What does homeopathy mean and how does it work?

Most people who have heard of homeopathy are of the view that it is similar to herbalism. However, these are two entirely different approaches to treatment. While herbalism uses medicinal plants that have biochemical actions on the body like modern conventional medicines, homeopathy is a stand-alone system based on its own particular underlying principles.

A homeopathic medicine is made using a highly diluted dose of a substance that would actually provoke the ailment it is intended to treat. With such an approach, the patient's body will try to overcome the substance's effects, triggering a self-healing reaction. For example, Ganoderma Lucidum, also known as lingzhi mushroom is taken as a homeopathic remedy for nocturia, as it can lead to an overactive bladder.

Because homeopathic remedies are incredibly dilute, they are generally regarded as safe and are not considered to meddle with prescription medicines. They can be taken during pregnancy and given to children, as long as the ailment is a simple condition such as a cough or teething. Anything more serious such as kidney infection should be referred to a professional homeopathic practitioner to know which homeopathic remedy for kidney infection is suitable for the patient.

Homeopathy is not pseudoscience or a placebo. Many studies have found that homeopathic remedies produce statistically significant positive results – for some ailments, even faster than prescriptive drugs!