Frequently Asked Questions in Homeopathy

WHAT IS HOMOEOPATHY?

The basic principle of homoeopathy has been known since the time of the ancient Greeks. Derived from the Greek word 'homoios' meaning 'like', homoeopathy is the medical practice of treating like with like. This is to say, treating an illness with a substance that produces in healthy person similar symptoms to those displayed by the person who is ill. Current medical opinion believes that symptoms are caused by the illness. Homoeopathy, by contrast sees the symptoms as the body's reaction against the illness as it attempts to overcome it, and seeks to stimulate and not suppress this reaction.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Homoeopathy is essentially a natural healing process in which the remedies assist the patient to regain health by stimulating the body's natural healing forces. The choice of the remedy depends more on the patient's individual reaction to illness, mentally and emotionally, than on the signs and symptoms characteristic of the disease. Homoeopathy, therefore, is concerned with the whole person rather than treating the patient simply as a bearer of disease.

IS IT A NEW THERAPY?

Homoeopathy is not an upstart branch of medicine. Known to the Greeks in the fifth century, Homoeopathy was introduced in the nineteenth century by the German . doctor, Samuel Hahnemann, as a safe alternative therapy. By the turn of the twentieth century, Homoeopathy had gained widespread support and was practiced by most doctors in more than fifty countries throughout the world.

IS IT SAFE?

By virtue of their infinite dilution, homoeopathic remedies are completely safe and non-addictive, with no unwanted side-effects, even for babies, children, nursing mothers and during pregnancy.

IS IT EFFECTIVE?

The success of homoeopathy clinically has been demonstrated by its international adoption and effectiveness in treatment of millions of people world wide. It has often been successful when all other forms of treatment have failed.

IS IT OFFICIALLY RECOGNISED?

Homoeopathy is recognized by Act of Parliament and accepted as a safe alternative form of medical treatment. It is practiced by doctors who are fully qualified through conventional medical training and are recognized by the General Medical Council. Homoeopathic prescriptions are available under the National Health Service. Homoeopathy has received the patronage of the Royal Family for six generations. It is practiced and available through Social Security services of most European Community Member States.

WHERE CAN I RECEIVE HOMOEOPATHIC TREATMENT?

There are five Homoeopathic Hospitals in the National Health Service — in London, Glasgow, Liverpool, Bristol and Tunbridge Wells — and there are numerous Homoeopathic Clinics. There are over 600 doctors in the register of the Faculty of Homoeopathy and it is estimated that in excess of 2000 GP's are using some homoeopathy or referring to homoeopathic centers.

ARE ANIMALS USED IN HOMOEOPATHIC RESEARCH?

Homoeopathic remedies are developed by provings, which is by noting the symptoms they produce in healthy people so that, by the homoeopathic principle, they may be used to treat the same symptoms presented by a sick person. Animal tests are, therefore, not necessary nor even relevant. Sick animals, however, respond to homoeopathic treatment.

WHERE CAN I OBTAIN THE MEDICINES?

Homoeopathic medicines may readily be obtained from your pharmacist both here and in European countries. They may also be obtained by GP's prescription through pharmacy dispensaries. The homoeopathic hospitals provide prescribed medicines through their pharmacies, a limited range of products may be attainable through health stores.

WHAT ARE THE MEDICINES LIKE?

Although they are completely different in their preparation and action, homoeopathic medicines look exactly like any other medicines. They may be in the form of tablets, granules and liquids, all prepared to the highest quality standards from pure, natural sources. The tablets and granules are sweet tasting, and even a child given an incorrect dosage will experience no harmful effects.

HOW LONG CAN THE MEDICINES BE STORED?

Properly stored, the medicines have an indefinite shelf life. However, it is expedient to change a medicine after five years or earlier if there is evidence of discoloration.

HOW DO I TAKE THE MEDICINES?

Tablets should not be handled. Tip the tablets into the cap of the container then drop them into the mouth. Best results are obtained by chewing and sucking the tablets. Do not take them with food or drink.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I TAKE THE MEDICINE?

In acute conditions, a dose should be taken every two hours for up to six times in one day. Thereafter taken three times daily until better. In chronic conditions, a dose is taken three times daily for one week. Repeat in ten days if required. (For children and infants the dose is the same but it can be crushed).

