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Common Myths About Homeopathy

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Common Myths About Homeopathy

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For the commoner, homeopathy is different from other treatments. Let us see the common myths and clear the air around them.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. K. Shobana

Published At October 22, 2018
Reviewed AtMay 4, 2022

Myth 1:

The most common myth about homeopathic medicines is that the pills look like 'sago (tapioca) pearls.' How will they work effectively as a medicine?

Fact - These pills are a vehicle that is used to serve medicines. The dilutions that are poured on these pills are the medicines that have gone through trituration and potentisation. These medicines are proven on human beings.

Myth 2:

Homeopathic medicines are only meant for chronic conditions.

Fact - These medicines also cure acute conditions like vomiting, diarrhea, headache, cold, cough, acidity, and many more by providing quick relief in all conditions except medical emergencies, which require hospitalization and specialty treatments.

Myth 3:

The patient cannot take other medicines along with homeopathic medicines.

Fact - The patient can take other medicines along with homeopathic medicines. Homeopathy medicines do not interfere with the action of particular medications.

Myth 4:

Homeopathic medicines are very slow.

Fact - Contrary to the talk that homeopathic medicines are slow, they help provide instant relief in conditions that require immediate action like fever, diarrhea, etc. In such cases, homeopathic medicines can bring about results in a day.

Myth 5:

Homeopathic medicines are produced based on placebo science, that is, they do not have any medical effect.

Fact - By the process of potentization, the medical substances are ultra-diluted to result in nanoparticles. These particles help in the stimulation of the immune system to bring about the desired effects. Also, these homeopathic medicines have been clinically tested, and results have been favored for their use in human beings.

Myth 6:

Homeopathic medicines can cure surgical conditions.

Fact - Although all conditions which require surgery cannot be treated with homeopathic medicines, many diseases like piles, tonsillitis, sinusitis, fissures, etc., can be treated with homeopathic medicines.

Myth 7:

Many restrictions in food and lifestyle have to be followed during homeopathic treatment.

Fact - Such restrictions are general restrictions in any system of medicine for the management of diseases. For example, avoid sugar in diabetes, avoid fried, oily food in acidity, high cholesterol level, blood pressure, etc. These restrictions are helpful for a speedy recovery.

Myth 8:

Onion, coffee, tea, and garlic should not be consumed while taking homeopathic medicines.

Fact - This is a myth that has been believed even by a few homeopathic doctors. On the contrary, research states that when taken in moderate amounts, these foods do not interfere with the action of homeopathic medicines. Therefore, there is no absolute need to stop it. It is just that the patient's mouth must be free from strong odors while taking medicines. Thus, the patient can have onion and garlic for the rest of the day; avoid having them before taking your medicines.

Myth 9:

Homeopathic medicines contain steroids and harmful heavy metals.

Fact - In reality, homeopathic medicines do not contain any of the above harmful products. They are actually produced from naturally occurring plants and minerals. Like allopathic medicines, there are strict guidelines that play an insensitive role in maintaining the standards of the drug. Also, these are checked thoroughly both in the laboratory and clinically before it is being released into the market for people’s usage.

Myth 10:

Homeopathic medicines are only plant derivatives.

Fact - Although part of the sentence holds correct, it is not precisely the case. Yes, homeopathic medicines are derived from plant materials, but not only those that make up for them. They also contain derivatives from other sources like animal products, minerals, organisms, etc.

Myth 11:

Homeopathic medicines exaggerate the condition before curing.

Fact - This is one common myth among people of all ages. But the reality is that there is a worsening of the condition, not every time. In cases like eczema, there can be an exaggeration of the condition. But in almost all other cases, there is no worsening as it has been depicted. Even with eczema, there is worsening only in around 5 % of cases. In patients who take homeopathic medicines without the doctor's advice, these episodes are most common.

Myth 12:

Laboratory investigations and imaging tests are not required for homeopathic treatment.

Fact - Just like allopathy, the use of imaging tests and other laboratory investigations are very much essential in homeopathy to end up in the proper diagnosis, which is significant to decide an appropriate treatment plan.

Myth 13:

Surgery is not recommended in homeopathic treatment.

Fact - It has been believed for ages that homeopathy is against the use of surgical options for ages. But the truth is that, although homeopathy can cure several conditions that require surgery without raising the need for it, homeopathy does not stand against the use of surgical approaches.

Myth 14:

Homeopathic medications are all the same.

Fact - This has been believed because all the homeopathic medicines appear so. The actual fact is that the same vehicle, the globules drive all the homeopathic medicines, but, in essence, the homeopathic dilutions used in these medicines are different.

Myth 15:

Homeopathic medicines are not recommended in people with diabetes.

