Understanding homeopathic medicines also requires understanding the principles behind their selection. In his thoughtful Doctor’s Day article, Homeopathic Doctor Talking to Conventional Doctors, Dr. Rajesh Shah explains how homeopathy and conventional medicine differ in their approach, why scientific dialogue is important, and how both systems can be better understood in the interest of patient care.
What are the sources of homeopathic medicines?
Natural Sources
Homeopathic medicines are prepared from a wide range of natural substances. About 70% of drugs originate from the plant kingdom, specifically from flowers, roots, leaves, and their juices. About 10% medicines are sourced from minerals and chemicals. About 2% medicines come from animal sources. About 1% medicines come from organisms and biological materials.
Plant sources
- Plant kingdom: The whole plant or some parts of it, such as leaves, roots, flowers, seeds, and berries, may be used in the preparation of medicines. All types of plants, benign, poisonous, and carnivorous, have been used as homeopathic medicines. Common plant-based homeopathic medicines are Pulsatilla nigra, Bryonia alba, Aconite napellus, Belladona, Gelsemium, Coffea cruda, Rhus Toxicodendron, etc.
Minerals and Metals
Certain chemicals and minerals are also used in the preparation of medicines. Most minerals and metals are used as sources of medicine, such as gold, silver, zinc, tin, iron, aluminium, selenium, sodium compounds, magnesium, copper, mercury compounds, potassium compounds, and many more. Various acids are also processed specially to prepare homeopathic medicines, which include sulfuric acid, nitric acid, acetic acid, pricric acid, and more.
Biological Sources
Some microbes, bacteria, and viruses are also used to prepare a special group of medicines (called Nosodes), such as the influenza virus and bacteria that cause tuberculosis. Some of the body’s secretions, such as the hormones (thyroid hormone, for example), also find a place in the homeopathic pharmacopeia. Homeopathic medicines prepared from microbes (Nosodes) may look like vaccines, but they are not vaccines. Nosodes are highly effective medicines in homeopathy.
Animal Sources
The animal kingdom holds a special place in the homeopathic pharmacy, and homeopathic medicines are prepared from animal sources using non-violent techniques. Some insects, such as the Spanish fly (Apis Mellifica), and certain animal products, like the venom of the Cobra snake (Naja), are used uniquely. Venoms of spiders, insects, snakes, etc, are used safely.
