write down a few remedies that stand out to you as being useful for your family.
2. Order or go out and buy a few of the most common remedies that you think you will use relatively often. A few of the ones I recommend starting with include Arnica (if you have kids that tumble get bruised easily), Chamomilla (if you have babies who are teething), Belladonna (for fevers), and maybe Nux Vomica.
3. Start learning about homeopathy in general and also the specific remedies that you purchased so you can feel confident using them with your family!

Homeopathy Resources:

There are several podcasts that are helpful to listen to and learn from. My favorite podcast is Homeopathy for Mommies.

There are also a few good reference books that I recommend having on hand to educate yourself on homeopathy and how to choose the correct remedy.

I personally use and love these books:

Homeopathy for Babies and Children https://amzn.to/3bJ2RZP

The Family Guide to Homeopathy: Symptoms and Natural Solutions https://amzn.to/2T6D6wd

The Complete Homeopathy Handbook: Safe and Effective Ways to Treat Fevers, Coughs, Colds and Sore Throats, Childhood Ailments, Food Poisoning, Flu, and a Wide Range of Everyday Complaints https://amzn.to/3yAE9VB

I also recommend utilizing Joette Calabrese’s website and blog to learn more about homeopathy and specific remedies. She also offers courses that I have not taken, but they look amazing! https://joettecalabrese.com/

(Full disclosure: I am an Amazon Affiliate and will receive a small commission if you use my link to purchase homeopathy books. I only recommend products that I truly love and use in my own home!)

As always, do your own research, and always follow your own intuition and guidance. Seek medical care when the situation calls for it and always be smart when using any natural medicine or therapy. It’s always best to receive counsel from a medical professional for any situation that you do not feel comfortable treating on your own.