Itch Away! Mosquitoes, Black flies, Bees and the like...

In my last post (a moon or two ago) I had been knee deep in planning a summer homeopathy immersion course. Due to low enrollment, I cancelled the course but- lucky you! I decided to put the information out there anyway and so make sure you sign up over there to the right and get your weekly dose of homeopathic education delivered right to your inbox. For free!

So this week- bites and stings, oh my.

Depending on where you live, what activities you engage in, and what your personal response to insect bites is, you might be thinking 'meh' or 'yeah! tell me about what I can do for those!' I mean, do we need to be hauling out the remedy kit for a constellation of mosquito bites on our kids' arms and legs? Maybe not. In the range of responses, there are minimal- some folks are just blessed, I guess- to large welts and ceaseless itching leading to scabs, bleeding and scars. I had scars from mosquito bites on my legs for *years.* I couldn't leave those suckers alone.

And I'm not a sensationalist by any means, but let's not forget that insects are vectors. From the current spotlight on ticks and Lyme disease (and a host of other co-infections that can develop alongside or as a sequelae), malaria, yellow fever (from the days of old), and West Nile virus. To name a few. (And homeopathic doctors had pretty stellar records for treating yellow fever in the US and it is used effectively for malaria symptoms today in places where it is a problem.)

So, it's good to know a few remedies for insect bites. Giving a remedy to help the body respond to a BITE- breaking across the barrier of the skin- is good support for the vital force and assists it in keeping the boundaries clear between THIS IS ME and THAT- whatever bacteria/virus/proteins/chooseyourmicrobiology- IS NOT. Self-identification is one of the primary roles of the immune system.

I'll cover the usual suspects here that are typically recommended, and their differentials. I will say that consistent constitutional treatment will influence the body's reaction to bug bites over time. That is, the reaction will be more mild, less swelling, itching. We have all noticed this in my family, and at least two of us are those 'mosquito magnet' types.

Ledum is always the go-to. Even if you end up following up with another, it isn't so much that it is specific for itching but it is specific for puncture wounds (think the hypodermic stinger) and bites, as well as swelling. A few doses of ledum will often do the trick and you'll just forget about the bites. The specific indications for ledum are: swelling and better cold. The bite sight itself can even feel cold, or else is temperature neutral. If you have ever felt a bite that is inflamed and hot to the touch, then you'll know the difference. Ledum is also the primo remedy for tick bites.

Apis mellifica: a homeopathic preparation of the venom of the honeybee, Apis is one that many might think of for a bee sting. But Apis has some very specific indications and if those symptoms aren't present, then go with ledum first, or consider a different remedy. Indications are: inflammation, profuse swelling, red, hot, WORSE HEAT, skin can look shiny and smooth.

Cantharis: from the Spanish fly. Also a remedy to consider for burns, the sensation of burning and stinging pain is prominent for the person who needs cantharis for their bites. I would think cantharis to be good for those bites that come in groups- gnats, no-see-ums, ants, and the like. The bites will be swollen and red and again, a painful burning.

Sulphur: it's kind of a catch-all, but particularly for kids, if the bites are keeping them up at night, they're red and scratching away, a few doses of sulphur can bring some relief. Particularly if they are the kind of headstrong kids who fight the evening bath, the itching starts up as soon as they get in bed and they prefer cold to hot.

Urtica urens: from the stinging nettle- so you can imagine. Burning, itching. There may be red blotches- like the bite has spread. The swelling may not be marked, more the sensation and the itching is WORSE from exercise and warmth. BETTER lying down and rubbing, vs. itching.

Also consider throwing a tube of Sting Stop by Boericke and Tafel, which is a topical homeopathic combination cream, into your bag, car, etc... I am not a big proponent of the combination remedies, but for some quick, no-thinking relief, it's a good bet.

You can pick up all of the above remedies at health/natural food stores that carry homeopathic remedies. Get a 30c potency, and start with two doses within an hour (one dose= 2 pellets) and then re-dose as needed every hour or two. As your symptoms get better- wait and only re-dose when they return. If you don't sense any shift in your symptoms after at least three doses, then try a different remedy.

For ledum and tick bites if the tick was not engorged, take the two doses within an hour and then wait. If the tick *was* engorged, take two doses per day, for three days. Watch for any symptoms and contact your care provider if you come down with a fever, chills, and body aches.

Staying in the vein of skin conditions, next post will be on hives. All out in the open, with nary a cause in sight!

