FAQ

1.Is Homoeopathy safe?

Homoeopathy is one of the safest methods of treatment available today. Homoeopathy believes in the safe, gentle and permanent restoration of health. Medicines are greatly diluted thus rendering them non-toxic and non-addictive. They are prepared in licensed laboratories following stringent standards of quality.

2. Can Homoeopathic medicines be taken during pregnancy?

Homoeopathic medicines are safe to take throughout pregnancy and lactation for ailments relating to this condition. They have no side-effects on the unborn foetus or the newborn child.

3. Are Homoeopathic medicines safe for children?

Absolutely. These medicines can be safely given even to the youngest infant without fear of side effects. Children respond very well to the administration of Homoeopathic medicines.

4. Can animals be treated with Homoeopathy?

Homoeopathy is also effective in animals like dogs, cats, cattle, etc. There are an increasing number of veterinary doctors in India and abroad practising Homoeopathy.

5. How does one take Homoeopathic medicines?

The most convenient mode to take these medicines is to have the liquid dilution in the form of pills. Most Homoeopathic pharmacists dispense the medicines in pill form.
For adults normally 4 tablets are recommended and for children 2 tablets at a time. These should be kept under the tongue and dissolved.
For best results eating, drinking, smoking and toothpaste should be avoided 15 minutes before and after taking the medicine.

6. Does Homoeopathic treatment involve diet restrictions and change in lifestyle?

Research has shown that severe diet restrictions are not required while taking homoeopathic medicines other than those which the disease demands. eg. A low salt diet in hypertensive patients, etc. However for the best affect the person should avoid eating and drinking 10-15 minutes before and after taking the medicine.

7. Does touching the medicine diminish its effect?

Yes, it may be possible. The dose of the medicine is so minute (4 small pills) that it is best to avoid touching it directly with the hand. Instead the required number of pills must be put in the cap of the container and then put in the mouth.

8. Do symptoms become worse after the intake of Homoeopathic
medicine?

Very occasionally after taking a homoeopathic medicine the symptoms could become slightly worse. But this is a good sign. It indicates that the medicine selected is enhancing the body's natural forces to heal itself. There is no cause for alarm as the effect is mild and transient.

9. Till what time should a Homoeopathic medicine be taken?

Though homoeopathic medicines do not have any side effects it is wise to increase the time interval between the doses as the symptoms lessen. Later the medicine should be tapered off. This applies only when opting for self-treatment. When under the treatment of a doctor, it is best to follow his advice.

10. Is self-treatment allowed in Homoeopathy?

It will be correct to say that self-treatment is allowed for minor ailments. But one needs to have some knowledge of the medicine, potency, dosage, etc. Self-treatment is easy in over-the-counter Homoeopathic medicines where dosage has been specified. If symptoms persist contact a qualified homoeopathic doctor.

11. What potency of medicines should be used for self-treatment?

Though there is no hard and fast rule for specifying the potency it is best to use a lower potency such as 6 or 3. The medicine may be repeated 3-4 times a day depending upon the severity of the symptoms.

12. While taking Homoeopathic medicines should one stop taking
Allopathic medicines which were previously being taken for the same disease?

NO. It will not be advisable to immediately stop the allopathic medicines as this may lead to unwarranted withdrawal symptoms as the body is used to taking those medicines. It is best to inform the homoeopathic doctor about it and he will regulate/taper the medicines as you start responding to the homoeopathic remedy.

13. In what areas is Homoeopathic treatment/Homoeopathic medicine effective?

Homoeopathic medicine is efficacious for treatment of a wide spectrum of illnesses right from a normal cough and cold to cancerous growths. The actions of the medicines depends upon the selection and administration. However Homoeopathy is more popular in the treatment of pschycosomatic illnesses, respiratory diseases, skin diseases, allergies, gastric diseases, etc.

14. What are the other countries where Homoeopathy is popular?

India, SriLanka, Nepal, Pakistan and Bangladesh have a number of qualified homoeopaths and good pharmacies. Besides Homoeopathy is widely used throughout France, Holland, Germany, U.K and parts of USA.

15. How should the Homoeopathic medicines be stored?

Medicines should be stored in a cool, dry place where the temperature is below 25 degree C. They should be kept away from strong odours such as perfumes, chemicals, moth repellants, cooking smells, etc. Although they are safe, all medicines should, as a rule, be kept out of reach of children.

16. Are there any conditions where self-treatment is contraindicated?

Self-treatment is advisable only for minor ailments. For severe, recurring problems one must consult a qualified Homoeopathic doctor.

17. While visiting a Homoeopathic doctor what are the things I must / must not tell him?

In Homoeopathy all patients are treated individually. Thus the symptoms elicited from the patient are of paramount importance. A patient must be truthful to the doctor and reply to all questions correctly and without exaggeration. The information gained from the patient is very important in the selection of the right remedy. Whatever the homoeopath asks about past history, family history, treatment history, mental symptoms, desires and aversions is relevant to the treatment and must be answered correctly. The first sitting with a homoeopath is usually long, while subsequent visits are much shorter.

18. What happens if the wrong homoeopathic medicine is taken during self-treatment?

No harm can come by taking a homoeopathic medicine that is not suitable for the symptoms, as the body will not react to it. If the symptoms do not go away it is best not to keep experimenting but to consult a qualified Homoeopathic doctor.

19. Do Homoeopathic medicines have an expiry date?

NO. If stored under the proper conditions, i.e. a cool, dry place with temperature below 25 degree C, away from fumes and strong odours, the medicines will remain effective for years. This applies to the liquid medicines only. Once dispensed in globules they do not remain effective for more than six months as the medicine may evaporate or the globules may turn yellow.