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Conditions Commonly Treated with Homeopathy

Homeopathy is an alternative branch of medicine based on the Greek philosophy that “like cures like.” Remedies are created based on this idea that you must take a minute amount of plant, animal, or mineral derived chemical that induces the symptoms you are presenting to stimulate the body’s healing abilities. Although scientists, mathematicians, and physicians are all largely suspicious of this idea, and there is little empirical evidence to correlate homeopathic medicine’s claims, some research has found homeopathic remedies to offer some sort of improvement on a few conditions. Here’s a look at three of those conditions. 

Allergies

Allergies, properly allergic rhinitis, are an immune system response to airborne particles that cause a runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, and other respiratory-related symptoms. Generally, the responsible particles are pollen, mold, dust, and animal dander. While conventional medicine involves treating symptoms, homeopathy takes a holistic view of such issues, attempting to treat the entirety of the body, rather than the systemic responses. Allergic rhinitis is one of the few conditions with empirical evidence that supports homeopathy’s treatment claims. 

There are several over the counter, homeopathic-based remedies intended for allergies -- and while the U.S. Food and Drug Administration does oversee these medications, they do not make claims regarding safety or efficacy. Make sure your primary physician is aware of any homeopathic remedies you engage in. Based on the like cures like principle, alium cepa is intended for watery eyes, as it mimics the eyes’ response to cut onions; natrum mur is recommended for sneezing.

Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis, or eczema, is characterized by the chronic presence of particular rashes that appear on the skin, generally from childhood. Research has also been performed on homeopathic remedies for dermatitis. Rather than a single cure intended for all dermatitis cases, homeopathic remedies require an extensive interview to create a much more personalized approach. It may vary depending on individual triggers, stressors, and other things that can impact the appearance of eczemic rashes. 

Taking this into account, potential homeopathic remedies for atopic dermatitis might include sulphur, natrum muriaticum, or arsenicum album. Again, utilizing the like cures like tenet of homeopathy, sulphur causes red, itchy skin in large amounts, but appears to have a soothing effect on dermatitic rashes when used correctly. 

Arthritis

Arthritis can be difficult to live with and to cure in any branch of medicine, but a few studies have shown there may be something to a homeopathic remedy for it. Arthritis is a chronic condition that affects the joints, causing inflammation and stiffness. There are different forms of arthritis, and it can appear as a result of different issues, from genetics to repetitive trauma. Scientific communities that doubt the efficacy of homeopathy are inclined to suggest the remedies work in much the same way a placebo would -- symptoms improve because the individual expects them to improve. However, some studies do show that homeopathic treatments worked better than placebos. 

Some studies even found success in fibromyalgia patients from similar remedies. Common homeopathic treatments for chronic pain disorders involve poison ivy, which has an inflammatory effect on the skin upon direct contact. 

Last Updated: December 07, 2016