If you are tired of using over the counter medications that leave you with troublesome side effects, try Homeopathy . It is a safe alternative that is relatively easy to figure out. With that being said, make sure to check with your doctor if you are already on medication. You may also consult your local Naturopathic doctor to help with diagnoses and recommendations.

For self help, I usually hit Whole foods, go to the Boiron display unit and browse the symptom guide. The remedies come in little bottles and resemble B-Bs. Recently I saw a kit for colds or allergies, traveling etc. Arnica is a popular remedy for bruises. We have used many different ones for all kinds of snot conditions! There are other brands as well, but Boiron usually has the largest selection.

Here, I’ve included a little history on homeopathy to get you started.

Homeopathy, also known as homeopathic medicine, is a whole medical system that was developed in Germany more than 200 years ago and has been practiced in the United States since the early 19th century. People use homeopathy for a range of health concerns, from wellness and prevention, to the treatment of diseases and conditions such as allergies, asthma, chronic fatigue syndrome, depression, digestive disorders, ear infections, headaches, and skin rashes.

The principle of similars (or “like cures like”) is a central homeopathic principle. The principle states that a disease can be cured by a substance that produces similar symptoms in healthy people. For example, one of the remedies for watery eyes is derived from onions. This idea, which can be traced back to Hippocrates, was further developed by German physician Samuel Hahnemann. After he repeatedly ingested cinchona bark, a popular treatment for malaria, Hahnemann found that he developed the symptoms of the disease. He then theorized that if a substance could cause disease symptoms in a healthy person, small amounts could cure a sick person who had similar symptoms.

So off you go, into the wild world of homeopathic medicine. One thing to keep in mind, be specific with your symptoms. Simply stating that you have a cough is not enough information. You’ll want to describe it; hacking cough or wet cough, a cough that gets worse with cold , etc and so on. Homeopathy really forces you to look at your condition, not just lay back and dose up on the nyquil.

Be well!