<![CDATA[Homeopathy Works: Latest News]]> https://www.homeopathyworks.com Sat, 04 Apr 2026 07:46:39 +0000 <![CDATA[The Case for Individualized Medicine: Homeopathy’s Enduring Insight and Value]]> https://www.homeopathyworks.com/dr-samets-insights/the-case-for-individualized-medicine-homeopathys-enduring-insight-and-value/ Wed, 25 Feb 2026 12:38:00 +0000 https://www.homeopathyworks.com/dr-samets-insights/the-case-for-individualized-medicine-homeopathys-enduring-insight-and-value/ One of the significant differences between homeopathy and conventional medicine is that well-trained homeopaths exclusively practice individualized medicine. They don’t treat a disease—they treat the patient.

Why Treating the Disease Is Not the Same as Treating the Person

Homeopaths justifiably believe, as one of medicine’s greatest prescribers, Dr. Adolph Lippe, MD, so aptly put it, that “there are not two persons alike; they are similar, but not alike; not alike in their physical developments and mental conditions; and being so unlike, can it be presumed that disease, even if we know her function-disturbing power, would attack all persons (who are not alike) in exactly the same manner? There are differences of sexes and of ages, the prevailing climatic influences, the seasons, which change the form of disease frequently. The fact, well known, that even epidemic diseases continually change their character as epidemics, and affect different individuals very differently, even in the same locality, and more differently still in different localities, shows conclusively that the treatment of a specific disease…is an impossibility; and the persistent practice of the Allopathic School of Medicine, which School bases its therapeutics upon the untenable hypothesis of a disease, must forever be a failure… If we attempt to restore health to the sick, we (homeopaths) are bound to individualize; if we attempt to cure diseases, we must generalize.”

Individualization and the Law of Similars

Individualization is a central element in homeopathy. Each patient is considered unique; each symptom, as well as the factors that make that symptom, and the patient, better or worse, is carefully noted to identify the most characteristic symptoms/aspects of the individual. With this information, a well-trained homeopath takes advantage of a cornerstone of homeopathy—the law of similars (like cures like)—to choose a medicine most appropriate for the patient. Thanks to the work of hundreds of thousands of homeopaths over the last two hundred years, homeopaths know the effects of their medicines in great detail.  They have learned, as Lippe wrote, that “medicines, when taken in a state of health, create symptoms similar to a form of disease which they were also known to cure at times… (and will) in the future indicate the condition(s) under which this medicine might be administered for the cure of the disease presenting the same symptoms, with a certainty never known before."

The Generalized Model of Conventional Medicine

Conventional medicine takes a different approach—a more generalized approach.

Let’s consider a patient with a cough. In conventional medicine, general symptoms are noted (your physician asks for basic information. In the case of a cough, they may listen to your chest for a moment and ask you a few basic questions, such as "have you been running a fever and have you been bringing anything up with the cough?") and a diagnosis is made. One or more medications are prescribed, and the patient is sent home. The next patient with the same general disease state will frequently receive the same medications. In this system of medicine, one size (i.e., drug therapy) generally fits everyone with the same-named disease.

The Limits of One-Size-Fits-All Treatment

Does this approach of generalization make sense? Is it true that every patient with bronchitis expresses the disease in an identical fashion?

It's important to remember that with any named ailment, there is a set of symptoms routinely associated with it.

How the Same Illness Can Look Completely Different from One Person to the Next

Homeopaths long ago recognized that each person expresses ailments in ways that are idiosyncratic, or unique, to them. Take that cough again as an example... You, your husband, and a coworker may all have a cough. However, in your case, the cough is worse when talking, laughing, eating, lying on your left side, and when moving from a warm room into cold air. You are also very thirsty for cold drinks. Your husband’s cough is notably worse in a warm room, better in cool, open air, and worse in the evening and when lying down. He is also completely thirstless. Your coworker—well, she seems to be most troubled by her cough at 3:00 AM. She also complains of minor stitching pains in her chest when coughing and is most comfortable when leaning forward to cough.

How the Same Illness Can Look Completely Different

In homeopathy, we use individualized treatments by recommending medicines selected to match the patient's characteristic (unique) symptoms. Individualized medicine…

Looking again at the cases cited above, each person uniquely expresses their ailment. Prescribing for the individual and not the disease name is simply logical. In homeopathy, the chosen medicine addresses the sick person and not the named disease.

Characteristic Symptoms as the Guide to Healing

To use homeopathy effectively, one needs to probe the patient deeply to better understand how each person uniquely expresses their ailment. It is those unique expressions of an ailment, particularly symptoms that are peculiar to the patient and intense, that are considered the characteristic symptoms of a case and that light the way to a helpful prescription.

To again quote Adolph Lippe, MD, “The law of the similars is a law of nature. The knowledge of its existence comes to us without resorting to deep abstractive reasoning; we find this law by soberly looking at everyday observations and experiences. It is the language of nature, ever friendly, leading us like a trusted guide through the labyrinths of life. She teaches us, in a language we all know, how the similar befriends the similar, how the similar spontaneously defines the similar, how the similar cures the similar…”

Individualization as a Contemporary Medical Insight

In an era increasingly aware of human complexity and variability, the enduring insight of homeopathy feels not antiquated but strikingly contemporary. By insisting that effective care begins with the individual rather than the diagnosis, homeopathy reminds medicine of a foundational truth: healing is not achieved by treating disease names, but by understanding people. Individualization is not a rejection of science or reason; it is an affirmation of careful observation, humility, and respect for the natural laws that govern health and illness. As medicine continues to search for more precise, humane, and effective approaches to care, homeopathy’s unwavering commitment to the individual stands as both a challenge and an invitation to rethink what it truly means to practice medicine in service of the whole person.

About Dr. Lisa Samet:

Dr. Lisa Samet N.D. provides Washington Homeopathic Products with a regular column on using homeopathy for the family. She's a naturopathic physician who specializes in homeopathic medicine. Dr. Samet graduated from the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in 1998 and has been practicing in Montreal since then. She was born and raised in New York.

Dr. Samet has chosen to focus on homeopathy because, in her experience, it is the deepest healing modality available, as it does not just soothe or palliate symptoms but actually stimulates the body to begin healing itself. Dr. Samet sees patients in her Montreal office as well as long-distance using Zoom, Skype, or FaceTime. Learn more here: Dr. Lisa Samet. You can follow her on Facebook as well. 

 

]]> One of the significant differences between homeopathy and conventional medicine is that well-trained homeopaths exclusively practice individualized medicine. They don’t treat a disease—they treat the patient.

Why Treating the Disease Is Not the Same as Treating the Person

Homeopaths justifiably believe, as one of medicine’s greatest prescribers, Dr. Adolph Lippe, MD, so aptly put it, that “there are not two persons alike; they are similar, but not alike; not alike in their physical developments and mental conditions; and being so unlike, can it be presumed that disease, even if we know her function-disturbing power, would attack all persons (who are not alike) in exactly the same manner? There are differences of sexes and of ages, the prevailing climatic influences, the seasons, which change the form of disease frequently. The fact, well known, that even epidemic diseases continually change their character as epidemics, and affect different individuals very differently, even in the same locality, and more differently still in different localities, shows conclusively that the treatment of a specific disease…is an impossibility; and the persistent practice of the Allopathic School of Medicine, which School bases its therapeutics upon the untenable hypothesis of a disease, must forever be a failure… If we attempt to restore health to the sick, we (homeopaths) are bound to individualize; if we attempt to cure diseases, we must generalize.”

Individualization and the Law of Similars

Individualization is a central element in homeopathy. Each patient is considered unique; each symptom, as well as the factors that make that symptom, and the patient, better or worse, is carefully noted to identify the most characteristic symptoms/aspects of the individual. With this information, a well-trained homeopath takes advantage of a cornerstone of homeopathy—the law of similars (like cures like)—to choose a medicine most appropriate for the patient. Thanks to the work of hundreds of thousands of homeopaths over the last two hundred years, homeopaths know the effects of their medicines in great detail.  They have learned, as Lippe wrote, that “medicines, when taken in a state of health, create symptoms similar to a form of disease which they were also known to cure at times… (and will) in the future indicate the condition(s) under which this medicine might be administered for the cure of the disease presenting the same symptoms, with a certainty never known before."

The Generalized Model of Conventional Medicine

Conventional medicine takes a different approach—a more generalized approach.

Let’s consider a patient with a cough. In conventional medicine, general symptoms are noted (your physician asks for basic information. In the case of a cough, they may listen to your chest for a moment and ask you a few basic questions, such as "have you been running a fever and have you been bringing anything up with the cough?") and a diagnosis is made. One or more medications are prescribed, and the patient is sent home. The next patient with the same general disease state will frequently receive the same medications. In this system of medicine, one size (i.e., drug therapy) generally fits everyone with the same-named disease.

The Limits of One-Size-Fits-All Treatment

Does this approach of generalization make sense? Is it true that every patient with bronchitis expresses the disease in an identical fashion?

It's important to remember that with any named ailment, there is a set of symptoms routinely associated with it.

How the Same Illness Can Look Completely Different from One Person to the Next

Homeopaths long ago recognized that each person expresses ailments in ways that are idiosyncratic, or unique, to them. Take that cough again as an example... You, your husband, and a coworker may all have a cough. However, in your case, the cough is worse when talking, laughing, eating, lying on your left side, and when moving from a warm room into cold air. You are also very thirsty for cold drinks. Your husband’s cough is notably worse in a warm room, better in cool, open air, and worse in the evening and when lying down. He is also completely thirstless. Your coworker—well, she seems to be most troubled by her cough at 3:00 AM. She also complains of minor stitching pains in her chest when coughing and is most comfortable when leaning forward to cough.

How the Same Illness Can Look Completely Different

In homeopathy, we use individualized treatments by recommending medicines selected to match the patient's characteristic (unique) symptoms. Individualized medicine…

Looking again at the cases cited above, each person uniquely expresses their ailment. Prescribing for the individual and not the disease name is simply logical. In homeopathy, the chosen medicine addresses the sick person and not the named disease.

Characteristic Symptoms as the Guide to Healing

To use homeopathy effectively, one needs to probe the patient deeply to better understand how each person uniquely expresses their ailment. It is those unique expressions of an ailment, particularly symptoms that are peculiar to the patient and intense, that are considered the characteristic symptoms of a case and that light the way to a helpful prescription.

