Do homoeopathic medicines take a long time to act, before any appreciable changes can be seen?
This idea is not correct. The pace of treatment depends on the disease one is treating and patient’s compliance as well. Homoeopathic medicines do act well in management of acute cases. Acute exacerbation of diseases like asthma, acute gastroenteritis, epilepsy etc can be effectively managed by homoeopathy. If, however, the patient does not see any improvement for a long period of time, patient should report to the consulting homoeopath.

Do homoeopathic remedies contain steroids?
Genuine homoeopathic remedies never contain steroids. This question arises because of malpractice done by a few. If a patient doubts the presence of steroids in the medicine, they can get it lab tested.

Should one stop all other medicines once they begin with homoeopathic treatment?
First of all, the patient should inform the homoeopath about all other medicines that one is taking. Depending on the nature of the illness and the medicine being taken- the dose, duration, withdrawal should be strictly as instructed. Certain medicines like multivitamins, calcium, which are dietary supplements, can be taken safely along with homeopathic medicines.

There is a general belief that when one begins with homeopathic treatment, initially the disease gets aggravated and then it cures. Is this true? If so then how does one differentiate when the disease is getting worse & when it is getting cured?
It is true that occasionally after taking homoeopathic medicine, the disease appears to worsen before it starts settling. There is nothing to worry about this aggravation, as it is short lasting. There is improvement in general health of the patient & most important it is not life threatening. However, if the disease worsens and along with that, there is deterioration in the general health of the patient as well, then the treatment needs to be reassessed.

However, all changes observed should be informed to the homoeopath for proper assessment.

Is clinical diagnosis important for homeopathic treatment?
Establishing an accurate clinical diagnosis is an integral part of homeopathic treatment. The diagnosis is required to know the prognosis, to select the remedy, the doses and repetition of remedy. Laboratory tests, radiological investigations carried out to establish the diagnosis are also parameters for further assessment of the disease.

Last updated on 22-10-2001