Differences between Homeopathy and Herbal Meds

Homepathic vs. Herbal Remedies Compare and Contrast

Jan 12, 2009

Alternative medicine utilized both Homeopathic and Herbal remedies as a way to treat illnesses. However these remedies are distinctly different from one another.

Homeopathy and Herbal remedies are vital parts of living a holistic Health lifestyle and many people use the terms interchangeably. They can actually be used together or alone, yet there are vast differences between the two.

Herbal Remedies

Herbalists treat illnesses with plants or extracts from plants- including their oils. Herbal medicines are derived directly from plants- there are countless numbers of flora found in the wild or that are cultivated that contain healing properties for a variety of illnesses. Herbal medicines date back to ancient times and are an effective way to treat many of today's common ailments. Plants are placed into a consumable form by either being extracted into a liquid alcohol bases or dried and placed in capsules and/or pills. Herbal medicines can be found in either singular forms or in combined forms where multiple herbs are used to treat the condition more effectively. Herbal medicines in liquid form tend to be either light or dark colored.

Homeopathic Remedies

Homeopathy on the other hand is a little bit more complex. This alternative medicinal theory originated with Dr. Samuel Hahnemann. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, homeopathic remedies are based on a set of principles. The first being similarity, or like cures like; and the second being serial dilution of the curative substances including excessive shaking. The principle of similarity is simply to treat conditions with ingredients that would cause the symptoms associated with condition being treated. For example, individual that suffer from allergies would take a homeopathic substance that is the diluted forms of those things that you are allergic to. Why this is effective is due partly to the second principle of serial dilutions. The substance being utilized is often diluted up to 400,000 times with diluents such as water, alcohol, or sugar; and then systematically shaken at various points in the preparation to allow the separation of any toxins. The more dilute a homeopathic cure the powerful it is reported to be. Therefore, the ingredients in homeopathic remedies range from elements, mold, fungi, vegetables, fruit, animal parts, and more. Homeopathic medicines in liquid form are always clear.

Although different in their derivation, both homeopathic and herbal remedies are an effective natural way to treat many illnesses. These medications can also be used together to provide a stronger curative than if used alone. Leading a holistic lifestyle today also means leading an informed lifestyle. Gaining awareness of the differences between herbal treatments and homeopathic ones, ensures this.

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