There are many homeopathic remedies available from both practitioners and health food shops, which can be used to treat most minor illnesses and conditions.

Homeopathic remedies do not have side effects and are safe, even for the use of small children, this therefore makes them suitable for self medication, when treating common complaints that any one of the family may suffer from.

The basic idea of homeopathy is to treat an illness or complaint with a substance which, if taken by a healthy person, would actually produce symptoms similar to those of the person who is ill.

For example: Belladonna Deadly Nightshade. When eaten, this plant, root or berries is extremely toxic and can cause symptoms such as; flushing, loss of balance and urinary retention. The homeopathic form of Belladonna is used to treat conditions such as; a brightly flushed face, vertigo and cystitis.

Homeopathic remedies can be purchased from Country Living Health Store or online at healthstore.uk.com, They are available in several potencies 6c and 30c, being the most popular. The principles of homeopathic remedies mean that the more dilute a remedy becomes -30c is more dilute than 6c- the more potent it becomes. However at these potencies choosing the right remedy is more important than choosing the right potency. As a general rule 6c are used for acute, long standing ailments, and 30c for emergencies or chronic conditions. Some of the most popular homoeopathic remedies at Country Living are:

ARNICA

This homeopathic remedy should be in everyones medicine cabinet. Some of its uses are;

• Use after ANY injury
• Bruises
• Sprains
• Insomnia due to over-tiredness
• Great sensitivity to pain

GELSIMIUM

This homeopathic remedy can be used to treat the following;

• Influenza
• Sneezing
• Sore throat
• Heavy eyes
• Vertigo

NUX VOM

This homeopathic remedy can be used to treat the following;

• Nervous indigestion
• Travel sickness
• Ill effects of over-eating or drinking
• Stuffy colds
• Premenstrual tension

RHUS TOX

This homeopathic remedy can be used for the following:

• Shingles
• Effects of over-exertion
• Rheumatism, lumbago, sciatica
• Strains of joints or tendons

These are just a few of the many thousands of homeopathic remedies available to treat a wide variety of illnesses. Some conditions however, may not be treatable without visiting a homeopathic practitioner who may find it necessary to blend a homeopathic remedy for your specific condition.

Many of the popular and commonly used homeopathic remedies can be purchased from Country Living Health Store or online at healthstore.uk.com. including the ones mentioned above. If you wish to read more about the basic principles of homeopathic medicine, the book homeopathy an introduction & guide to homeopathy is a small easy to read book and an ideal reference, listing many common ailments and the remedy best used to treat them.