Homoeopathic treatments

How do homoeopathic treatments work?

Homoeopathic therapy is based on the medical principle 'let like be treated by like'. Homoeopathic remedies act by stimulating our immune response into faster action to bring about a cure to an illness or disease. The remedies themselves do not bring about a cure, the cure comes from within our own bodies. In other words, a substance that produces symptoms that are similar to the disease might also cure it.

An example of this is cinchona bark. If this is given to a healthy person all the symptoms of malaria might be seen, but that person does not actually have the disease. This suggests that the symptoms may be caused by the body's reaction to something, like the cinchona or the malaria disease. So by giving the body something that triggers the same response as a pathogen, the immune system can be kicked into faster action to fight the disease.

What can homoeopathy be used to treat?

Homoeopathic treatments may be helpful in treating many things, both physical and mental.

• headaches and migraines 
• respiratory conditions such as asthma 
• stress 
• insomnia 
• anxiety and panic attacks 
• PMS
• many other physical conditions.

Homoeopathic medicine can be used on its own or in conjunction with traditional medicines. If you feel that you may benefit from homoeopathic medicine talk to a qualified homoeopathic doctor. If you are taking other medication ensure that you discuss the implications of homeopathic treatment with your doctor.

More information

Check the links on the left hand side of this fact sheet.