Principles of Homeopathy

• Homeopathy is a system of medicine developed over 200 years ago in Germany. It operates under two main principles: the principle of similars and the principle of dilutions. According to the principle of similars, substances that would cause symptoms in a healthy person cure those same symptoms in a person who is ill. According to the principle of dilutions, the lower the dose of the remedy, the greater its effect (and the longer it lasts). Homeopathic remedies are developed from a number of plants, animals, and minerals, including onion, bee venom, and sulfur. They are then diluted a number of times, often until no traceable amounts of the original substance remain.
  
  

Chamomilla Remedy

• Chamomilla is a homeopathic remedy created from German chamomile, Matricaria recutita. According to "Practical Homeopathy" by Vinton McCabe, chamomilla is used for teething pains, for infants and children, and for irritability and anger.
  
  

Side Effects

• According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), not much research has been performed regarding the side effects and risks of homeopathic remedies, including chamomilla. After reviewing available research, the NCCAM has deemed these remedies as generally safe when taken under the guidance of a trained professional. Remember, the original substance used to create a remedy is virtually nonexistent in the final, diluted remedy. However, it is still possible that the substance may trigger an allergic reaction.
  
  

Aggravation

• After taking a remedy for an acute problem, it is possible that you may experience a temporary worsening of some symptoms before they get better. According to "Practical Homeopathy," homeopaths call this an "aggravation," and consider it a sign that the remedy is working. There is very little research on this phenomenon.
  
  

Warning

• Some people prefer to use homeopathic remedies on children in place of herbs or pharmaceuticals; as they are highly diluted, they may be considered safer. However, NCCAM warns that some liquid homeopathic preparations contain alcohol.