The over-prescription of opioid medications in the late 1990s has led to one of the worst drug-related crises the United States has seen. Declared a public health emergency by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the U.S. opioid epidemic has caused over 1,500 deaths each week in the U.S as a result of overdoses from these highly addictive pain medications.

With many people now turning their back on Big Pharma and medications that come with innumerable side effects as well as the possibility of addiction, the search for healthier alternatives has become more acceptable, if not necessary.

For an increasing number of people, homeopathy is proving to be a complementary, if not alternative, therapy to standard treatments. In this article, we will look at some of the ways in which you can begin healing yourself with homeopathy.

What Is Homeopathy?

Homeopathy is a form of alternative medicine in which highly diluted natural substances such as plants and minerals, are used to help the body heal itself.

This system of medicine was first conceived in the late 18th century by a German physician called Samuel Hahnemann who believed that minute doses of a substance could cure the same symptoms caused by larger doses or ‘like cures like.’

Almost all homeopathic medicines are derived from plants or herbs such as arnica, red onion, poison ivy, stinging nettle and deadly nightshade. Minerals used include silica, white arsenic, kali mur, calc sulph and calc fluor.

Homeopathic treatments are given in many forms such as gels, ointments, creams and sugar pills to be placed under the tongue. Below are some homeopathic remedies used to treat bodily ailments.

Homeopathic Remedies

• Belladonna

Another name for deadly nightshade, this herbaceous plant is used to treat intense earache that comes in sudden bouts causing inflammation and heat. The throbbing pain is also accompanied with symptoms such as facial flushing, nightmares, fever and sensitivity to light.

• Aconite

Also known as wolfsbane, this homeopathic remedy can offer relief from the inflammation and pain from an eye injury. It is also used to manage pain and irritation resulting from foreign matter entering the eye.

• Hibiscus

The medicinal properties of hibiscus have led to its use as a diuretic and mild laxative easing constipation, improving digestion and helping to regulate bowel movements. Other uses of this tropical shrub include curing menstrual cramps and preventing anemia due to its high iron content.

• Ignatia Amara

Derived from the St. Ignatius Bean, this homeopathic remedy is used to treat emotional shock, anxiety, grief, stress and depression. It is commonly used to ease ailments that follow from the loss of a loved one such as a bereavement or relationship breakdown.

• Arnica

This plant deriving from the daisy family has become a common household remedy for the treatment of sprains, bruising, muscle aches, joint pain and swelling. Homeopathic treatments containing diluted amounts of arnica are commonly used to reduce pain and stiffness caused by osteoarthritis.

As this article has shown, there are many alternative and natural remedies to heal ailments within the body giving you the option to use treatments that can complement or substitute the medication you are currently on.