Many people who are new to homeopathy often confuse it with other natural therapies. In addition, as they experience homeopathic management, other questions arise about homeopathic philosophy or management. Below are the questions I am most commonly asked in the clinic.

What is the difference between Homeopathy and Naturopathy?

A naturopath will also give natural medicines, mainly herbs, in stmulating the body to heal. Herbal tinctures are ususally preserved in alcohol. When you ingest a plant tincture you are taking a physical dose of the medicine. Homeopathic medicines are also made from herbs, but also animals and minerals. When a homeopathic remedy is made, through a process called Potentization (see below), the original substance is diluted way beyond there being any physical trace left; it is purely an energy medicine. In this way a homeopathic medicine acts directly on a person's Vital Force.

Take the example of Chamomille which is commonly known to have relaxant properties. When you drink Chamomille tea you are drinking physical tincture which has been infused into hot water from the flowers of the plant. When you are given Chamomille tincture by a naturopath you are also taking a physical dose of the tincture (mixed with alcohol). The homeopathic remedy is made from the Chamomille plant is by diluting tincture by a factor of 1/100 continuosly.

What is the difference between Homeopathy and Western Medicine?

The word homeopathy means 'similar suffering' (Greek: homo=similar, pathy=suffering). This reflects the fact that homeopathy is based on the law of like cures like. Western medicine is based on allopathy which means 'different suffering' (Greek: allo=different, pathy=suffering).

Lets say, for example, you went to a homeopath with chronic constipation. You would be given a remedy which would produce a similar constipation picture in a healthy person, but when given to you will alleviate  your condition by stimulating your vital force. If you went to a Western medical doctor with your constipation you would be given a pharmaceutical medicine which produces the opposite condition (ie: loose bowel movements). It will actually will suppress the original symptom picture, and it may disappear. But when you stop the medicine, the symptom picture may return and may be more intense than originally due to the effects of suppression.

Do Homeopathic medicines produce side effects?

Homeopathic medicines do not produce side effects because there is nothing physical for the body to react with. Once a remedy has been diluted beyond 12C there is not a single molecule remaining of the original substance. It is possible to get a similar aggravation though. This occurs when a person takes too much of a remedy and will resolve if the person merely stops taking it. The vital force will then use up the excess.

What if I need to take more than one remedy?

Never mix two or more remedies together because you are then taking an unproven remedy. You can, however, alternate remedies. Take them at least 15 minutes apart, or at opposite ends of the day if you only need one dose of each per day.

How long does a consultation take? How much does a consultation cost?

A short (Acute) consultation only deals with one ailment which has a short time frame eg: earache, cough, nausea/vomiting, food poisoning. It take about 25 minutes and costs $80.

A long (Chronic) consultation deals with long-term ailments which keep recurring, or have existed for a long period of time. It takes about 1.5 - 2 hours and costs $230.

In all consultations remedies are complimentary and included in the cost, unless more than one is given (rarely in acute consults).

Can I claim Homeopathic consults through my health fund?

Unfortunately, at this point in time, Australian Private Health Funds do not cover Homeopathic consultations.

How are Homeopathic remedies made?

Homeopathic medicines (also called 'remedies') are made through a process called potentization. This is a two-part process where the original substance is continually diluted in water or alcohol, and shaken (or 'succussed') between dilutions. This process reduces the physical aspect of a remedy and brings out the energetic dimension.

How long will I need Homeopathic management for?

This depends on the individual. Acute conditions usually involve a single consultation, whereas chronic conditions may require up to 6 months. This can be longer in serious cases. When managing chronic conditions, the first follow-up consult is a fortnight after the initial consult. After this follow-up consults are only required once a month. Follow-up consults are $80 + $40 if another remedy is required. 

Will Homeopathic remedies interact with pharmaceutical medicines?

Homeopathic medicines are energy medicines, which work on a person's Vital Force. Pharmaceutical medicines are physical medicines which suppress symptoms locally. Generally, there are no contraindications with taking Homeopathic medicines, but check with your Healthcare Provider.

Can I stop the medicine(s) prescribed by my doctor once I start homeopathic management? 

No! Commonly a person who is already taking pharmaceutical medicines (prescribed by a Western medical doctor) will commence homeopathic management. They may be taking anti-depressants for example. The homeopath will take their case and give the best indicated remedy. As the patient improves from their homeopathic management, their need for the presciption medicine may decrease, so they can go back to whoever put them on that medication (i.e.medical practitioner) and discuss with them the possibility of adjustment of the medication. A good rule of thumb, ethically and otherwise, is that whoever puts you on a medication (pharmaceutical or homeopathic) should be the one who manages it.

What is the best way to take a remedy?

Homeopathic remedies can be taken as dry pillules, placed in the mouth. A far better way to take a remedy though is to dissolve it in water (2 pillules). This enables the remedy to come into contact with a greater surface area in the mouth when taken. This will result in the remedy working faster. By stirring well before each dose (ie: succussing) this increases the strength of the remedy slightly each time ensuring your Vital Force doesn't get used to exactly the same strength of remedy. For most acute ailments take 1 teaspoon 3 times a day initially, then once improvement is apparrent back off to twice or once a day as needed. When you are completely well stop the remedy.

Be sure not to handle the remedies; just tip the 2 pillules straight into the glass. Place some Glad Wrap over the glass and write the remedy name clearly on the glass with a permanent marker. Keep it up in a cupboard, or similar place, away from sunlight, strong heat, and of course, the kids! A wet remedy will last up to 4 or 5 days.

What should I avoid when taking a remedy?

 Avoid anything with Camphor in it eg: Vicks, Deep Heat or Tiger Balm. Camphor will stop a remedy working. Homeopaths actually use Camphor when they want to halt a remedy. Too much coffee should also be avoided as this can also anecdote a remedy. Ideally drink none, but if you usually have 1 or 2 cups a day don't have any more.