Homeopathy is a medical treatment developed in the late 1700s in Germany by a German doctor called Samual Hahnemann. The medical practice is based on the belief that the body can cure itself using tiny amounts of natural substances, such as plants and minerals which stimulate the healing process.

A central principle of homeopathy is that like cures like – that a substance that causes certain symptoms can also help remove those symptoms.

The substance goes through a process of dilution and shaking called succession, until the substance is diluted many times until there's very little of the original substance left.

Homeopathy is used to treat a range of health issues, including some chronic illnesses. These include Chronic fatigue syndrome, Irritable bowel syndrome, Rheumatoid arthritis, Premenstrual syndrome, Allergies, Depression and Migraines.

It can also be used to treat more minor issues such as headaches, toothaches, nausea and coughs and colds.

Among the most common ailments that people seek homeopathic treatments for are: high blood pressure, arthritis, allergies, dermatitis, asthma, ear infections hay fever and a variety of mental health conditions, such as stress, anxiety and depression.

Yes they are. There are about 1,000 colleges all over the world recognized by their respective Governments. These colleges provide a degree course involving an extensive study of the human body and subjects such as Medicine, Gynaecology, Materia Medica, Philosophy and Homeopathic pharmacy. It is mandatory for  a medical practitioner to register with the relevant Medical Council before they can practice legally.

No. While the Homeopathic pills are made from sugar they are only used as a vehicle for the body to receive the diluted substance. The actual diluted substance is prepared from various natural medicinal substances and is poured over the pills before they are received as medications.

Homeopathic medicine are available in liquid form or tinctures, which can be administered directly or by diluting them in water whenever required. They are often made as sugar pellets that are placed under the tongue, but they can also be made in other forms, such as ointments, drops, gels, and tablets.

The duration of treatment depends on the fighting capacity of the patient's body and the nature of the disease. Once the patient's body is able to build up a resistance to the disease and their condition starts improving the medicines can be dis-continued and the natural immunity of the body will take over.

Homeopathic medicine doesn't necessary act slowly. The action can be quick and the effects can last much longer, often permanently as the disease is treated from it's roots.

The time taken for the homeopathic treatment to cure the disease largely depends on the nature of the disease and it's severity. The longer the patient has been suffering symptoms, often the longer it takes for the patients body to fight the illness.

A detailed history of the patent and knowledge of the individual is essential before administering homeopathic medicine. This is because the purpose of homeopathy is to treat the individual, rather than the disease.

There can be many underlying causes of a disease, so it's necessary for the physician to have a detailed knowledge of you, your history, your childhood and your mental and emotional state. This is necessary to get to the core of the problem and provide the best treatment.

It's important that you are open and honest and give a correct history to the physician, so he can best asses your case. Any information you provide to your physician will be helpful and will be kept strictly confidential.

Yes. You should avoid eating or drinking 15 minutes before or after taking the homeopathic medication, in particular coffee, raw garlic and onion and avoid eating mint, menthol and camphor as these can hinder the action of the homeopathic medicine.

No. You should not stop taking your usual medicines but they can be reduced gradually once you get approval from your physician and if your conditions improve. In some situations where the other medicine cannot be discontinued, both can be taken at the same time.

Yes. It is perfectly safe to take homeopathic medicines during pregnancy. In fact the child may be healthier as a result, as illnesses are less likely to be past on to the child. The pregnancy is likely to be easier with less complications. Also the child may end up relatively healthier, physically stronger and more balanced emotionally.

Yes, you should. While some will claim they have been cured by practicing amateur homeopathy themselves, it is better to go to a qualified homeopath as he will be qualified to judge the severity of your illnesses and administer the correct medicine. He will also be able to prevent undue complications which could be overlooked by an amateur practitioner. Becoming a qualified homeopath takes years of study and a lot of knowledge. Only a qualified physician has the medical knowledge to administer homeopathic medicine correctly.

There are no major side effects of homeopathic medicines other than the positive benefits. They are well tolerated by the body, although they may occasionally result in mild allergic reactions like rashes. Some may experience that their symptoms become worse for a short period of time during the start of the treatment. This just indicates the medicine is working and your body is being healed.