Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How is
Homeobotanical different to homeopathy
A: Homeobotanical (Hb) remedies are
potentised but are not prescribed individually according to
repertorisation and precise differentiation like in homeopathy; they
rather cover a wider scope of symptoms and signs, making it easier and
faster to prescribe but also not personalised. Hb remedies are a single
potency (<2X), they are all multiple components. Hb activate immune
response, drainage and assimilation in the patient.
^ top Q2: How is
Homeobotanical different to Herbalism
A: Herbalism uses tinctures, Hb uses low
potencies of the same tinctures; the indications are wider as the
selection of the different herbs is based not only on the traditional
herbal use but also on the homeopathic clinical use, hence widening the
indications and the applications. Also the doses are extremely small,
making them well tolerated, safe and cheap. Hb remedies are made from
herbal extracts and adjusted to prevent flocculation of resinous
fractions. Component herbs are 1:10 in the Hb concentrates and combine
many herbs in a dosage rather than just a few. They are naturally sweet
because of the glycerol used in their preparation, unlike normal herbal
extracts.
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Q3: Is it safe ?
A: Definitely yes, due to the small amount of
potentised (hence diluted) active ingredients. Even if ingested pure by
accident, the worst you could expect would be some nausea. No overdose of
the prepared remedy has ever been reported and in fact cannot happen. To
get even close to the usual herbal prescribed dose (which in itself is
safe!), you would need to ingest a few litres of prepared remedy, not an
easy feat to accomplish. The usual dose of Hb remedies is one thousand
times less than a standard herbal dose, relying on the efficacy of
Homoeopathic action rather than material quantities of active ingredients.
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Q4: What about use during
pregnancy ?
A: Certainly an excellent period of your life
to use homeobotanical remedies! Even though some herbs must be used with
caution during pregnancy, the small doses used make them safe; yet, if you
are pregnant or think you might be, better inform your practitioner. Hb
remedies are essentially low potency Homoeopathic remedies and rarely have
adverse effects. They are widely used in helping the problems of
pregnancy, but special caution is needed where there is a history of
repeated miscarriage. ^ top
Q5: Can it be used with
other natural remedies ?
A: Absolutely! Hb remedies complement very
well any other form of natural therapy as a way of giving immediate relief
while the in-depth treatment start to take effect, and it does not
conflict with energetic remedies like homeopathic ones. Indeed, most Hb
Practitioners use a combination of therapies to match the Patient's needs,
with the Hb remedies always there as the Core Therapy.
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Q6: Can it be used with
conventional drugs ?
A: Yes, but you have to be warned that as you
get better, you might want to see your GP and start lowering the dosage of
the conventional medicine, as you might not need them any more. Hb
Practitioners do not make recommendations regarding prescribed
pharmaceutical drugs and can provide information to the GP regarding
properties and contraindications of conventional drugs where required. ^ top
Q7: Can I overdose ?
A: You would need to drink a few litres of
remedies to come anywhere close to regular herbal prescribed doses, which
are intrinsically safe, so overdose is not an option, unless you are
really determined and obstinate. Any quantity of Hb over a few drops is a
waste of remedy - the body will respond only to the minimum dose. Many
young children have swallowed the whole Hb bottle with no effects. Keep Hb
prescriptions away from children, because they are sweet and so pleasant
to take, but if they swallow them, no need to panic.
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Q8: Who practices it ?
A: Any health practitioner who has undergone
the proper training can prescribe Hb remedies. Ask to see the Certificate
in Herbal Energy Therapy or the Diploma in Homeobotanical Therapeutics.
Q9: How can we learn it and are there any
prerequisites?
A: It is best to have a good knowledge of the
function and structure of the human body. This is a a good basis for any
natural medicine in order to understand the teaching fully and become the
most effective practitioner. Some colleges in NZ and abroad are teaching
it, the teaching is now under revision and will hopefully be offered as an
international distance course in the future. The National Course in
Homeobotyanical Therapeutics is on the NZQA Framework and is taught at
selected Colleges with NZQA accreditation and funding.
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Q10: Can it be used for
animals ?
A: Yes, remembering that animals react
differently than humans to herbs, some being toxic for them whereas useful
for us and vice-versa. The dose must be adapted to the weight of the
animal to remain on the safe side. Some Hb Practitioners specialise in
helping animals and may also use Homoeopathy, nutrition and other
techniques. ^ top
Q11:
What if I am allergic to certain herbs ?
A: Every herb has also been prepared
separately, so if your practitioner wants to give you a formula, he or she
can reconstitute it while omitting the herb you are allergic to, or use
substitute approaches. Mind you, if you are allergic to something, this
should be treated in depth. The very low dose of all ingredients often
produces a healing response in those allergic to material doses of a
particular herb. Hb are used to treat allergies every day, where the focus
is on removing the cause of any distress. Hb aims to strengthen the body,
so that imbalances that produce allergy symptoms are overcome naturally ^ top |
