What is homeopathy?

Homeopathy is a safe and effective form of medicine that works by stimulating the body's own healing power. It is not new. It is based on the principle of treating like with like, which was developed in 1796 by the German Doctor Samuel Hahnemann. Even before that, Hippocrates had considered that there were two ways of treating disease. The way of similars (homeopathy) and the way of opposites, on which our conventional or allopathic medicine is based.

Homeopaths prescribe a minute dose of a remedy that, when given in large doses to a healthy person, would cause the symptoms the person is suffering with.

Take as an example a case of hay-fever. A commonly prescribed remedy for hay-fever is allium cepa or onion. Anybody who has peeled a strong onion will know that it is capable of producing symptoms such as sore, watery eyes, runny nose and sneezing i.e. some of the common symptoms of hay fever.  A person whose hay-fever symptoms match this picture may get relief from the homeopathic remedy allium.

However, two people suffering the same illness do not always have identical symptoms. This means there is not one specific remedy for hay-fever, or any illness and remedies have to be prescribed on a person’s individual experience of the disease.

Emotional trauma and shock have long been recognized as potential causes of ill health. However everyday emotional stresses, can also have a profound physical effect on the body. Anger, disappointment, lack of sleep, anxiety can also have a detrimental effect on a person’s health and these are considered along with any specific physical illness.

What conditions can be treated?

Homeopathy can be used to treat a wide range of conditions, from simple colds to long standing chronic illnesses.

Examples of illnesses treated are:
Acute illness: coughs, colds, fevers, viral and bacterial infections, allergic reactions, bites and stings, sprains and strains.
Female problems: infertility, menstrual and hormonal disorders, menopause, fibroids, cysts, endometriosis, pregnancy and birth.
Skin disorders: eczema, herpes, rosacea, acne, psoriasis.
Digestive disorders: colitis, crohn’s disease, IBS, constipation
Respiratory problems: hay-fever, asthma, coughs, bronchitis, croup, chest infections.
Headaches, migraines, vertigo, tinitis
Muscular skeletal: rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis
Childhood complaints: ear infections and glue ear, recurrent respiratory infections, tonsillitis, behavioral problems, concentration problems and learning difficulties, tantrums, bed wetting, sleep disorders, allergies, teething problems.
Emotional problems: anxiety, sleeplessness, fears, panic attacks and depression.

Please note this is not intended to be an exhaustive list, homoeopathy can treat most illnesses that you would normally consult your doctor about.

Is it safe?

Homeopathic remedies are made from a wide range of substances including plants, minerals, animal products and metals. The substances are diluted many times so there can be no toxicity from the substances themselves. They are non addictive and are safe for everyone including pregnant women and babies.

Is it true that I will get worse before I get better?

Occasionally symptoms will appear worse for a short time, this is a sign that the remedy is working and is usually followed by a dramatic improvement in symptoms.