Dos & don'ts of homeopathy

It was the German physician Dr. Samuel Hahnemann who turned homeopathy into the science of healing. Homeopathy is grounded on the principle of ‘Law of Similars’. This means any substance that produces symptoms in a healthy person can cure similar symptoms in a person who is unwell.

Here’s a quick list for you to check out on some guidelines while taking homeopathy treatment.

• Avoid exposing homeopathic medicine to direct sunlight, magnets or strong perfumed odors like camphor, paint and chemicals.
• Avoid self-medication. After a detailed evaluation of your case history, an expert homeopath will prescribe you medicines.
• Avoid touching the homeopathic medicine with your hands. Use a clean spoon and place it under your tongue to avoid infecting it.
• Before taking your homeopathy medicine, wait at least five minutes after eating or drinking as strong odors or tastes might affect the remedy.
• When traveling with homeopathic medicines take them as cabin luggage and hand them to the attendant when it goes through the x-ray machine.
• Inform your homeopath before taking any new medications.

What to avoid while under homeopathic treatment?

Many homeopathy practitioners give their patients a list of substances to avoid. Let’s have a look at some of those.

• Coffee

This most often interferes with homeopathic treatment. Even one sip of coffee or a small amount of coffee ice cream or coffee candy might disturb the treatment. Other caffeinated substances do not usually interfere with homeopathic treatment.

• Perfumed ingredients

Avoid eucalyptus and any products that contain them. Aromatherapy oils and mouthwashes containing menthol and other aromatic compounds are also included. Perfumed herbal mosquito repellants, all tea tree products, peppermint oil and lavender oil might interfere due to their aromaticity. Chapstick and other perfumed lip balms should also be avoided. Strong fumes from oil-based paint, turpentine, paint thinner and certain household cleaning agents may also interfere, depending on individual sensitivity.

• Other treatments

Acupuncture and therapeutic ultrasound have been known to interrupt homeopathic treatment. It’s better to discuss this with your practitioner.

Also Read: Debunking homeopathy myths