When I say the word homeopathy what comes to mind?
*Please note before continuing*
I should start by saying I am not a practicing homeopath. In the past I have taken homeopathic medicine due to a combination of curiosity and desperation, so my experience stops with the taking of the medicine. I have, however, done extensive reading on the topic and spoken to a few homeopathic sources.
I am also not a doctor. I’m in no way suggesting that you use homeopathic medicine in lieu of traditional medicine in the case of major depressive disorders or mental health conditions. (Read more about depression here.) Nor am I suggesting that homeopathy removes the need for other therapies. You can use homeopathy in the case of mild mental illness, but SHOULD NOT replace medication or therapy for more serious conditions which may require regular treatment and heavier medications.
By all means, it is possible to use in conjunction with said treatments and medications. It’s always wise to speak to your psychiatrist or general practitioner before making a change to your treatment plan.
What is homeopathy and how can it benefit both physical and mental illness?
Table of Contents
In the world of alternative medicine, homeopathy is possibly the most renowned. If you haven’t tried it, you’ve at least heard of it. But how much do we actually know about homeopathy, and can you really use it effectively to combat both mental and physical illnesses?
My experience with homeopathy began earlier this year and lasted for approximately six weeks. My friend’s sister (K) has been a loyal user of homeopathy for a number of years, and so she kindly sent me some samples to help with my emotional and mental distress.
Hesitance about alternative medicine
I had never tried homeopathy, and I was hesitant and confused by how to take them. They appeared to be in the form of small, cloudy ‘balls’ with strange names and no ingredient list.
After a quick google search and chat with K, she reassured me of their authenticity and purpose. However, I was still concerned about how they would react with my anti-depressants. I didn’t actually start taking them until after speaking with my therapist, who insisted it couldn’t hurt as a complementary treatment.
Once my mind was put at ease, I began taking Kaliphos 6Xand Ignatia 30c three times a day. Both medications were intended to help ease the symptoms of stress, mental fatigue, and anxiety, all of which I was feeling on an intense level at that point in my life.
The effects weren’t instantaneous, much like other medications. It wasn’t a miracle fix all that kicked in after just one use. Just like traditional medications homeopathy requires repeated and continued use in order to reap the benefits.
After a few weeks I began to feel my dark mood (which at the time was nothing short of suicidal) shift slightly. I gained more energy over time and felt better able to cope with the hands I was being dealt. These positive side effects continued even after stopping the medication and in conjunction with other therapies and yoga, I was able to maintain a level of normality.

It’s unclear how much of this was placebo effect and how much was genuine, however, results are results, placebo or not. The mind is a wonderful thing and even if it only thinks it’s being altered, that’s good enough for me.
The history of homeopathy
“Homeopathy is a natural system of medicine that uses remedies to stimulate the body’s own innate ability to heal itself. It offers superior results by treating the underlying causes of illness, not just the symptoms of the disease. When the core problems are removed, the body is freed up to release the symptoms, so restoring health and harmony.
They can safely be used alongside conventional medicine. They are non-addictive and easy to take as remedies are available in both pill and liquid form.
Homeopathy acts as a form of preventative treatment. By boosting the body’s immune system, homeopathy can help improve a person’s susceptibility to illness and infection.”
What is homeopathy?
(Eileen Scullion, Homeopathy Healing)
Homeopathy is a complementary medicine, considered to be an alternative and natural treatment for various illnesses. Modern homeopathy was first discovered by Doctor Samuel Hahnemann in the late eighteen century. He was dissatisfied with medicine at the time which still practiced things such as bloodletting, wherein a person was bled with the belief that it would cure them of illness. He believed this practice, among many others, to be both barbaric and counter productive.
Instead of invasive procedures which possibly did more to harm the patient than good, Dr. Hahnemann came up with the concept of homeopathy while translating William Cullen’s “A Treatise on the Materia Medica”.
