Exclusive: Is homeopathy ‘placebo’ and ‘dangerous’? Expert answers to 10 common doubts

An alternative medicine based on the principle of treating ‘like with like’, homeopathy was conceived in 1796 by the German physician Samuel Hahnemann. Although it has been in existence for over 200 years, the effectiveness and efficacy of homeopathy remains a controversial topic in the world of medical science. There are many people who swear by homeopathy while others call it “placebo” and many doctors claim it to be “pseudoscientific”. But homeopathy experts attribute it to lack of knowledge. Renowned homeopathy doctor from Delhi, Dr. Kushal Banerjee, MD (Home), MSc (Oxon), Dr. Kalyan Banerjee Clinic, shares, “As per the World Health Organization (WHO), homeopathy is the second most widely accepted drug form. Its popularity continues to grow worldwide and anecdotal evidence appears to indicate that it may be effective in a variety of emerging clinical ​May be helpful in the management of units. , and many other conditions. Due to increased awareness of side effects of some conventional drugs, limited response to treatment, or inability to tolerate drugs due to co-morbidities, a large number Patients are turning to homeopathy.” But despite its rise in popularity, Dr Banerjee agrees that there are a lot of doubts and myths about homeopathy. He says, “Amidst the rise in popularity, many questions about homeopathy are being raised anew and some rumors are being spread. It is important to clarify some of these doubts and address rumours.”

Dr. Kushal Banerjee lists the following myths about homeopathy and debunks them with points he says are facts.

1. Myth: ‘There are many restrictions to be followed while taking homeopathy’

Dr. Banerjee clarifies that there are only one or two restrictions that need to be kept in mind while taking homeopathic medicines. “Most of the other restrictions are usually related to the disease the patient may be suffering from and are not unique to homeopathy. Homeopaths may stress the importance of disciplined living and other such measures which also take a holistic approach to cure the problem. Be concerned. Patient,” he adds.

2. Myth: ‘Homeopathic medicines are incredibly manufactured’

The Indian government and various relevant organizations around the world have standardized the sourcing, preparation, packaging and labeling of homeopathic medicines, says Dr. Banerjee. He adds that patients can buy homeopathic medicines manufactured by registered manufacturers with confidence from any local pharmacy.

3. Myth: ‘Homeopathic practitioners are ignorant of the structure and functioning of the human body.’

Dr. Banerjee says, “Homeopaths in India are trained for 5.5 years for their undergraduate degree and another 3 years for Doctor of Medicine – Homeopathy (MD-Hom). This is the same duration of training that MBBS and MD Additionally, except for pharmacology, the curriculum at the undergraduate level is the same for allopaths and homeopaths. They study in the same textbooks as their MBBS counterparts and often in the same lecture theaters and laboratories. This is the reason why homeopaths trained in India are excellent physicians and are just as capable of diagnosing clinical conditions as any physician.”

4. Myth: ‘Homeopathy should be considered only for minor ailments’

Dr. Kushal Banerjee says, very serious and complicated diseases are also regularly treated with homeopathy. He shares that patients on life-support, patients with organ failure, multi-systemic auto-immune conditions, congenital issues, genetic issues and other difficult diseases can benefit from homeopathic remedies. He claims that often, homeopathy is introduced in the late stages of a disease and there are repeated cases of patients recovering from these advanced diseases.

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5. Myth: ‘There is no evidence base for homeopathy’

Dr Banerjee says there is a substantial evidence base in peer-reviewed publications from around the world demonstrating the efficacy of homeopathic medicines in a variety of conditions. “New pieces of research are constantly being added to this evidence base. The latest advances in the principles of physics and chemistry seem to provide an explanation of how homeopathic medicines work even when extremely diluted, thereby increasing the effectiveness of this medical system.” gets support.” he adds.

6. Myth: ‘Homeopaths are untrained’

India is the pioneer of homeopathy in the world. “Homeopaths of India undergo a rigorous course of five and a half years before graduation. The curriculum is structured to cover the entire syllabus of the MBBS course, except for pharmacology. In fact, students often sit through simple lectures and use common libraries in universities that provide training in both systems of medicine. In recent times, when the country felt a shortage of health care practitioners, homeopaths in every part of our country have started providing urgent care, She increased her responsibility to help interpret imaging studies and conduct clinical examinations for “thousands of patients who could not access traditional health care during the peak of the pandemic,” says Dr. Banerjee.

7. Myth: ‘Homeopathic medicines are steroids’

Dr. Banerjee says that pharmaceutical steroids are a niche area of ​​traditional medicine. He states that the myth became popular because of the “apparently miraculous relief that patients experienced after homeopathic treatment”. He adds, “Additionally, some notorious practitioners were found to be mixing steroids illegally with their medicines. These were exceptional incidents. Steroids are not part of homeopathic medicines and homeopathic practitioners cannot prescribe pharmaceutical steroids.”

8. Myth: ‘Homeopathic medicines are slow acting’

Dr. Banerjee says that homeopathic medicines can act in a very short time, sometimes within a few minutes. “Patients with acute pain, high fever, diarrhea and other acute conditions report relief within minutes of consuming well-selected homeopathic medicines. In diseases that are considered chronic or incurable, homeopathic medicines can be used for long-term treatment. However, this is not true of homeopathic remedies in general. Homeopathy can and does work quickly when needed,” explains Dr Banerjee.

9. Myth: ‘Homeopathy cannot be taken with any other medicine’

“Homeopathic medicines are often prescribed along with conventional medicines. Patients with chronic diseases who have been taking medicines for decades should not suddenly switch to medicines. If a patient is looking for homeopathy for diabetes, who is taking allopathic medicines For decades, homeopathy is usually offered as an add-on. Gradually, depending on the patient’s response to treatment and in consultation with other prescribing doctors, allopathic medicine is gradually introduced more or less Patients can safely choose to add homeopathic remedies when, for example, undergoing chemotherapy. Homeopathic medicines do not interfere with the action of conventional medicines and they do not cause any adverse reactions,” Dr. Banerjee says.

10. Myth: ‘Homeopathy will make your problems worse before making you feel better’

Dr. Banerjee insists that this is a lie. “One reason this myth persists is that when the suppressive action of conventional medicines wears off, patients may experience a transient and slight deterioration of symptoms. Homeopathy causes symptoms to worsen before they can be relieved. doesn’t work,” he says. Dr Banerjee.

In conclusion, Dr. Kushal Banerjee further adds, “Homeopathy is a safe and effective system of medicine that has been able to treat and manage a wide variety of ailments. It is alleviating the pain and suffering of millions of people worldwide ”

(The views expressed by the experts quoted in the article are their own, Zee News does not confirm or endorse the same.)