Debunking Some Popular Myths About Homeopathy

Debunking some Popular Myths about Homeopathy

The science of Homeopathy has been the subject of many debates and discussions. People have tried to bombard the propagators and followers of this science with allegations and accusations of various kinds. But even after all this, Homeopathy has emerged victorious and put a stop to all of these with the help of research-based evidences and successfully treated cases.

Here are some of the common myths about Homeopathy that have clearly fallen apart:

1. All homeopathic medicines are the same – ‘sweet pills’ in white color

   Although all homeopathic medicines look alike, essentially they are not the same. If they were, indeed, just sugar pills, they would not have caused symptoms, or provings to appear. Moreover, they are available in different forms, such as mother tincture, dilution, ointment, tablet, pellets, gel, lotion, oral sprays and even injections.

2. Homeopathic medicines are placeboes

   The popular myth that homeopathy ‘acts’ only in patients who believe in it is incorrect. It works effectively in sceptics who criticise it too. Homeopathy is the world’s second largest system of medicine. Unlike conventional medicine, outcomes of homeopathic treatment are measured by long-term curative effects, resulting in the eradication of the illness or disease state and complete restoration of health.

3. Homeopathic medicines are slow to act and cannot be used in acute cases

   Most people take recourse in Homeopathy for chronic problems such as arthritis, allergic asthma or skin conditions, etc., which take a longer time to be treated with any other system of medicine too. However, in acute ailments like fever, diarrhoea, acute cold, cough, etc., homeopathic remedies act as fast as conventional medicines, sometimes even faster.

4. Homeopathy cannot help surgical cases at all

   A number of surgical conditions can be treated effectively with Homeopathy, for e.g. recurrent tonsillitis, piles, gall bladder stones, small-sized uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, warts and corns. However, every medical science has its set of advantages and limitations. Thus, in certain cases where the disease has reached an advanced stage or in emergency cases, surgery is essential and cannot be avoided.

5. Homeopathic medicines are not advised for pregnant women

   While allopathic drugs can have possible side-effects on both mother and child, homeopathic remedies are safe and holistic in nature. They are ideal to address problems like nausea, anaemia, backache, cramps, morning sickness, heartburn, diarrhoea, blood pressure, emotional distress, etc, which usually occur during pregnancy. Also, since only tiny amounts of active ingredients are used, homeopathic medicines are safe for the growing baby as well.

6. There are too many dietary restrictions to be followed during homeopathic treatment

   Dietary restrictions that a homeopath may impose on you solely depend upon the disease you are suffering from; for e.g., diabetics should avoid sweets and a high carbohydrate diet. Since homeopathic medicines act through nerve endings, traditional homeopaths do not prefer the use or consumption of any substance with strong odors like toothpaste, garlic, onions, etc., as this could affect the action of homeopathic medicines. Modern homeopaths recommend having the medicines after rinsing the mouth half an hour before and after meals and also advocate placing the medicine below the tongue for best results.

7. Homeopathy and Allopathy cannot be taken together

   In patients suffering from drug-dependant diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure, allopathic drugs cannot be suddenly withdrawn; hence, homeopathic medicines can be taken with allopathic medicines. Similarly, some medicines in allopathy tend to suppress rather than cure while homeopathic medicines may expel toxins. In such cases, it is better to take Homeopathy alone.