Homeopathic Books & Products

Introduction to Homeopathy Online Course By Sheri Nakken, R.N., MA

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Homeopathy?
Homeopathy is based on the utilization of specially prepared, extreme dilutions of natural substances to trigger a healing response in the body. Homeopathic medicines are manufactured and labeled under specifications recognized by the U.S. FDA, and have been safely and effectively used for over 200 years. There are no known side effects, no contraindications, and the remedies are generally considered completely safe for all species of animals. After herbal medicine, homeopathy is the second most widely used health care system in the world.

German physician Samuel Hahnemann developed homeopathy in the early 1800's as an entire medical system. He saw homeopathy as an alternative to the conventional medicine of his own day, which he was quite fed up with. Homeopathy is based on the concept of "like cures like"--what can cause a disease in large quantities, can cure the same disease in minimal doses. The smallest amount of medicine is used to simply "initiate" healing. This concept was not completely new, as this line of thinking has been showing up in medical philosophy since classical greek times. Hahnemann was the first to explore this in depth, and put together a full system that could be taught to others, and utilized on a daily basis.

What are homeopathic remedies made from?
Remedies are minute doses of specially prepared substances from plants, animals, and minerals. Remedies are diluted to the point where no measurable amount of the original substance remains, but what is left behind is an "energy imprint" that causes a trigger effect to stimulate or enhance the body's own natural defenses.

How do the remedies work?
Actually, no one really knows just how they work, though there are many theories. One is that an "energy imprint" of the original substance creates the healing effect by acting as a catalyst. Another theory is that the "succession" (violent mixing) of the remedies gives them an electro-chemical charge. Some people insist that the healing is a result of the "placebo" effect, but that theory doesn't work when it comes to the application of homeopathy on animals. Remedies on animals have been used extensively and successfully for a very long time, especially in Europe. The few trials that have been done using homeopathic remedies have proven them successful, though more extensive trials are needed. What most people are concerned with is not how they work, but that they do work.

My experience with them thus far has been extremely surprising (I was skeptical at first) and very positive! When the right remedy is chosen, the result, especially in an acute situation, is immediate relief! If the wrong remedy is chosen, there is no harm done--there is simply no effect. Move on to another remedy--please consult your licensed homeopathic practitioner or holistic veterinarian for advice.

It is important to remember that home usage of homeopathic remedies should be limited to ACUTE conditions, such as strain, sprain, bruise, abscess, etc. CHRONIC conditions need the services of an experienced homeopathic vet -- while you can do no great harm by administering remedies, chronic cases will not find the healing they so desperately need without expert help. Remember, your goal is not to simply treat the symptom, but to actually heal the entire horse.

How do I give a remedy to a horse?
There are many personal preferences when it comes to dosing a horse. You can dissolve 5-10 small pills in a vial of water, and then dump the vial into the side of the horse's mouth. You can also use a syringe or an eye dropper. Try not touch to the pills, just gently tap a few out of the bottle. You can also place the pills directly into the horse's cheek, but this can be tricky, as the pills are tiny, and you should not touch them! If you do this, please don't use your remedy bottle's lid, as one touch with your horse's mouth and you can contaminate your entire bottle. Instead, use a small glass vial to dump the dosage of pills into his mouth. The remedy only needs to come in contact with the mucous membranes, it is not even necessary for the horse to ingest them. You can also use liquid remedy dropped onto a sugar cube. It is recommended that you do not place in food, if possible (though some people do, and report that it works fine), and wait 15 minutes before or after eating to give a dose. Do not feed any mints, or herbs in the mint family, to your horse while giving the remedies, as this could interfere with their effect. Likewise, avoid any strong liniments and such while giving remedies. Doses are not given according to a horse's weight--what is more important is that the correct remedy is chosen, and that the frequency of dosing reflects the necessary situation. Number of pills is not crucial, but 5-10 of the small size (#15 size is what I stock, because they dissolve quickly and provide many doses per bottle) is sufficient for one dose.

In acute situations, a dose can be given frequently, even every half hour. Wait for results: if the symptoms disappear, discontinue the remedy, it has done its job. If the symptoms return, administer another dose. If no effect has been seen after 3-4 doses, a different remedy is needed. For a chronic situation, the dose will be given less frequently, and it may take some time (days, weeks, or more) to observe the effects of the remedy, depending on the situation. Chronic cases are especially advised to seek expert guidance for best results. Please consult your licensed homeopathic practitioner or holistic veterinarian for advice.

Unless you receive specific instructions to give several remedies in conjunction, it is recommended that you give only one remedy at a time (do not give several remedies on the same day). Wait for this one remedy to work, and if you wish to use another, discontinue the use of the first remedy. This is because certain remedies can "cancel" each other out. There are special "blends" of remedies that have been created by experts for various condition. Examples of blends are the Traumed remedy blend, as well as EquioPathics Musculo-Skeletal and Hoof (see Homeopathy products page).

How do I store the remedies?
I recommend that you keep the remedies at home in a drawer, cabinet, or other dark place, free from moisture and changes of temperature. Stored this way, the remedies should last indefinitely. If you spill any pills from the bottle, do not put them back into the bottle or you may contaminate the entire remedy. Do not store in the refrigerator. When you need to prepare a dose for your horse, mix up the vial or small container of water and remedy at home, and carry only that with you to the stables.

Washington Homeopathic Products, Inc. is an extremely reputable company that has been manufacturing homeopathics since 1873. Visit their website to read more about homeopathy: www.homeopathyworks.com. Read a guide for taking homeopathic remedies at: http://www.homeopathyworks.com/guide.htm Also, more information on a variety of topics is available at http://www.homeopathyworks.com/informed.htm

For more information about homeopathy, contact the National Center for Homeopathy, phone 877-624-0613, or visit their website www.homeopathic.org. For more information about veterinary homeopathy, contact the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association, phone 410-569-0795, or visit their website www.altvetmed.com. They can both provide you with a list of practicing homeopathic veterinarians in your area.

Introduction to Homeopathy
By Sheri Nakken, R.N., MA,
Introduction to Classical Homeopathy. Information on how to sign up for an internet course (excellent), find a classical homeopathist near you, general introduction, and listing of the top websites to start learning about this wonderful medical system.
http://www.nccn.net/%7Ewwithin/homeo.htm

DISCLAIMER: We make no medicinal claims for any of these products beyond those legally made by the manufacturer. Please consult with your veterinarian before giving your horse any remedies. Please consult with a holistic veterinarian for therapeutic use of herbs and/or homeopathic remedies--some herbs may actually cancel out homeopathic treatment. Please do not use any of these products for an extended period of time (beyond 1 week) without veterinary supervision.

Product descriptions listed in The Horse's Hoof Store are for informational and educational purposes only. These descriptions should not be interpreted as diagnosis for self-administered treatment. The information provided on these herbal and homeopathic remedies is based on readily available traditional and historical sources of knowledge. No medicinal claims are made or implied for any of the products. Please consult with your veterinarian for for any diagnoses needed. These statements provided have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.