Frequently Asked Questions
What is Homeopathy?
What is Naturopathy?
Is homeopathy FDA approved?
What is an NDC number?
Which VÄXA products have an NDC number?
What is the Herxheimer reaction?
Why does VÄXA not list the "milligrams
(mg)" on the labels or website?
Are VÄXA products Vegan friendly? Are
they Kosher?
Since VÄXA products contain various nutrients,
do these take the place of my vitamin and mineral, or EFA supplements?
Why is a loading dosage recommended for
some products?
Why is there
a higher initial dosage for some products?
Are VAXA products gluten free?
What
is Homeopathy?
Homeopathy is a 215 year old medical practice for treating diseases
using the philosophy that "like treats like". Homeopathy
uses small amounts of substances that, in large amounts, produce
symptoms similar to those being treated. In fact when translated
from Greek the word Homeopathy means "Similar Suffering".
Homeopathy was founded by Dr. Samuel Hahnemann,
a German physician who lived from 1755- 1843. Around 1784, at 29
years old, Dr. Hahnemann gave up his medical practice to resolve
the causes of medicine's alleged errors. To do this he made his
living as a writer and translator of medical books. While translating
a medical book written by a Dr. William Cullen, Hahnemann encountered
the claim that would launch homeopathy on its course. Dr. Cullen
asserted: "cinchona bark was effective in treating malaria
because of its astringency" (an astringent is the term used
to describe a substance that has a constricting or binding effect
either in or on the body). Dr. Cullen described the cinchona bark's
mechanism of action as a function of its astringency and it was
for that reason it helped Malaria.
Needless to say Hahnemann did not accept this
explanation however as a man of science he decided to test it. He
took four drams or 2 teaspoon full of cinchona bark, twice daily
for several days. Within a few days Hahnemann developed symptoms
similar to that of a malaria patient. From this he concluded that
cinchona bark was useful in the treatment of malaria because cinchona
would produce the same malaria-like symptoms in a healthy person.
Hahnemann needed support for this new theory and
so began exploring several other medical books to help him explain
this. In this process he noted some Hippocratic writings. Hippocrates,
who lived around 470-400bc, is known as the "Father of Medicine"
and for whom we get the Hippocratic Oath (To do no harm), stated
in his writings: "Disease is eliminated through remedies able to
produce similar symptoms." Hahnemann also noted (as Hippocrates
had so many years early), that the severity of symptoms and healing
responses, depended on the individual. This led Hahnemann to the
basis of homeopathy; the principal of simile that like is treated
with like.
To give an example of the Principle of Simile
let us look at the effects of peeling a red onion. When you cut
a red onion it produces symptoms like a runny nose, watery eyes,
sore throat, and even a cough; symptoms very similar to a cold or
hay fever. Therefore the homeopathic remedy, Allium Cepa, is used
to treat this type of cold or allergy. Also conventional medicines
tend to employ substances that are based on contraries. A contrary
is substance that produces an opposite reaction. An example of this
is the use of a laxative to fight constipation. While this is not
harmful in the short term, over use can create a new problem; dependency.
Hahnemann then began to test various substances
on himself and volunteers. By applying the scientific method he
proved what various organic, and inorganic substances could do to
the body. He wrote his findings down and later put those in his
book the Organon of Medicine and later the Homeopathic Materia Medica,
which served to list the indications and uses of the various homeopathic
remedies. Hahnemann knew that these substances, in full strength,
may cause harm to a person who is already suffering from a disease,
especially if they were already in a weakened state. Therefore,
he sought a method for which he could preserve the energy, or potency,
of the substance without transmitting its potentially harmful side
effects. Hahnemann's solution was to dilute the original substances
to a point where the harmful effects would be relegated. This is
where we acquire the second law in homeopathy, The Law of Infinitesimals,
or more commonly the homeopathic potencies.
Early Success
In 1831, a Typhoid and Cholera epidemic spread through Europe and
the U.K.. This occurred as a result of the three wars which had
ravaged most of the countries there (the Seven Years War, the French
Revolution, and the Napoleonic Wars). During this time, homeopathy
was put to the test. Hahnemann himself healed 180 cases of typhus
with only one fatality. One of his students lost only six cholera
patients among 154 treated. That results in a mortality rate of
.05% for Hahnemann and 4% for his pupil. To put that into to perspective,
in the same town where Hahnemann was working, of the 1500 patients
treated by orthodox methods, 825 or 55% died.