HOW DO I KNOW WHEN I SHOULD STOP TAKING THE TABLETS?

If you notice an improvement in your symptoms then increase the interval between doses. If the improvement continues then stop dosing altogether. If the symptoms recur, then restart your treatment.

FOR HOW LONG SHOULD I TRY A MEDICINE BEFORE I SEE THE RESULTS?

A difficult question to answer for every case, whatever the symptoms, some feeling of well-being should be experienced within one week, even though the symptoms remain. If this is entirely absent during two weeks of starting treatment, then an alternative medicine should be considered.

CAN I TAKE A HOMOEOPATHIC MEDICINE WITH ORDINARY DRUGS?

Yes, it is perfectly safe to do so, though the side effects from the ordinary drug may complicate the symptoms picture and hence make the choice of homoeopathic medicine more difficult. Always follow your doctor's advice.

CAN I TAKE MORE THAN ONE HOMOEOPATHIC MEDICINE AT THE SAME TIME?

It is best to avoid this. Taking more than one medicine at a time makes it difficult to assess results.

ARE HOMOEOPATHIC MEDICINES SAFE DURING PREGNANCY?

Yes!

WHEN I FIRST TOOK THE MEDICINE MY SYMPTOMS BECAME WORSE. IS THIS USUAL OR HAVE I TAKEN THE WRONG MEDICINE?

Despite any discomfort, it is normally an indication that the medicine is working when symptoms are aggravated briefly. Simply stop dosing while the aggravation lasts then restart treatment when it passes. Remember, homoeopathic medicines do not suppress disease; rather they seek to eliminate it naturally.

DO HOMOEOPATHIC MEDICINES HAVE ANY SIDE-EFFECTS?

None whatsoever. They are perfectly safe, non-toxic and non-addictive.

ARE HOMOEOPATHIC MEDICINES SAFE IN THE TREATMENT OF CHILDREN?

Yes, perfectly safe. You cannot possibly harm a child or even an infant. They can be given safely even to the youngest infant. If your child should accidently take all the tablets from a container, it will do no harm.

WHAT POTENCY SHOULD I USE?

The question of potency causes more confusion than all the other questions put together. Remember, the selection of the correct substance is the vital choice that must be made. We recommend that the 6th potency be used in the vast majority of cases. If the correct remedy has been chosen you will obtain a good result.

IS THE HIGH POTENCY 'STRONGER' THAN A LOW POTENCY?

In short, no! Remember, homoeopathy is a QUALITATIVE treatment and the normal meaning of 'strength' is inappropriate. Use the 6th potency for normal ailments and leave the complications of potency to the physicians.

CAN YOU SUPPLY A HOMOEOPATHIC ALTERNATIVE TO THE VACCINES USED AGAINST EPIDEMIC DISEASES?

There are no officially recognized alternatives which we can recommend. However, there are alternative homoeopathic substances which can be supplied if advised or ordered by your homoeopathic doctor. This also applies to the prophylactic treatment of animals on the advice of the veterinarian.

IF YOU SAY TREAT PEOPLE, NOT DISEASES, WHY ARE THERE HOMOEOPATHIC MEDICINES FOR INDIGESTION, BRUISES ETC?

There are a number of homoeopathic substances which have a very specific application in certain conditions and so will successfully treat a very large cross-section of the population. Many thousands of people have been introduced to the value of homoeopathy by successful use of a popular homoeopathic 'specialty' medicine.

SOME MEDICINES NOW CARRY A WARNING TO CONSULT A DOCTOR BEFORE TAKING THE MEDICINES. ARE THESE MEDICINES NOW UNSAFE?

No, the medicines are completely safe. The warning is a legal requirement for all medicines. Homoeopathy is not entirely exempt from regulations designed to control the use of medicines. You can use all homoeopathic medicines in perfect safety.

WHY CAN I NO LONGER OBTAIN LOW POTENCIES OF CERTAIN SUBSTANCES?

Since the introduction of Prescription Only Medicine (POM) Regulations, a number of substances at potencies below 6X can now be supplied ONLY on receipt of a valid prescription. Anyone wishing detailed information ask your pharmacist.

