What Are Homeopathic Remedies And Should You Use Them?

CBD HomepathyWith an ever-changing landscape in the medical world and constant warnings that we’re taking too many prescription drugs, it’s no wonder that people are searching for different ways to medicate. Homeopathic remedies have been a talking point in recent years and although they’ve existed for centuries, and it seems that no one can agree on their effectiveness. So, exactly what is homeopathy and why does it cause such controversy? To celebrate World Homeopathy Awareness week, we're taking a look...

The Origin of Homeopathy

Created in 1796 by German doctor, Samuel Hahnemann, homeopathy is based on a doctrine that a substance which could cause disease in healthy people if ingested in large amounts, could cure similar symptoms in unwell people if taken in small amounts. It’s a ‘like for like’ principle. A secondary principle involves the process of dilution and shaking, coined succussion, which practitioners believe is a powerful way to treat symptoms.

According to homeopaths, using natural remedies like plants and minerals can stimulate the healing process and encourage the body’s natural defences, lessening the need for invasive treatments and unnatural medicines.

There’s a huge range of ingredients that can be used in the practice; even forms of poison. For example, using poison ivy, a plant that can cause serious rashes, can be used to treat itchy skin disorders. Ingredients are diluted with water or alcohol and it’s believed that the lower the dose, the more powerful the remedy.

According to the British Homeopathic Association, homeopathy is holistic in nature, meaning that each individual is treated as such and “their body, mind, spirit and emotions are all considered in the management and prevention of disease.” A homeopathic doctor will take into account your unique way of life, including your sleep habits, eating preferences, personality and more to determine the best course of treatment for you.

CBD and Homeopathy

While CBD isn’t a one-cures-all product, as anecdotal evidence suggests it can be used to treat a huge variety of issues, including allergies, skin conditions, migraines, chronic pain, depression, anxiety, arthritis and more, some may believe that it can be used in homeopathic treatment.

This is because homeopathy taps into about stimulating the body’s ability to cure itself, and CBD plays a huge part in restoring homeostasis within the body. By bonding with the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the brain and body, CBD Oil and CBD Vape Oil can have a range of positive effects on both physical and mental conditions. 

However, many would disagree that just because it's 'herbal' and 'natural', doesn't make it homeopathic. Furthermore, as there's much scientific research that has already been done into the benefits of cannabis and cannabis products, it may not be able to be classed as homeopathic.

What’s the Controversy Surrounding Homeopathy?

As with any form of potential treatment, homeopathy doesn’t come without its critics. According to the NHS website, a 2010 House of Commons Science and Technology Committee report found that “homoeopathic remedies perform no better than placebos” and many believe that it cannot be classed as “treatment” at all, due to the lack of good evidence surrounding the topic.

Despite the differing opinions on homeopathic remedies, one can’t deny the sheer amount of anecdotal evidence that continues to come forward surrounding them. For many, the sooner resource is invested in scientific research to back up the personal experiences of compounds like CBD, the better it will be for those who wish to steer clear of traditional Western medicine, in whichever way that entails.