Myths vs. Facts

Homoeopathy is based on experimental pharmacological and clinical data. Over the years, homoeopathic medicines have been extensively studied for their efficacy in a variety of indications. Clinical studies have been conducted in India as well as other countries. The physical basis of homoeopathic medicines is still not clear but there is enough clinical data to prove its efficacy. All the principles of homoeopathy are based on sound logic and experimental data.

Yes, the white sugar pills, as such do not have any medicinal value. But these act as vehicles or carriers for the medicines, which are alcohol based. Otherwise the medicine can be taken directly or dissolved in the water. Homoeopathic medicines have been scientifically studied the world over and found to be effective in a wide range of diseases. Thus they are not placebos.

Homoeopathy is fast acting in acute cases and can be effectively used in treating infections, fever, cold etc. Unfortunately, people tend to go to a homoeopath only when the acute problem becomes chronic. Naturally, these cases take longer to treat. Also, most people take recourse in homoeopathy in cases of arthritis, allergic, asthma or skin conditions etc., which take longer time to treat with any other medicines.

Homoeopathy like any other field of medicine has its limitations. For example, it cannot treat cases where surgery is unavoidable, many dental cases, etc.

Qualified doctors practice Homoeopathy, in most parts of world. In India, there are 200 homoeopathy medical colleges and world over the number is close to 500, which offer degree and post-graduate studies in Homoeopath. At present, there are over 1, 50,000 trained homoeopaths in India and at least half-million across the globe.

Some patients are asked to abstain from onions, garlic, coffee, tea, tobacco, alcohol etc. as these substances interfere with the action of certain homoeopathic medicines. But then, restricting alcohol and tobacco is also safe and healthy.

Very often it is where everything else has been failed! But the true reason for this perception is because people turn to homoeopathy so late when everything else has been failed! After years of allopathic treatment often an illness become chronic, the treatment will now naturally take longer than in case of using homoeopathy right from the beginning, the recovery period is very less. Homoeopathy medicines are equally effective in chronic and acute ailments.

It can be used! The minute amount of sugar globules (the little round pills) taken daily does not matter. Sugar intake in the daily diet is significantly higher than that taken by a few globules. In very severe cases, the dilution may be taken as drops in water or over lactose.

Depending on the illness, homoeopaths medicate with different medicines. The sugar pills serve only as a vehicle for the transfer of the medicine. The selected medicine, out of a range of more than 3000 different dilutions, is targeted to the individual problems.

Generally there are no side effects of homoeopathic medicine if prescribed in potencies of 3CH and above. However, some tinctures and triturates in very low potencies like 1x, 2x have some side effects of minor nature. Sometimes, homoeopathic medicines in higher dilution may also elicit drug-proving in sensitive individuals. But just like any other medicine, homoeopathy medicines should be used with caution and in chronic ailments they should not be taken without consultation with a qualified homoeopath.