To again quote Adolph Lippe, MD, “The law of the similars is a law of nature. The knowledge of its existence comes to us without resorting to deep abstractive reasoning; we find this law by soberly looking at everyday observations and experiences. It is the language of nature, ever friendly, leading us like a trusted guide through the labyrinths of life. She teaches us, in a language we all know, how the similar befriends the similar, how the similar spontaneously defines the similar, how the similar cures the similar…”

Individualization as a Contemporary Medical Insight

In an era increasingly aware of human complexity and variability, the enduring insight of homeopathy feels not antiquated but strikingly contemporary. By insisting that effective care begins with the individual rather than the diagnosis, homeopathy reminds medicine of a foundational truth: healing is not achieved by treating disease names, but by understanding people. Individualization is not a rejection of science or reason; it is an affirmation of careful observation, humility, and respect for the natural laws that govern health and illness. As medicine continues to search for more precise, humane, and effective approaches to care, homeopathy’s unwavering commitment to the individual stands as both a challenge and an invitation to rethink what it truly means to practice medicine in service of the whole person.

About Dr. Lisa Samet:

Dr. Lisa Samet N.D. provides Washington Homeopathic Products with a regular column on using homeopathy for the family. She's a naturopathic physician who specializes in homeopathic medicine. Dr. Samet graduated from the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in 1998 and has been practicing in Montreal since then. She was born and raised in New York.

Dr. Samet has chosen to focus on homeopathy because, in her experience, it is the deepest healing modality available, as it does not just soothe or palliate symptoms but actually stimulates the body to begin healing itself. Dr. Samet sees patients in her Montreal office as well as long-distance using Zoom, Skype, or FaceTime. Learn more here: Dr. Lisa Samet. You can follow her on Facebook as well. 

 

]]> <![CDATA[Homeopathy for Those Stressful Moments in Life]]> https://www.homeopathyworks.com/dr-samets-insights/homeopathy-for-those-stressful-moments-in-life/ Thu, 11 Dec 2025 15:55:56 +0000 https://www.homeopathyworks.com/dr-samets-insights/homeopathy-for-those-stressful-moments-in-life/ Homeopathy is well known for the help it provides for physical injuries, but it can also be incredibly supportive when you’re dealing with emotional shock, stress, or the after-effects of a difficult experience. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed or weighed down lately, here are a few remedies that may offer some gentle support – with helpful commentary from the venerable homeopath, E.B. Nash, MD.

Aconite

If your stress comes on suddenly and hits like a wave. Aconite might be the remedy to think about. This is often the picture after a sudden fright or shock—intense worry, great restlessness, and a sense that something terrible is about to happen. Even sudden pain can trigger this kind of state. It is also a remedy to consider for physical ailments following a frightening shock.

Gelsemium

Gelsemium is a good fit when stress shows up as dread—especially before some event you’re worried about. You might feel shaky, weak, or heavy in your limbs, almost as if your body wants to shut down (Nash called it the “trembling remedy”). Many people who need Gelsemium just want to lie down and be left alone. It’s also well known for helping when nerves bring on diarrhea. It’s the most common remedy for “Ailments from bad news.”

Coffea

Think of Coffea when everything feels “turned up.” All one’s senses are more acute – the mind overactive. According to E.B. Nash, MD, “Coffea is especially adapted to mental shocks, such as sudden surprises, especially joyful surprises, excessive laughter and playing, disappointed love, noises, strong smells, etc. It is also adapted to variable moods; first crying, then laughing, then crying again.” Sleep is often difficult because the mind just won’t stop racing, and even slight noises can wake you. Coffea is often very helpful to take at that time: awake in bed at night, mind racing.

Ignatia

Ignatia is often helpful when emotional shock causes mixed, changeable reactions. You might cry one moment and feel numb the next. Sighing a lot, a tight chest, or the feeling of a lump in the throat are common signs. Nash describes it this way: “It has in it a marked element of sadness, and disposition to silent grieving. Anyone suffering … with sighing, much sobbing, etc., and especially if inclined to smother or hide that grief from others, is just the subject for this remedy. She desires to be alone with her grief. Sighs much and seems so sad and weak. The weakness is felt right in the pit of the stomach. She feels weak, faint... Another equally characteristic state of mind is a changeable mood.”

Chamomilla

The stressed person needing Chamomilla is hard to miss. To quote Nash: “To "boil down" all the different ways in which the Chamomilla mind can be and is expressed: ‘The patient is cross, ugly, spiteful, snappish. (He or) she knows it, admits it, and so does everyone else. She will return mean, uncivil, spiteful answers to her best friends, and then confess her fault, to repeat it again and again, and stoutly affirms she cannot help it, she feels so.’ This state of mind is always present in the marked Chamomilla case, whether it be adult or child.”

Staphysagria

Staphysagria is the remedy to consider when someone feels intense anger from hurt, humiliation, or feeling wronged—but keeps all the emotion inside. Also great for ailments from disappointment. To quote Nash again: this person has "great indignation about things done by others or himself, grieving about the consequences, continual concern about the future. (They) throw things away indignantly (particularly when angry), or push them away on the table.” When upset and anger lead to throwing things, this remedy is worth considering.

Phosphoricum acidum (Phos ac)

Phos ac is suited to people who feel emotionally flattened after a shock—quiet, drained, and withdrawn. Concentration becomes difficult, and appetite often disappears. 

Arnica

Most people know Arnica for bruises and injuries, but it’s also a wonderful remedy for emotional shock—especially when someone insists they’re fine but clearly aren’t. This protective “I don’t need help” stance is a classic Arnica symptom. The remedy, at times, helps soften that emotional armor so healing can begin.

As with any medical condition, consult your physician if you have concerns about the severity of your illness, as it may initially require a medical diagnosis and/or intervention and monitoring.

About Dr. Lisa Samet:

Dr. Lisa Samet N.D. provides Washington Homeopathic Products with a regular column on using homeopathy for the family. She's a naturopathic physician who specializes in homeopathic medicine. Dr. Samet graduated from the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in 1998 and has been practicing in Montreal since then. She was born and raised in New York.

Dr. Samet has chosen to focus on homeopathy because, in her experience, it is the deepest healing modality available, as it does not just soothe or palliate symptoms but actually stimulates the body to begin healing itself. Dr. Samet sees patients in her Montreal office as well as long-distance using Zoom, Skype, or FaceTime. Learn more here: Dr. Lisa Samet. You can follow her on Facebook as well. 

 

 

 

]]> Homeopathy is well known for the help it provides for physical injuries, but it can also be incredibly supportive when you’re dealing with emotional shock, stress, or the after-effects of a difficult experience. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed or weighed down lately, here are a few remedies that may offer some gentle support – with helpful commentary from the venerable homeopath, E.B. Nash, MD.

Aconite

If your stress comes on suddenly and hits like a wave. Aconite might be the remedy to think about. This is often the picture after a sudden fright or shock—intense worry, great restlessness, and a sense that something terrible is about to happen. Even sudden pain can trigger this kind of state. It is also a remedy to consider for physical ailments following a frightening shock.

Gelsemium

Gelsemium is a good fit when stress shows up as dread—especially before some event you’re worried about. You might feel shaky, weak, or heavy in your limbs, almost as if your body wants to shut down (Nash called it the “trembling remedy”). Many people who need Gelsemium just want to lie down and be left alone. It’s also well known for helping when nerves bring on diarrhea. It’s the most common remedy for “Ailments from bad news.”

Coffea

Think of Coffea when everything feels “turned up.” All one’s senses are more acute – the mind overactive. According to E.B. Nash, MD, “Coffea is especially adapted to mental shocks, such as sudden surprises, especially joyful surprises, excessive laughter and playing, disappointed love, noises, strong smells, etc. It is also adapted to variable moods; first crying, then laughing, then crying again.” Sleep is often difficult because the mind just won’t stop racing, and even slight noises can wake you. Coffea is often very helpful to take at that time: awake in bed at night, mind racing.

Ignatia

Ignatia is often helpful when emotional shock causes mixed, changeable reactions. You might cry one moment and feel numb the next. Sighing a lot, a tight chest, or the feeling of a lump in the throat are common signs. Nash describes it this way: “It has in it a marked element of sadness, and disposition to silent grieving. Anyone suffering … with sighing, much sobbing, etc., and especially if inclined to smother or hide that grief from others, is just the subject for this remedy. She desires to be alone with her grief. Sighs much and seems so sad and weak. The weakness is felt right in the pit of the stomach. She feels weak, faint... Another equally characteristic state of mind is a changeable mood.”

Chamomilla

The stressed person needing Chamomilla is hard to miss. To quote Nash: “To "boil down" all the different ways in which the Chamomilla mind can be and is expressed: ‘The patient is cross, ugly, spiteful, snappish. (He or) she knows it, admits it, and so does everyone else. She will return mean, uncivil, spiteful answers to her best friends, and then confess her fault, to repeat it again and again, and stoutly affirms she cannot help it, she feels so.’ This state of mind is always present in the marked Chamomilla case, whether it be adult or child.”

Staphysagria

Staphysagria is the remedy to consider when someone feels intense anger from hurt, humiliation, or feeling wronged—but keeps all the emotion inside. Also great for ailments from disappointment. To quote Nash again: this person has "great indignation about things done by others or himself, grieving about the consequences, continual concern about the future. (They) throw things away indignantly (particularly when angry), or push them away on the table.” When upset and anger lead to throwing things, this remedy is worth considering.

Phosphoricum acidum (Phos ac)

Phos ac is suited to people who feel emotionally flattened after a shock—quiet, drained, and withdrawn. Concentration becomes difficult, and appetite often disappears. 

Arnica

Most people know Arnica for bruises and injuries, but it’s also a wonderful remedy for emotional shock—especially when someone insists they’re fine but clearly aren’t. This protective “I don’t need help” stance is a classic Arnica symptom. The remedy, at times, helps soften that emotional armor so healing can begin.

As with any medical condition, consult your physician if you have concerns about the severity of your illness, as it may initially require a medical diagnosis and/or intervention and monitoring.

About Dr. Lisa Samet:

Dr. Lisa Samet N.D. provides Washington Homeopathic Products with a regular column on using homeopathy for the family. She's a naturopathic physician who specializes in homeopathic medicine. Dr. Samet graduated from the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in 1998 and has been practicing in Montreal since then. She was born and raised in New York.

