Karen Shaw Becker, DVM, NMD

Homeopathy was discovered about 200 years ago by a German medical doctor named Samuel Hahnemann. He found that organic substances could be used to stimulate people’s natural defenses. When certain natural substances (known to have specific side effects in healthy people) were given to people suffering from diseases with those same symptoms, they were cured.

Homeopathy is only used to stimulate the body’s own healing mechanisms, therefore, a carefully selected remedy is given and the bird’s response to the medicine is closely observed. The medicine should not be repeated until the bird’s system has been given an opportunity to respond. After each remedy is given, a brief evaluation of the bird’s response should be made. Over a period of time, different remedies may be necessary to complete the healing process. Because each bird responds to disease uniquely, it is vital that each bird be considered as an individual. Using a “shotgun” approach by giving combination remedies (tinctures or pills with many different remedies) does not take into account each animal’s unique symptoms and should be avoided. Many avian owners are drawn towards homeopathy because this modality can address both physical and behavioral problems. When addressing both physical and emotional issues it is important to work with a trained homeopath that can help guide the case with remedy choices and potencies.

When a bird suffers from significant health problem, homeopathy can offer a complete form of healing, however, patience is imperative. Homeopathy works systematically and owners may note dramatic improvement, but it may take time. Some birds have incurable structural changes in their vital organs that are incapable of responding to homeopathy. Some birds are too old to be completely cured, but increasing their quality of life may be within reach.

The beneficial effects of homeopathy are curbed when combined with other types of treatments that alter the life force (drugs and strong herbs). Homeopathy can also “dig up” old symptoms that have been suppressed by allopathic treatment.