Many people who are new to homeopathy often confuse it with other natural therapies. In addition, as they experience homeopathic treatment, other questions arise about homeopathic philosophy or treatment. 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' (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' (allo=different, pathy=suffering).

Lets say, for example, you went to a homeopath with 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: diarrhea). It will actually will suppress your condition, though it will appear to be gone. Thus when you stop the medicine the issue will return and probably be more intense due to the 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 body 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: cold, flu, food poisoning. It take about 25 minutes and costs $60.

A long (Chronic) consultation deals with long-term ailments which keep recurring, or have existed for a long period of time eg: depression, diabetes, Irritable Bowel Syndrome. It take about 1.5 hours and costs $120.00.

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

Can I claim Homeopathic consults through my health fund?

Most private health funds in Australia cover Homeoapthic 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 to be treated for?

This depends on the individual. Acute ailments usually involve a single consultation, whereas chronic ailments may require up to 6 months. This can be longer in serious cases. When treating chronic ailments, the first two follow-up consults are a fortnight apart. After this follow-up consults are only required once a month. Follow-up consults are $50 + $10 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. Homeopathic and pharmaceutical medicines, therefore, do not interact because they operate on completely different planes.

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

No! Commonly a person who is already taking pharmaceutical  medicines (prescribed by a Western medical doctor) will commence homeopathic treatment. 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 treatment, their need for the presciption medicine will decrease, so they can go back to whoever put them on that medication and have it reduced or stopped. 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 enables the remedy to work 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: Vix or Deep Heat. 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.