Dr. Samet has chosen to focus on homeopathy because, in her experience, it is the deepest healing modality available, as it does not just soothe or palliate symptoms but actually stimulates the body to begin healing itself. Dr. Samet sees patients in her Montreal office as well as long-distance using Zoom, Skype, or FaceTime. Learn more here: Dr. Lisa Samet. You can follow her on Facebook as well. 

 

 

 

]]> <![CDATA[ Homeopathy for Summer Camp and Summer Vacation]]> https://www.homeopathyworks.com/dr-samets-insights/-homeopathy-for-summer-camp-and-summer-vacation/ Mon, 16 Jun 2025 09:30:00 +0000 https://www.homeopathyworks.com/dr-samets-insights/-homeopathy-for-summer-camp-and-summer-vacation/ Summer camps and summer vacations are just around the corner, and whether you're packing your kids off to sleep-away camp for a few weeks or you're planning a family trip, here’s a list of remedies you’ll want to have on hand to deal with summer incidents!
 
Aconite: This remedy is used best when a cold or cough comes on suddenly, especially after getting a chill. It’s also a good remedy for fear or fright, like after a nightmare, especially when sleeping away from home for the first time! 

Arnica: The preeminent remedy for injuries, falls, bruises, strains, and sprains… no remedy kit should be without this one! Depending on the severity of the injury, one dose 1-5 times a day, for a day or two, should usually be enough to get kids up and running again. I’ve had so many moms describe to me with wonderment how they felt the first time they used Arnica for an injury and watched the “huge red bump” go down before their eyes within minutes. You can also find it in a cream for topical use; use both if you can. We have a terrific one WHP Be gone™

Apis: This is the first remedy to think of for stings or bites—whether it be wasp, bee, mosquito, black fly, red ants, etc. If the area is red, hot, and itchy (and feels better from cold), Apis is the one for you. Apis is one of those remedies you will want to think of when going on a hike or sitting around a campfire in the evening when the bugs come out, if you are the one they love to bite. One or two doses after the bites are usually enough to get the itching and burning feeling better.

Arsenicum Album:  Especially when you’re away from home, an upset stomach can ruin the day. Whether it be from bad food, anxiety, or a virus, Arsenicum is most often the one likely to help, especially since it is impractical to send 10 diarrhea remedies with specific instructions along to camp with kids! If the diarrhea is relatively mild, 1-3 doses in the first 12 hours should help enormously if it’s the right remedy (if it’s the “wrong” remedy, nothing bad will happen, there just won’t be much improvement!) Make sure to hydrate!

Belladonna: This is a good choice at the first sign of fever with red, hot skin. Also, it can be used with a sunburn and in this case is taken every hour for three doses to really get the heat out and promote skin healing.

Calendula spray/ointment: A must for any first aid kit it is to be applied topically to scrapes/cuts. Ensure the area is thoroughly cleaned before applying. Helps promote quick healing of minor abrasions. We have a great topical Calendula ointment called WHP Be gone™ Lil’ Cuts & Scrapes!

Gelsemium: The first remedy to think of for summer colds (especially if the symptoms are vague and do not indicate a clear remedy), where the person is chilly, has little thirst and also very low energy.

Hypericum: For injuries to nerve-rich areas, like a stubbed toe, a finger slammed in the door, a fall on the tailbone with characteristic “nerve” pain—shooting, sharp and tingling, try Hypericum. Ouch!

Ignatia: I always sent Ignatia in my kids’ sleep-away camp remedy kits (maybe it was just wishful thinking that they would miss me a bit….), but if homesickness strikes, this should stop any crying and sighing, and missing home in a flash. One dose should do it.

Ledum: This is a good remedy to think of with a puncture wound such as stepping on something sharp. It’s also used for insect bites, especially if Apis doesn’t help or is not indicated, as Ledum’s bites feel cool to the touch (vs Apis, which feels hot).  I have also found Ledum to be particularly effective with large bruises (like poking your thigh into the corner of a desk), when Arnica doesn’t help. Finally, it is often the best remedy to use with a black eye (best if used immediately after a baseball or an elbow makes contact with the eye socket!)

Rhus-tox: This remedy has two very useful acute indications: one is with poison ivy. Be sure to have it handy when going on a hike or gardening. If you do get poison ivy, this is the most common remedy to help with the intense itching, but it needs to be administered frequently (like every hour for multiple doses). Second, Rhus-tox is a very useful remedy with strains or sprains, especially when the joint is stiff in the morning and feels better after movement. Use it following Arnica, when that remedy no longer provides any benefit.

Ruta: Easily confused with Rhus-tox for use in sprains, this one seems to have more affinity for tendons but if unsure, try Rhus-tox first and if no results after a day or so, change to Ruta.

Silicea:  This remedy can sometimes be effective in encouraging splinters to be expelled. Give it a try: one dose every 12 hours for 3 doses.
 
As with any medical condition, consult your physician if you have concerns about the severity of your illness, as it may initially require a medical diagnosis and/or intervention and monitoring.

About Dr. Lisa Samet:

Dr. Lisa Samet N.D. provides Washington Homeopathic Products with a regular column on using homeopathy for the family. She's a naturopathic physician who specializes in homeopathic medicine. Dr. Samet graduated from the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in 1998 and has been practicing in Montreal since then. She was born and raised in New York.

Dr. Samet has chosen to focus on homeopathy because in her experience it is the deepest healing modality available in that it does not just soothe or palliate symptoms but can actually stimulate the body to start to heal itself. Dr. Samet sees patients in her Montreal office as well as long distance using Zoom, Skype, or Facetime. Learn more here: Dr. Lisa Samet. You can follow her on Facebook as well. 

]]> Summer camps and summer vacations are just around the corner, and whether you're packing your kids off to sleep-away camp for a few weeks or you're planning a family trip, here’s a list of remedies you’ll want to have on hand to deal with summer incidents!
 
Aconite: This remedy is used best when a cold or cough comes on suddenly, especially after getting a chill. It’s also a good remedy for fear or fright, like after a nightmare, especially when sleeping away from home for the first time! 

Arnica: The preeminent remedy for injuries, falls, bruises, strains, and sprains… no remedy kit should be without this one! Depending on the severity of the injury, one dose 1-5 times a day, for a day or two, should usually be enough to get kids up and running again. I’ve had so many moms describe to me with wonderment how they felt the first time they used Arnica for an injury and watched the “huge red bump” go down before their eyes within minutes. You can also find it in a cream for topical use; use both if you can. We have a terrific one WHP Be gone™

Apis: This is the first remedy to think of for stings or bites—whether it be wasp, bee, mosquito, black fly, red ants, etc. If the area is red, hot, and itchy (and feels better from cold), Apis is the one for you. Apis is one of those remedies you will want to think of when going on a hike or sitting around a campfire in the evening when the bugs come out, if you are the one they love to bite. One or two doses after the bites are usually enough to get the itching and burning feeling better.

Arsenicum Album:  Especially when you’re away from home, an upset stomach can ruin the day. Whether it be from bad food, anxiety, or a virus, Arsenicum is most often the one likely to help, especially since it is impractical to send 10 diarrhea remedies with specific instructions along to camp with kids! If the diarrhea is relatively mild, 1-3 doses in the first 12 hours should help enormously if it’s the right remedy (if it’s the “wrong” remedy, nothing bad will happen, there just won’t be much improvement!) Make sure to hydrate!

Belladonna: This is a good choice at the first sign of fever with red, hot skin. Also, it can be used with a sunburn and in this case is taken every hour for three doses to really get the heat out and promote skin healing.

Calendula spray/ointment: A must for any first aid kit it is to be applied topically to scrapes/cuts. Ensure the area is thoroughly cleaned before applying. Helps promote quick healing of minor abrasions. We have a great topical Calendula ointment called WHP Be gone™ Lil’ Cuts & Scrapes!

Gelsemium: The first remedy to think of for summer colds (especially if the symptoms are vague and do not indicate a clear remedy), where the person is chilly, has little thirst and also very low energy.

Hypericum: For injuries to nerve-rich areas, like a stubbed toe, a finger slammed in the door, a fall on the tailbone with characteristic “nerve” pain—shooting, sharp and tingling, try Hypericum. Ouch!

Ignatia: I always sent Ignatia in my kids’ sleep-away camp remedy kits (maybe it was just wishful thinking that they would miss me a bit….), but if homesickness strikes, this should stop any crying and sighing, and missing home in a flash. One dose should do it.

Ledum: This is a good remedy to think of with a puncture wound such as stepping on something sharp. It’s also used for insect bites, especially if Apis doesn’t help or is not indicated, as Ledum’s bites feel cool to the touch (vs Apis, which feels hot).  I have also found Ledum to be particularly effective with large bruises (like poking your thigh into the corner of a desk), when Arnica doesn’t help. Finally, it is often the best remedy to use with a black eye (best if used immediately after a baseball or an elbow makes contact with the eye socket!)

Rhus-tox: This remedy has two very useful acute indications: one is with poison ivy. Be sure to have it handy when going on a hike or gardening. If you do get poison ivy, this is the most common remedy to help with the intense itching, but it needs to be administered frequently (like every hour for multiple doses). Second, Rhus-tox is a very useful remedy with strains or sprains, especially when the joint is stiff in the morning and feels better after movement. Use it following Arnica, when that remedy no longer provides any benefit.

Ruta: Easily confused with Rhus-tox for use in sprains, this one seems to have more affinity for tendons but if unsure, try Rhus-tox first and if no results after a day or so, change to Ruta.

Silicea:  This remedy can sometimes be effective in encouraging splinters to be expelled. Give it a try: one dose every 12 hours for 3 doses.
 
As with any medical condition, consult your physician if you have concerns about the severity of your illness, as it may initially require a medical diagnosis and/or intervention and monitoring.

About Dr. Lisa Samet:

Dr. Lisa Samet N.D. provides Washington Homeopathic Products with a regular column on using homeopathy for the family. She's a naturopathic physician who specializes in homeopathic medicine. Dr. Samet graduated from the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in 1998 and has been practicing in Montreal since then. She was born and raised in New York.

