We have all heard of Homeopathy and some may have tried it or know someone who has. The feedback can range from the remedy worked and I feel better, to there was no improvement whatsoever. With such a diverse set of results, we are obviously not going to find a definite answer to the above question. However, what we can do is discuss exactly what homeopathy is and how it is administered and then you can make your own judgment.
The subject comes under alternative medicine and has been around since it was developed in Germany in the late eighteenth century. It has remained popular in many countries around Europe ever since. So, what does it consist of and how is it supposed to work?
If we take as an example, a vaccine to be used against a virus, then it often may consist of some of the virus which is dead. The reason for this is that our immune system will recognise the virus and if we get exposed to it later on, our immune system will already have the information and ability to fight it off. The recent COVID-19 vaccines used a small part of the virus, the part which locked onto a cell, and that allowed our immune system to be ready to act if we later got infected. This is all good science. But, how does homoeopathy fit into this analysis?
Exponents of homoeopathy, called homoeopaths, will say that the underlying principle is that “like cures like.” Therefore, homoeopathic medicines may contain a tiny amount of a substance which can cause similar symptoms to the presenting ones. One example which is often cited is that because an onion can cause eyes to water, it can be given to relieve such symptoms that may arise from some allergies. On a personal level, I have very grave doubts about the efficacy of this theory. But everyone is entitled to their own opinion.
Homeopaths also believe that the smaller the dose of the active ingredient, the more effective the medication. This has been taken further so that there are homoeopathic medications containing nothing that is supposed to mirror the symptoms. Even though it might appear crazy to take some tablet or other which contains nothing to help you, some people still claim improvements or even cures.
And this, to my way of thinking, indicates what might be happening in these cases. And it is all down to the Placebo Effect which we looked at in more detail in another blog article recently. A belief that some intervention will bring improvements can, in some circumstances, initiate the brain to produce “feel-good” chemicals to be released such as dopamine. These can relieve some symptoms and pain. It can also be effective if there is a psychological component to the condition. It is interesting to note that homoeopaths will often question a patient about whether there are any psychological or emotional upsets in their life as part of a case history.
The theory behind homoeopathy does not stand up to the physics and chemistry used to develop medications. So, what is the best advice? I am not a doctor, so I cannot give any advice except to say that if you do develop any medical condition or new symptoms, go and seek advice from a doctor first.
John Pullen 