Homeopathy is a system of alternative medicine based on the philosophy that "like cures like.
" Supporters of homeopathic medicine believe that a patient's symptoms can be cured by treating them with a diluted version of a medication that would normally cause these or similar symptoms.
A homeopathic remedy for sinus infections, for example, would involve using a diluted form of a substance that in a normal person might cause congestion, headaches, facial swelling, and so on.
Homeopathic Dilutions Homeopathic medicines have been criticized in the past because the pharmacological element in them has often been so diluted that the final preparations barely contain any of the original substance in them at all.
The philosophy behind these dilutions, however, is that a person's body is naturally capable of healing itself, and so a person only needs incredibly small doses of medicine to boost their body's natural healing mechanisms.
Homeopathic medicines are normally made from natural materials such as herbs, animals, metals, and minerals.
Because the drugs are given in such diluted doses, they are generally harmless to the body.
Some people are convinced they work better than any traditional medications, but many health professionals claim that the doses are so diluted they are no more than a placebo.
Types of Homeopathic Medications for Sinuses There are several different homeopathic substances that are used for sinus relief.
Some of these homeopathic medications include: · Aresenicum.
This is used for people whose symptoms include a burning and throbbing feeling in their sinus cavities.
· Belladonna.
This is generally chosen as a homeopathic remedy for sinus infections in individuals who have intermittent but severe sinus pain.
· Hepar Sulphur.
This is used for patients who experience extreme, bursting pain in the middle of their forehead that worsens with movement.
· Kali bichromicum (potassium bichromate).
Patients who have severe pain at the root of their nose and a thick, stringy nasal discharge will often be given this drug.
Patients may also be experiencing dizziness and nausea, as well as a sore scalp.
· Mercurius (mercury).
This is used for patients with sinus headaches that worsen after eating and with extremes in temperature.
· Pulsatilla (windflower).
This homeopathic remedy for sinus infections is also used on patients whose headaches are aggravated by eating, but the pain of this type of headache is often alleviated by cool air.
· Spigella (pinkroot).
Patients who are treated with this medication often experience worse pain on the left side of their head than on the right.
The sinus symptoms treated with pinkroot are also generally brought about by prolonged exposure to the cold.
Although many of these homeopathic medications available over-the-counter, you should see a specialist in this type of care if you are interested in taking them.
This is because homeopathy operates on a philosophy of "constitutional care," which takes into consideration not just your current symptoms, but also your overall medical history and even your emotions.
A specialist in homeopathic medicine will be able to help you choose the right treatment for someone of your specific constitution.