Dr. Samet has chosen to focus on homeopathy because in her experience it is the deepest healing modality available in that it does not just soothe or palliate symptoms but can actually stimulate the body to start to heal itself. Dr. Samet sees patients in her Montreal office as well as long distance using Zoom, Skype, or Facetime. Learn more here: Dr. Lisa Samet. You can follow her on Facebook as well. 

]]> <![CDATA[Seasonal Allergies? Homeopathy Can Really Help! Updated Advice]]> https://www.homeopathyworks.com/dr-samets-insights/seasonal-allergies-homeopathy-can-really-help-updated-advice2/ Wed, 02 Apr 2025 14:42:19 +0000 https://www.homeopathyworks.com/dr-samets-insights/seasonal-allergies-homeopathy-can-really-help-updated-advice2/ It's estimated that over 80 million Americans suffer from seasonal allergies. If you are one of them, you know the symptoms:

Runny nose and nasal congestion

Watery or itchy eyes

Sneezing

Cough

Itchy nose, roof of mouth or throat

Sinus pressure and facial pain

Swollen, blue-colored skin under the eyes (allergic shiners)

Decreased sense of smell or taste

Common triggers include pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds, as well as other allergens such as dust, mold, and pet dander. Allergies can be seasonal—or for some, a year-round problem.

Happily, as research has shown, homeopathy can really help!

Here are a number of homeopathic remedies to consider:

Allium Cepa: Individuals who require this remedy often experience a dull frontal headache in conjunction with their allergies. The dull frontal headache can worsen in the evening and in a warm room, but improve in the open air. Watery, irritating discharge drips from the nose (particularly the left nostril), reddening the lip and wings of the nose. A feeling of rawness in the nose is common. Sneezing of increasing frequency is also common. Eyes are typically watery and red and can burn a bit—giving the sensation of having smoke in one's eyes. Nasal symptoms may begin on the left side and go to the right. There can be a morning runny nose with violent sneezing. Those needing this remedy are generally sensitive to the odor of flowers and the skin of peaches. Symptoms can be worse rising from bed and handling peaches. A shortcut to understanding this remedy would be to think of how you feel when you peel and chop a red onion. If you experience similar symptoms with your allergies, Allium cepa may be a homeopathic remedy to consider. Remember the concept of “like cures like.”

Arsenicum alb: Those needing this remedy are often anxious, restless, and chilly. Eyes may feel as if they have sand in them. The nose may feel alternatingly stopped, followed by fluent discharge, or it may feel totally stuffed and yet flow like a faucet at the same time. There may be a burning sensation in the nose. Discharge from the nose burns a red streak over the upper lip and around the wings of the nose, accompanied by sneezing. Sneezing is often a prominent symptom and starts from tickling in one spot of the nose. Then, after sneezing, a tickling sensation in the nose persists, just as bad as before. The person needing this remedy may also be quite thirsty.

Arum triphyllum: The nose, particularly the left side, feels very stuffed, leaving the person to feel they must breathe through the mouth. They feel worse in the morning. A prickling sensation in the nose that cannot be left alone is present. The patient pinches, pricks, and bores his finger into the nostrils, however sore. The person needing this remedy often experiences sneezing that often worsens at night.

Dulcamara: Those needing Dulcamara will find their nostrils entirely filled up, preventing breathing through the nose, with constant sneezing and a profuse discharge of water from the nose and eyes. These symptoms worsen in the open air, upon waking in the morning, and in the evening, and improve in a closed room. The eyes can sometimes be swollen and full. It is not uncommon for the nose to be most affected, followed by the eyes feeling worse. People needing this remedy cannot bear to be near cut grass or newly mown hay but can feel better by the ocean. Those needing Dulcamara are uncomfortable in the cold and wet and worse from a chill when hot.

Euphrasia: Cases requiring this remedy often center on symptoms affecting the eyes. Profuse, acrid tearing is extremely common for those needing this remedy, with the eyes burning slightly and require frequent blinking. There is also a profuse, bland discharge from the nose, the opposite of what is seen with Allium Cepa. The eyelids may also itch and burn as well as swell a bit. The eyes feel worse in the open air and wind. A dull frontal headache is not uncommon.

Lachesis: Paroxysms of sneezing are worse after sleep even in the daytime. Headache extends into the nose, with frequent and violent paroxysms of sneezing. The mucous membrane in the nose is thickened with a dry, stuffed sensation through the head. The face can be red and puffed. The eyes seem almost pressed out. Red, sore nostrils and lips are present. Lachesis patients frequently wake up feeling worse; their throats are sensitive to touch or pressure.

Natrum Muriaticum: There is watery discharge from the eyes and nose. Discharge from the nose can resemble egg white. Discharge from the nose can be so severe that one has to lay a towel under the nose. “Woke with headache; after rising nasal discharge with violent and frequent sneezing.” Loss of taste and smell is common. There can be a cough from tickling in the throat pit. Tears are acrid and the corners of the eyes can be red and sore. The headache may be throbbing as if caused by little hammers. Someone needing this remedy will often feel worse in the sun, have a craving for salt, and experience relief at the seaside.

Nux Vomica: Distressing, prolonged periods of sneezing are common, as are excessive irritation in the nose, eyes, and face. There is heat in the face as if a hot iron plate were near it. Forehead may feel heavy and full. The nose often feels obstructed and dry—particularly at night—with fluent discharges during the day. The nose can also feel blocked when outdoors but runny when inside. Nux patients are irritable, sensitive to cold, and often have a great sensitivity to odors.

Pulsatilla: Loss of smell, thick yellow discharge, and the patient feels better in open air with this remedy. The discharge from the nose is bland and does not irritate the skin. There can be congestion of the nose at night and a copious flow in the morning. Also, free-flowing nasal discharge in the open air and a stuffed feeling in a closed room. This patient can be a bit weepy and crave sympathy. They also tend to be thirstless by nature.

Sabadilla: Spasmodic, sometimes violent sneezing with a runny nose is common. Nostrils can also be stuffed up and inspiration through nose labored. Itching inside the nose is common, as are severe frontal pains and red eyelids. Patients are very sensitive to smell of garlic.

Sticta Pulmonaria: For someone needing this homeopathic remedy, there is a constant need to blow the nose, but no discharge results due to the dryness. The nose is stuffed up (particularly at night); the secretion dries so rapidly that it cannot be discharged. There is almost constant sneezing with tingling on the right side of the nose. There is often fullness and pressure on the right side of the forehead, extending to the root of the nose, and excessive dryness of the soft palate. Tickling high up in the throat is common.

Wyethia: For individuals requiring this remedy, along with a runny nose and sneezing, there may be a peculiar itching on the roof of the mouth. For relief, the patient must draw the tongue back and forth over the soft palate.

The key to choosing the correct remedy is ALWAYS the same. Match the characteristic symptoms of the patient to the characteristic symptoms produced by our many remedies—and you will have a happy outcome every time. As with any medical condition, consult your physician if you have concerns about the severity of your illness, as it may initially require a medical diagnosis and/or intervention and monitoring.

About Dr. Lisa Samet:

Dr. Lisa Samet N.D. provides Washington Homeopathic Products with a regular column on using homeopathy for the family. She's a naturopathic physician who specializes in homeopathic medicine. Dr. Samet graduated from the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in 1998 and has been practicing in Montreal since then. She was born and raised in New York.

Dr. Samet has chosen to focus on homeopathy because in her experience it is the deepest healing modality available in that it does not just soothe or palliate symptoms but can actually stimulate the body to start to heal itself. Dr. Samet sees patients in her Montreal office as well as long distance using Zoom, Skype, or Facetime. Learn more here: Dr. Lisa Samet. You can follow her on Facebook as well. 

Photo-by-tinafranklindg-on-foter.com-cc-by.jpg

]]> It's estimated that over 80 million Americans suffer from seasonal allergies. If you are one of them, you know the symptoms:

Runny nose and nasal congestion

Watery or itchy eyes

Sneezing

Cough

Itchy nose, roof of mouth or throat

Sinus pressure and facial pain

Swollen, blue-colored skin under the eyes (allergic shiners)

Decreased sense of smell or taste

Common triggers include pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds, as well as other allergens such as dust, mold, and pet dander. Allergies can be seasonal—or for some, a year-round problem.

Happily, as research has shown, homeopathy can really help!

Here are a number of homeopathic remedies to consider:

Allium Cepa: Individuals who require this remedy often experience a dull frontal headache in conjunction with their allergies. The dull frontal headache can worsen in the evening and in a warm room, but improve in the open air. Watery, irritating discharge drips from the nose (particularly the left nostril), reddening the lip and wings of the nose. A feeling of rawness in the nose is common. Sneezing of increasing frequency is also common. Eyes are typically watery and red and can burn a bit—giving the sensation of having smoke in one's eyes. Nasal symptoms may begin on the left side and go to the right. There can be a morning runny nose with violent sneezing. Those needing this remedy are generally sensitive to the odor of flowers and the skin of peaches. Symptoms can be worse rising from bed and handling peaches. A shortcut to understanding this remedy would be to think of how you feel when you peel and chop a red onion. If you experience similar symptoms with your allergies, Allium cepa may be a homeopathic remedy to consider. Remember the concept of “like cures like.”

Arsenicum alb: Those needing this remedy are often anxious, restless, and chilly. Eyes may feel as if they have sand in them. The nose may feel alternatingly stopped, followed by fluent discharge, or it may feel totally stuffed and yet flow like a faucet at the same time. There may be a burning sensation in the nose. Discharge from the nose burns a red streak over the upper lip and around the wings of the nose, accompanied by sneezing. Sneezing is often a prominent symptom and starts from tickling in one spot of the nose. Then, after sneezing, a tickling sensation in the nose persists, just as bad as before. The person needing this remedy may also be quite thirsty.

Arum triphyllum: The nose, particularly the left side, feels very stuffed, leaving the person to feel they must breathe through the mouth. They feel worse in the morning. A prickling sensation in the nose that cannot be left alone is present. The patient pinches, pricks, and bores his finger into the nostrils, however sore. The person needing this remedy often experiences sneezing that often worsens at night.

Dulcamara: Those needing Dulcamara will find their nostrils entirely filled up, preventing breathing through the nose, with constant sneezing and a profuse discharge of water from the nose and eyes. These symptoms worsen in the open air, upon waking in the morning, and in the evening, and improve in a closed room. The eyes can sometimes be swollen and full. It is not uncommon for the nose to be most affected, followed by the eyes feeling worse. People needing this remedy cannot bear to be near cut grass or newly mown hay but can feel better by the ocean. Those needing Dulcamara are uncomfortable in the cold and wet and worse from a chill when hot.