The Best Time to Learn Homeopathy... When you aren't Sick!

I'm going to make a big generalization here, and please do comment if you feel otherwise, but on the whole, I would say that we tend to get things done when we have to. How many of you wrote papers the night before they were due because- 'I work better under deadline.' Or, how many people change their diet only when their doctor says, 'If you don't do something, you're doing to develop diabetes... or high cholesterol... or heart disease.'

Prevention is- as the saying goes- 'the best medicine- but there's no equal axiom that says it's the easiest. 

So, maybe this post is moot. In which case, I am going to take license to make another generalized statement- we're beginning to change.

We are beginning to take control of our health and our lives in a new way because we have seen the alternative, and we do not want it. Not only that, the options in alternative health and prevention are more accessible than they ever have been before.

In the 'do or die' model, some people come to homeopathy because they've tried everything else. The doctors have thrown up their hands, or written a lifelong prescription for steroids or antibiotics, or other meds. Homeopathy- it certainly can't hurt. And, more often than not, it helps.

But I'd like to suggest that we don't wait that long.

Even waiting until cold and flu season, when everyone is desperate for relief from the bone breaking flu, or the never ending cough, or the cyclical cold that just won't stop.
You can buy remedies to tend to your cold and flu and you can find a lot of guidance through books, on the web, or working with a homeopath to do so. But when you are feeling terrible, or your kids are suffering, it is not the time to learn this modality. Although one of the most amazing things about homeopathy as a modality is that you *can* learn it as a layperson and handle the majority of acute illnesses at home with a bit of persistence and dedication, it pays to pick the right time.

The best time to learn homeopathy? When you, or your loved ones aren't sick. Summertime!!

Putting chronic issues like allergies aside, summer is the perfect time to explore your curiosity and interest in homeopathy and set the stage for cold and flu season (waaaay around the corner, but always there).

Why summer?

Summer afflictions tend to be of the physical variety: insect bites and stings, poison ivy and other skin rashes, injuries like sprained ankles and finger, bumps and bruises, cuts and the like. The occasional upset tummy from too much festival fare.

Homeopathically speaking, these are easy conditions to treat. As a medicine, homeopathy is very individualized, and the patient's *expression* of their illness is essential. With physical afflictions like bites/stings and mild injuries, we can prescribe more on objective symptoms: swelling, itching, bruising. A handful of remedies will alleviate much suffering and cut healing time in half, with very little analysis and speculation on your part.
What this means, is that you get to focus more on observing how the medicine works- was two doses enough? how quickly did that swelling go down? arnica for a fall yesterday, and cocculus for seasickness today!

You have the chance to try out a variety of remedies in a variety of situations, all of which would probably be fine if they *weren't* treated, but would make your trip/outing/hike/bike/sail a whole lot more enjoyable if you didn't have to pack up and go home because someone got a bee sting, or feels woozy on the boat.

As a parent, it is nice to look into the crying face of a child and say- Yes. There *is* something I can do! 

And once you've played around with remedies over the summer, you are ready to take on colds and flus. And if you work with a homeopath for constitutional treatment, then you have a better idea of what's happening because you're familiar with how the remedies work.

I'll be putting out tips for summer homeopathy throughout the season- both here and on my facebook page .
But for those who may be really ready to help their family stay healthy, prevent unnecessary treatment, and boost vitality at the same time- check out my Summer Homeopathy Immersion course. Starting June 1st, it's a four-week beginners course designed to:

-teach you the basic philosophy and principles of homeopathy through online modules- both visual and audio- that you can watch when you want, over and over again.
- educate you on how to choose and use 15 different remedies for common summer afflictions
- includes call in hours and weekly conference calls, so you get one on one treatment *and* coaching
- course specific weekly newsletters that enhance your learning
- includes a 15 remedy kit (value: $45)
- set you up for treating other issues like colds and flus

Check it out, and consider it as a major flagstone of prevention.

Three Ways to Start Using Homeopathy

Most of us have grooves that we travel in- our go-to dinner, our tried and true family outing, black yoga pants. These things are comfortable, meet a need, and have proven reliable.

Likewise, we have health habits. If you are like most of America, you are trying to break the "bad" ones and begin "good" ones. Cleaning up the diet, switching up the exercise, trying some daily meditation. Many of us start these shifts over, and over, and over again. Habits die hard.

