World Homeopathy Day - 9 facts you should be aware of before visiting a homeopath

You must have heard that homeopathy treats diseases completely. But, here's everything you need to know about this controversial branch of medicine.

Homeopathy is widely practiced in India, and many of us swear by it. If I say one word against it, many would say that I have been paid by pharmaceutical giants to talk against homeopathy or that it is a propaganda. However, I believe logic is the way to decide what one should follow. Here are 9 facts about homeopathy that one should be aware of, and I hope it will make you think twice before resorting to homeopathy or at least check the credibility of the homeopath you visit.

1. It is not an Indian science

Many people aren't aware homeopathy is a German science and was created by a doctor named Samuel Hahnemann in 1796. Since, it is widely and blindly followed in India, many believe that it is an Indian science. Homeopathy came to India only in 1810, when a French traveler named Dr. John Martin Honigberger, a student of Dr. Samuel Hahnemann, came to India and treated patients. In 1839, on his second visit to India, he treated the then ruler of Punjab, Maharaja Ranjeet Singh, suffering from paralysis of the vocal chords. His medicine cured the Maharaja, and he was so impressed that he made Honigberger the chief physician of his court. After the Maharaja's death, Honigberger moved to Calcutta where he began his practice and hence began the advent of homeopathy in India.

2. Treatment differs from person to person

Homeopathic treatment is also highly individualized and differs from person to person. The properties of the medicines are very similar to the condition or the disease a person is suffering from. Also, homeopathy not only takes into account the signs and symptoms of the diseases but also considers the patient's physical build, temperament, personality and other genetic factors.

Homeopathy works on the principle of 'like cures like'. It means that a substance responsible for causing illness in a healthy individual can be used to treat patients suffering from the same illness. Allopathic medicine, on the other hand, uses active pharmacological agents or physical interventions like surgeries to treat, cure or suppress the symptoms of various diseases and conditions.

3. No studies prove that homeopathy is effective in treating diseases

Many of you must have had first-hand experiences and will not think twice before resorting to homeopathy again or even suggesting it to other people. But as a matter of fact there, is no properly documented proof that homeopathy has been effective in treating various diseases. Although there are a few studies, that claim that homeopathy is effective, most of them have serious design flaws or have not been properly documented.

4. Many countries have warned its people against using homeopathy

Various countries have warned its people to think twice before resorting to homeopathic medicine. After the House of Common in The UK called homeopathy 'no better than a placebo' in 2010, The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), Australia, too recently deemed it ineffective. It has reservations against using it to treat serious conditions as it is a slow process and not getting appropriate treatment immediately could actually make the condition worse and prove fatal.

In India, the government has set up an AYUSH ministry which propogates using alternative forms of medicines such as homeopathy and Unani. The government had also made a provision where homepaths could prescribe allopathic medicines after they have received some additional training in pharmacology.

5. Homeopathy medicines could be as good as placebos

Homeopathy also works on the principle of minimum dosage. The medicines are thinned with either alcohol or water and at times are diluted so many times that only a trace of the active substance remains. Homeopaths claim that this trace quantity of the active substance is enough to invoke a healing response in the patient. However, the doses are so low that homeopathic pills become as good as placebos (medicines that have no active ingredient in them). Placebos are known to be effective as some people do respond to them. It is important to note that modern medicines are tested on the basis of how well they outperform placebos. This fact has given rise to the exploitation of homeopathy and many quacks nowadays simply hand you a little jar of white sugar pills.

6. Not all medicines are diluted

However, not all medicines are highly diluted and some of them contain the active ingredients in enough quantities to cause side effects. Hence, it is best to visit a credible homeopath and use medicines under his/her guidance.

7. It has no side effects

Highly diluted homeopathic medicines taken under the guidance of trained doctors are usually safe but there's a right way to use them. The medicines could many claim it has no effect at all to invoke a side effect. However, some medicines can be concentrated and un-monitored use and self-prescription can be dangerous.

8. You should not replace conventional medicines with homeopathy

If you are suffering from a health issue, get it first diagnosed and treated using conventional medicine. Do not delay treatment because of homeopathy. It is a comparatively slower process and your condition can worsen if not treated at the right time.

9. Homeopathy cannot always be used with conventional medicines

Many people believe homeopathic medicines are harmless and can be continued with other forms of medicines; it is not. Some homeopathy medicines contain heavy metals like mercury and iron and can interfere with working of conventional medicines. Hence it is best to inform your doctor about the medicines that you are already taking to prevent side effects.

Points referred from nccih.nih.gov

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