Fact - Few think that homeopathic medicines contain sugary substances, so people with diabetes should stay away from homeopathic treatment. But in the real sense, homeopathic medicines have a very negligible amount of sugar in them that do not pose any health risks in individuals with diabetes.

Myth 16:

Homeopathic treatment is suitable for only children.

Fact - Although homeopathic treatments hold suitable for children and administering them is also a cakewalk for children as they are sweet, it is not that homeopathic medicines are not ideal for adults. On the contrary, practicing homeopathic treatment for children can help increase immunity at a younger age as these aim to remove the cause of the disease and increase disease resistance.

Myth 17:

Medications given in homeopathy should not be touched with hands.

Fact - Unless and until your hands are clean, touching the medicines by hand for taking them is not a concern.

Conclusion:

Homeopathic medicines have proven to have the best effects in certain medical conditions, even acute. Also, they tend to increase the immunity in the patients consuming it. Breaking off the myths revolving around this form of medicine paves the way for many people to pick it up. Also, with much fewer side effects, homeopathic medicines are suitable for almost all people. Consult a homeopathic medicine specialist online to clear all your doubts regarding homeopathy!

Frequently Asked Questions

1.

What Makes Homeopathy Unacceptable?

No sound evidence is available to prove that homeopathy is an effective treatment for any health condition. It fails to be recognized as medicine because it is unable to prove specific efficacy beyond context effects, for example, the placebo effect.

2.

Does Homeopathy Have Risks?

While most homeopathic products are highly diluted, some sold or labeled as homeopathic may not be diluted. They might contain substantial amounts of certain substances that may cause drug interactions or potential side effects. There have been reports of adverse health effects from such types of homeopathic products.

3.

Why Is Homeopathy Considered Unethical?

Many conventional medical practitioners consider homeopathic remedies for treating health conditions unethical. For example, they argue that it is unethical to lie to patients or go beyond the evidence to represent the efficacy of their treatments.

4.

Is Homeopathy Effective?

There is no available evidence to prove the effectiveness of homeopathy in treating any health conditions. Furthermore, there is no scientifically plausible way to support that homeopathy can prevent diseases.

5.

Is It Safe to Take Homeopathic Medicine for a Long Term?

According to the American Association of Homeopathic Pharmacists, a homeopathic remedy that is appropriately chosen will not lose its effectiveness with frequent usage. They are also supposed to be safe as they are non-habit forming.

6.

Does Homeopathy Have an Effect on the Kidneys?

Supposedly, homeopathic medicines do not cause any damage to the kidneys. This is because they are believed to be retrieved from natural sources and often prepared in diluted forms.

7.

Is Homeopathy Considered a Placebo?

Homeopathic remedies are based on the use of highly diluted substances which may lead to the self-healing of the body. This is considered a placebo effect in which the body starts healing even if it thinks it is receiving treatment. However, a group of eminent scientists at the world homeopathy summit dismissed this belief of homeopathy being a placebo science.

8.

How Much Time Does Homeopathy Take To Work?

Homeopathic medicines are sold for a variety of health problems. Homeopathic doctors often recommend taking the medicines for no more than two to three days. In some cases, the doctors may recommend daily dosing.

9.

Does Homeopathy Work Better Than Allopathy?

Allopathic treatments target a specific organ or a body part that is affected and have associated side effects. However, homeopathic remedies are supposed to be risk-free and aim to cure the whole body and not just the affected part.

10.

Are Ayurveda and Homeopathy the Same?

Homeopathy and ayurveda are both different forms of alternative medicines. The difference between the two is that ayurvedic remedies focus on preventing the disease, whereas homeopathy aims to cure the illness.

11.

What Health Conditions Can Homeopathy Cure?

The most common conditions that patients seek homeopathy treatments for include -
- Asthma (airway becoming narrow and swollen and producing extra mucus).
- Hay fever (allergic response causing cold-like symptoms).
- Allergies.
- Dermatitis (inflammation of the skin).
- Arthritis (joint inflammation).
- Ear infections.
- High blood pressure.

12.

Are Homeopathy Pills Made of Sugar?

Homeopathic products are often sold as sugar pellets that are advised to be kept below the tongue. They are also available in other forms, such as ointment, gels, creams, drops, and tablets. Treatments are tailored or individualized for each person.

13.

Is Melatonin a Homeopathic Medicine?

Homeopathic melatonin suggests that the medicine consists of an adequate amount of melatonin to have an effect and mode of action similar to non-homeopathic melatonin medicines. However, this can be misleading to describe these medications as homeopathic melatonin.
Dr. Sheetal Nanji Dama
Dr. Sheetal Nanji Dama

Homeopathy

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