frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Q : How does homoeopathy help the immune response?
A : Homoeopathy fits into the class of therapeutic methods that augment the body's own defenses. The basis of homoeopathy suggests that a micro dose of a substance will heal whatever pattern of symptoms this substance causes in large dose. This principle is also observed in the use of vaccinations and allergy treatments, though homoeopathic medicines are both considerably smaller and safer and more individualized to the person they are being used to treat.

Although homoeopathic medicines stimulate the body's own defenses, how they do so remains a mystery. One study published in the European Journal of Pharmacology showed that a homoeopathic medicine, Silicea stimulated macrophages (macrophages are a part of the body's immune system which engulf bacteria and foreign substances). How or why Silicea was able to have this action or why exceedingly small doses of it are so active is unknown.

Homoeopathic medicine do not simply stimulate the body's immune system to treat sick people, for they can also calm it when this is necessary for the healing of the individual. An example of this latter effect was observed in a study of the homoeopathic treatment of people with rheumatoid arthritis, a condition which is considered an auto-immune illness. People with auto-immune ailments suffer because their body's immune system is over-active and it attacks the person's own cells, not just bacteria, viruses, or foreign substances.

Q. Is it all right for me to use homoeopathic products if I am using prescription drugs?
A. Homoeopathy can be safely taken with allopathic and ayurvedic medications as well as by people using any other form of medicine and therapy.

When conventional medicines are combined with other medicines, they can give rise to life threatening side effects. Homoeopathy works in a different way and does not interfere with other therapies, drugs, herbs, vitamins or supplements.

Homoeopathy is safe and can be used parallely with other medications as it does not have side effects.

Q. How long will it take for me to see results? Can I repeat the remedy if the symptoms return?
A. The pace of the reaction to a homoeopathic medicine depends on the nature of the illness, the vital force of the patient, and the accuracy of the prescription. Response to acute illnesses are often very rapid.

In certain acute cases, taking a remedy once or twice will remove the imbalance while injuries and temporary ailments may require doses ranging from as often as every 1/2-hour to 4 hours. It is in chronic conditions where the dosage and the medication needs to be taken for longer period i.e. till the stress factor that caused the imbalance is removed from the root. Sometimes, remedies may need to be repeated, if food or certain activities counter the action of the remedy.

Homoeopathic remedies are safe and natural. They do not become less effective if taken over time nor do they build up in the system. Homoeopathic medicines remove any imbalances and impurities from the body , while letting it heal itself.

Q. Does homoeopathy act very slowly compared to other systems of medicine?
A. The time taken is proportionate to the history of the complaint.Homoeopathy is not a palliative treatment. It tackles the "root cause". Hence for acute (i.e. recent) complaints, it acts very fast but for chronic complaints, it takes comparatively longer.

This wrong impression has been created because unfortunately most people come to homoeopathy as a last resort after trying other medicines for a long time- sometimes several years. Naturally it would take a proprionately long time to show results.