Euphrasia: Cases requiring this remedy often center on symptoms affecting the eyes. Profuse, acrid tearing is extremely common for those needing this remedy, with the eyes burning slightly and require frequent blinking. There is also a profuse, bland discharge from the nose, the opposite of what is seen with Allium Cepa. The eyelids may also itch and burn as well as swell a bit. The eyes feel worse in the open air and wind. A dull frontal headache is not uncommon.

Lachesis: Paroxysms of sneezing are worse after sleep even in the daytime. Headache extends into the nose, with frequent and violent paroxysms of sneezing. The mucous membrane in the nose is thickened with a dry, stuffed sensation through the head. The face can be red and puffed. The eyes seem almost pressed out. Red, sore nostrils and lips are present. Lachesis patients frequently wake up feeling worse; their throats are sensitive to touch or pressure.

Natrum Muriaticum: There is watery discharge from the eyes and nose. Discharge from the nose can resemble egg white. Discharge from the nose can be so severe that one has to lay a towel under the nose. “Woke with headache; after rising nasal discharge with violent and frequent sneezing.” Loss of taste and smell is common. There can be a cough from tickling in the throat pit. Tears are acrid and the corners of the eyes can be red and sore. The headache may be throbbing as if caused by little hammers. Someone needing this remedy will often feel worse in the sun, have a craving for salt, and experience relief at the seaside.

Nux Vomica: Distressing, prolonged periods of sneezing are common, as are excessive irritation in the nose, eyes, and face. There is heat in the face as if a hot iron plate were near it. Forehead may feel heavy and full. The nose often feels obstructed and dry—particularly at night—with fluent discharges during the day. The nose can also feel blocked when outdoors but runny when inside. Nux patients are irritable, sensitive to cold, and often have a great sensitivity to odors.

Pulsatilla: Loss of smell, thick yellow discharge, and the patient feels better in open air with this remedy. The discharge from the nose is bland and does not irritate the skin. There can be congestion of the nose at night and a copious flow in the morning. Also, free-flowing nasal discharge in the open air and a stuffed feeling in a closed room. This patient can be a bit weepy and crave sympathy. They also tend to be thirstless by nature.

Sabadilla: Spasmodic, sometimes violent sneezing with a runny nose is common. Nostrils can also be stuffed up and inspiration through nose labored. Itching inside the nose is common, as are severe frontal pains and red eyelids. Patients are very sensitive to smell of garlic.

Sticta Pulmonaria: For someone needing this homeopathic remedy, there is a constant need to blow the nose, but no discharge results due to the dryness. The nose is stuffed up (particularly at night); the secretion dries so rapidly that it cannot be discharged. There is almost constant sneezing with tingling on the right side of the nose. There is often fullness and pressure on the right side of the forehead, extending to the root of the nose, and excessive dryness of the soft palate. Tickling high up in the throat is common.

Wyethia: For individuals requiring this remedy, along with a runny nose and sneezing, there may be a peculiar itching on the roof of the mouth. For relief, the patient must draw the tongue back and forth over the soft palate.

The key to choosing the correct remedy is ALWAYS the same. Match the characteristic symptoms of the patient to the characteristic symptoms produced by our many remedies—and you will have a happy outcome every time. As with any medical condition, consult your physician if you have concerns about the severity of your illness, as it may initially require a medical diagnosis and/or intervention and monitoring.

About Dr. Lisa Samet:

Dr. Lisa Samet N.D. provides Washington Homeopathic Products with a regular column on using homeopathy for the family. She's a naturopathic physician who specializes in homeopathic medicine. Dr. Samet graduated from the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in 1998 and has been practicing in Montreal since then. She was born and raised in New York.

Dr. Samet has chosen to focus on homeopathy because in her experience it is the deepest healing modality available in that it does not just soothe or palliate symptoms but can actually stimulate the body to start to heal itself. Dr. Samet sees patients in her Montreal office as well as long distance using Zoom, Skype, or Facetime. Learn more here: Dr. Lisa Samet. You can follow her on Facebook as well. 

Photo-by-tinafranklindg-on-foter.com-cc-by.jpg

]]> <![CDATA[Are you trying to Choose the Best Remedy for Your Situation? Key Insights on Some Common Remedies]]> https://www.homeopathyworks.com/dr-samets-insights/are-you-trying-to-choose-the-best-remedy-for-your-situation-key-insights-on-some-common-remedies/ Mon, 03 Feb 2025 14:34:53 +0000 https://www.homeopathyworks.com/dr-samets-insights/are-you-trying-to-choose-the-best-remedy-for-your-situation-key-insights-on-some-common-remedies/ Choosing the homeopathic remedy you or a family member need can be challenging. It's helpful to know those symptoms that one typically expects to see in your patient for a given remedy to be a good choice.

Here are a few examples. If you or your “patient” are not exhibiting the symptoms described under each remedy, chances are good that remedy will not be helpful in with your case.

  • Aconite: Curious about whether this remedy might be needed for a family member you care for?

It's frequently thought of when a person is in a state of fear or worry with great restlessness. They may have a fever that comes on suddenly and are often very thirsty.

  • Arsenicum album is a commonly used homeopathic medicine—often employed for stomach disorders, among other things.

One would want to see these symptoms to prescribe this remedy:

1. The patient is restless.

2. The patient is chilly, seeks the heat, wants to be covered, and feels better from warmth.

3. The patient is often thirsty but chooses to drink a little at a time.

4. The patient is typically worse after midnight.

  • Hypericum perforatum is a frequently prescribed homeopathic medicine made from St. John's wort, a flowering shrub native to Europe.

It's commonly given to patients who have suffered an injury to nerve-rich areas of the body—such as a fingertip or a toe.

  • Nux vomica is a remedy commonly prescribed for many things. When one has done a bit too much celebrating it can prove helpful to relieve indigestion and hangovers. It's made from the seeds of the Nux vomica tree.

 

The hallmark symptoms calling for Nux vomica are great irritability combined with chilliness. Nausea in the morning is common with this remedy, as are difficult stools.

  • Rhus toxicodendron is a commonly prescribed homeopathic remedy. It's a medicine made with fresh leaves from the Eastern poison ivy plant.

Among its many uses, it's commonly selected to treat people with a poison ivy rash and for those with soreness (joints, muscles) on first motion who are better with continued motion. It is also often employed with patients who have a flu-like illness, with much restlessness.

One generally has to feel worse from cold, wet weather and at rest for the remedy to be prescribed for musculoskeletal discomfort.

The key to choosing the correct/helpful remedy is ALWAYS the same. One must match the characteristic symptoms of the patient to a remedy capable of producing similar characteristic symptoms to have success. If you choose a remedy with characteristics most similar to the characteristic symptoms of the patient, you will have a happy outcome with great frequency. If you don't, you (or your family member) will either feel no effect, or one that is mild at best.

Remember, as with any medical condition, consult with your physician if you have any concerns about the severity of your illness as it may first require medical diagnosis and/or intervention and monitoring.

About Dr. Lisa Samet:

Dr. Lisa Samet N.D. is an exceptional homeopath who provides Washington Homeopathic Products with frequent columns on using homeopathy for the family. She's a naturopathic physician who specializes in homeopathic medicine. Dr. Samet graduated from the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in 1998 and has been practicing in Montreal since then. She was born and raised in New York.

Dr. Samet has chosen to focus on homeopathy because, in her experience, it is the deepest healing modality available in that it does not just soothe or palliate symptoms but can actually stimulate the body to start to heal itself. Dr. Samet sees patients in her Montreal office as well as long distance using tools like Skype, Zoom, and Facetime. Learn more here: Dr. Lisa Samet. You can follow her on Facebook as well. 

 

 

]]> Choosing the homeopathic remedy you or a family member need can be challenging. It's helpful to know those symptoms that one typically expects to see in your patient for a given remedy to be a good choice.

Here are a few examples. If you or your “patient” are not exhibiting the symptoms described under each remedy, chances are good that remedy will not be helpful in with your case.

  • Aconite: Curious about whether this remedy might be needed for a family member you care for?

It's frequently thought of when a person is in a state of fear or worry with great restlessness. They may have a fever that comes on suddenly and are often very thirsty.

  • Arsenicum album is a commonly used homeopathic medicine—often employed for stomach disorders, among other things.

One would want to see these symptoms to prescribe this remedy:

1. The patient is restless.

2. The patient is chilly, seeks the heat, wants to be covered, and feels better from warmth.

3. The patient is often thirsty but chooses to drink a little at a time.

4. The patient is typically worse after midnight.

  • Hypericum perforatum is a frequently prescribed homeopathic medicine made from St. John's wort, a flowering shrub native to Europe.

It's commonly given to patients who have suffered an injury to nerve-rich areas of the body—such as a fingertip or a toe.

  • Nux vomica is a remedy commonly prescribed for many things. When one has done a bit too much celebrating it can prove helpful to relieve indigestion and hangovers. It's made from the seeds of the Nux vomica tree.

 

The hallmark symptoms calling for Nux vomica are great irritability combined with chilliness. Nausea in the morning is common with this remedy, as are difficult stools.

  • Rhus toxicodendron is a commonly prescribed homeopathic remedy. It's a medicine made with fresh leaves from the Eastern poison ivy plant.

Among its many uses, it's commonly selected to treat people with a poison ivy rash and for those with soreness (joints, muscles) on first motion who are better with continued motion. It is also often employed with patients who have a flu-like illness, with much restlessness.

One generally has to feel worse from cold, wet weather and at rest for the remedy to be prescribed for musculoskeletal discomfort.

The key to choosing the correct/helpful remedy is ALWAYS the same. One must match the characteristic symptoms of the patient to a remedy capable of producing similar characteristic symptoms to have success. If you choose a remedy with characteristics most similar to the characteristic symptoms of the patient, you will have a happy outcome with great frequency. If you don't, you (or your family member) will either feel no effect, or one that is mild at best.

Remember, as with any medical condition, consult with your physician if you have any concerns about the severity of your illness as it may first require medical diagnosis and/or intervention and monitoring.

