Homeopathic, Natural, Botanical and Holistic Terms Defined
The actual definition and history behind the term "homeopathic" is actually a little
complicated and confusing. In it's simple form, the homeopathic theory could be described
as a belief that disease is a disruption in the body’s life force,
that the symptoms of disease are not the disease itself, and that with proper facilitation the body can be
stimulated into healing itself. Homeopathic products, often natural products, herbs, botanicals and
minerals, are designed to help facilitate the body to begin this self-healing process itself - to provide a
little boost if you will.
Natural products can be considered products derived from a living organism or something found naturally
in nature. Most vitamins, minerals, fatty acids and amino acids are considered natural products.
Some synthetically produced products are called "natural" because they can be found
naturally occurring in nature despite the fact that they were manufactured in a processing plant. Just the
same, there is some controversy today among pet food, supplement and product manufacturers as to just what
products can be labeled as "natural".
A herb is technically a plant lacking a permanent woody stem, herbs can be medicinal, beneficial, flowering,
aromatic or even toxic by nature. Some common herbs you may have heard of include basil,
dandelion, dill, lavender, sage and thyme.
Herbal medicines utilize herbs and can be traced back hundreds of years to before the advent of
modern day medicine and pharmaceuticals.
The term botanical means relating to plants, whereas, botanicals are products
derived from plant material. Herbs and flowers are also botanicals.
Flower essence therapy is similar in theory to homeopathic treatments in the
sense that the body's natural healthy balance is considered an important part of the desired cure.
However, flower essences are used primarily to treat behavioral rather than physical disorders. True flower essence
products are in liquid form and derived from a numerous array of botanicals and flowers.
And finally, holistic medicine believes in looking at the "whole" self and seeks to achieve an overall balance of the combined
physical, mental emotional, social and spiritual aspects of life. Overall balance is the key to health.
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