Busting The Myths About Homeopathy

Because of the history associated with the rise of homeopathy as we saw in the previous post, homeopathy has been the target of many myths and misconceptions that are simply untrue. In this post, let us look at some of those myths and dispel them.




1. Homeopathy is only a placebo effect.

Homeopathy is often given to little children, babies, and animals with very good results. For a placebo to work as intended, the person taking it will consciously need to think themselves into believing that what they have taken is helping their ailment. Babies or animals do not have the capacity to think this way. It is not difficult to understand that homeopathy is not a placebo effect.

2. There is no scientific research that shows that homeopathy works.

There has been much scientific research done in the field of homeopathy, in the forms of randomized control trials (including double-blind studies), systematic reviews of randomized control trials, as well as clinical outcomes research. More details can be seen at the website of the Faculty of Homeopathy.

It is one thing to consider whether research has been done, another thing that is equally important to note is that even though there is adequate research in the field of homeopathy starting from the time of its inception, many times there is not enough funding or publicity given to the research, and most often research scientists find it very difficult to proceed without funding.

3. Homeopathy is dangerous and can be fatal.

In the US, the FDA does not require a prescription for homeopathic remedies since they are highly diluted. On another hand, the FDA regularly comes out with warnings that homeopathic remedies are not safe or even dangerous. The problem is not with the science of homeopathy itself. Because of the popularity of homeopathy and the fact that most homeopathic remedies do not need a prescription, there are many frauds and scams in the market toting non-homeopathic remedies labeled as homeopathic. So it is important to know that what you are buying is a true homeopathic remedy made according to the standards of the homeopathic pharmacopeia of that region.

4. Homeopathy lures people and because of this they don't get 'real' treatment.

Most people come to homeopaths after having gone through conventional methods of treatment, and they find relief with homeopathic remedies. This relief happens, in spite of the fact that the best time to take homeopathic remedies is at the beginning of an illness. It only shows that homeopathy works well and effectively.

5. Homeopathy is a miracle cure.

This is the other end of the spectrum of myths. Homeopathy is not a cure-all panacea by any means. It is a system of medicine that can have its own limitations.

6. Homeopathic remedies work slowly and they are not for emergencies.

This is the most common myth about homeopathy. Homeopathic remedies, when chosen correctly, work just as fast as any other method of treatment, if not faster. They are very useful in providing relief in the case of acute illnesses. In a chronic illness, since the disease has progressed over a longer period of time, homeopathic remedies can take a longer time to act. Also associated with chronic diseases are what homeopaths call 'obstacles to cure', which need to be removed before the right remedy can act. Even in emergencies like accidents, falls, and fractures, homeopathy is useful in treating symptoms of shock and for pain-relief. Used alongside other treatments in emergencies, homeopathy can treat the patient's condition as a whole and that helps in faster recovery.

7. You need to be on a special diet when taking homeopathic remedies.

This might have been required by some homeopaths, but most modern homeopaths don't advice any special dietary requirements. It is recommended, though, that remedies be taken 15-20 minutes before or after a meal.

8. Homeopathy works only if your symptoms get worse before they improve (OR) Symptoms will always get worse before they improve.

Though an aggravation sometimes happens in sensitive people, this is not a rule, nor is it the rule by which to test the effectiveness of a remedy. It is important to assess your sensitivity to remedies and take the correct potency to prevent an aggravation. This is where a homeopath can help you to decide the right remedy for you, in the correct potency.


Now you know that these are just myths, don't hesitate to contact your homeopath the next time you need to talk about Whole Health!



Additional reading and references:

Homeopathy worked for me

Research in homeopathy - Faculty of Homeopathy

Scientific research in homeopathy

Scientific proof that homeopathy works - An article by Matthew Silverstone, author of Blinded by Science

Dr. Andre Saine, N.D., answers a skeptic's questions (this is a very good read)