American Association of Homeopathic Pharmacists (AAHP) Highlights the Extraordinary Safety of Homeopathic Children's Medicines

American Association of Homeopathic Pharmacists (AAHP) Highlights the 

Extraordinary Safety of Homeopathic Children's Medicines

 

  The American Association of Homeopathic Pharmacists (AAHP), representing the major manufacturers and distributors of homeopathic drugs, highlights the safety of homeopathic children's medicines in response to the recall of Hyland's Teething Tablets. The AAHP supports the efforts to protect the safety of children by both the Standard Homeopathic Company and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

 

In a statement released today AAHP officials say they are unequivocal in the importance of the safety of children's medicines. Homeopathic medicines have a long history of being safe to use for the entire family including children and the elderly. Mainly consisting of micro-doses of botanicals that are diluted and shaken vigorously, these medicines have been prescribed by hundreds of thousands of physicians throughout the world for over 200 years. Homeopathy is one of the most widely practiced medical therapies and one of the major advantages to this system of medicine is its high level of safety.

  In the U.S., homeopathic medicines are regulated by the FDA as drugs. The agency has published a specific guideline for manufacturing and marketing homeopathic medicines entitled "Conditions Under Which Homeopathic Medicines May be Marketed" (FDA CPG 7132.15). Homeopathic medicines are manufactured according to the Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United States (HPUS) and manufactured under the FDA Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). The HPUS is an official compendium referenced in the federal Food Drug and Cosmetic Act. Furthermore, homeopathic medicines have been used safely since before this act passed in 1938.

  Standard Homeopathic Company states that adverse events have been reported but the FDA has said that a conclusive link has not been determined. As a homeopathic product, Hyland's Teething Tablets have been used safely for 85 years and possess a wide margin of safety that protects consumers from harm. 

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http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/american-association-of-homeopathic-pharmacists-aahp-highlights-the-extraordinary-safety-of-homeopathic-childrens-medicines-105721028.html 

Health and Homeopathy - Arthritis of the Hands

Case: Patient C/o Joints of my hands are painful since past 4 months. With the pains, my joints swell and become hot. It is limiting my daily activity and causing lots of botherations. Can you suggest what could be causing it and how can I be helped by homeopathy?

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http://www.indiajournal.com/pages/event.php?id=12658

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ANATOMY

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Human Anatomy Vol. 0,1,2 and 3 – B.D Chaurasia (Indian Writer)

Essentials of Human Anatomy – A K Dutta

Clinical Anatomy – Richard S Snell

Clinically Oriented Anatomy – Keith L Moore and Arthur F Dally

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Homeopathy - Rise of the Phoenix

The Rise of Homeopathy

During the last 30 years or so this alternative medicine has achieved a high status and popularity, estimates put it's growth rate to about 20%. Considering that most of the referrals to a homeopathic clinic are through word of mouth that seems to be a very good figure.

In the US, about 62% of the population uses some sort of Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Further,Homeopathy which is a part of “Whole Medical Systems” ranks at number four position as the most popular form of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM). It accounts for 2.7 percent of CAM users.  The popularity of other types of CAMs is, Mind Body Medicine (52.6%), Biologically Based Practices (21.9%), Manipulative and Body-Based Practices (10.9%) and Energy Medicine (0.5%).

Further, compared to other therapies of its kind viz. Acupuncture, Ayurveda, and Naturopathy, the Homeopathic Medicine with 41% users ranks second being next only to Acupuncture, whose users make up for 45 percent of all the four therapies combined.

Aside from the USA, in countries around the world, the popularity of homeopathy excellent. For instance in a recent Global TGI survey, people were asked whether they trust homeopathy? The following are the percentages of people living in urban areas who said YES:, India 62%, Brazil 58%, Saudi Arabia 53%, Chile 49%, United Arab Emirates 49%, France 40%, South Africa 35%, Russia 28%, Germany 27%, Argentina 25%, Hungary 25%, USA 18%, UK 15%.

A number of famous people use or have used homeopathic remedies including the royal families of Europe. In fact Queen Elizabeth II of England is said never to travel anywhere without her supplies of homeopathic remedies

.

Homeopathy is practiced nowadays in countries all over the world and the legacy of homeopathy, now 250 years old continues. If history is an indicator of future success, then homeopathy will continue to illuminate the medical industry for as long as it lasts.