DO STRONG FLAVOURS OR FOOD IN GENERAL AFFECT THE ACTION OF THE MEDICINES?

It is best to take each dose between meals, leaving at least half an hour before or after taking food. It is also prudent to avoid taking strongly flavored food or beverages. The use of toothpastes just before taking the medicine should also be avoided.

WHERE CAN I OBTAIN FURTHER INFORMATION?

Write for free information; for example, for recommended books, or the location of your nearest homoeopathic doctor or pharmacy. Please enclose a large stamped, addressed envelope to:
British Homoeopathic Association,
27A Devonshire Street
London WIN 1RJ
Telephone 071-935 2163

How do Homeopathic remedies work ?

Homeopathic remedies stimulate the body's own constitution to balance the system in the processes of improvement.

How fast Homeopathic remedies can act ?

Homeopathic remedies can work fast . Often, people suffering from some kinds of headache find relief within minutes. It may take a while to get complete benefit depending on the condition of the individual. Most individuals with acute conditions find relief in one or two days. People start feeling better in few days in chronic conditions as chronic conditions develop over a period of time.

What are sources of Homeopathic remedies ?

Homeopathic remedies are prepared from vegetables, minerals, chemicals, animal products and nosodes. Homeopathy remedies are highly diluted and potentized to be safe.
Vegetables: Allium cepa (onion), Asparagus.
Animal Products: Lac Cal, Spongia.
Minerals: Natrum mur (common salt), Ferrum met (iron), Kali sulph.
Chemicals: Ars alb, Calcaria carb.
Nosodes: Syphilinum, Medorrhinum.

What are the advantages of Homeopathy?

Homeopathy acts quickly without causing any side effects. The homeopathic system which is proved on human beings is very effective in both acute and chronic conditions. It address the problem from the root and establishes harmony in health and avoids frequent visits to Health care providers for different problems. Homeopathic remedies are sweet and every one especially kids love to eat. Homeopathy can be started depending on the current condition instead of waiting, there by avoiding the deterioration of health and preventing further complications. Homeopathic remedies offer good health.

What is Health ?

According to World Health Organization, health is a state of complete physical, mental or social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. While addressing the physical condition homeopaths consider the state of mind as well as social relations. Different people have different moods during some imbalance in the health, some are angry, some are dull and some weep. One may weep with the pain he is experiencing, others may let go this as anger. A very bold person becomes depressed with some health condition . That indicates the hormonal levels of that person which maintain Psychology, Physiology and immunity system. Each hormone takes care of many functions by regulating many organs. In order to know the cause, classical homeopaths take the totality into consideration not each one separately so that the person will have balance at complete health not just the relief.

Difference between acute and chronic condition ?

Acute conditions : Acute condition have rapid onset with severity and they lasts for short duration. People find relief in acute conditions in few hours to few days depending on the the condition and severity. Some Acute problems are seasonal, many people get them at the same time of year. Chronic condition have slow onset and long duration. In chronic conditions, individuals start feeling better within a few days after taking suitable homeopathic remedy. Usually chronic conditions have acute episodes (e.g. getting pain once a week ) in their course. Progress of case determined by degree of relief, frequency and duration of the acute episode. During the homeopathic program, one may experience better degree of relief and increased gap between episodes. Most of the chronic problems are complicated with multiple levels of problems. Good health is achieved by restoring comfortable balance in whole health.

Why to individualize people in Homeopathy ?

Individualization means individualize each person with similar problems. Some Health care people not paying any attention to individual's narration of suffering except worrying about the test results. The whole person is a united system of multiple organs which interact with each other. The trouble in one place reflects in many organs. Homeopaths find single remedy that is suitable for all of them. Briefly homeopaths individualize a case to find single remedy which covers all the issues, works heals as fast as it can be without side effects. Homeopathic remedies establish the harmony in the system and makes the person healthy.

Does Homeopathy work for infants and children?

Homeopathic remedies are safe and very effective for children. As Homeopathic remedies will bring the balance in the system to strengthen the resistance. One can start Homeopathy as early as possible to let them grow healthily from the beginning. Single remedy for multiple symptoms in very minimal dose is offered in Homeopathy. Homeopathic remedies are loved by kids because as the pills are sweet.