February 2010
Welcome to the monthly Ask Dr. Marty Newsletter. In response to several requests, I have decided to share some information based on questions that I frequently receive regarding natural health topics. I promise to keep the newsletter short. But if at any time you get overwhelmed with emails, please let me know and I’ll be glad to take you off of the mailing list. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy the newsletter and hope that you will forward any questions you may have as well. Even if they don’t make it into the newsletter, I promise to answer all questions. All questions will be anonymous.
Question: What do you mean when you use the term “homeopathics”?
Answer: Many people use the term homeopathics for any type of supplements. But supplements can be vitamins, minerals, herbs, herbal extracts, or phytonutrients, to name just the primary ones. But homeopathics can use herbs to produce the homeopathics. Now that I have you thoroughly confused, let me continue…
Homeopathic preparations (usually drops or milk sugar tablets) are the over-the- counter remedies still typically used in Europe, and the remedies of yore here in the United States before allopathic (modern) medicine was invented. Homeopathics are made by shaking and diluting a substance (like an herb or mineral) until the original substance is no longer in the liquid. According to quantum physics, the remedy is effective because it carries the “frequency” imprinted from the original substance in the liquid. According to modern medicine, it’s virtual hogwash. Homeopathics are so effective, however, that European doctors prescribe them and the FDA approved their use as effective medicine. The Queen of England even has a homeopathic physician.
I studied homeopathic remedies in college, but found myself more drawn to the whole-food approach of herbal medicines. Until… my husband and I took a motorhome caravan one thousand miles into Mexico. One night our fellow motorhomers (14 coaches) were all around a campfire looking out over the moonlit Bay of California. Our romantic vista was abruptly interrupted by a loud thud and whimper. One of our fellow travelers had a German Shepherd who had mistakenly backed off a 12 foot cliff down into the rocky shoreline. After the poor soul was carried back up to the campsite (NO SMALL FEAT!), it was unable to walk and started to go into shock. Since we were very far away from any veterinary services, the owners agreed to allow me to use Distress Remedy (a flower homeopathic) on their beloved pet. Within 15 minutes, the animal was walking normally and completely calm. Wow! Since that time I had considerably more respect for the power of homeopathics and always carry Distress Remedy for minor or major upsets of all sorts. They are generally safe enough to use even on very young children.
By the way, I love working with babies and pets because no one can say that it was just the “placebo effect” that caused a miraculous recovery!
Hot Tip: Arnica Montana is an effective homeopathic to have on hand for sprains, bruises and other minor injuries.
Next month…A practical guide to pH
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Maureen (Marty) Kernion is not a physician and does not diagnose nor prescribe. She received a bachelor’s degree in secondary education from Louisiana State University, and a Master of Science degree and Doctorate of Natural Health degree from Clayton College of Natural Health. She is the author of Going Natural with Herbs. Marty lectures on natural health topics across the country and has been featured at 78 Barnes and Noble book stores since her book was published. She is also a retired adjunct professor with Clayton College of Natural Health where she authored 39 courses in nutrition and herbal remedies.
It is always wise to advise your pharmacist or health care practitioner about any change in diet or supplements you plan to take, especially if you take any prescription medication.
“Their fruit will serve for food and their leaves for healing.” Ezekiel 47:12
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