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http://www.themedica.com/articles/2008/11/homeopathy-rise-of-the-phoenix.html

Homeopathy - An Introduction

    Homeopathy is a form of alternative medicine, first proposed by German physician Samuel Hahnemann in 1796, in which practitioners use highlydiluted preparations. Based on an axiom formulated by Hahnemann, which he called the law of similars, preparations which cause certain symptoms in healthy individuals are given in diluted form to patients exhibiting similar symptoms.

Repertory 

Homeopaths generally begin with detailed examinations of their patients' histories, including questions regarding their physical, mental and emotional states, their life circumstances and any physical or emotional illnesses. The homeopath then attempts to translate this information into a complex formula of mental and physical symptoms, including likes, dislikes, innate predispositions and even body type.

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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homeopathy

First Homeopathy University coming up in Jaipur

The state capital will soon have the first Homeopathy University of the country.

The Homeopathy University Jaipur Bill 2010 was passed by the Rajasthan Assembly here today by a voice vote to facilitate setting up of the versity, which was hailed by members and Higher Education Minister Jitendra Singh, as the first Homeopathy University of the world.

The Bill was brought and passed to replace the ordinance promulgated by the state government for the purpose in October last year.

Dr MP Khunteta Homeopathy Medical College and Research Society would run the varsity, the Minister said.

More awareness about Homeopathy stressed
Homeopathic remedies can be most beneficial and affordable for mother and child care both in rural and urban areas, opined experts at a workshop held in the city on Tuesday.


The workshop was organised by the Central Council for Research in Homeopathy as part of the campaign to popularise homeopathy for mother and child care. The workshop was attended by AYUSH doctors, homeopathic doctors and NGO representatives working in rural areas. Berhampur MLA Ramesh Chandra Chyau Patnaik, who is a practicing allopathic physician, attended the workshop as a guest. The resource persons included member of the CCRH, L.K. Nanda, former principal of the Biju Patnaik homeopathy college in the city, Annada Prasad Sarangi.

Mr. Chyau Patnaik said there was extreme need of exchange and orientation of knowledge among homoeopathic, allopathic and other physicians who are involved in the mother and child care in rural areas. He opined that homoeopathy treatment was highly beneficial for many diseases related to women and children. Homoeopathy medicines can be safely administered for various ailments throughout pregnancy without any adverse reaction, said the experts.

As per Mr. Sarangi, homoeopathy medicines can be used during childbirth to reduce problems associated with labour. It was also effective for post delivery and lactation problems.

It was also added that homeopathy medicines in the form of sweet pills were child friendly.
But it was also felt that there was limited awareness among policy makers, social workers and modern health professionals about the potential homoeopathy to improve the health status of women and children.

Focus on coordination

It was felt that a link has to be established among the research institutions, NGOs and key persons of society to disseminate the knowledge of efficacy of homoeopathy in addressing the health issues pertaining to mothers and child care.

Several participants said there should be better coordination between practitioners of different streams of medicine for better promotion of mother and child health care so that they can advise their patients to avail the services of homoeopathy in the conditions where some therapy may be contra-indicated or found to be having limitations.

Fewer hospitals

There are only 525 government homoeopathy dispensaries and 31 government hospitals in the State compared to more than 1,000 Ayurveda dispensaries and more than 110 hospitals.
The association secretary Pradeep Kumar said that many posts which have fallen vacant have not been filled. This affects the promotion of all the doctors in the rank list. Out of the posts for 14 district medical officers, six are vacant — with no DMOs for Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kasargod and Pathanamthitta districts.

There are 10 vacant posts of chief medical officers — one each in Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram and two each in Kozhikode, Wayanad and Kasargod. There are 31 hospitals but only six superintendents, the rest have not been filled. As the Department Promotion Committee (DPC) meetings are not held regularly, the posts are not filled, the representative of association alleged.

While ESI services are available in all districts, there are only 12 ESI dispensaries for homoeopathy.
Most of the proposals of the homoeopathy directorate are not sanctioned by the Finance department, allege the homoeo medical officers. While admitting that there are a number of posts vacant in the department, Sunny Jacob, director, Homoeopathy Directorate, said that since the new rules were made applicable in 1999, a seniority list needed to be prepared before the DPC meetings are held.

