Homeopathy is one of the most hotly debated areas of alternative medicine.
Yet its supporters point out that the numbers of those turning to homeopathic remedies is growing by around 20 per cent a year.
Homeopathic remedies differ from conventional drug-related treatments by using raw extracts from plants or animals, or powders of minerals and salts made into a “tincture” and mixed with alcohol.
They treat a variety of conditions from sore throats and chronic illnesses such as arthritis through to asthma, anxiety and chronic fatigue.
Patients are given tiny diluted doses of something that causes symptoms similar to those they are already experiencing. So coffee, which uses sleep disturbance, can be used as a homeopathic treatment to prevent insomnia.
The theory is that a minute quantity will stimulate the body’s own healing powers without side effects.
But among the medical profession and scientists there are those who believe this theory flies in the face of science which follows the principle that the stronger the medicine ‒ or the more concentrated a dissolved substance ‒ the more powerful it becomes.
“There’s a complete lack of clinical evidence to support alternative remedies. Medicine is based on evidence. If a drug or surgical treatment does not pass stringent surgical trials, it is abandoned,” says Michael Baum, Professor Emeritus of Surgery at University College, London.
The results of clinical trials are published whether they are favourable or not. Yet when it comes to homeopathy, the standards of evidence are highly questionable.
But Andy Kirk, chair of The Society of Homeopaths which is the largest body of professional homeopaths in Europe, points to its general acceptance within the health service as it has been available since its inception in 1948.
He says: “Around 70 per cent of GPs feel complementary medicine should be freely available. Also, substantial savings could be made by introducing homeopathy into general practice.”
How can it help me?
Homeopathy has been practised for many years, and claims to be suitable for everyone, young and old. One of the great benefits of homeopathy is that it is beneficial both emotionally and physically. It is trying to treat the person as a whole, not just looking at the symptom but trying to look at any lifestyle factors that may play a part.
How soon will it work?
Homeopaths don’t claim homeopathy is a miracle magic bullet. For instance if you take a pain killer it will work around in 30 minutes but homeopathy has an accumulative effect and can take longer than conventional medicine to have an impact. However, benefits may be felt while treatment is progressing. It stimulates the body to heal itself.
Can I use it alongside conventional medicine?
Homeopathic treatment can safely be used alongside conventional medicine. Homeopaths would never advise people to stop taking their conventional medicine without taking advice from a doctor.