Homeopathy is a scientific system of health care which assists the body's own healing processes to cure disease naturally, gently and promptly. Homeopathy is a natural pharmaceutical science which uses very small doses of substances from all three realms of nature--plant, mineral and animal--to activate the body's defense mechanisms and initiate the healing response.

According to homeopathic principles, when the body is threatened by harmful external forces, the defense mechanisms produce symptoms such as a fever or cough. These symptoms actually represent the body's attempt to cure itself. We can reinforce the body's efforts by administering very small doses of a medicine which, if taken in large quantities by a healthy person, would produce the very same symptoms as the disease.

For example, handling onions causes your eyes to burn and water profusely. Your nose may also water and sneezing may occur. If you had not been handling onions, you may be experiencing these symptoms due to hay fever. As you might have already guessed, one remedy for hay fever is the onion. When specifically diluted by exact homeopathic instructions, it will gently and promptly reverse these types of symptoms.

The science of homeopathy was founded in the early 1800's by a German physician and chemist, Dr. Samuel Hahnemann, while doing research on the toxicological effects of the medicines of his time. Through numerous experiments, he discovered a specific dilution of a substance would remove the symptoms that substance was capable of evoking. Dr. Hahnemann described this discovery with the Latin phrase similia similibus curenter, "let likes be cured with likes". Her termed the medical system based on this principle "homeopathy" from the Greek "homoios" meaning similar and "pathos" meaning suffering.

As homeopathy became established in Europe, it quickly spread to the United States. The American Institute of Homeopathy was founded in 1844, and the first Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United States was published in 1897.

By the late 1800's homeopathy was practiced by 20 percent of the doctors in the United States. Due to changing lifestyles of the American people and the establishment of the American Medical Association, homeopathy almost ceased to exist in the United States. In the last two decades, however, the holistic movement has sparked a revival of interest in homeopathy.

Potentisation refers to the preparation of a homeopathic remedy. One part medicine is diluted in nine parts water or alcohol. The mixture is then shaken thoroughly. The diluted medicine is then diluted again in the same manner, and the process is repeated as many times as necessary to achieve the final dilution strength, known as potency.

A remedy with a potency of 10x means it was diluted 10 times, while a potency of 100x means it was diluted 100 times. According to the law of homeopathy, the higher the number of dilutions, when prepared in this manner, the greater the potency of the medicine.

The range of problems in which homeopathy can be effectively utilized is extensive and includes first aid, acute illnesses and chronic conditions. In acute illnesses, the appropriate remedy can act within minutes. In chronic or long-term conditions, results may be slower. Though astounding improvements often take place, don't be discouraged if instant changes do not occur. Remember, homeopathic medicines act by stimulating the body's own defenses, and healing time may vary with each individual. You may even experience a temporary worsening of symptoms. This is a good sign the immune system is fighting back and the healing process has begun. Stop taking the remedy during this time. The worsening of symptoms is usually short-lived and followed by noticeable improvement. Continue the remedy as needed or as directed by a health care professional (preferably one who is trained in homeopathy, such as a Naturopathic or Homeopathic doctor).

Also, homeopathic medicines are designed to enter the bloodstream directly through the mucous membranes of the mouth. This works best if the mouth is in its natural state, unaltered by food, beverages, brushing teeth, etc. It is generally recommended that homeopathic medicines be taken at least 15 minutes before or 30 minutes after eating, brushing teeth, etc., and they should be held under or on the tongue as long as possible before swallowing. Since homeopathic doses are very small, care should be taken to see that they reach the mouth in as pure a state as possible. It is best not to handle them. Measure the required number of tablets into the inside of the bottle cap and slip them under the tongue. Measure liquids into a spoon half full of water or drop directly under or on the tongue.

There are many homeopathic remedies available for the symptoms of endometriosis, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, interstitial cystitis, irritable bowel syndrome, headaches and migraines, menopause, depression, and many more health concerns! Generally, the homeopathic preparations available for sale in health food stores are wonderful for acute health problems, and also for alleviating symptoms, such as cramping and PMS. I would recommend seeking out a trained homeopathic practitioner, however, for treating the chronic nature of a disease such as endometriosis, as they can use higher potencies which might be more effective in the long run. Dr. Luc Chaltin, the president of Newton Laboratories (which makes homeopathic medicines) claims that he can "cure" endometriosis, so I definitely think it's worth looking into! You can get a listing of natural healing practitioners in your area by sending a #10 size envelope with 78 cents postage to: American College for Advancement in Medicine, P.O. Box 3027, Laguna Hills, CA 92654, or you can also write to: The International Foundation for Homeopathy, 2366 Eastlake Avenue E., Suite 301, Seattle, WA 98102 or The National Center for Homeopathy, 801 North Fairfax Street Suite 306, Alexandria, VA 22314.

Good luck and good health to all!

This information is not intended to prescribe or diagnose in any way. Please consult a health care professional before using any of the herbs mentioned above.