Myths About Homeopathy
Myth 1. Homeopathy is an unproved 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. The
physical basis of the homeopathic medicines is still not clear
but there is enough clinical data to prove its efficacy. All
the principles of homeopathy are
based on sound logic and experimental data.
Myth 2. Homeopathic medicines are only sugar pills
which act more as placebos and have no medicinal value as such.
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.
Myth 3. Homeopathy is slow acting and cannot be used
in acute cases of diarrhea, fever, cough, cold, etc.
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 medicines.
Myth 4. 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, many dental
cases, etc.
Myth 5. Homeopathic doctors are quacks who do not have
formal training in the field of Medicine.
Fact: Qualified doctors practice Homeopathy,
in most parts of the world. In India, there are over 200 homeopathy
medical colleges and world over the number is close to 500,
which offer degree and post-graduate studies in Homeopathy.
At present, there are over 2,00,000 trained homeopaths in India
and at least half-million across the globe.
Myth 6. One has to follow strict dietary I restrictions
while on homeopathic treatment.
Fact: Some patients are asked
to abstain from onions, garlic, coffee, tea,
tobacco, alcohol etc. as these substances interfere
with the action of certain homeopathic
medicines. But then, restricting alcohol and tobacco is
also safe and healthy.
Myth 7. Homeopathy is only useful in chronic cases.
Fact: Very often it is - where everything
else has failed! But the true reason for this perception is
because people turn to homeopathy so late when everything else
has failed! After years of allopathic treatment often an illness
becomes chronic, the treatment will now naturally take longer
than in case of using homeopathy right from the beginning,
the recovery period is very less. Homeopathy
medicines are equally effective in chronic and acute ailments.
Myth 8. Homeopathy cannot be used in diabetic patients.
Fact: It can be used! The minute
amount of sugar globules (the little round pills)
taken daily does not matter. Sugar intake in the
daily diet is significantly higher than that taken
by a few globules. In very severe cases, the dilution
may be taken as drops in water or over lactose.
Myth 9. The homeopath gives the same white pills for
all types of illnesses. How can they be really effective?
Fact: Depending on the illness,
homeopaths medicate with different medicines. The
sugar pills serve only as a vehicle for transfer
of the medicine. The selected medicine, out of a
range of more than 3000 different dilutions, is targeted
to the individual problems.
Myth 10. Are there really no side effects of homeopathic
medicine.
Fact: Generally there are no side effects of
homeopathic medicine if prescribed in potencies of 3CH and above.
However, some tinctures and triturates in very low potencies
like Ix, 2x have some side effects of minor nature. Sometimes,
homeopathic medicines in higher dilutions may also elicit drug-proving
in sensitive individuals. But just like any other medicine,
homeopathy medicines should be used with caution and in chronic ailments,
they should not be taken without consultation with a qualified
homeopath.
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