About Dr. Lisa Samet:

Dr. Lisa Samet N.D. is an exceptional homeopath who provides Washington Homeopathic Products with frequent columns on using homeopathy for the family. She's a naturopathic physician who specializes in homeopathic medicine. Dr. Samet graduated from the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in 1998 and has been practicing in Montreal since then. She was born and raised in New York.

Dr. Samet has chosen to focus on homeopathy because, in her experience, it is the deepest healing modality available in that it does not just soothe or palliate symptoms but can actually stimulate the body to start to heal itself. Dr. Samet sees patients in her Montreal office as well as long distance using tools like Skype, Zoom, and Facetime. Learn more here: Dr. Lisa Samet. You can follow her on Facebook as well. 

 

 

]]> <![CDATA[Homeopathic Remedy Kits—Often a Parent’s Best Friend!]]> https://www.homeopathyworks.com/dr-samets-insights/homeopathic-remedy-kitsoften-a-parents-best-friend-1/ Fri, 30 Aug 2024 09:49:16 +0000 https://www.homeopathyworks.com/dr-samets-insights/homeopathic-remedy-kitsoften-a-parents-best-friend-1/ Over my twenty-five years of practicing homeopathy, I’ve treated thousands of children (and their parents).

One of the biggest challenges I face is prescribing a remedy the parents or my patients don’t have.

So, my advice to everyone over the years has been to consider purchasing a homeopathic remedy kit containing a healthy collection of either 30C or 200C remedies or a kit with a combination of both.

Did you know that homeopathy first came to America in the 1800s?

In 1835, one of America’s first and very best homeopaths, Constantine Hering, MD, published a book called the Homeopathic Domestic Physician. The book was intended to be used by families without ready access to physicians—often those traveling west to start their lives anew. And it was very popular – with seven editions published in Hering’s lifetime.

There are words inscribed in The Homoeopathic Domestic Physician that read, "The greatest triumph of a science is when it becomes the common property of the people and thus contributes to the common weal."

Interestingly, the book was often sold with a homeopathic remedy kit, which was one of the first such kits ever made available to the general public. In many pioneer homes, the combination of the two was famously known as the Box and the Book. Frontier families swore by them.

It is those very early kits that laid the foundation for the kits we all use today.

What to Look For…

Any good kit should contain fifty or more homeopathic remedies that are helpful with coughs, sore throats, stomach bugs, flu-like symptoms, morning sickness, colic, menstrual pain, diarrhea, seasonal allergies, minor injuries, first aid, minor arthritic pains, various skin eruptions, and so much more.

My advice… if you don’t own one, get one (and get a homeopathic first aid book with it). The next time you or a little one wakes up at night with a bug, you will be happy you did.

About Dr. Lisa Samet:

Dr. Lisa Samet N.D. is an exceptional homeopath who provides Washington Homeopathic Products with frequent columns on using homeopathy for the family. She's a naturopathic physician who specializes in homeopathic medicine. Dr. Samet graduated from the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in 1998 and has been practicing in Montreal since then. She was born and raised in New York.

Dr. Samet has chosen to focus on homeopathy because, in her experience, it is the deepest healing modality available in that it does not just soothe or palliate symptoms but can actually stimulate the body to start to heal itself. Dr. Samet sees patients in her Montreal office as well as long distance using Skype. Learn more here: Dr. Lisa Samet. You can follow her on Facebook as well. 

]]> Over my twenty-five years of practicing homeopathy, I’ve treated thousands of children (and their parents).

One of the biggest challenges I face is prescribing a remedy the parents or my patients don’t have.

So, my advice to everyone over the years has been to consider purchasing a homeopathic remedy kit containing a healthy collection of either 30C or 200C remedies or a kit with a combination of both.

Did you know that homeopathy first came to America in the 1800s?

In 1835, one of America’s first and very best homeopaths, Constantine Hering, MD, published a book called the Homeopathic Domestic Physician. The book was intended to be used by families without ready access to physicians—often those traveling west to start their lives anew. And it was very popular – with seven editions published in Hering’s lifetime.

There are words inscribed in The Homoeopathic Domestic Physician that read, "The greatest triumph of a science is when it becomes the common property of the people and thus contributes to the common weal."

Interestingly, the book was often sold with a homeopathic remedy kit, which was one of the first such kits ever made available to the general public. In many pioneer homes, the combination of the two was famously known as the Box and the Book. Frontier families swore by them.

It is those very early kits that laid the foundation for the kits we all use today.

What to Look For…

Any good kit should contain fifty or more homeopathic remedies that are helpful with coughs, sore throats, stomach bugs, flu-like symptoms, morning sickness, colic, menstrual pain, diarrhea, seasonal allergies, minor injuries, first aid, minor arthritic pains, various skin eruptions, and so much more.

My advice… if you don’t own one, get one (and get a homeopathic first aid book with it). The next time you or a little one wakes up at night with a bug, you will be happy you did.

About Dr. Lisa Samet:

Dr. Lisa Samet N.D. is an exceptional homeopath who provides Washington Homeopathic Products with frequent columns on using homeopathy for the family. She's a naturopathic physician who specializes in homeopathic medicine. Dr. Samet graduated from the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in 1998 and has been practicing in Montreal since then. She was born and raised in New York.

Dr. Samet has chosen to focus on homeopathy because, in her experience, it is the deepest healing modality available in that it does not just soothe or palliate symptoms but can actually stimulate the body to start to heal itself. Dr. Samet sees patients in her Montreal office as well as long distance using Skype. Learn more here: Dr. Lisa Samet. You can follow her on Facebook as well. 

]]> <![CDATA[Hemorrhoids - a Painful Problem Homeopathy Can Help Relieve]]> https://www.homeopathyworks.com/dr-samets-insights/hemorrhoids-a-painful-problem-homeopathy-can-help-relieve/ Wed, 19 Jun 2024 09:42:49 +0000 https://www.homeopathyworks.com/dr-samets-insights/hemorrhoids-a-painful-problem-homeopathy-can-help-relieve/ It’s estimated that as many as 93 million Americans suffer from the unpleasant problem of hemorrhoids—also called piles.

Hemorrhoids are swollen and inflamed veins in your anus and lower rectum that may be the result of straining during bowel movements or from the increased pressure on these veins during pregnancy or delivery, or from lifting heavy objects. There is a significant hereditary component to hemorrhoids, and people who have hemorrhoids are also more likely to suffer from varicose veins.

Some of the symptoms when hemorrhoids act up include itching, burning—and, in some cases, bleeding. The itching and the pain can sometimes be almost unbearable—making any activity unpleasant in the extreme.

The excellent news is that homeopathy can help bring rapid relief safely and gently. If you find yourself with this unpleasant and often painful problem, here are some homeopathic remedies to consider:

Aesculus hippocastanum: This homeopathic remedy is made from the Horse Chestnut tree. The rectum feels as if it is full of small sticks – and very painful. If visible – the hemorrhoids can be of a purplish hue. There is often burning, itching, and dryness. Some needing this remedy have described the pain in hemorrhoids as feeling like a knife sawing up and down - they could not sit, stand, or lie - the only possible comfortable position was kneeling. The stool is typically dry and hard and passed with difficulty, so these hemorrhoids are worse during periods of constipation. Pain can persist after a bowel movement. Additionally, there can be sharp, shooting pains up the back with the hemorrhoids.

Aloe: This homeopathic remedy is made from the Aloe plant. A person needing this remedy has hemorrhoids that protrude from the rectum like a bunch of grapes. They bleed and are tender and hot—relieved by cold water. There is often itching and burning that makes sleep a challenge. One of the strong characteristics of Aloe is that there is an urge to stool while urinating. Stools can leak out by just passing gas.

Arsenicum album: A person needing this homeopathic remedy often has hemorrhoids that burn and, oddly enough, are relieved by sitting in a hot bath or from a heating pad. There is frequently stitching pain when walking or sitting, but not when at stool. The hemorrhoids of this patient often bleed and protrude and are swollen. The burning pain can be particularly intense at night, preventing sleep.

Causticum: This homeopathic remedy best suits a patient with large, hard, and swollen hemorrhoids that can block the stool. The pain associated with these hemorrhoids is frequently of a stinging, stitching, burning variety… and the pain can be so intense that walking, standing, and sitting are very difficult, as is touching the area. In some cases – the pain is somewhat relieved after a stool. Oddly, for this patient, just thinking about the hemorrhoids can make them feel worse as well.

Hamamelis: This homeopathic remedy is made from Witch Hazel. The person needing this remedy will tend to have hemorrhoids that bleed readily and, at times, profusely—frequently at the time of a stool. There is also a feeling of burning soreness and rectal fullness. Pain can remain long after the stool is completed. The hemorrhoids commonly protrude from the rectum.

Nitric acidum: This homeopathic remedy is commonly thought of for patients whose hemorrhoids are constantly pressing out with burning, prickling, and sharp stitching pains, often after every bowel movement. Bowel movements can be exceedingly difficult, even when soft, and very painful – even to the point of making the patient feel nauseous or faint. There can be bleeding of the hemorrhoids, sometimes in bed at night, as well as great sensitivity of the anus along with itching. The person needing this remedy can feel worse from exercise and be irritable and anxious.

Nux vomica: This homeopathic remedy is also made from a plant—a deciduous tree bearing its name. The patient needing Nux vomica has hemorrhoids with burning and sticking pains in the rectum. The anus is particularly painful and feels as if it has been cut even some hours after a stool. There can be a copious discharge of bright blood with the urging to have a stool or after stool. The burning pains can become intolerable to the slightest touch. Often, a great deal of itching keeps the patient awake at night. Sitting in a tub of cold water will bring relief. Lying on the abdomen may also bring a degree of relief. Hemorrhoids are generally worse from being sedentary or from so-called high living and can be a problem during pregnancy or after childbirth. A patient needing Nux vomica tends to be a person who is very particular, careful, and zealous – those inclined to get angry or excited easily or who are of a spiteful, malicious disposition. They tend to be chilly patients. Constipation is also a frequent problem, where the urge to have a stool is there, but it is difficult to pass (i.e., “wants to but can’t”)

Sepia: This homeopathic remedy is made from the ink of a sea creature called the cuttlefish. A person needing Sepia tends to have hemorrhoids that are hot and burning, with swelling of the anus when the hemorrhoids do not protrude. Passing a stool can be excessively painful. There can also be a constant oozing of moisture from the anus as well as stitches and jerking pains from the anus upward into the rectum and abdomen. Additionally, there may be itching in the rectum and anus. Constipation is common with this remedy. As a rule – Sepia patients are chilly and sun worshippers. They love to be in the sun, and they love the heat of the sun.

