What is Homeopathy?

The word homeopathy comes from two Greek words "HOMOIOS" - similar, and PATHOS- suffering. Homeopathic medicines stimulate the organism’s own healing powers by treating "like with like", thus enabling the patient to re-establish a healthy equilibrium. Homeopathy will not just remove your symptoms but will help deal with the causes of the illness to reach a better level of health all round.

For many years now, homeopathic medicine has been acknowledged as an effective means of treatment and is recognised by the National Health Service. More and more GPs are referring their patients for homeopathic treatment.

The House of Lords Report on Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Nov 2000, recommends that the Homeopathy profession work towards Statutory Regulation.

Here's a link to the Homeopathy Research Institute site. It's a UK based initiative with some excellent and very dedicated scientific researchers and homeopaths on board who plan to do contemporary trials on homeopathy for a number of conditions and to assess homeopathic practice in the UK today.

Elaine Weatherley Jones RSHom took part in a discussion of homeopathic treatment for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome / ME on the 'You and Yours' programme broadcast on Radio 4 on 8th November (Thursday) - here's the link if you'd like to hear it again:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/youandyours/

Homeopathy Remedies
Homeopathic medicines are derived mainly from plants, minerals, metals and conventional drugs such as vaccines. They are prepared in a special process of high dilution and succussion. This particular way of preparing homeopathic remedies allows the substance to keep its healing properties without the side effects that a crude dose would have. The powerful healing action is stimulated by the administration of the smallest possible dose taken for as short a period as necessary.

Unlike most conventional medicines, homeopathic remedies are safe and non addictive and can be prescribed to pregnant women, babies and the elderly. Homeopathic treatment is entirely suitable for all age groups and most conditions.]

Most Health Food stores and chemists now sell homeopathic remedies across the counter. These are usually available in the lowest dosage of "potency " i.e "6C" - C stands for centesimal- which means that the level of dilution of the original substance is 6x100. There are self help booklets in most pharmacies selling homeopathic remedies which give recommendations on how to pick a remedy for each given complaint. It is however not easy to self prescribe, especially if your knowledge of homeopathy is limited. Moreover there is a range of only 30 remedies available across the counter. A professional homeopath has access to a Materia Medica rich of some 2000 different medicines. It is advised to attempt self-prescribing for acute complaints such as a common cold or indigestion only. If your complaint is of a chronic nature and if you do not get good results within 48 hours, you should seek the help of a professional homeopath.

What can Homeopathy Treat?

Every day complaints such as coughs and colds, childhood illnesses and injuries can be quickly relieved. It has also been shown to be highly effective in the treatment of such chronic conditions as arthritis, asthma, eczema, circulatory disturbances, IBS, insomnia, mild depression or M.E. Conditions such as MS and diabetes may also respond to homeopathy if diagnosed early.

* Women's complaints:

Homeopathy is particularly effective in the treatment of complaints arising as a result of hormonal and metabolic imbalances. It is valuable for women who want an alternative to the Pill or HRT and for those who suffer from PMT and have a painful menstrual cycle. A lot of women suffering from mood swings, hot flushes, water retention, mild depression or headaches can be successfully treated with homeopathy. Homeopathy is also safe to use during pregnancy and helps relieve morning sickness, constipation or heartburn.

* Children's complaints:

Children usually respond quickly to homeopathic treatment. Children from hyperactivity, Attention Deficit Disorder, hypersensitivity to certain foods, metabolic disorders can greatly benefit from homeopathy.

Claudia Demire runs a low cost children's clinic where most common complaints such as digestive and sleeping difficulties, recurrent colds and coughs, ear infections can be treated. A lot of parents, concerned about the over-use of antibiotics are now seeking alternative treatment such s homeopathy. Parents also concerned about the side effects of vaccinations and/or those with children who have had adverse reactions to their vaccinations can also get advice and treatment at the Farnham Children's clinic in Lower Bourne.

For more help with making an informed decsion about vaccination check out The No Nonsence Vaccination Handbook, which you can buy by e-mailing Yvonne Stone at This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it or read on the Clovelly website.