| 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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