For awhile, I was reading Leo Babauta's zenhabits.com blog. I thought he had a great, clean approach to changing habits. Make is small. Keep it simple. Set yourself up for success. That is, if you want to start meditating, don't say you are going to sit for 45 minutes everyday. Start with 5. Just 5 minutes. And, start with just one habit a month. Just one.

I like this, a lot. And while I will rave up and down about homeopathy and how I think everyone should have a kit and get treated constitutionally, I know that this is a bigger step than many are ready or able to do. But you can reap the benefits of homeopathy by taking just one well indicated remedy, just one time. Take it when it's needed and... voila.

I'd like to suggest three ways you can introduce homeopathy into your life. These are simple, do not require huge adjustments to your life, and may help you change a habit.

1. Carry 3 remedies with you- put them in your purse, your car, your backpack. Buy multiple tubes and put one in each place. They will last you forever.

My top three choices are: arnica, aconite, and ledum. 
(the indications listed for each remedy are just examples to give the idea of when you might use the remedy- it is by no means an exhaustive list)

Arnica bruising and swelling, for bumps and kicks at soccer games, for head bonks on metal playground equipment... or another child's head. For fingers slammed in car doors. For accidents- both big and little- where there is mental and physical trauma. For overexerting at the gym (REALLY overexerting), for crossing the finish line at the 5K, for twisting an ankle walking down the steps.

Aconite for shocks and surprises that take our breath away and leave us shook up, for witnessing an accident- or being in one. For kids who are scared stiff by a big dog that barks at them, for fear and anxiety before an activity. For being out all day in a cold, dry wind after hiking/biking/sledding/skiing/kite flying.

Ledum for after a tick bite or any insect bite or sting that causes swelling, for puncture wounds- be it an injection or a nail, for a swollen joint after injury or exertion.

All of these remedies are available in 30c potency at most natural food stores and at about $6.00 each, will last you for years. You can follow the dosing instructions on the tube, but for the conditions I listed above, take a dose (2-3 pellets) twice a day for three days. Stop if you notice marked improvement.

2. Sticky notes- look in your medicine cabinet. If you still stock over the counter meds like Benedryl, Advil or Tylenol, or Tums, then take a small sticky note and either write the name of a remedy that can potentially take its place (for example- arnica for the Advil, or apis or ledum for the benedryl,) or just write "REMEDY!" and stick it on there. Then, the next time you go to grab the meds, you'll see that and have a pause. It may be that you can't take the time to look one up, or maybe it's not one of the obvious ones- arnica for inflammation or trauma for example. But- it puts it in your field, and everytime you *do* make the homeopathic choice, it will get easier and more natural.

3. Fill the information gap- how do you get information about homeopathy? Where do you spend time reading?
 - If you check facebook several times a day, then find good homeopathy sites to 'like' that put regular information out there.
- Put a homeopathy guide in your bathroom reading stash. Join the National Center for Homeopathy and start receiving Homeopathy Today magazine and peruse it when you have a few minutes.
- Sign up to receive my blog delivered to your inbox.
- Buy a home prescribers guide like The Family Guide to Homeopathy. You can find an inexpensive used copy on Amazon. There's nothing worse than wanting to try a remedy and getting lost on the web. Find a book you can become familiar with.

A little reading and repetition goes a long way to aiding a change in habit, and it *is* a habit! Even after I was studying homeopathy, I remember that I once brought my three year old into the emergency room to get an x-ray because it seemed like his arm was hurting him after a fall. I don't think I even thought to give him arnica. His arm was fine, and probably if I had hung tight, and given the arnica I would have seen improvement. If not, then I certainly would have gone to the doctor.

These might seem like small steps and that's because- they are. But every big, lasting change starts with a small step, a small commitment that takes root and then grows. Try one out, and let me know how it goes.

Yoga, Homeopathy, and the practice of Making Space

I went to college on the west coast, and was pleasantly surprised to find a small, but solid group of other Mainers who had chosen UC Santa Cruz. One was my first yoga teacher. Julie was from Freeport, just a short 15 minutes from where I grew up. Her class was my first experience with yoga, and I loved it. It was inspirational without being sappy, strengthening and challenging while expanding and relaxing. It was the best of east meets west- my Maine and my new California.

When Julie was talking us through a pose, she would often say "make space." New to yoga, my brain immediately kicked in and tried to figure it out- promptly cluttering any space I already had. And then she would give some specific direction

Make space between your right knee...and your left shoulder.

Make space between the top of your head, and your toes.

