Medicine for POOR & EDUCATED persons

What is homoeopathy?

Homoeopathy is a system of medicine that treats the whole person, taking into account mental and bodily types as well as the symptoms of the disease.

One of its main principles is that 'like cures like', in other words the symptoms of an illness caused by a substance will be cured by the same substance given in homoeopathic form.

Homoeopathy is often referred to as an alternative medicine, but it is better thought of as 'complementary' because it can be used alongside conventional antidepressants.

The remedies are made by grinding plants or other substances and then dissolving them in alcohol to produce the 'mother tincture'.

From the mother tincture the remedies are made by a process of dilution (usually 100:1) in alcohol or water and succession (a process of repetitive violent shaking that is believed to energise the medicine).

The dilutions are usually repeated many times, and one of the scientific criticisms of homoeopathy is that the preparations are so dilute that they can hardly contain any of the original substance.

A number of theories have been advanced to overcome this criticism, one of which is the 'memory of water'.

Does it work?

Over the last 200 years homoeopaths have gained an understanding of the remedies. These remedies can now be matched to the person and their symptoms.

Homoeopathic remedies are dilute, safe and free of side-effects. It has been argued that they may act as a catalyst, pushing the body's own systems (including its immune system) in the direction of a cure.

However, a consistent scientific explanation – confirmed on repeated scientific testing and trials – as to why homeopathy should improve people’s health has not been proven.

In February 2010, the House of Commons Science and Technology Committee concluded that the NHS should cease funding homeopathy, that it was no more efficacious than placebo and that the explanations of why homeopathy would work are scientifically implausible.

Is it safe to treat yourself?

Homoeopathic remedies can be used alone or in conjunction with prescribed medication.

It is not always necessary to consult your GP prior to using homoeopathic remedies. You should, however, tell your GP about any herbal remedies that you are taking and you should not discontinue antidepressant drugs without prior consultation.

Remedies can be prescribed by homoeopaths and many are registered with the United Kingdom Homoeopathic Medical Association or the Society of Homoeopathy.

Alternatively, remedies can be bought over the counter in certain pharmacies and healthfood  shops. Always consult your GP if symptoms are persistent, severe or interfere with daily life.

Dosage guidance

The potency (200/1M ) of the remedy is determined by the number of dilutions and is described by a number.

To select a dose, either seek advice from a homoeopath or start on a lower potency such as 1M or 10M.

The potency can be increased, but it is not necessary or advisable to take potencies above 30C without consulting a homoeopath.

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How to take the remedies

Always read the instructions and listen to any advice given.

The basic rule is to take one tablet as directed and observe the effects. The dose may be repeated two or three times a day without danger.

In marked contrast to conventional remedies for depression, the advice is to stop taking homoeopathic remedies as soon as an improvement is seen. If no improvement is seen in 10 days, rather than switching to a different remedy, seek qualified advice to obtain a better match or see your GP.