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My sister experienced debilitating PMS and menstrual cramps. My mother lived with chronic yeast infections. And, during menopause, my aunt suffered from extreme vaginal dryness that precluded any thought of sexual intercourse. After seeking the support of conventional western doctors and trying all sorts of prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, each of these women turned to me--the homeopathic "oddball" in the family--hoping that I could help them find relief. My answer to each of them was, "Of course."

I was able to answer with confidence because I've helped many women find natural relief from common female complaints over my years as a homeopathic practitioner. From bladder infections and menstrual cramps to cellulite, wrinkles, and childbirthing challenges, homeopathic medicine provides extremely gentle, yet fast and effective relief from countless conditions of the female body. Through the use of homeopathic remedies, women can move from illness into health without exposing themselves to the dangerous side effects that are associated with many conventional prescription and OTC medications.

Homeopathic Health Remedies Work Without Dangerous Side Effects

Here are some of the most common women's conditions that homeopathy treats and the remedies most often associated with them:

• Vaginal yeast infections. When faced with a vaginal yeast infection that's about to drive you mad with burning and itching, it's quite understandable that you reach for an OTC can of "pharmaceutical vaginal pesticide." But, please don't do that to your wonderful body. The short-term relief you get is not worth the long-term side effects and imbalances that will result. Further, if you use a conventional OTC treatment for vaginal yeast and you don't actually have a yeast infection, you might be helping to create a drug-resistant strain of yeast in your vagina. Instead, try out one or more of these homeopathic remedies that help the body restore and maintain healthy vaginal flora -- without the nasty side effects: Pulsatilla, Sepia, or Candida Albicans. (Yes, Candida Albicans is a type of yeast that grows in the vagina. But, based on the homeopathic principal that "like cures like," a highly dilute amount of the offending substance can often result in a cure.)

• Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) and menstrual cramps. If you suffer from chronic PMS or consistently debilitating menstrual cramps, I encourage you to work with a homeopathic practitioner who will prescribe your constitutional remedy. To find this remedy, the homeopath will take into account all of your symptoms--mental and emotional as well as physical. You will be asked to describe food cravings, sleep patterns and dreams, reactions to hot and cold, even sexual functioning so that the right constitutional remedy can be found. However, if you experience symptoms of PMS or painful cramps only on occasion, try one or more of the following remedies to gain relief: Lycopodium, Pulsatilla, Sepia, or Thuja.

• Painful urination and bladder infections. Most women will suffer at one time or another from acute urinary pain. According to Jonas and Jacobs in "Healing With Homeopathy," urinary tract infections are usually self-limiting, meaning the infection will subside without medical intervention in most cases. The authors suggest that you try drinking at least one 8-ounce glass of water or cranberry juice every hour at the onset of the infection. If that doesn't resolve the problem within a few hours, then I encourage you to try one of these homeopathic remedies proven to stimulate bladder health: Berberis Vulgaris, Cantharis, or Hepar Sulphuris.

• Menopause. According to a Journal of the American Medical Association report, Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) greatly increases a patient's risk of breast cancer. While this treatment does indeed ease hot flashes and other acute symptoms of menopause, there are other treatments that are far less risky. Homeopathy offers a range of remedies that will relieve symptoms of menopause--including hot flashes, vaginal dryness, night sweats, and mood swings--with absolutely no negative side effects or risks of cancer. Some of the remedies my clients (and my aunt!) have used with great (and almost immediate) success include: Sanguinaria, Bryonia, and Ignatia.

While many homeopathic remedies are taken orally in the form of tiny pills, it is my personal belief that topical application is much more effective. Thus, I have spent many years experimenting with botanical bases in which to suspend homeopathic remedies. By applying the remedy directly to the source of suffering, the remedy is able to enter the tissue and work immediately at a cellular level. For instance, when working with a woman who experienced painful menstrual cramps, I prepared a topical mixture that she applied directly to her abdomen. Within minutes, her cramps subsided. If you are ready to try a homeopathic approach to your health, I encourage you to seek out homeopathic topical lotions that will give you fast, effective relief.

Consult a Homeopath for Optimum, Ongoing Health

Always be sure to involve your healthcare practitioner in your quest for natural healing. From a homeopathic perspective, chronic conditions, such as yeast infections, are viewed as symptoms of a greater imbalance. While certain homeopathic remedies will bring temporary relief from symptoms of these conditions, I encourage you to work with an experienced homeopath to restore optimum balance to your bodily systems.