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Homeopathy Explained
What is Homeopathy?
Homeopathy is a natural and safe alternative to conventional medicine and is suitable for both adults and young children to use.
In its most basic form, homoeopathy is the treatment of an illness with a substance which, when taken by a healthy person, would produce symptoms similar to those shown in the person who is ill.
Current medical practice takes the viewpoint that symptoms are a direct result of an illness and seeks to treat the ailment by suppressing the symptoms.
Homeopathy works in reverse to this. It views any symptom as the body’s natural reaction to combat the illness and looks to stimulate rather than suppress the reaction.
Homeopathy therefore, is essentially a natural healing process, providing remedies to assist the patient to regain positive health by stimulating the body’s own natural forces of recovery. In its current form, homoeopathy is based on three principles which are:
1) A medicine that in large doses produces the symptoms of the disease will, in small doses, cure that disease.
2) By extreme dilution, the medicine’s curative properties are enhanced and all the poisonous or undesirable side effects are lost.
3) Homoepathic medicines are prescribed individually by the study of the whole person, according to basic temperament and responses.
FAQ:
1. Is Homoeopathy safe?
Homeopathy is one of the safest forms of medicine available because the active ingredients are present in extremely low concentrations. Homoeopathy is renowned as being safe, non toxic and non addictive and is prepared in laboratories licensed by the Department of Health to stringent standards of quality. Homeopathy, like many conventional tablets and pillules, has small amounts of lactose so patients who are lactose intolerant should take care when using these products. As will all conditions treated over the counter, patients should seek the help of their health care provider or doctor if their symptoms persist or deteriorate.
2. Is Homoeopathy effective?
Since the early nineteenth century homoeopathy has proved effective for many millions of people worldwide and it has often been used successfully where other forms of medicine have failed.
3. What are Homoepathic potencies?
The potency is the number of times the mother tincture has been diluted. For example, if one drop of mother tincture is added to 99 drops of diluent (water or alcohol) and succussed (vigorously shaken) this is known as 1c potency. If one drop of this is then diluted in the same way, the resulting solution is 2c potency. This dilution can be repeated many times until the desired potency is achieved. The most commonly used potencies are 6c and 30c.
4. How do I know which potency to use?
The principles of homoeopathy mean that the more dilute a remedy, the more potent it becomes. As a general rule, for most acute and long-standing ailments, the 6c potency is most suitable. In emergencies and in many chronic conditions, 30c remedies are better. However, it is more important to select the correct remedy than to use the right potency.
5. How should homoepathic remedies be taken?
The recommended dosage should be followed, which varies according to product and potency. The remedies should not be taken with any food or drink or when the mouth is tainted by tabacco or any strongly flavoured food or toothpaste. The remedy should be tipped directly into the mouth without being handled and they should be sucked, chewed or allowed to dissolve in the mouth- do not swallow them whole.
6. What reactions can I expect on taking the treatment?
A slight increase in symptoms may be experienced at the start of treatment. These are known as ‘ aggravations’ and are a sign that the body’s own natural healing powers are starting to work. If this happens you should stop taking the remedies until the aggravation subsides and then restart. If the symptoms contine to worsen after stopping the remedy, it could be that the condition is worsening and you should seek advice form your GP or pharmacist.
7. What should I do if some of the symptoms improve but others don’t or if new symptoms appear?
In this case, a second remedy should be started based on the remaining or new symtoms.
8. Does taking a larger dose have a greater effect?
No. It is the frequency of taking the dose that matters, not the number of tablets or pillules. Always follow the instructions on the pack regarding the dosage.
9. How should homoepathic medicines be stored?
All homoepathic medicines should be kept in their origional container, away from direct light and strong smelling substances such as toothpaste, perfume, aromatherapy oils and menthol inhalants. if ant tablets, pillules or granules are spilled they should not be returned to the container.
10. Can homoepathic medicines be taken with ordinary drugs?
It is safe to take homoepathy whilst taking allopathic medicines. However, any side effects that are caused by the allopathic drug may complicate the symptom picture and make the correct choice of a homoepathic medicine more difficult.
11. Can homoepathic medicines be taken while pregnant?
Although it is generally considered safe to take homoepathic medicines whilst pregnant, they should only be taken on the advice of the patient’s GP.
12. Are homoepathic remedies safe for children?
Yes, even babies can take them safely. The remedy should be dissolved in a small amount of water or chrushed between two spoons.
13. Can animals be treated with homoepathy?
Homoeopathy is as effective for animals as it is for humans. There is an increasing number of veterinary surgeons practising homoepathy in the United Kingdom. Addresses are available from the British Homoeopathic Association in London.
For more information on the uses and guides for Homoeopathy then we suggest:
Homeopathy, an introduction and guide: Wigmore Publications. Available here for £2.99
Click here to see more information on Homeopathy products and buy online
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