All about Natural Medicines & Remedies
Frequently asked questions about natural remedies and medicines
What is the philosophy of Weleda when creating natural remedies and medicines?
Can I take Weleda natural remedies and medicines along with the medicines prescribed by my doctor?
How long do I take Weleda natural remedies and medicines for?
I have to take more than one remedy. Can I take them all together?
How do I take internal Weleda natural remedies and medicines?
What if I forget to take my medicines 15 mins before food?
What is the difference between the “x” and “c” potency scales?
Why do you use alcohol in your natural remedies and medicines?
Key Facts
- Weleda NZ is a registered natural pharmaceutical company with a licence to manufacture medicines. This means that Weleda can legally carry therapeutic claims.
- Manufactured to the internationally recognised New Zealand Code of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) for pharmaceutical products.
- A natural pharmaceutical company growing biodynamic ingredients in our own gardens for both medicinal and skin care products.
- Product efficacy based on over 100 years of product development and knowledge and formulated by pharmacists.
- Free from synthetic colours, fragrances, preservatives, emulsifying agents and parabens.
- No genetic modification (GMO) – our policy is to never knowingly use raw materials that contain genetically modified materials.
- Weleda uses only high quality, high concentration organic, or biodynamic ingredients derived from natural sources.
What is the philosophy of Weleda when creating natural remedies and medicines?
At the very core of Weleda’s mission is the desire to heal. To restore the body’s own natural balance and to help promote healthy living. In 1921 the very first Weleda medicines were created, all based on the principles of anthroposophy, which views healing as a process that brings a human being’s body, soul and spirit back into balance with itself and its environment. This belief is still at the heart of the way we operate today. We understand that if an individual’s body is out of balance, we can stimulate its own natural healing abilities by using what nature provides.
Can I take Weleda natural remedies and medicines along with the medicines prescribed by my doctor?
The answer to this is often yes. However it is best to clarify, with the Weleda prescriber, beforehand.
How long do I take Weleda natural remedies and medicines for?
This will depend on the medicine. Please always read the label and use only as directed. If symptoms persist, consult your healthcare professional.
I have to take more than one remedy. Can I take them all together?
The answer to this is commonly yes. However it is best to clarify, with the Weleda prescriber, beforehand.
How do I take internal Weleda natural remedies and medicines?
Drops: Must be diluted for babies but Adults can take them straight into mouth or in a little water and hold under the tongue for a few seconds to allow the medicine to be absorbed.
Pilules, Tablets and Powders: Dissolve under the tongue for quick and effective absorption.
Please always read the label and use only as directed. If symptoms persist, consult your healthcare professional.
What if I forget to take my medicines 15 mins before food?
Ideally you take your medicines when your mouth is free of flavours. That is why we recommend that you take them 15 minutes before eating. If you forget to take your medicine before food, take it 15 – 30 minutes after finishing eating.
What is the difference between the “x” and “c” potency scales?
Using the example of Arnica 6x and 30c, Arnica 6x is an Anthroposophic medicine and Arnica 30c is a Homeopathic medicine.
Anthroposophic medicines are often in X potency which means they are prepared through dilution of 1:10 followed by rhythmic shaking. 6x denotes this process has occurred 6 times.
Homeopathic medicines are mostly c potency denoting a dilution of 1:100 followed by vigorous shaking. At 30c this process has occurred 30 times.
Anthroposophic medicine and Homeopathic medicine have many similarities and also many differences. One thing that is common to both is that they are potentised or dilute forms of the original substance and have been prepared (shaken or succussed) in a specific manner. Both approaches attempt to restore balance or health.
Arnica 6x is commonly used for acute situations where there is pain and is taken frequently.
Arnica 30c may be taken when the emotional or mental symptoms are more obvious and can be taken less frequently.
Why do you use alcohol in your natural remedies and medicines?
Traditionally, homoeopathic and herbal tinctures were made using a water and alcohol (ethanol) mixture. This stems from a time when herbs were extracted by soaking them in wine or spirits. Water and ethanol mixes are still the most common extraction method for tinctures and are now standard pharmaceutical practice. One important reason ethanol is used in the production of Weleda remedies is that ethanol is able to extract more active ingredients than other substances used for extraction, such as glycerin or water. With a wider range of active ingredients present, the end product is more effective. Another advantage of using alcohol for tinctures is that it acts as a preservative - bacteria, yeasts and molds generally do not grow in an ethanol concentration of approximately 20% or greater. Another advantage of ethanol is that once it is ingested, it loses its preservative effect; therefore, it does not damage beneficial intestinal flora. The small amounts of ethanol taken in when using homoeopathic or herbal products are generally recognised as harmless. For example, the standard 10 drop (or 0.5 ml) dose contains 2 drops (80 mg) of ethanol. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that a newborn (6.6 lb) baby, should be given no more than 3 ml of ethanol in a single dose. This is about 30 times greater than the amount in a dose of herbal or homeopathic products.