How much space can you make from back to front?

By closing my eyes and envisioning those two, distant points and stretching between them, I found that I could make space. A lot of space. The pose felt lighter, easier, expansive.

Years later, I have found the practice and concept of 'making space' is intrinsically part of homeopathy. Samuel Hahnemann, the founder of homeopathy, spoke of the dynamis within us as the place where true health lives. 

Dynamic: 1.a. Of or relating to energy or to objects in motion.   b. Of or relating to the study of dynamics.2. Characterized by continuous change, activity, or progress: a dynamic market.3. Marked by intensity and vigor; forceful. (www.freedictionary.com) 

To be dynamic is to move and change. Health is not a static state, but one that is in motion, is dynamic. To be able to maintain homeostasis- the state of equilibrium and balance- we need to be able to shift and move in both large, and subtle ways. And in order to move, there must be space. 

When we are fixed, rigid, unyielding, and clamped down, space is limited. Options are cut off. There is little room for dynamis.  The effects of a hampered, cramped dynamis can be seen both mentally and emotionally, as well as physically: 

Have you ever had blocked sinuses? 

Constipation? 

Persistent eczema? 

Clogged arteries? 

Do you think or feel "this will never change..." or "that's just the way I am"? 

When we are in that fixed space, as in a yoga pose, we are so busy holding it up, keeping it steady that it takes another voice to say 'make space.' Sometimes, we need specific direction: 

Make space between your ideals and your reality

Make space between your expectations and yourself

Make space between yourself and your child (mother/father/partner/sister/brother) 

If we are receptive, we can hear the voice from almost anywhere: our yoga teacher, our therapist, our friend, a book, a song, a quote. 

My favorite is, of course, the homeopathic remedy :) 

When you take a well prescribed homeopathic remedy, because it is an energy modality, it goes straight to that dynamic place. There is no thinking or wondering, or analyzing involved. The remedy helps to create that space, and then the movement can happen. 

If you have ever taken a remedy when you had a cold and felt your nose- which had been stuffed up- begin to loosen, then you have felt that movement, a typical experience for someone with blocked sinuses, after taking the remedy kali bichromium.  Or maybe a cough that shifted from tight and dry, to loose and productive after a dose of bryonia.  The remedy ignatia shines when one is embroiled in grief, that cannot flow. 

The next time you start to feel sick, or stuck, or obsessed, or resistant- take a step back. Move, create space, breathe into that space. Allow your dynamis to flow. 

Homeopathic Aconite, Dog Bites, and Children

This weekend we visited family for Easter. An unfamiliar dog came over on Sunday, and lunged at my son, nipping at his belly. It was minor, and looks like road rash, but it was a traumatic thing for him. 

As a mother, this is one of those times when I can't have enough gratitude for homeopathy. I couldn't take the experience away, I can't restore that innocent love my son had for dogs before this happened. But I could- and DID- give him the remedy, Aconite, to help him with the shock and fear that was gripping him immediately after. Two doses of 200c helped him to feel more grounded again, able to move on with his day. 

We followed up with Arnica when we got home, and now it just looks like a little scratch. 

As parents, we are constantly trying to buffer our children from excessive hurt and the harshness of the world. Despite our best efforts, life happens anyway. In response, our role shifts from protector to supporter, to ally, as they navigate how their reality has shifted. 

Homeopathic remedies in these situations help the hurt from becoming static and entrenched. Shock and fear are natural after a dog bite. Persistent anxiety around dogs, fear of dogs, and 'shell shock' do not *have to be* the result, though they can be *if* that trauma is not allowed to run its course. Aconite, arnica, and other remedies if need be, can help the experience to flow. So too do hugs and being present with the process.

More details on aconite: 

Aconite  is the go-to remedy for shock, trauma, and anxiety. If you can only carry one remedy, it's a toss-up between arnica and aconite but because shock can be so paralyzing, I think I'd opt for aconite. It's available at any natural food stores that carry homeopathic remedies.

In any case, I carry a 200c potency in my remedy kit, but having a 30c in your purse, car, or backpack will do fine. After an accident or witnessing something distressing, hearing bad, unexpected news, a dose of aconite can do wonders to calm the nervous system and bring some equilibrium. Also, aconite is a first remedy for exposure to cold and winds- a 'shock' to the physical system. High, dry fevers and a barking cough can present in the night.

