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HomeopathyPublished by BUPA's health information team, healthinfo@bupa.com, August 2007. This factsheet is for people who would like information about homeopathy. Homeopathy is a complementary therapy that treats symptoms of illness with very dilute preparations called remedies. These are made from plant, mineral, metal and insect sources and other materials. It's not clear how homeopathy works, and there is no conclusive evidence to say that it definitely does. However, homeopaths believe that the remedies stimulate our bodies' own healing powers. They call this the "vital force".
What is complementary medicine?In the UK, complementary medicines are generally viewed as treatments which are given alongside conventional treatments. Some levels of BUPA health insurance cover complementary medicine. Some therapies may be available through the NHS. What is homeopathy?The word homeopathy is a combination of two Greek words - "homoios" from "homos" meaning similar and "pathos", which means suffering. Sometimes known as homoeopathy, it's often simplified to homeopathy. Homeopathy is based on the principle that "like cures like", meaning that to treat a certain disorder, a remedy is used that would produce the same symptoms in a healthy person. For example, the poisonous plant deadly nightshade, also known as belladonna, causes a throbbing headache, high temperature and a flushed, red face. Therefore, the homeopathic remedy belladonna would be offered to you if you are feverish and have a sudden, pounding headache. Homeopathy was developed in the eighteenth century by Dr Samuel Hahnemann. He claimed that small amounts of cinchona tree bark, used to treat malaria, caused malaria-like fevers when he took it while healthy. He tested other substances on himself and healthy friends, recording the symptoms they caused and, so he believed, could cure. Hahnemann made homeopathic remedies by first making a "mother tincture" of a substance. He did this by soaking it in alcohol for several weeks and straining off the resulting liquid. Then he used some of this mother tincture to make the final remedy by diluting and vigorously shaking (succussing) it in water over and over again. The same basic process is still used now to make homeopathic remedies. Often the final remedy doesn't contain any of the original substance. In conventional science, this would mean the remedy is inactive. However, homeopaths claim that diluting and succussing a remedy in this way actually makes it more effective. Homeopaths think that the more diluted a substance is, the more powerful this makes it. Therefore, they believe that remedies based on the least amount of dilution - known as lower potencies - are actually less effective. This is the opposite of how conventional medicines work where a stronger dose is thought to have greater effect. Homeopaths believe that the vigorous shaking transfers energy into the water and leaves a memory of the starting material in it. This is called potentisation. Remedies can come in different potencies depending on the number of times they are diluted. Dilution is either decimal - one drop of tincture in 10 drops of water (or a mix of water and alcohol) - or, more commonly, centesimal - one drop of tincture in 100 drops of water or water/alcohol blend would have a potency of 1c. Common potencies, in order of increasing dilution are 6c, 12c, 30c and 200c. As well as tinctures, you can buy homeopathic remedies in the form of sugar-based tablets, pills, granules and powders that you take by mouth. You can also get some as creams or ointments to apply directly to your skin. Types of homeopathic practiceMany homeopaths practise what is called classical homeopathy. This claims to identify the ideal remedy for you as an individual. In classical homeopathy, diseases aren't diagnosed in the same way as in conventional medicine. In fact, the remedy chosen is also the diagnosis and aims to control your symptoms and their cause. Other homeopaths practise differently and prescribe "complex" remedies. These are a mixture of several homeopathic preparations and can be taken by different people who have similar symptoms. There are also homeopaths who prescribe on the basis of a standard medical diagnosis or according to symptoms only. Often they are also conventionally trained doctors. This is known as symptomatic homeopathy and is used to treat more acute conditions such as colds. An acute illness is typically over quite quickly. The term acute refers to time, not to how serious a condition is. How does homeopathy work?Nobody knows for sure how homeopathy works. Scientists insist it works through a placebo (dummy) effect. Homeopaths claim that some form of energy is transmitted to the remedies as they are being produced. What problems can homeopathy help?Most homeopaths claim that homeopathy is holistic and doesn't just treat the symptoms of a disease. This means it takes into account your mind, body and spirit. Because of this, homeopaths will treat almost any disorder, unless you have a musculoskeletal problem such as damaged joints or a severe physical injury. You should speak to your GP if you are thinking about using homeopathy. Homeopaths treat the symptoms of a number of chronic conditions. A chronic illness is one that lasts a long time, sometimes for the rest of the affected person's life. The term chronic refers to time, not to how serious a condition is. Homeopathy is used to treat the symptoms of:
Homeopathic remedies, such as those used to treat minor problems like colds and headaches, are available at pharmacies and health food shops. Ask your GP or pharmacist for advice before taking the remedy and always read the patient information leaflet that comes with it. It's best to take homeopathic remedies at least 30 minutes after a meal and don't have any food or drink for at least 10 minutes afterwards. Some homeopaths warn against eating or drinking any strong tasting or smelling substances, like toothpaste or coffee, because they may cancel out the effects of a remedy. You may only need one dose of a remedy, but if you have a chronic condition, you may receive treatment for many months, with several consultations and a variety of remedies. Alternatives to homeopathyThere are a range of conventional treatments for the health conditions listed. Ask your GP for advice. Where can I find a homeopath?There is no set organisation for registration of homeopaths, so this limits the control of homeopathy and your legal rights if you do have any adverse effects. The Society of Homeopaths has over 1,500 members registered with it, making it the largest representative body. Medically qualified doctors and other healthcare professionals who are also homeopaths are regulated by the Faculty of Homeopathy. Both of these organisations can offer you advice about finding a practitioner. Alternatively, your GP may be able to refer you to a homeopath. It's sometimes possible to obtain homeopathic treatment through the NHS. There are five NHS homeopathic hospitals in the UK. What will happen during a treatment session?Your initial consultation with a homeopath will take one to two hours. During this, you will be asked detailed questions about your general health, lifestyle, emotional state, medical and family history, and likes and dislikes. If you have any further consultations, they will be shorter than the first, as the homeopath will already have your background information. Is homeopathy effective?The best evidence fails to prove that homeopathy cures illnesses. Research shows that no homeopathic remedy has a clinical effect greater than that of a placebo for any medical condition. Deciding on treatmentIn general, homeopathy appears to be safe, probably because the active ingredients of the remedies are present in such low concentrations. However, you may find that after taking a homeopathic treatment, your symptoms get worse for a short period of time before they get better. Homeopaths call this the "healing" reaction and believe it's a necessary part of the healing process. Further information
Sources
This information was published by BUPA's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by BUPA doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional. Publication date: August 2007. Expected review date: August 2009.
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