Dana Ullman - Essential Homeopathy: What It Is and What It Can Do for You

Copyright 2002 by Dana Ullman

Front cover design by Mary Beth Salmon
Text design and typography by Tona Pearce Myers

All rights reserved. This book may not be reproduced in whole or in part, or transmitted in any form, without written permission from the publisher, except by a reviewer, who may quote brief passages in a review; nor may any part of this book be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or other, without written permission from the publisher.

The material in this book is intended for education. It is not meant to take the place of diagnosis and treatment by a qualified medical practitioner or therapist. No expressed or implied guarantee as to the effects of the use of the recommendations can be given nor liability taken.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Ullman, Dana.
Essential homeopathy : what it is and what it can do for you
/ Dana Ullman.
p. cm.
Includes bibliographical references and index.
ISBN 157731-206-6
1. HomeopathyPopular works. I. Title.
RX76 .U4535 2002
615.532dc21

2001005837

First Printing, January 2002
ISBN: 157731-206-6
Printed in Canada on acid-free, recycled paper
Distributed to the trade by Publishers Group West

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

H omeopathy has been called the grandfather of alternative medicine in the United States because it was the first popular medical treatment practiced by medical doctors as a distinct alternative to conventional therapies of the nineteenth century. However, soon after the turn of the twentieth century, aggressive attacks by the American Medical Association (A.M.A.) led to its decline in the United States. Despite this decline in the States, homeopathy maintained its popularity throughout the world, and it is now so popular in Europe that in many countries it is no longer appropriate to consider it alternative medicine.

And although homeopathy is still not completely understood or respected in the United States, this attitude is changing rapidly. A growing body of research is verifying homeopathys efficacy. An increasing number of health and medical professionals are integrating it into their medical practice, and a renaissance of interest among consumers is bringing further attention to it.

Even Americas most respected doctor, Dr. C. Everett Koop, has acknowledged in his autobiography that it was his experience as a child with his family doctor, a homeopathic physician, that inspired him to become a doctor. Englands most well-known advocate of homeopathy is the queen herself. In fact, the royal family has sought homeopathic care since the 1830s, making homeopathy almost as much a part of the royal tradition as the passing of the crown.

But homeopathy is not just for royalty. It is used by physicians and consumers all over the world to treat common minor ailments, infectious diseases, injuries, chronic diseases, mental illness, and even some genetic ailments. Homeopathic medicines cannot cure everything, of course, but as you read this book, you will be surprised and even amazed at what you learn about the power of homeopathic medicines not only to provide relief but also to promote real and profound healing.

Whether you are new to homeopathy or are knowledgeable and experienced in the field, this book will provide a clear and precise overview of this magnificent system of natural medicine.

Many people commonly mistake and misconstrue homeopathic medicines as some type of folk medicines or herbal remedies. Chapter 1 clarifies what homeopathy is (and what it isnt). Chapter 2 describes what types of medicinal substances are used in homeopathy and how these substances are made into homeopathic remedies. The fact that homeopathic medicines are made into such infinitesimal doses is counterintuitive to most rational people. Yet homeopathy has been used for more than two hundred years by hundreds of thousands of doctors all over the world. Further, a large body of high-quality scientific studies has been published in respected medical journals that verify the biological activity and clinical efficacy of homeopathic medicine. Chapter 3 reviews this scientific evidence.

If homeopathic medicines are so effective, then why isnt homeopathy more popular? You will probably be amazed to learn that homeopathy is extremely popular in many countries in Europe, Asia, and South America. Although homeopathy isnt presently very popular in the United States, there are specific political and economic reasons for this. The attack against homeopathy by the American Medical Association is one reason for homeopathys diminished status, and the details of this drama are discussed in chapter 4.

While one can learn to treat oneself and ones family with homeopathic medicines for many common acute ailments, it is necessary to seek out professional homeopathic care for any serious or chronic ailments. Chapter 5 describes who homeopaths are, what training they receive, how to choose one, and whether insurance covers their care. Chapter 6 and 7 highlight some of the remedies that you can use to treat common ailments. Remember: People who take their disease lying down are apt to stay that way. You are the most important member of your health-care team, and you can easily learn to use some simple homeopathic medicines to treat yourself and your family. Finally, the Homeopathy Resources section at the back of the book is invaluable. A book like this can only plant a seed and introduce you to basic information about the science and art of homeopathy. I strongly encourage you to access other books, tapes, software, and organizations so that you can get the most from this amazingly effective system of healing.