Sulphur: A person needing this homeopathic remedy tends to have large, red, burning and itching hemorrhoids. The itching is often intolerable. The hemorrhoids can be so large and painful that even standing is difficult. Shooting pains in the anus are also common – and at times those pains travel upwards. The burning pain can be worse after sitting for a while and after soft stools in the evening. There is often a sense of fullness and pressing in the rectum during and after the stool. Sulphur patients are worse from warmth in general and warmth of the bed. They can also be worse from bathing.

Once you have chosen a remedy that appears to match your symptoms (remember, homeopathy is individualized medicine, and the remedy you need must match your symptom profile), dose with either a 30C or 200C potency to start - placing one pellet under the tongue or one pellet in water, stirring vigorously and taking teaspoon doses as needed. Always cease dosing when relief begins and only redose if symptoms again worsen. As with any medical condition, consult with your physician if you have any concerns about the severity of your problem, as it may first require medical diagnosis and/or intervention and monitoring.

About Dr. Lisa Samet:

Dr. Lisa Samet N.D. provides Washington Homeopathic Products with a regular column on using homeopathy for the family. She's a naturopathic physician who specializes in homeopathic medicine. Dr. Samet graduated from the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in 1998 and has been practicing in Montreal since then. She was born and raised in New York.

Dr. Samet has chosen to focus on homeopathy because in her experience it is the deepest healing modality available in that it does not just soothe or palliate symptoms but can actually stimulate the body to start to heal itself. Dr. Samet sees patients in her Montreal office as well as long distance using Skype. Learn more here: Dr. Lisa Samet. You can follow her on Facebook as well.

]]> It’s estimated that as many as 93 million Americans suffer from the unpleasant problem of hemorrhoids—also called piles.

Hemorrhoids are swollen and inflamed veins in your anus and lower rectum that may be the result of straining during bowel movements or from the increased pressure on these veins during pregnancy or delivery, or from lifting heavy objects. There is a significant hereditary component to hemorrhoids, and people who have hemorrhoids are also more likely to suffer from varicose veins.

Some of the symptoms when hemorrhoids act up include itching, burning—and, in some cases, bleeding. The itching and the pain can sometimes be almost unbearable—making any activity unpleasant in the extreme.

The excellent news is that homeopathy can help bring rapid relief safely and gently. If you find yourself with this unpleasant and often painful problem, here are some homeopathic remedies to consider:

Aesculus hippocastanum: This homeopathic remedy is made from the Horse Chestnut tree. The rectum feels as if it is full of small sticks – and very painful. If visible – the hemorrhoids can be of a purplish hue. There is often burning, itching, and dryness. Some needing this remedy have described the pain in hemorrhoids as feeling like a knife sawing up and down - they could not sit, stand, or lie - the only possible comfortable position was kneeling. The stool is typically dry and hard and passed with difficulty, so these hemorrhoids are worse during periods of constipation. Pain can persist after a bowel movement. Additionally, there can be sharp, shooting pains up the back with the hemorrhoids.

Aloe: This homeopathic remedy is made from the Aloe plant. A person needing this remedy has hemorrhoids that protrude from the rectum like a bunch of grapes. They bleed and are tender and hot—relieved by cold water. There is often itching and burning that makes sleep a challenge. One of the strong characteristics of Aloe is that there is an urge to stool while urinating. Stools can leak out by just passing gas.

Arsenicum album: A person needing this homeopathic remedy often has hemorrhoids that burn and, oddly enough, are relieved by sitting in a hot bath or from a heating pad. There is frequently stitching pain when walking or sitting, but not when at stool. The hemorrhoids of this patient often bleed and protrude and are swollen. The burning pain can be particularly intense at night, preventing sleep.

Causticum: This homeopathic remedy best suits a patient with large, hard, and swollen hemorrhoids that can block the stool. The pain associated with these hemorrhoids is frequently of a stinging, stitching, burning variety… and the pain can be so intense that walking, standing, and sitting are very difficult, as is touching the area. In some cases – the pain is somewhat relieved after a stool. Oddly, for this patient, just thinking about the hemorrhoids can make them feel worse as well.

Hamamelis: This homeopathic remedy is made from Witch Hazel. The person needing this remedy will tend to have hemorrhoids that bleed readily and, at times, profusely—frequently at the time of a stool. There is also a feeling of burning soreness and rectal fullness. Pain can remain long after the stool is completed. The hemorrhoids commonly protrude from the rectum.

Nitric acidum: This homeopathic remedy is commonly thought of for patients whose hemorrhoids are constantly pressing out with burning, prickling, and sharp stitching pains, often after every bowel movement. Bowel movements can be exceedingly difficult, even when soft, and very painful – even to the point of making the patient feel nauseous or faint. There can be bleeding of the hemorrhoids, sometimes in bed at night, as well as great sensitivity of the anus along with itching. The person needing this remedy can feel worse from exercise and be irritable and anxious.

Nux vomica: This homeopathic remedy is also made from a plant—a deciduous tree bearing its name. The patient needing Nux vomica has hemorrhoids with burning and sticking pains in the rectum. The anus is particularly painful and feels as if it has been cut even some hours after a stool. There can be a copious discharge of bright blood with the urging to have a stool or after stool. The burning pains can become intolerable to the slightest touch. Often, a great deal of itching keeps the patient awake at night. Sitting in a tub of cold water will bring relief. Lying on the abdomen may also bring a degree of relief. Hemorrhoids are generally worse from being sedentary or from so-called high living and can be a problem during pregnancy or after childbirth. A patient needing Nux vomica tends to be a person who is very particular, careful, and zealous – those inclined to get angry or excited easily or who are of a spiteful, malicious disposition. They tend to be chilly patients. Constipation is also a frequent problem, where the urge to have a stool is there, but it is difficult to pass (i.e., “wants to but can’t”)

Sepia: This homeopathic remedy is made from the ink of a sea creature called the cuttlefish. A person needing Sepia tends to have hemorrhoids that are hot and burning, with swelling of the anus when the hemorrhoids do not protrude. Passing a stool can be excessively painful. There can also be a constant oozing of moisture from the anus as well as stitches and jerking pains from the anus upward into the rectum and abdomen. Additionally, there may be itching in the rectum and anus. Constipation is common with this remedy. As a rule – Sepia patients are chilly and sun worshippers. They love to be in the sun, and they love the heat of the sun.

Sulphur: A person needing this homeopathic remedy tends to have large, red, burning and itching hemorrhoids. The itching is often intolerable. The hemorrhoids can be so large and painful that even standing is difficult. Shooting pains in the anus are also common – and at times those pains travel upwards. The burning pain can be worse after sitting for a while and after soft stools in the evening. There is often a sense of fullness and pressing in the rectum during and after the stool. Sulphur patients are worse from warmth in general and warmth of the bed. They can also be worse from bathing.

Once you have chosen a remedy that appears to match your symptoms (remember, homeopathy is individualized medicine, and the remedy you need must match your symptom profile), dose with either a 30C or 200C potency to start - placing one pellet under the tongue or one pellet in water, stirring vigorously and taking teaspoon doses as needed. Always cease dosing when relief begins and only redose if symptoms again worsen. As with any medical condition, consult with your physician if you have any concerns about the severity of your problem, as it may first require medical diagnosis and/or intervention and monitoring.

About Dr. Lisa Samet:

Dr. Lisa Samet N.D. provides Washington Homeopathic Products with a regular column on using homeopathy for the family. She's a naturopathic physician who specializes in homeopathic medicine. Dr. Samet graduated from the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in 1998 and has been practicing in Montreal since then. She was born and raised in New York.

Dr. Samet has chosen to focus on homeopathy because in her experience it is the deepest healing modality available in that it does not just soothe or palliate symptoms but can actually stimulate the body to start to heal itself. Dr. Samet sees patients in her Montreal office as well as long distance using Skype. Learn more here: Dr. Lisa Samet. You can follow her on Facebook as well.

]]> <![CDATA[Calendula: Cuts and Scrapes Are No Match]]> https://www.homeopathyworks.com/dr-samets-insights/calendula-cuts-and-scrapes-are-no-match/ Wed, 29 May 2024 09:13:12 +0000 https://www.homeopathyworks.com/dr-samets-insights/calendula-cuts-and-scrapes-are-no-match/ Every member of every family suffers from an occasional cut or scrape. You can’t be alive and not have them from time to time.

Next time you get such an injury, reach for the homeopathic alternative. Did you know that a remedy made from the flowers of the garden marigold is remarkably effective for treating wounds?

Calendula officinalis (also known as pot marigold or garden marigold) has been used for centuries to heal wounds and skin irritations. Its certain properties make it useful for treating minor wounds, cuts, scrapes, chapped or chafed skin, diaper rashes, and other minor skin irritations.

Calendula is available in various convenient forms such as pellets, ointments, or topicals like WHP Be gone™ Lil' Cuts & Scrapes. In case of an injury, simply rinse the area with water and apply Calendula. Most formulations are pain-free and safe for all ages, making it a popular choice in my family!

As with any medical condition, consult with your physician if you have any concerns about the severity of an injury, as it may first require medical diagnosis and/or intervention and monitoring.

About Dr. Lisa Samet:

Dr. Lisa Samet N.D. provides Washington Homeopathic Products with a regular column on using homeopathy for the family. She's a naturopathic physician who specializes in homeopathic medicine. Dr. Samet graduated from the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in 1998 and has been practicing in Montreal since then. She was born and raised in New York.

Dr. Samet has chosen to focus on homeopathy because in her experience it is the deepest healing modality available in that it does not just soothe or palliate symptoms but can actually stimulate the body to start to heal itself. Dr. Samet sees patients in her Montreal office as well as long distance using Skype. Learn more here: Dr. Lisa Samet. You can follow her on Facebook as well.

]]> Every member of every family suffers from an occasional cut or scrape. You can’t be alive and not have them from time to time.

Next time you get such an injury, reach for the homeopathic alternative. Did you know that a remedy made from the flowers of the garden marigold is remarkably effective for treating wounds?

