Is Homeopathy the same as herbalism?
A. This is a common confusion, but homeopathy is very different than herbalism. Although the two therapies both use natural plant-based medicines, the way the medicines are prepared, and the way they are taken is very different. Herbalism uses only medicinal plants to make its remedies. Herbal remedies may be given as mixtures of several different ingredients, and are usually taken once or more a day. If you have a fever, an herbal prescription will act counter to the fever and cool you down. Some herbal formulas are potentially toxic if taken in large doses. In contrast to herbalism, homeopathic remedies are made from a variety of sources, including non-herbal plants, minerals, metals, and some animal products, such as milk. The remedies are potentized, a unique process whereby the original substance is diluted and succussed (shaken) repeatedly. This process minimizes side effects, and ensures that the remedies are non-toxic.
