Homeopathy

This complementary therapy works on the principle of treating like with like. The theory is that if you give the body minute quantities of a substance which can cause illness in large doses, the body’s natural defences are stimulated into fighting off the disease.

Homoeopathy dates back to the days of Hippocrates, commonly regarded as the father of medicine. He was writing about it in the times of the Ancient Greeks.

It didn’t find widespread favour in the West, however, until the 18th century, when it was rediscovered by a German doctor, Samuel Hahnemann, while he was translating old medical books.

He came across a passage suggesting quinine as a cure for malaria, which he suspected was wrong and decided to investigate. He began taking quinine and started to get symptoms of the disease - and this was the basis of his life’s work.

After a series of lengthy experiments - during which he tested the loyalty of all his family and friends by giving them various doses of potentially poisonous substances - he hit on the theory that was first suggested by Hippocrates thousands of years earlier. He then went on to discover that the more diluted the doses, the more effective the treatment.

Homoeopathic preparations can be made from animal, vegetable or mineral sources, which are diluted many times. They’re available in pill form at most chemists and some supermarkets these days, but professional homeopaths - many of whom are conventionally qualified GPs - may also use powders, pills, granules or liquids. They’ll also select remedies which match your personality type.

These treatments are used extensively throughout the world. They’re safe, gentle and appropriate for all age groups, but always check before giving any medication, natural or otherwise, to children.

To find a qualified practitioner in your area, contact:

BRITISH HOMEOPATHIC ASSOCIATION
15 CLERKENWELL CLOSE
LONDON EC1R 0AA
TEL: 0207 566 7800
FAX: 0207 566 7815
WEB: www.trusthomeopathy.org

FACULTY OF HOMEOPATHY
THE ROYAL LONDON HOMEOPATHIC HOSPITAL
GREAT ORMOND STREET
LONDON WC1N 3HR
TEL: 020 837 3091

SOCIETY OF HOMEOPATHS
2 ARTISAN ROAD
NORTHAMPTON NN11 4HU
WEB:www.homeopathy-soh.org

HOMOEOPATHIC USER GUIDE

1. Diagnosis- Homoeopathy can be a very effective form of medicine at treating many different ailments or conditions, but it must be stressed that an initial diagnosis from a qualified professional is very important to help rule out chronic disease and more serious problems. Home remedies are good, but it can be very useful to visit a qualified homoeopath who can really cater for your individual situation, as he or she has access to hundreds of other remedies.
2. Which Remedy? -  Remedies can help a variety of disorders. Check to see which remedies our experts have recommended for your problem through the health disorders button or pick a homoeopathic remedy to see if can be used to help your problem. Either way, look at the symptom profile to see if it matches your situation.
3. Potency - Most people find that when treating everyday ailments, homoeopathic remedies of the 6th potency are quite adequate. Eg Arnica 6 or 6C. The 30th potency is also widely available, but is more often used when it is well known that the remedy itself is the one most suitable for your individual needs. Hence it is best to start with the 6th and move onto the 30th when you are sure it is the right remedy for you.
4. Dosage - Adults 2 tablets, Children 1 tablet, Infants 1 crushed tablet
5. How to Take? - Homoeopathic remedies are very delicate and need to be used in a certain way, otherwise their efficacy is diminished.
   
   • Do not handle the tablets, you will need to tip them from the bottle into the lid and tip them onto the tongue, alternatively you can get special ‘click’ dispensers which allow to ‘pop’ each tablet straight into the mouth.
   
   
   • Tablets should be sucked or chewed, but NOT swallowed to give maximum absorption
   
   
   • Take at least two hours away from food and drink
   
   
   • The mouth should be free of taints from tobacco, spicy foods and toothpaste
6. How Often?-  For acute disorders take the relevant dose every two hours (between food and drink) for up to six times in a day on the first day. Next day take the dose 3 times per day. When there is an improvement take longer gaps between doses and continue for 2 more days, then stop. Repeat if the original symptoms start again.
7. Healing Crisis - It is quite normal for symptoms to worsen when first taking a homoeopathic remedy and is a sign that it is actually working. If there is a huge effect then delay the next dose until these symptoms have normalised. Obviously, if symptoms continue to worsen see your doctor or a homoeopath as soon as possible.
8. Efficacy - Choosing the right remedy is crucial for gaining benefits from homoeopathy and so is sticking to the guidelines above. This system of medicine has been used for centuries, but has recently been subject to scientific evaluation. Results show that homoeopathic medicine works, although its real method of action is not yet understood. It cannot be a placebo effect, as some sceptics claim, as it is successfully used by vets to treat many animals.