FAQs Around Homeopathy

Homeopathy is a system of medicine used for over 200 years, founded on the principle that 'like cures like' an illness is treated with a substance that could produce similar symptoms in a healthy person. However, medicines are given in highly diluted forms and are therefore extremely safe and have no side effects. It is practised worldwide and is recognised as a complementary medical system by the World Health Organization.

In homeopathy, the mind and body are very much linked. Physical problems cannot be effectively addressed without understanding the person's constitution and character. Constitutional treatment takes into account the totality of who you are not just your symptoms.

Homeopathy believes that if your constitution is healthy, you will have greater natural resistance to illness. The treatment is aimed at raising the vitality and immunity of the person so they can better respond to disease themselves.

Life challenges that drain our energy in family, professional, financial and social life are central to understanding a patient's constitution. A rightly chosen homeopathic remedy helps a person face these challenges more convincingly and efficiently.

Homeopathy is not readymade it is tailor-made to suit each individual. Therefore, two people with the same diagnosis are unlikely to be prescribed the same remedy. One remedy may be prescribed constitutionally for general body imbalances, and another may be prescribed for specific, acute symptoms. This is the fundamental difference from conventional medicine, where people with the same diagnosis typically receive the same drug.

At Dr. Deshmukh's Homeopathic Clinic and Research Centre, we focus on what made a person a patient why did they fall sick, what are they worried or anxious about, what issues in their daily life caused dis-ease.

The consultation covers not only your illness but also how you are affected by external factors temperature, weather, foods, moods, feelings and your complete medical history. This builds a full picture of you as an individual, which is then related to your current symptoms to prescribe the correct remedy at the right potency.

Unlike allopathic practice where people with the same condition generally receive the same medicine, every individual in homeopathy is assessed differently their family and work environment, their reaction to external circumstances, their past experiences, and their general state of mind are all key to treatment.

Yes. It is always advisable to consult a qualified homeopathic physician. A qualified doctor can judge the severity and depth of your illness and prevent undue complications that could be overlooked by an unqualified practitioner. Only a qualified physician can guide you towards complete mental, emotional, spiritual, physical and pathological recovery. Some practitioners suggest remedies on social media platforms without knowing the patient this is not appropriate. Homeopathic medicine can differ for two people with the same problem.

In homeopathy, a more dilute solution is described as having a higher potency and more dilute substances are considered stronger and deeper-acting.

Several factors are considered when deciding the potency:

• The condition being treated and its severity
• The overall strength and vitality of the patient
• The age of the patient
• The individual sensitivity of the patient
• The acute or chronic nature of the situation

The potency chosen must always be appropriate to the individual patient which is why two people with the same diagnosis may receive remedies at very different potencies.

• Avoid putting anything in your mouth for half an hour before or after taking your medicine.
• Avoid strong substances such as strong coffee, camphor and menthol while taking remedies.
• Avoid touching the medicines directly.
• If pills are touched or dropped, they should not be returned to the container.
• Store remedies away from strong light, extreme temperature variations and strong smells.
• Do not store remedies near strong-smelling substances like menthol cough drops or balms.

Homeopathic medicines are derived from a variety of natural materials plant, mineral and animal sources and are prepared in licensed laboratories under strict quality control. They are available in tablets, granules, pills, liquid or powder form, in different but extremely dilute strengths known as potencies.

If properly stored, homeopathic medicines can be used for years without any deterioration in quality. Keep medicines tightly capped at room temperature in a cool, dry, dust-free environment, away from direct sunlight and strong odours.

No. Homeopathic medicines have no adverse side effects. The supplied clinic FAQ explains that homeopathic remedies are chosen to match the totality of symptoms of the patient rather than being directed at one particular area or organ.

Yes. The supplied clinic FAQ states that homeopathy is safe for children and can also be administered to pregnant women.

No. The supplied clinic FAQ states that this is a misconception and that homeopathic medicines do not contain steroids.

The supplied clinic FAQ states that diabetic patients can take the pills because the amount of sugar is extremely minute. It also states that medicines can be administered in distilled water if preferred.

This depends on the nature of the acute problem and the ongoing homeopathic treatment. The supplied clinic FAQ recommends making this decision in consultation with the homeopathic physician based on the specific situation and treatment plan.

The supplied clinic FAQ states that the efficacy of homeopathic medicines has been demonstrated by more than 200 years of successful use by physicians across the world.

It also states that homeopathy can address a wide range of acute and chronic diseases while supporting the body's defence mechanism and the constitution of the patient.

Homeopathy is NOT slow acting. The supplied clinic FAQ describes this as a popular myth and explains that chronic ailments may have developed over many years. It states that homeopathy can act rapidly in acute and chronic conditions when the correct remedy is selected.

The supplied clinic FAQ describes this as a myth and states that initial aggravation does not happen in all cases or form an inevitable part of treatment. It recommends taking medicines under the supervision of an experienced homeopath.

No. The supplied clinic FAQ states that scientific, randomised, double-blind, controlled studies indicate that homeopathy is not simply a placebo effect.

The supplied clinic FAQ states that normally, after taking a well-matched homeopathic medicine, the person feels better in physical, mental and emotional aspects, with gradual disappearance of symptoms.

The supplied clinic FAQ lists a range of chronic, acute and developmental concerns.

• Chronic conditions: arthritis, skin conditions, migraines, menstrual irregularities, PCOS, digestive conditions, allergies, liver, kidney, heart and lung concerns.
• Acute conditions: tonsillitis, viral fevers, vomiting, diarrhoea, asthma attacks, bronchitis, constipation, childhood illnesses and injury.
• Developmental concerns: autism spectrum support, childhood behavioural and developmental issues.

The supplied clinic FAQ states that homeopathy can be used in acute conditions and emergencies and may provide rapid relief when the appropriate remedy is selected. For emergencies, appropriate conventional emergency care should not be delayed.

The supplied clinic FAQ explains that the white sugar globules or pills act as a medium for transporting the medicine into the body. It states that the size or appearance of the pill does not determine its clinical effect.

The supplied clinic FAQ states that homeopathic medicines are first tested or "proved" on healthy human volunteers. The effects and symptoms are recorded and used as references for selecting remedies.