Later in 1854, well after Hahnemann's death, another
cholera epidemic was stopped in Britain by homeopathic hospitals.
The hospitals had only a 16% death rate compared to that of a 52%
death rate at other conventional hospitals. As a result, homeopathic
medicine was officially recognized in the U.K.
How does it work? Potencies and Nanodoses
Homeopathics are made by taking a substance and then methodically
mixing and diluting it usually either to the X or C potencies. The
X stands for 1:10 and the C means 1:100. The corresponding number
in front of the letter determines how many times the substance has
gone through this process, whereas the letter determines to what
extent. For example, to make 3C homeopathic potencies a homeopath
starts with the original substance, or mother tincture. They then
add this to 99 parts of milk sugar and run it through a process
called trituration (or grinding). This results in a 1C homeopathic
potency. Next, the 1C potency is taken, mixed with another 99 parts
of the dilutant and triturated again, thereby resulting in a 2C
homeopathic potency. Finally, the 2C potency is taken and added
to 99 parts of distilled water and then run through a process called
succussion, which means to violently agitate. The end result is
a 3C potency which can be added to capsules or left in a liquid
state.
This process of consecutive diluting and shaking
can be repeated 3, 6, 12, 30, 200, 1000, or more times. Ironically
the more dilute the substance becomes the more powerful and deeply
it acts. When something is made into a homeopathic it imprints the
essence of the original ingredient on the dilutant. Through this
certain healing mechanisms are engaged within the body; the result
is an alleviation of symptoms and the return to good health.
What is Naturopathy?
A classical naturopath specializes in "wellness." and teaches clients
how to apply natural lifestyle approaches to assist the body's health
building potential. They recognize that the majority of sub-health
conditions are cumulative effects. To a naturopath, disease is a
manifestation of the body trying to correct imbalances. Imbalances
are brought about due to poor nutritional intake, improper sleeping
habits, stress, and other lifestyle choices which breakdown the
body. Thus, naturopathy focuses on recognizing negative lifestyle
behaviors that result in imbalances. Once the imbalances are corrected
the body can correct and ultimately heal itself.
Naturopathy is legal in 50 states, however it
is not considered to be a practice of medicine. This is because
legislature groups classical naturopaths with naturopathic physicians
who have a 4-year degree that includes pharmacology and minor surgery,
which should require a license.
Is Homeopathy FDA approved?
Homeopathy is not FDA approved because approval is solely reserved
for "new drugs." Since homeopathy is well over 200 years old, and
has an overwhelming safety record, it is exempt from filling "new
drug" applications. This means that homeopathics can not and are
not FDA approved. All VÄXA Homeopathic ingredients are compliant
with both the Homeopathic Pharmacopeia of the United States (HPUS)
and current FDA regulations.
What is an NDC number?
The FDA mandates that drug products be identified and reported using
a unique, three-segment number, called the National Drug Code (NDC);
it is a universal product identifier for human drugs.
Which VÄXA products have an NDC number?
Product NDC (National Drug Code) Number
Aller-Sine 67514-0006-3
Anti-Oxin 67514-0011-3
Arthritin 67514-0835-3
Attend 67514-0266-3
Buffer pH 67514-0014-3
Candid-Free 67514-0185-3
Cholesten 67514-0028-3
Circulin 67514-8189-3
Clearin 67514-8192-3
Colon-Aid 67514-1191-3
Deprex 67514-0177-3
Diabin 67514-0214-3
Digestin 67514-0176-3
Extress 67514-0094-3
Immune-Aid 67514-0100-3
Memorin 67514-0180-3
Neuran 67514-0096-3
Nite-Lite 67514-0125-3
Nite-Rest 67514-0181-3
Ocu-Care 67514-1182-3
Optimize 67514-0183-3
Parasitin 67514-0137-3
Prosatatin 67514-1146-3
Sinus Formula 67514-0893-3
Thyroid Formula 67514-0331-3
Tricardia 67514-1160-3
Tripower 67514-0699-3
Virexin 67514-0164-3
What is the Herxheimer
reaction?
