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What is the difference between general remedies and professionally prescribed medicine?

“The part can never be well unless 

the whole is well.  

The cure of the part should not be attempted 

without the cure of the whole.”  

Plato

 

What’s the Difference Between Seeing a Homeopath and Buying Remedies at a Health Food Store?

It's perfectly fine to use homeopathic remedies from your local health food store for simple, acute symptoms—for example, taking Nux vomica for indigestion. These over-the-counter remedies can often help in the moment. However, their effectiveness may fade over time if the remedy doesn’t fully match your unique symptom picture.

A professional Heilkunst homeopath, on the other hand, considers far more than common or surface-level symptoms. You might think you need Nux vomica, but a trained homeopath might identify Carbo vegetabilis, Lycopodium, Pulsatilla, or another remedy entirely as a better match for your situation.

Why Full Case Taking Matters

Whether dealing with an acute illness like a cold or flu—or a more chronic condition—thorough case-taking is key to finding the correct remedy or sequence of remedies. For example, two people with a cold may experience completely different symptoms: one has a runny nose, another has sinus pressure; one feels weak and chilly, another feels restless and hot.

To find the best remedy for an acute case, a homeopath will ask:

  • What is the cause of the condition?  Did the condition have rapid or slow start? Has it ever happened before?

  • What are the feelings and sensations during illness? 

  • What are the qualities of discharge, if any: thick, clear, color, consistency

  • Are there special cravings or aversions to food, drink, environment or people?

  • What makes the symptoms better or worse?

  • What is the mental-emotional state around this condition?

 

All of this information helps match the remedies not just to the disease, but to you as an individual.

In full case taking for chronic conditions, the Heilkunst homeopath will want to know:

  • your history of physical, mental and emotional traumas 

  • the type of signs, feelings and sensations related to your condition (s)

  • your family history of diseases

  • your personal and general personality traits, likes & dislikes, etc.

 

See here:  Treatment Overview

Potency and Precision

Most store-bought remedies are available in low potencies, which may not be sufficient for deeper or more intense symptoms. A homeopath can assess whether a higher potency is needed based on the clarity of symptoms and the strength of your overall vitality. The wrong potency—or too frequent dosing—can disrupt the healing process, which is why guidance matters.

When Mind and Emotions Are Involved

For mental and emotional symptoms—like anxiety, grief, irritability, or depression—a thoughtful and experienced approach is essential. These deeper patterns often unfold over time, and healing typically requires more than a quick remedy off the shelf. A trained homeopath listens deeply to your story and designs a personalized treatment plan that supports emotional healing as well as physical recovery.

How Long Does Treatment Take?

The length of treatment depends on several factors: how long you’ve had the condition, your overall vitality, and the complexity of your symptoms. Acute conditions may resolve quickly, while chronic issues often require a step-by-step process to gently unwind underlying imbalances.

Homeopathic Prescribing: Individualized and Minimal

Homeopathy is a holistic medical system based on the principle of “like cures like.” A homeopathic remedy is chosen based on the totality of a person's symptoms—physical, emotional, and mental—rather than targeting a disease label alone.

Homeopathy emphasizes balance and self-regulation. When used skillfully, it supports the body’s innate ability to restore health without overwhelming it.

 

Ready to Begin Your Healing Journey?

Your path to deeper balance and lasting wellness starts with a single step.
If you're feeling called to explore a more personalized, natural approach to health, I’m here to support you.

Book a consultation and let's start this journey together.

  Sonia E. Jaramillo, Holistic Healthcare, Heilkunst Homeopathy, Sequential Timeline Therapy,  Nutritional Assesment, Therapeutic Nutrition, CoRe Bioresonance - Tel. 530 300 7997, Email: sonia@IntegrativeHomeopathyHealth.com  -  Northern California - International services - Skype-Zoom. Copyright © 2016. www.IntegrativeHomeopathyHealth.com - All Rights Reserved.

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