Also, this particular situation and bite was quite minor. More significant trauma and injury from dog bites can also benefit greatly from other homeopathic remedies that are chosen specifically for the symptoms of the patient by a professional homeopath.  Chronic fear of dogs- whether resulting from a bite or not- can also be treated homeopathically.

In what way....

 The last couple of days, I have been enmeshed in a patient's reaction to a remedy; in this case, an aggravation.  Aggravation is a word we often use, when the presenting symptoms temporarily worsen, or are exaggerated in response to the remedy's influence. Stuart Close, author of _The Genius of Homeopathy_ provides an apt metaphor- that when the rusty, ill-maintained gears and parts of a machine are jump started, we hear the creaking, groaning and grunting of forgotten movement. Likewise, our vital force shaking off the rust of dis-ease makes its presence known. 

As a Homeopath in the infancy of my practice, I fluctuate between holding, witnessing, and guiding my patients' aggravations with both understanding and confidence, and wild wondering and downright clumsiness.  The last couple days have been infused with the latter. This is not to say that I have not been attentive, supportive, and diligent in considering the case before me, and acting accordingly. But more that I've been acutely aware of my own dance with the unknown.


In my life and in yours, the waters of intention are consistently breached by the unknown. Modern life doesn't allow for the unknown so much, and the ease of which we can "know" vast quantities (googlefacebookyoutubewikipediaetc....) makes it hard to resist that pull.  

Homeopathy is an elegant, complete system of medicine with clearly defined principles. It has within it the possibility of a "rapid and gentle cure" for so much suffering. It is coined a 'the medical art' and I think the 'art' is the ability of the practitioner to balance the science with the unknown again, and again, and again.

The unknown does not ask- will the remedy act?

The unknown asks- in what way will the remedy act?

The difference between a Yes/No dichotomy, and a Way is in the motion. Yes and No is strictly back and forth. Way, is flow. Of course Zen teaches us this, but how often do we really apply that to our everyday life? If you are a practitioner or patient of Homeopathy, you are in luck :)

Disease, is back and forth. I am exposed to pollen- I sneeze. I'm not exposed to pollen- I don't sneeze. In a disease state, we are locked into our reaction, which is our suffering (be it physical, mental, emotional or spiritual).
Health and healing, is a flow. Sometimes, it's an uphill flow (don't ask me how, this is about the unknown, remember?). Sometimes, it's a steep drop. But however it goes, it's creative, adaptable motion.

You don't need a remedy to create that flow; I am continuously amazed at the healing and movement I have witnessed in friends and family, with not a remedy in sight. But there has been an undeniable step into the unknown, a willingness to be in it, steep drops and all, unused gears screeching and rust flying.

Sometimes, though, we're stuck. The flow has stopped, the Way is obscured. Or maybe, one never even realized there was a motion beyond back and forth. This is where a remedy comes in, and a Way is revealed. How it goes, we don't know. Rapid, gentle, and complete is one way. With creaks and groans and aggravations is another Way. And many other Ways inbetween.


The next time you take a remedy, consider - 'in what way is this remedy acting?' 

How Does 'Like Cures Like' work with Homeopathy?

Like cures like? How? 

Homeopathy is well known for its cornerstone principle- that like cures like. Homeopaths prescribe on the 'similimum'- that substance which would make a healthy person ill, will help cure one who is sick with those exact symptoms. 

For example: syrup of Ipecac is used to induce vomiting. Homeopathically prepared Ipecac can be curative for those suffering from relentless nausea and vomiting. 

The whole idea of similars was refined and cultivated into an elegant medical modality by Samuel Hahnemann, the father of Homeopathy. Its origins, however, are much older, and not only that, we are surrounded by examples of 'like curing like' in unique and surprising ways. I often find myself looking out for examples in our everyday world that reinforce the use of a similar substance, force, or expression as a means to success, solving a problem, or simply making something happen. I'll share a few here in this post- please comment on your own observations and experiences. I'd love to hear them. 

A Fable of Similars 

The Sun and the Wind were in an argument over who was the most powerful. In the heat of the argument, the Wind spied a traveler walking down the road in a coat. Ah ha! he thought. Here is my chance. He challenged the Sun to a duel- the force who could cause the man to remove his coat would be declared the stronger. The Sun readily agreed. 

