Five facts about homeopathy

HOMEO TRUTHS: 5 FACTS ABOUT HOMEOPATHY

Homeopathy is an evidence-based, empirical medicine that works by strengthening and stimulating the body's own curative powers to heal any distress within the body. Here, we discuss five facts about homeopathy that reveal some of the most salient features of this natural healing science.

FACT 1: HOMEOPATHY IS EVIDENCE BASED MEDICINE

There are over 600 published research studies, 180 controlled and 120 randomised trials conducted that demonstrate the effectiveness of homeopathy. Some of the study results proving the efficiency of homeopathic medicines on some major ailments have been discussed below:

1. 1) A study on homeopathic medicine Lycopodium 30C showed its benefits on high blood pressure, cardiovascular ailments, improving memory, reducing inflammation and providing over 60% protection against alcohol induced gastric ulcer

1. 2) Homeopathic remedy Rhustox 200 has been found to work effectively for relief from pain and stiffness in joints in rheumatoid arthritis.

1. 3) 58% patients suffering from major depression, social phobia or panic disorder responded favourably to individualistically prescribed homeopathic remedies.

1. 4) Evaluation by neurologists revealed a significant reduction in the frequency of migraine attacks in patients undergoing homeopathic treatment.

1. 5) 82% patients treated by homeopathy enjoyed improvement in rheumatoid arthritis.

1. 6) 63% patients on homeopathy had increased sleep time, reduced interruptions during sleep, and reduced nervousness without any side effects.

1. 7) 82% people treated with homeopathy experienced good relief from allergic symptoms as compared to 67% people who experienced relief from conventional medicine.

1. 8) A study of 118 eczema patients published in Complementary Therapies in Medicine reported that homeopathy was as effective as standard conventional treatments in the short term and more effective than them in the longer term.

1. 9) Children attending a paediatric practice where conventional and homeopathic medicines were used, and who were previously diagnosed with ADHD, were given individualised homeopathic medicines (increasing potencies of the most similar LM remedy). 75% responded to homeopathy.

Furthermore, there are millions of case studies that demonstrate the positive benefits of homeopathy.

FACT 2: HOMEOPATHY ACTS QUICKLY

The action of homeopathic medicine depends on various factors like sensitivity of the patient, nature of illness, pathology of the disease, and various other treatment measures taken before resorting to homeopathy.

Since most people take recourse to homeopathy for chronic problems such as arthritis, allergic asthma or skin conditions, these appear to take a longer time to heal.

In acute ailments like diarrhoea, acute cold and cough, homeopathic remedies act as fast as conventional medicines, sometimes even faster.

FACT 3: HOMEOPATHY WORKS WELL WITH CONVENTIONAL MEDICINE

There is clinical evidence to show that conventional medicine and homeopathy work well. One such research was conducted in Athens to see the compatibility of homeopathy and conventional medicine in controlling diabetes.

A group of patients of diabetes mellitus type-2 were treated with Daonil, a conventional medicine and a placebo (Group-1), and Daonil and homeopathy (Group-2). Group-1 showed 47% improvement; Group-2 showed a hugely impressive 97% improvement. Homeopathic remedy Arnica works effectively pre and post surgery.

Recognising the effectiveness of homeopathy, the Government of India has decided to open a homeopathy department at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). Bombay Hospital in South Mumbai, a large private hospital, has an independent homeopathic division functioning. In Dubai, UAE, homeopaths are recognised as doctors of complementary and alternative medicine, and are integrated in the healthcare system of the country.

FACT 4: THERE ARE NO DIET RESTRICTIONS IN HOMEOPATHY

The only dietary restrictions that a homeopath may impose depends on the disease that the patient suffers from; for example, diabetics should avoid sweets and a high carbohydrate diet. Such dietary suggestions are commonly recommended in all forms of medicine to enhance healing.

Since homeopathic medicines act through nerve endings, traditional homeopaths do not prefer the use or consumption of any substance with strong odours like toothpaste, garlic and onions, as this could affect the action of homeopathic medicines.

Modern homeopaths recommend having the medicines after rinsing the mouth half an hour before and after meals and also advocate placing the medicine below the tongue for best results.

Apart from these, there are hardly any diet restrictions in homeopathy.

FACT 5: HOMEOPATHIC MEDICINES ARE DERIVED FROM 3000 DIFFERENT SOURCES

Although all homeopathic medicines look alike, they are not same. There are more than 4,000 homeopathic medicines in practice. The basic ingredients of homeopathic medicines come from 3000 different sources that are majorly derived from plants and minerals. Their active principles are extracted into various solvents. For better palatability, liquid homeopathic medicine is poured into small globules, which are highly porous and absorbent.