The Herxheimer Reaction, also referred to as a die-off reaction
or a healing response, is a short-term detoxification reaction in
the body which could last from a few days to a few weeks. As the
body detoxifies, it is not uncommon to experience flu-like symptoms
including headache, joint and muscle pain, body aches, sore throat,
general malaise, sweating, chills, nausea, or other symptoms.
This is a normal and even healthy reaction to
the toxins that are released when large numbers of parasites, fungus,
viruses, bacteria or other pathogens are being effectively killed
off. When the body does not eliminate the toxins quickly those flu-like
symptoms can occur (this is also called a die-off). Other times
the reaction is simply due to toxins which have been liberated by
the cleansing process itself and have nothing to do with an actual
die-off (called a healing crisis). The important thing to note is
that worsening symptoms do not indicate failure of the treatment
in question; in fact, usually just the opposite. The biggest problem
with the Herxheimer reaction is that people stop taking the supplement
or medication that is causing the reaction, and thus discontinue
the very treatment that is helping to make them better. Although
the experience may not make you feel particularly good, the Herxheimer
Reaction is actually a sign that healing is taking place.
Why does VÄXA not list the "milligrams (mg)"
on the labels or website?
In compliance with regulations established by the FDA regarding
homeopathics we do not list the milligram content. The base ingredients
(herbal and nutritional components) are classified as inactive substances.
The FDA states: "[Homeopathic] Drug products containing homeopathic
ingredients in combination with non-homeopathic active ingredients
are not homeopathic drug products." Listing milligrams implies active
ingredient status and therefore negates any claim of being a homeopathic
drug.
Are VÄXA products Vegan friendly? Are they Kosher?
VÄXA's lab is now one of a select group of companies that comply
with the GMP requirements as set forth by the NPA (Natural Products
Association), the nation's largest and oldest non-profit organization
dedicated to the natural products industry. The certification is
based on third-party inspections and comprehensive audits in the
areas of quality operations, manufacturing, process controls, equipment
and sanitation, plant and grounds, personnel, warehouse, and distribution
practices. In addition to obtaining GMP Certification, our plant
also received an A rating for compliance.
When you do business with VÄXA, you can rest assured
that not only are you getting the most advanced formulas available,
but they are being manufactured in a state of the art facility.
Due to the fact homeopathic medicines can be derived from multiple
sources, including inorganic and organic substances to include animals,
not all VÄXA products are vegan-friendly.
VÄXA products are also not certified Kosher. While
they do meet cleanliness standards associated with kosher standards
they do not meet the religious aspects the certification would entail.
Since VÄXA products contain various nutrients, do these
take the place of my vitamin and mineral, or EFA supplements?
Unless you are referring to VÄXA Nutritionizer, Systemex, Daily
Essentials, or any of our other dietary supplements, the answer
is no. VÄXA's homeopathic products are intended to address self-limiting
issues and are not intended to replace nutritional supplements.
We actually encourage the use of supplements in conjunction with
proper nutrition.
Why is a loading dosage recommended for some products?
The loading dosage is recommended to help ensure that results have
every opportunity to manifest. Most conditions, especially those
in the acute or early stages, tend to be greatly improved once the
body receives what it needs or may be lacking; the loading dosage
ensures this "gap" is filled.
In fact, most individuals who deal with acute
issues tend to see improvement in a rather short period of time,
sometimes days to weeks. On the other hand, those dealing with chronic
conditions or those who have longer running issues, need the loading
dosage more than those with acute conditions for all the same reasons.
However, the severity of the issue usually means that either more
systems are being affected (in other words there are more diverse
symptoms or new symptoms in other areas) or that they will soon
be affected. In cases where chronic conditions have set in, the
loading dosage should be followed to the letter to ensure all possible
chances are given. Usually those with chronic conditions require
more time to see noticeable results usually weeks to months.
Why is there a higher initial dosage for some products?
The higher initial dosage is recommended to help ensure that results
have every opportunity to manifest. Most conditions, especially
those in the acute or early stages, tend to be greatly improved
once the body receives what it needs or may be lacking; the higher
dosage ensures this "gap" is filled.
Are VÄXA products gluten free?
Yes, all VÄXA products are gluten free except VÄXA Greens.
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