In the book it claimed that cinchoca (the bark of a Peruvian tree) was effective in the treatment of Malaria. Hahnemann took this and produced the principle of similarity, or the idea that ‘like cures like.’ Simply put, this theory presumes that if something can cause an illness, then it can surely cure it.
This would go onto become the foundations of modern homeopathic medicine.
How can it be used in the treatment of mental and physical illness?
In the traditional sense, homeopathy was used to treat physical ailments and ‘mystery’ illness that, in hindsight, ancient physicians couldn’t explain. When suffering from ‘depressive’ episodes, it was assumed you were possessed by a demon or suffering some other, unnatural phenomenon.
With the miracle of modern medicine and understanding of the human brain, we’ve become more aware of mental health concerns for what they truly are; Illness, but housed within the brain. Like physical conditions, mental illness has become valid a general concern in the eyes of modern medicine. Although mental illnesses are still very much stigmatized in comparison to other ailments, it’s a far cry from exorcisms and bloodletting in a bid to ‘rid the evil.’
Homeopathy and mental health
Homeopathy has been used to not only treat physical ailments, but also mental. Although traditional medicine such as SSRI’s are available, there are a number of drawbacks that can make these less desirable in regards to treatment.
SSRIs, or similar medication, is often accompanied by side effects. These range from physical reactions such as nausea and headaches, to the more severe such as increased depression and suicidal ideations. Although these medications are sometimes necessary in order to control brain chemistry, there are other options out there in regards to treatment.
Homeopathy can be used as a sole treatment or it can be used alongside other therapies and medications. However, as previously stated, in the case of more severe psychiatric conditions or serious suicidal ideations, it’s best to speak to your GP or psychiatrist before making a change to your treatment. Homeopathy will not be enough to regulate brain chemistry and symptoms in the case of more serious conditions, but you can use solely in the event of less, more time sensitive conditions such as minor depression, the grieving period and acute stress and anxiety.

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How do you get started with homeopathy?
Whether you’re interested in taking homeopathic remedies or you want to learn about the science behind it, there is a vast array of information available online. If you’re interested in getting started with homeopathy, try these kits available from such places as Helios Homeopathy. You can also pick up various books in your local library. You can even use a mobile app called Homeopathy UK.
About the Author
I’m Chloe, content creator and owner of Nyxie’s Nook, a blog dedicated to mental health, recovery and general wellness. I love being able to help and inform others through the use of my writing, and pride myself on providing nothing but the best content.
I started this blog in March 2019 in a bid to raise awareness for mental illness. Usinf my experience, I especially focus on Anorexia Nervosa and Anxiety, two such disorders I suffer from. However, what started out as a hobby, quickly turned into something much, much more!
Nyxie’s Nook has become a place to talk about all mental health issues and the struggles that come along with recovery. I cover a variety of subjects ranging from general wellness right up to more specific recovery related content. I not only aim to cater to those in recovery but to people in all walks of life.
Follow Chloe here:
Blog: www.nyxiesnook.com
Twitter: @nyxiesnook
Instagram: @nyxtrix
Facebook: Nyxie’s Nook
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Very informative and helpful article. Thank you so much for this. I was always interested to find out more about homeopathic remedies. I’ve leaned so much by reading this.
Hey Natalie, glad you found it helpful. Thanks for reading!
I love homeopathy and seek it first before any allopathic protocols. Works best for my family. Great post and I love that you shared your personal experience!
Hey Mallaury, that’s so cool that it works so well for you. I say, whatever helps someone feel better! Thanks for reading!
I am not a homeopathy fan. But you definitely convinced me to learn more about it!
Hey Catalina, that’s great! I like it because there are so many different options. Thanks for reading!
Wow, super interesting and great read! Thanks for the info and the resources!!
Hey there Sara, thanks so much. I appreciate it!
I can appreciate your post as a holistic mama. Thanks for the information.
Hey Gabrielle, thanks! I love a lot of these practices myself. Thanks for reading!
Wow, such great insights! Thanks, Jen!
Hey Pragati, no problem! Thanks for reading!
Great information and resources. Check with your doc but also do what makes sense for you!
