What is Homeopathy?

Homeopathy is a form of holistic medicine based on the principle that like treats like, i.e. a substance which causes symptoms when taken in larger doses, can be used in small amounts to treat similar symptoms in another person.

The idea that a substance can be damaging in large amounts, but beneficial in small amounts is not new to science. In fact this concept (referred to as hormesis) has been around for decades and is increasingly well documented in such fields as biology and toxicology 1.

Homeopathy uses specially prepared, highly diluted substances, given mainly in tablet or liquid form. Prescriptions are tailored to each individual patient, according to their specific symptoms.

Homeopathy has a robust safety record 2 – 6. Homeopathic treatment is not associated with unwanted side effects and because homeopathic medicines are non-toxic they can be used in cases involving babies, children and during pregnancy.

Why use Homeopathy?

Synthetic drugs have a broad-spectrum effect on a wide variety of people with the ‘same’ disease and mostly have the effect of ‘hiding’ or ‘managing’ symptoms.

In contrast, homeopathic remedies are matched to each individual’s expression of that disease concentrating on the root causes including emotional and physical problems.

Homeopathy and its benefits can be summarised as below:

Homeopathy takes a holistic approach to treatment concentrating on both emotional and physical problems
Homeopathy remedies are non-toxic, non-addictive and have no side effects
Homeopaths prescribe tailor-made homeopathic remedies that are based on all aspects of the patient’s condition
Homeopathy can be safely and effectively used alongside conventional medicines
Homeopathic treatment is suitable for all ages and is invaluable in treating children, the elderly and pregnant women

References:

Calabrese. EJ, 2010. Homesis is central to toxicology, pharmacology and risk assessment. Hum. Exp. Toxicol; 29(4): 249 – 261
Clover, A, 2000. Patients benefit survey: Tunbridge Wells Homeopathic Hospital. Br Homeopath J; 89: 68 – 72
Richardson, WR, 2001. Patients benefit survey: Liverpool Regional Department of Homeopathic Medicine. Br Homeopath J; 90: 158 –162
Witt, CM, Lüdtke, R, Mengler, N, et al., 2008. How healthy are chronically ill patients after eight years of homeopathic treatment? Results from a long term observational study: BMC Public Health; 8:413
Bornhöft, G, Wolf, U, von Ammon, K, et al., 2006. Effectiveness, safety and cost-effectiveness of homeopathy in general practice –summarized health technology assessment. Forsch Komplementärmed; 13 (Suppl 2): 19 – 29
Dantas, F, Rampes, H, 2000. Do homeopathic medicines provoke adverse effects? A systematic review. British Homeopathic Journal; 89 (Suppl 1): 35 – 38