According to reports, number of people using Homeopathy is increasing year after year. Apart from people regularly seeing Homeopaths as the first line of therapy, there are people who use only occasionally. Many of them are reluctant because of certain unrealistic myths. Here we have tried to clear some of the myths surrounding Homeopathy explaining the real facts behind them.
Myth 1: Homeopathy is an unproven science.
Fact: Homeopathy is based on experimental pharmacological and clinical data. Over the years, Homeopathic medicines have been extensively studied for their efficacy in a variety of indications. Clinical studies have been conducted in India as well as other countries. In fact, the term ‘Allopathy’ was coined by the founder of Homeopathy whom the allopaths regard as the founder of experimental pharmacology.
Fact: Yes, the white sugar pills, as such do not have any medicinal value. But these act as vehicles or carriers for the medicines, which are alcohol based. Otherwise the medicine can be taken directly or dissolved in water. Homeopathic medicines have been scientifically studied the world over and found to be effective in a wide range of diseases. Thus they are not placebos.
Fact: Homeopathy is fast acting in acute cases and can be effectively used in treating infections, fever, cold etc. Unfortunately, people tend to go to a Homeopath only when the acute problem becomes chronic. Naturally, these cases take longer to treat. Also, most people take recourse in Homeopathy in cases of arthritis, allergic asthma or skin conditions etc., which take a longer time to treat with any other system of medicines.
Myth 4: There are a lot of food restrictions with homeopathic medicines
Fact: Homeopathic medicines are absorbed from the tongue and the inner lining of the mouth hence patients are asked not to eat or drink anything 15 minutes before and 15 minutes after taking the medicine. Also, it is advisable to cut down on raw onion, raw garlic, strong coffee and mint only with few specific medicines as they may antidote its action. These are the only food restrictions.
Myth 5: Homeopathic medicines contain steroids
Fact: It is a myth that homeopathy is slow to act, and when people see excellent and quick results in acute and chronic cases, they feel that homeopathic medicines contain steroids. But it is not true at all. Homeopathic medicines are prepared from natural substances and are sweet. Steroids taste bitter and so THERE ARE NO STEROIDS in homeopathic medicines.
Myth 6: Homeopathy gives the same white medicines for all diseases
Fact: What seems so is not true. The white pills are only neutral vehicles or carriers of actual medicine that is sprinkled on them. The potent medicine coats the white pills. Different remedies can be prescribed in various potencies to best suit different patients. There are about 3000 medicines and 10 variable potencies (powers of medicines) of each medicine so a minimum of 30,000 various permutation and combinations can be utilized.
Myth 7: Homeopathy is a ‘magic remedy’ that can treat any disorder.
Fact: Homeopathy, like any other field of medicine, has its limitations. For example, it cannot treat cases where surgery is unavoidable, dental cases, etc.
Myth 8: Diabetic patients cannot take homeopathic medicines as they are sweet
Fact: Homeopathic medicines do not contain glucose (harmful in diabetics). They are made of a complex sugar called lactose. The actual amount of sugar in homeopathic medicines consumed over a period of one week is not more than one teaspoon. And still if the patient disagrees to this, homeopathic medicines can be taken in liquid form which is not sweet.
Myth 9: Homeopathy cannot be taken along with other medications
Fact: Homeopathic medicines can be taken along with other medications without any fear of side effects and complications. Homeopathic medicines also help in reducing the side effects of conventional therapies like in case of cancer. Homeopathic medicines will help in alleviating the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy also. “The doctor might ask you to restrict certain medicines incase they interfere with the treatment or affect the judgement of the treatment.”
Fact: Surgical treatment of conditions like warts, piles and kidney stones do not guarantee any form of long-lasting recovery, especially if a tendency to develop such conditions is present in the patient. Correct homeopathic treatment can not only take care of the present attack, but will also eliminate the tendency to recurrence.
