Much like the other avenues of natural health care, homeopathy takes into account not just the symptom of the issue, but also the physical, mental and emotional issues of a person, according to Jennifer Pottruff, doctor of homeopathic medicine at Scent from Heaven.

“Homeopathic medicine does differ by remedying the specific problem. But the treatment is much more holistic and individual than the other forms of medicines. Homeopathy uses a blend of animal, plant or mineral substances,” said Pottruff.

For example, Pottruff says that typical ingredients could include honey bee, ink fish or snake venoms in different potencies. However, she adds that the amount may be a diluted ratio of one in 10 or one in 100 potency. The substance is then shaken to make it energized so it works on your body’s vital force.

“The doses of the remedy are used to stimulate the body to heal itself. They’re often given in minute doses but it always depends on the individual,” said Pottruff.

Pottruff went on to say that, “symptoms are also treated backwards. We start at the first one and work from there. After a dosage is given, we wait to see if the symptom returns. If it does, more is administered,” said Pottruff.

She went on to say that when the remedy is given, the body looks at it as an artificial disease.

“The remedy given is a similar disease to the one the patient has but it is extremely diluted. Since two similar diseases can’t exist in one body, they cancel each other out because the body fights it off,” said Pottruff.

Pottruff says that although symptoms may increase at first, they do subside once the body begins to fight the problem. She added that there is no aggravation from the body to this method and no possibility of overdose because the dosage is so diluted.

Practising homeopathy for four years, Pottruff remembers a time when she used the process on her daughter.

“My daughter had a fever of 103 and within 10 minutes of administering a remedy I had made, her fever was normal,” said Pottruff.

Although Pottruff says that homeopathy remedies can be beneficial to many people, there is a time and place for further medical attention.