Dear Lisa:

No, you are not doing anything wrong, but I am troubled by the logic of the statement, "If so it seems that going to the hospital or doctor would be as well".

What is true for one, is not necessarily true for another. Although the two approaches seem similar, that does not mean they are the same. Thus we cannot use this logic as a defense of homeopathy. In addition, if the Church taught that the hospital is okay, and homeopathic medicine is not, (which the Church does not do, but if it did) then regardless of our opinions we are obligated to stay away from homeopathic medicine no matter how much it promises.

That aside, what I have been talking about are systems of thought, cosmology, and philosophy. Oriental medicine that deals with things like energy flows in the body are fundamentally flawed in its cosmology as well as in biology.

Martial Arts and Yoga are activities that are based upon the flawed cosmology of the same "energy flows" (Ch'i) that are involved in acupuncture and the like. The movements of these activities are specifically designed to balance these non-existent energies and/or place one in a state of altered consciousness.

Homeopathic medicine, on the other hand, IF properly approached, is not a problem in-and-of-itself. Many of our medicines from drug companies are derived from herbs and other plants. Constant research on these resources is being done by the drug companies.

While homeopathic medicine in itself is not a problem, there are some cautions that must be considered:

1) As with any medical remedy or procedure, there is no such thing as a cure-all, a magic bullet, a substance that can cure everything. Some people in the homeopathic movement make claims about various herbs and substances that are scientifically unverifiable and are exaggerated to the four winds. Stay away from such things. Herbs, as with any substance, are effective for a limited number of issues; avoid exaggerated claims. Find out what has been proven to work for a specific condition or issue and limit oneself to those remedies.

2) While there has been much improvement over the last decade, there is still a problem with the quality-control of herbs and substances in homeopathy. One is never sure of the quality, potency, and dose of herbs on the market; there are no regulatory standards which with herbal companies must follow. If buying these products, be sure to do your research to find a company that offers the best quality-control, precise potency and dosage.

3) Herbs are not safe merely because they are "natural". There are contraindications and adverse reactions that can exist between herbs and between the herbs and other "regular" medications. It is possible to do great damage to oneself by homeopathic self-medication when one does not know about overdose limits, contraindications, adverse reactions, and other factors. It is possible to even die from such contraindications and adverse reactions.

It is critically important, therefore, that one know the potency of a herb, what dosage is safe, and what contraindications and adverse reactions that may exist.

The people who publish the PDR (Physicans Desk Reference) now have a PDR the deals specifically with herbs called the PDR for Herbal Medicines. Anyone practicing homeopathy NEEDS to buy this volume and learn how to use it. It is expensive, around $60, but it is a necessity.

Here is brochure description of the PDR for Herbal Medicines

Building on its best-selling predecessors, the new PDR for Herbal Medicines, Third Edition has left no resource unturned to bring together the latest scientific data in the most comprehensive herbal reference compiled.

The third edition goes far beyond the original source, adding a new section on Nutritional Supplements and new information aimed at greatly enhancing patient management by medical practitioners. All monographs have been updated to include recent scientific findings on efficacy, safety and potential interactions; clinical trials (including abstracts); case reports; and meta-analysis results. This new information has resulted in greatly expanded Effects, Contraindications, Precautions and Adverse Reactions, and Dosage sections of each monograph.

• Indexed by common name
• Asian, Indian and Homeopathic Herbs Index
• Safety Guide
• Daily dosage information for unprocessed herbs and commercially available brand name products
• Manufacturers' Index, including name, address, contact information and product list
• Trade names of available products added to each monograph
• Expanded Drug/Herb Interaction Guide
• Therapeutic Category Index
• Clinical Management of Interactions

To buy this volume, Click Here.

4) When consulting a homeopathic practitioner be VERY careful. Homeopathy is a major interest in the New Age. A LOT of practitioners may also be involved in New Ageism, occult, or even witchcraft activities.

Following these guidelines, one should be able to navigate homeopathy world successfully.  

God bless,
Bro. Ignatius Mary