Hey Terri, definitely! Thanks so much for reading!
I love using essential oils for things like stress. I think there is definitely a place for homeopathy.
Hey Heather, they really do help a lot of people! There is so much research about it, that it can’t hurt to try. Thanks for reading!
I love that starter kits are available for a range of different symptoms. We mostly use homeopathy along with tinctures and herbal teas to help against colds and coughs. 🙂
Hey Jaya, they really do help! Thanks for reading!
This is a first for me and with this information, I will like to understand more about homeopathy and its impact in staying healthy.
Hey Louisa, definitely do some more reading! You never know what might help. Thanks for reading!
I will have to ask about/mention those two homeopathic remedies that were mentioned to my doctor.
Hey Melinda, can’t hurt to ask and try! Thanks for reading!
Chloe did a wonderful job explaining this. I love that this is an option.
Hey Tasheena, me too! It’s always nice to have as many options as possible. Thanks for reading!
Years ago my sister turned me onto alternatives to western medicine. I believe everything can hep if done right, and lord knows, Big Pharma does not want us curing ourselves the natural way, then they cannot make money.
Hey Mitch, I totally agree with you there. I’m a little “tinfoil hat” about that stuff myself. If we get better, how do they stay in their mansions?? LOL. Thanks for reading!
I like this approach to medicine. I still run everything by my doctor and then make my own decisions after researching.
Hey Heather, definitely! It’s good to do whatever reading up on it makes you feel comfortable. Thanks for reading!
I’ve heard about this. Normally I just go for the regular meds, but I wouldn’t be opposed to this.
Hey Amber, I definitely think it can be a great complement to traditional medicine. As someone like me who has spent years trying to find the “perfect antidepressant”/fatigue solution, I love having little things like this I can do to help my symptoms.
As long as people check with their doctor before trying anything, I am all for it. I think natural is the way to go as long as it won’t interact badly with anything.
Hey Robin, yeah for sure! If it’s something like a supplement or whatever, it’s always good to mention to the doctor. Thanks for reading!
I would like to try a homeopathic remedy for all my mental problems it seems like a great way to avoid medications. I would like to learn more about this practice.
Hey Melissa, it’s worth looking into! For some people it is very effective. Some people see it as a “woo” practice, but I think things like that never hurt to try. Thanks for reading!
This has been so informative. I’ve been looking into homeopathy for the first time for other purposes and was struggling to put a finger on what exactly homeopathy is.
Hey Abby, it can be really useful! And there are so many different options. Thanks for reading!
I find that rescue remedy can be amazing for me.
Definitely check with a pharmacist and/or doctor before taking any homeopathic or holistic remedies with prescription medication though! There are some that don’t mix.
That is a good idea. I try to tell my dr about all the supplements I take. Just in case!
Very interesting – I didn’t know much about this. I’m intrigued
It’s definitely an interesting topic!
I know of professionals that ridicule and laugh at homeopathy but to be honest after using it extensively in my household and for family … for twenty years….. I know it helps us. My children have used it since infancy and even for my elders who were sceptical…
There is no better proof needed than it working!
This is really great. It is so hard to find what works. I am using some natural alternatives but am also on some prescriptions from the doctor. Hoping to eventually go all natural.
I would love to do the same. Medicine may work, but it also has a lot of side effects.
This is really interesting and a very thorough post. I’m really glad it’s had such a positive affect too!
Thanks! Chloe did a great job explaining it.
This is an excellent post about homeopathy. I’m of the opinion that it doesn’t matter why some things work, it just matters that they work. It is so good that you found that homeopathy made a difference to you. Thanks for sharing this. It will give other people hope and the confidence to try something new.
I totally agree! Anecdotal experience can be really powerful! Thanks for reading. She did a great job!
This is a great read. You clearly did your research on homeopathy. The information you provided was very useful in expanding my knowledge on different health remedies, and I love that you included the history of homeopathy. Thank you!
Chloe did such a great job! I’d love to have her write for me again!