Homeopathy is the second largest system of medicine practised worldwide. Still many patients have apprehensions and questions about meeting a Homeopath. They have many questions regarding their disease, homeopathic medicines, how to take the medicine, how long will it take to get better, etc. This article aims to resolve common queries and apprehensions faced by patients.
Before the treatment
- Does homeopathy have treatment for my disease? For most diseases yes! If you want to seek particular opinion about your disease, you can seek help of nearest homeopath. Many homeopaths give free initial consultation and education about disease before the actual treatment starts.
- Is Homeopathic treatment always long and long? No, the treatment depends on disease and course. Treatment is not long in all cases.
- Are Homeopathic Medicines safe? Yes, Homeopathic medicines are absolutely safe. It can be given to infants, toddlers, children, pregnant women, old people, even pets! However, they should only be taken after consultation with a qualified Homeopath.
- How do I find a qualified Homeopath?Patients can always cross check the qualifications and registration number of the physician, in case of doubt.
- What should I do, if I want to change my Homeopath? Discuss your inability to continue with the present Homeopath (distance, change of base, dissatisfaction etc.). Seek prescription of all the medicines, you had taken till date. Do show all previous prescription and investigations reports to new Homeopath
During the Consultation
- Why is the Case taking usually long?
- We believe all diseases affect body at different levels (physical, mental, social, emotional, spiritual etc.). So, while accessing all that we ask many questions. The patient may feel that some of those questions were asked of personal nature and was never asked by any of the previous doctor.
- Can I refuse question, if I don’t want to answer them?
- Yes! Just tell your homeopath that you don’t want to answer that or want bit more privacy to discuss your problems. Rest assured, privacy regarding your disease and personal life will be maintained.
While taking the medicine
- Why do all the Homeopathic medicines look same? Is everyone being given the same medicine? No! The globules are just way of dispensing medicine. The medicine (which is usually in liquid form) is colorless.
- How to take the globules? Take 4 pills and let it dissolve on your tongue (kids can be told to eat it like a “toffee”!). Preferably, don’t take anything before and after taking the medicine, for at least minutes.
- Can Diabetics take sweet pills? Globules are made of sugar. However, the amount of sugar is very less as compared to daily sugar intake of any individual. Still, you can request your doctor to give medicine in liquid form, which is free from any kind of sugar.
- Medicine in globules gets dry after few days, is it still effective? Yes, medicine gets absorbed by the globules. It may not smell or taste the way, it did in initial days. Rest assured it is as effective as it was on first day.
- Where to keep in Homeopathic medicines at home? Keep it away from strong odors of perfumes, naphthalene balls, spices etc. hence better to keep in a simple drawer rather than refrigerator or vanity box!
After taking the medicine
- I am better after the Homeopathic treatment, do I still need to visit my Homeopath? (a) No, in case of short acute problems like common cough and cold (b) Yes, in case of long term problems. One should discuss in detail with the doctor before discontinuing the treatment. In case of recurring diseases, you may have to take treatment even during the period when you are healthy.
We have tried to answer commonly asked queries. If you have any other query, write to us: thehomeopathypoint@gmail.com
Dr Renu Pande, MD
Senior Homeopath