Myth1 . Homoeopathy is an unproven science
How long has Homeopathy been used?
Fact: Homoeopathy (some times also spelled homeopathy) is based on experimental pharmacological and clinical data. Over the years, homoeopathic medicines have been extensively studied for their efficacy in a variety of indications. Clinical studies have been conducted in India as well as other countries. In fact, the term 'Allopathy' was coined by the founder of homoeopathy whom the allopaths regard as the founder of experimental pharmacology.
Myth2 . Homoeopathic medicines are only sugar pills which act more as placebos and have no medicinal value as such?
Fact: Yes, the white sugar pills, as such do not have any medicinal value. But these act as vehicles or carriers for the medicines, which are alcohol based. Otherwise the medicine can be taken directly or dissolved in water. Homoeopathic medicines have been scientifically studied the world over and found to be effective in a wide range of diseases. Thus they are not placebos.
Myth3 . Homoeopathy is slow acting and cannot be used in acute cases of diarrheoa, fever, cough, cold, etc.?
Fact: Homoeopathy is fast acting in acute cases and can be effectively used in treating infections, fever, cold etc. Unfortunately, people tend to go to a homoeopath only when the acute problem becomes chronic. Naturally, these cases take longer to treat. Also, most people take recourse in homoeopathy in cases of arthritis, allergic asthma or skin conditions etc., which take a longer time to treat with any other system of medicines.
Myth4 . Homoeopathy cannot be used in diabetic patients?
Fact: It can! The minute amount of sugar globuli (the little round pills) taken daily does not matter. Sugar intake in the daily diet is significantly higher than that taken by a few globuli. In very severe cases, the dilution may be taken as drops in water or over lactose.
Myth5.Allopathic or other treatment cannot be taken with homoeopathic medicine?
Fact: Another very common misconception is that Allopathic or other medicines can not be taken with homoeopathic medicine. But if a person is on long continued allopathic treatment, especially steroids or "life-saving drugs", discontinuing the medicine abruptly might cause sudden increase in the intensity of his symptoms. So the best way is to reduce the dosage of the allopathic medicine gradually as the improvement starts & then stop them under the supervision of the doctor.
Myth6. Onion, garlic, tea, coffee etc. are restricted with homoeopathic medicine?
Fact: Few physicians restrict the intake of onion, garlic, tea, coffee etc. along with homoeopathic medicine. But the researches have shown that there is no effect of such things on the efficacy of the medicine if these are taken in moderation & a significant gap is maintained between them & the medicine. Homoeopathic medicines act well on patients habituated to coffee and betel. Take the example of the southern states, where people primarily drink coffee, but Homoeopathy is most popular and is working very well in these states. But with certain medicines such restrictions are a must otherwise their action gets antidoted.
Myth7 .Homoeopathy is only good for children?
Fact: It's not that Homoeopathy is good for children only, it is just that children love to take homoeopathic medicines due to their sweet taste. It is good for children in the way that if we give homoeopathic treatment to our children from the very beginning it would give rise to a healthy generation because homoeopathic medicines not only remove the disease from its root but they also increase the resistance power of the body and they prevent the progression of disease or prevent the disease from becoming chronic. But homoeopathy is equally effective in adults too.
Myth8. Homoeopathy is only useful in chronic cases
Fact: Very often it is - where everything else has failed! But the true reason for this perception is because people turn to homoeopathy so late when everything else has failed! After years of allopathic treatment often an illness becomes chronic. The treatment will now naturally take longer than in case of using homoeopathy right from the beginning.
Myth9 . Disease increases after taking treatment?
Fact: Homoeopathic medicines are given on the basis of symptom similarity. The medicine which is given to cure a set of symptoms is capable of producing similar symptoms in a healthy human being. Primary action of the medicine may be observed by the patient as an aggravation of his disease but in true sense it is only homoeopathic aggravation which is a part of curative process.
If the indicated medicine is repeated more than required, it often increases the symptoms which subside on their own after withdrawal of the same. At times, if the patient has been on steroids or other allopathic drugs and he stops them abruptly there may be aggravation of the original disease.
Myth10 .Pathological & other investigations are not required in homoeopathy?
Generally for homoeopathic prescription, we don't need to get the investigations done. But for diagnosis, prognosis and proper management of the case homoeopaths advise investigations.
Myth11 .Single medicine should be given?
Fact: Single medicine should be the first choice as per homoeopathic principles but the complex symptom picture presented by the patient makes it difficult to prescribe the similimum. Hence, combination medicines have become the practice of the day and they are equally safe.
Myth12 .All homoeopathic medicines are same?
Fact: It appears that all homoeopathic medicines are same because they are dispensed in globules. Actually in all preparations the vehicle remains the same but it is medicated by different homoeopathic dilutions. Depending on the illness, homoeopaths medicate with different medicines. The sugar pills serve only as a vehicle for transfer of the medicine. The selected medicine, out of a range of more than 1200 different dilutions, is targeted to the individual problems.
Myth13 .Homoeopathic medicines should not be touched?
Fact: It is said that one should not touch homoeopathic medicines with one’s hands. But as such there is no restriction. One can always take the medicine on hand provided they are clean.
Myth14 . Homoeopathic doctors or Physician are quacks who do not have formal training in the field of medicine.
Fact: Qualified doctors practice Homoeopathy, in most parts of the world. In India, there are over 180 medical colleges, which offer degree and post-graduate studies in Homoeopathy. At present, there are over 1,50,000 trained homoeopaths in the country.
Myth15 .Homoeopathy is a self-read science
Fact: Homoeopathy is a scientific system and is not something, which can be learnt from books. For graduating as a homoeopath one has to complete a 5½-year degree course in Homoeopathy including one year of internship. During the course the students are taught, subjects related to Homoeopathy as well as Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology, Jurisprudence, Surgery, Medicine, Gynaecology and Obstetrics. Practising Homoeopathy without a recognized degree is a punishable offence under the law. Many colleges in India also offer postgraduation in Homoeopathy, M.D. (Hom), in various disciplines.