Eager to prove his might, the Wind began to blow, first with a light breeze and then steadily stronger. The man buttoned his coat and then wrapped it tightly around himself as the Wind whipped up a gale around him. Collar up to his ears, the man sought shelter from the strength of the Wind. Exhausted, the Wind backed off and the Sun took his turn. Steadily, he beamed warm rays on the man who lowered his collar and as the rays of sunlight shone steadier on his shoulders, he unbuttoned his coat. 

The Sun and the Wind watches beads of sweat break out on the man's brow and in short order, he took off his coat and flung it over his shoulder, shaking his head at the oddity of the weather. 

In Aesop's Fables, this story is meant as a moral tale heralding the strength of gentleness and kindness over force. One could debate that point, but i use it here as an example of Similars. 

Remember that the body is always seeking homeostasis. When temperature is out of balance, our systems kick in to right that balance, cooling when we are too hot, heating up when we're cold. 

Some Similars of Physics...

In September, RadioLab, a public radio production, did a story on Lincoln Beachy, an early pilot from San Francisco. Beachy had no experience as a pilot, but worked as a mechanic at air shows. One day, he got his big break: a star pilot got hurt, and Beachey leaped in to take his place. He shot upwards, 3,000 feet into the air...and his motor failed. He went into a nose-diving spin that no pilot had ever survived. And he did what no pilot had ever done: he turned into the spin, regained control, and landed safe and sound. (http://www.radiolab.org/blogs/radiolab-blog/2011/sep/20/loop-loop/) 

What Beachy did was what the Sun did in the Aesop fable- applied the same force to a problem to fix it. In this case,  instead of trying to get *out* of the spin like most pilots had done, thus plunging to their deaths, Beachy did the Similar. And survived. Not only that he went on to become a flying superstar, inventing aerial feats such as figure 8's and vertical drops. 

In discussing these 'similars' with my husband,  he provided examples from his own experiences snowboarding, surfing, and mountain biking. In a gravity sport where you need to turn and you're heading downhill, one's inclination may be to pull back- lean away from the mountain-  but in fact, this is the wrong approach. Instead, you need to lean into the turn, over your bike and enter the field of gravity in order to maintain control.

                                                                             

                                  

 This is not only an beautiful example of similars, but also can be applied to principled of dosing. If you take the actual substance (lean too far in) you'll crash or get out of control. Lean back (apply the opposite) you will find yourself spinning out. Maybe you won't crash, but you won't be succeeding at your sport either. By applying just the right amount of the similar- lean into gravity- you can hit the sweet spot. 

Why Vaccines are Not Similars

Inevitably when people hear about the idea of like curing like, they think, 'like vaccines, right?' But in fact the action of vaccines is nothing like that of homeopathic remedies and provides an excellent frame for understanding how they *do* work. 

The aim of vaccines is that by introducing a killed virus of an infectious agent into the body's immune system, the immune system will create antibodies that will then 'remember' the virus, should one come in contact with the same wild virus out in the world. The antibodies will already be made and the individual will not contract the disease because the body is already prepared to fight it off. 

Does this work? Sure, it does. Not 100% of the time and not in such a pure, simplistic way. For one thing, you are not sick when you get a vaccine- which is not a virus from one disease, but typically 2-4 different strains, mixed with a cocktail of biological and chemical agents that would never come with inhaling or ingesting the wild virus. Bypassing all of the body's preliminary defense mechanisms (nose, mouth, skin, etc...), a disease state is inflicted on the system. The body needs to mount a defense to throw that disease off. Maybe you will encounter that disease again, maybe not. Maybe it will protect you, maybe not. The bottom line is: the individual did not have meningitis, or the flu, or polio, or measles, etc... when a vaccine was given for that condition. 

(this is a very deep and broad topic that i am going to keep fairly superficial to keep with why vaccines are not 'like curing like'.) 

A homeopathic medicine, on the other hand, is only given when someone is demonstrating symptoms that call for that specific remedy. A child shows symptoms of chicken pox: rhus tox, or antimonium tartaricum, or pulsatilla or whatever remedy matches that child's symptoms will be given. The remedy matches the body's own defensive actions, ie; itchy blisters, a cough, a fever, etc...  and assists the vital force in throwing off the disease. It does not take the disease away. It does not give your body a disease it did not already have. It simply energizes and aligns your own vital force so that it can do the job it is already doing: healing. When one has pulled through the illness, true antibodies for a real virus, conferring life-long immunity have been established. The same cannot be said for vaccines. 

Like curing like is not a Homeopathy-specific idea. It has ancient roots, and if we open our eyes and awareness, the examples are all around us.