Frequently asked questions

What Is Homeopathy?

Homeopathy is a system of medicine which involves treating an individual with low doses of natural medicines, given mainly in tablet form, with the aim of triggering the body’s natural system of healing. Based on the symptoms of an individual, a homeopath will match the most appropriate medicine to each patient.

The Idea Of Treating ‘Like With Like’

Homeopathy is based on the principle that you can treat ‘like with like’ i.e., a substance which causes symptoms when taken in large doses, can be used in small amounts to treat those same symptoms. For example, drinking too much coffee can cause sleeplessness, but when made into the homeopathic remedy Coffea, it can be used to treat insomnia.

Finding Your Individual Medicine

The example of Coffea given above is a simplified one to illustrate the concept of ‘like treating like’; when you see a homeopath, it’s their job to get a thorough understanding of your health, and the exact symptoms you are experiencing, so that they can find a homeopathic remedy which matches you and your symptoms as precisely as possible. During this confidential, in-depth ‘case-taking’ process, your homeopath will consider all aspects of your health, including your past medical history, diet, lifestyle, and personality type, as well as current health problems.

The Holistic Approach

Homeopathic medicine treats an individual as a whole, rather than treating specific diseases. This ‘holistic’ approach is one of the main differences between homeopathy and conventional medicine. For example, if you are suffering from anxiety, arthritis, and a skin condition, the conventional route might involve three entirely separate courses of treatment from three different specialists; by contrast, a homeopath would consider all of these mental-emotional and physical symptoms to be linked, and therefore treat them as a whole, possibly with a single prescription.

What Will Treatment Involve?

The initial homeopathic consultation usually lasts for at least an hour, whilst follow up appointments are generally shorter. Your homeopathic prescription will come in tablet form. As homeopathic remedies are taken differently from conventional medicines, do make sure that you understand the instructions given to you by your homeopath before you take your remedy.

What Are Homeopathic Medicines Made From?

Homeopathic medicines — often referred to as ‘remedies’ — are made from plant, chemical, or mineral sources. All homeopathic medicines are manufactured as liquids. Drops of these liquids are added to powders or tablets/pilules. This means that all homeopathic tablets/pilules look the same, because you are only seeing the sugar coating of the tablet/pilule, to which the specific liquid has been applied.

Homeopathic medicines are given as powders, liquids, tablets/pilules, or occasionally creams. They are made in different strengths known as the 'potency'. The potency you are given will determine how frequently you need to take the medicine.

What To Tell Your Homeopath?

Please tell your homeopath about any medicine that has been prescribed by your doctor, and any recent dental treatment. Please also mention any other complementary or alternative treatments you are having, and anything else that you are taking regularly (such as herbs or supplements), as these may affect your homeopathic treatment.

What About Seeing My Doctor?

It is recommended that you maintain your relationship with your GP or specialist. When necessary, homeopathic and conventional approaches can be used alongside one another to give the most effective and appropriate medical care. Some people choose homeopathy because they are unhappy with the side effects from their current conventional medication, and in many cases, homeopathic treatment can gradually reduce or remove the need for conventional drugs. However, you should continue with any conventional medical treatment that may have already been prescribed, as it may be dangerous to stop this suddenly.

Any change in the use of conventional medication should be discussed with both the prescribing doctor and your homeopath as treatment progresses. If at any stage of your treatment you are concerned about changes in your symptoms, you should contact your homeopath and/or medical practitioner immediately.

How Long Does Treatment Take?

This depends very much on what sort of illness you have, as well as the other individual characteristics of your case. If you have a long-standing chronic condition, a course of treatment will be needed. As a guideline, you can typically expect to see a homeopath once a month for three months to begin with. If further treatment is needed beyond this stage, you may find that follow-ups are scheduled at progressively longer intervals as your health improves.

Is Homeopathy Safe?

Homeopathic treatment has an excellent safety record, and because homeopathic medicines are non-toxic, they can be used for babies, children, and during pregnancy. Homeopathic remedies are free from all side-effects, making it completely safe.