Calendula officinalis (also known as pot marigold or garden marigold) has been used for centuries to heal wounds and skin irritations. Its certain properties make it useful for treating minor wounds, cuts, scrapes, chapped or chafed skin, diaper rashes, and other minor skin irritations.

Calendula is available in various convenient forms such as pellets, ointments, or topicals like WHP Be gone™ Lil' Cuts & Scrapes. In case of an injury, simply rinse the area with water and apply Calendula. Most formulations are pain-free and safe for all ages, making it a popular choice in my family!

As with any medical condition, consult with your physician if you have any concerns about the severity of an injury, as it may first require medical diagnosis and/or intervention and monitoring.

About Dr. Lisa Samet:

Dr. Lisa Samet N.D. provides Washington Homeopathic Products with a regular column on using homeopathy for the family. She's a naturopathic physician who specializes in homeopathic medicine. Dr. Samet graduated from the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in 1998 and has been practicing in Montreal since then. She was born and raised in New York.

Dr. Samet has chosen to focus on homeopathy because in her experience it is the deepest healing modality available in that it does not just soothe or palliate symptoms but can actually stimulate the body to start to heal itself. Dr. Samet sees patients in her Montreal office as well as long distance using Skype. Learn more here: Dr. Lisa Samet. You can follow her on Facebook as well.

]]> <![CDATA[Understanding the Unique Dosing Principles of Homeopathic Remedies]]> https://www.homeopathyworks.com/dr-samets-insights/understanding-the-unique-dosing-principles-of-homeopathic-remedies/ Wed, 29 May 2024 08:54:58 +0000 https://www.homeopathyworks.com/dr-samets-insights/understanding-the-unique-dosing-principles-of-homeopathic-remedies/ So, you’ve decided to give homeopathy a try, and you have a remedy that seems to have characteristics that match the characteristic symptoms of your ailment (that piece is essential)… Now what?

This question is a great one… and very important.

Anyone who has been exposed to ordinary medicine is accustomed to dosing medicines mechanically, e.g., every four hours, every twelve hours, once a day, and so on…

Homeopathy operates on a distinct principle. Unlike conventional medicine, where dosing is often mechanical, in homeopathy, the remedy is taken as needed, and dosing is ceased upon improvement.

With homeopathy, the patient or homeopath first chooses an appropriate remedy at a particular potency (we will talk about potencies in another article). If one has an acute condition, particularly one that is intensifying or ascending, the remedy can be taken with frequency. (What is an acute condition? Generally speaking, an acute condition is one that lasts for a short time but can begin rapidly and have intense symptoms.) In an acute state that is intense or ascending rapidly (rapidly rising temperature, rapidly ascending pain, etc.), a dose of the remedy may be needed every 5-30 minutes until relief is noted. In other instances, such as for acute conditions that are less intense or ascending more slowly, the remedy should be taken once with a wait-and-watch period to allow an opportunity to assess changes in the case.

These dosing rules apply to newborns, children, adults, and the elderly. Adhere to them, and you will have success with homeopathy. And with any medical condition, consult with your physician if you have any concerns about the severity of your illness, as it may first require medical diagnosis and/or intervention and monitoring.

About Dr. Lisa Samet:

Dr. Lisa Samet N.D. provides Washington Homeopathic Products with a regular column on using homeopathy for the family. She's a naturopathic physician who specializes in homeopathic medicine. Dr. Samet graduated from the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in 1998 and has been practicing in Montreal since then. She was born and raised in New York.

Dr. Samet has chosen to focus on homeopathy because in her experience it is the deepest healing modality available in that it does not just soothe or palliate symptoms but can actually stimulate the body to start to heal itself. Dr. Samet sees patients in her Montreal office as well as long distance using Skype. Learn more here: Dr. Lisa Samet. You can follow her on Facebook as well.

]]> So, you’ve decided to give homeopathy a try, and you have a remedy that seems to have characteristics that match the characteristic symptoms of your ailment (that piece is essential)… Now what?

This question is a great one… and very important.

Anyone who has been exposed to ordinary medicine is accustomed to dosing medicines mechanically, e.g., every four hours, every twelve hours, once a day, and so on…

Homeopathy operates on a distinct principle. Unlike conventional medicine, where dosing is often mechanical, in homeopathy, the remedy is taken as needed, and dosing is ceased upon improvement.

With homeopathy, the patient or homeopath first chooses an appropriate remedy at a particular potency (we will talk about potencies in another article). If one has an acute condition, particularly one that is intensifying or ascending, the remedy can be taken with frequency. (What is an acute condition? Generally speaking, an acute condition is one that lasts for a short time but can begin rapidly and have intense symptoms.) In an acute state that is intense or ascending rapidly (rapidly rising temperature, rapidly ascending pain, etc.), a dose of the remedy may be needed every 5-30 minutes until relief is noted. In other instances, such as for acute conditions that are less intense or ascending more slowly, the remedy should be taken once with a wait-and-watch period to allow an opportunity to assess changes in the case.

These dosing rules apply to newborns, children, adults, and the elderly. Adhere to them, and you will have success with homeopathy. And with any medical condition, consult with your physician if you have any concerns about the severity of your illness, as it may first require medical diagnosis and/or intervention and monitoring.

About Dr. Lisa Samet:

Dr. Lisa Samet N.D. provides Washington Homeopathic Products with a regular column on using homeopathy for the family. She's a naturopathic physician who specializes in homeopathic medicine. Dr. Samet graduated from the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in 1998 and has been practicing in Montreal since then. She was born and raised in New York.

Dr. Samet has chosen to focus on homeopathy because in her experience it is the deepest healing modality available in that it does not just soothe or palliate symptoms but can actually stimulate the body to start to heal itself. Dr. Samet sees patients in her Montreal office as well as long distance using Skype. Learn more here: Dr. Lisa Samet. You can follow her on Facebook as well.

]]> <![CDATA[Itch All Over? Maybe It’s Poison Ivy]]> https://www.homeopathyworks.com/dr-samets-insights/itch-all-over-maybe-its-poison-ivy/ Mon, 13 May 2024 11:13:08 +0000 https://www.homeopathyworks.com/dr-samets-insights/itch-all-over-maybe-its-poison-ivy/ Virtually everyone is familiar with that scourge of gardeners and hikers alike—poison ivy. It grows just about anywhere, though it’s most commonly found on the edges of forests, lawns, and roadways. It can grow as a vine, creep along the ground, or grow as a bush, and it’s very durable root systems make it difficult to remove. Identifying it is easy— it always grows with three shiny leaves in a cluster.

What causes the itchy rash? A rash from poison ivy is caused by an oil found in the plant called urushiol (you-ROO-shee-all). When this oil touches your skin, it often causes an itchy, blistering rash, which can spread to cover large sections of the body.

Is there a homeopathic solution to the problem?

You bet.

Homeopathy is based on a law of nature that "like cures like.”

The most common remedy used to treat poison ivy rashes is the homeopathic remedy Rhus toxicodendron (Rhus tox). Made from the leaves of the poison ivy plant, this remedy is often the only remedy someone with poison ivy requires.

You can find the remedy in standalone formulations for poison ivy (like our very own WHP Poison Ivy™) or by purchasing it by name (Rhus tox), available from Washington Homeopathic Products in 30C and 200C potencies.

Dosing tips: When you first notice a rash and itchy skin, take a dose of Rhus tox and wait. If after 60 minutes there is no relief from the itching, take another dose and continue dosing every 30 minutes until you see improvement. At that point, stop and only redose if symptoms begin to worsen again.

About Dr. Lisa Samet:

Dr. Lisa Samet N.D. provides Washington Homeopathic Products with a regular column on using homeopathy for the family. She's a naturopathic physician who specializes in homeopathic medicine. Dr. Samet graduated from the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in 1998 and has been practicing in Montreal since then. She was born and raised in New York.

Dr. Samet has chosen to focus on homeopathy because in her experience it is the deepest healing modality available in that it does not just soothe or palliate symptoms but can actually stimulate the body to start to heal itself. Dr. Samet sees patients in her Montreal office as well as long distance using Skype. Learn more here: Dr. Lisa Samet. You can follow her on Facebook as well.

Photo credit: cygnus921 via Foter.com / CC BY

]]> Virtually everyone is familiar with that scourge of gardeners and hikers alike—poison ivy. It grows just about anywhere, though it’s most commonly found on the edges of forests, lawns, and roadways. It can grow as a vine, creep along the ground, or grow as a bush, and it’s very durable root systems make it difficult to remove. Identifying it is easy— it always grows with three shiny leaves in a cluster.

What causes the itchy rash? A rash from poison ivy is caused by an oil found in the plant called urushiol (you-ROO-shee-all). When this oil touches your skin, it often causes an itchy, blistering rash, which can spread to cover large sections of the body.

Is there a homeopathic solution to the problem?

You bet.

Homeopathy is based on a law of nature that "like cures like.”

The most common remedy used to treat poison ivy rashes is the homeopathic remedy Rhus toxicodendron (Rhus tox). Made from the leaves of the poison ivy plant, this remedy is often the only remedy someone with poison ivy requires.

You can find the remedy in standalone formulations for poison ivy (like our very own WHP Poison Ivy™) or by purchasing it by name (Rhus tox), available from Washington Homeopathic Products in 30C and 200C potencies.

Dosing tips: When you first notice a rash and itchy skin, take a dose of Rhus tox and wait. If after 60 minutes there is no relief from the itching, take another dose and continue dosing every 30 minutes until you see improvement. At that point, stop and only redose if symptoms begin to worsen again.

About Dr. Lisa Samet:

Dr. Lisa Samet N.D. provides Washington Homeopathic Products with a regular column on using homeopathy for the family. She's a naturopathic physician who specializes in homeopathic medicine. Dr. Samet graduated from the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in 1998 and has been practicing in Montreal since then. She was born and raised in New York.

Dr. Samet has chosen to focus on homeopathy because in her experience it is the deepest healing modality available in that it does not just soothe or palliate symptoms but can actually stimulate the body to start to heal itself. Dr. Samet sees patients in her Montreal office as well as long distance using Skype. Learn more here: Dr. Lisa Samet. You can follow her on Facebook as well.

Photo credit: cygnus921 via Foter.com / CC BY

]]>