Britain not to go ahead with ban on Homeopathy

Homeopathy will continue to be available on the National Health Service (NHS) despite an influential health committee condemning it as medically unproven, a British minister said.

Health Minister Anne Milton said complementary and alternative medicine "has a long tradition" and very vocal people are both in favour of it and against it, reports the Telegraph.


A report by a group of MPs said homeopathic medicine should no longer be funded on the NHS and called for a ban on the medicines carrying medical claims on their labels.

The Commons Science and Technology Committee said there is no evidence the drugs are any more effective than a placebo - the same as taking a sugar or dummy pill and believing it works.

Last month, doctors attending the British Medical Association (BMA) annual conference backed this view, saying homeopathic remedies should be banned on the NHS and taken off pharmacy shelves where they are sold as medicines.

The treatment was described as "nonsense on stilts" and that patients would be better off buying bottled water.

Milton said the government welcomed the MPs' report but "remain of the view that the local National Health Service and clinicians are best placed to make decisions on what treatment is appropriate for their patients".

These decisions should take account of safety, and clinical and cost effectiveness, she said, adding that the government remained committed to providing good quality information on the treatments.

Homeopathy, which dates back 200 years, has been funded on the NHS since the service's inception in 1948.

It differs from herbal medicine in that it relies on substances being diluted many times, something the MPs said could not be scientifically proven to work.

Homoeopathy to be promoted in India

The Centre will launch a national campaign to promote homoeopathy for mother and child care. The proposed campaign aims at sensitising policy makers and modern medicine health professionals about the strengths of homoeopathy.

There are a large number of homoeopathic medical colleges and institutionally qualified physicians in the country whose services are underutilised in the various national health programmes, according to the Department of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy (AYUSH) under the Union Health and Family Welfare Ministry, and the Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy.

Since there is a limited awareness about homeopathy’s potential in improving the health status of women and children, the national campaign is expected to provide the necessary co-ordination for the utilisation of homoeopathic practitioners and institutions for the provision of health services in this sector.

Advantages

The National Health Policy envisages the use of the AYUSH system of medicine in providing adequate health care under the umbrella of the national health framework.

The AYUSH systems have inherent advantages such as natural-plant based products, low cost, and absence of drug toxicity.

Homoeopathic medicines can be safely administered for various ailments throughout pregnancy without any adverse reaction, can be used during childbirth to contain problems associated with labour, and are effective for post-delivery and lactational complaints and the pills are sweet and thus, child-friendly.

What’s bigger than Swine flu? The Panic

Even as the media has tracked each successive death, as masks have broken out like rashes in cities, and as people have started avoiding enclosed spaces, medical observers suggest the hype may be outrunning the ailment.

In Mumbai, following Pune’s lead, schools and colleges were ordered closed for a week, and movie theatres for three days; promptly, the share prices of PVR Ltd and Adlabs Films Ltd fell 6.4% and 0.2%, respectively. The Union government has bought an additional 30 million doses of Tamiflu, the antiviral drug; its tightly controlled earlier stock of 10 million doses has nearly been expended.
“They’ve had more than 400 deaths in the US, but do you see this kind of thing? No, they’re going about it practically, methodically,” says V. Ramasubramanian, a senior consultant in infectious diseases at Apollo Hospitals in Chennai. “We have to face the fact that it may last another four months or another four years. We have to face the fact that it may kill—but it will kill less than 0.5% of the infected population.”

The panic has already forced changes in both personal lifestyles and corporate agendas. Circulating text messages, meanwhile, recommend homeopathic drugs called Gelsemium 200 and Influenzinum 200, or drops of “Nilgiri Oil” applied to handkerchiefs and face masks. “The homeopathic remedies can boost the immune system and be preventive,” says J.V. Raman, a homeopathy practitioner in New Delhi. “But if the actual ailment does arise, these would be cures, too.” Raman admits that he has not seen the drugs at work for swine flu, simply because “I haven’t come across any cases of swine flu”.

In Bangalore, technology firms have promoted one low-tech, but effective measure among their employees: gallons of hand sanitizer. Wipro Ltd has advised against unnecessary travel; Tata Consultancy Services Ltd’s employees in high-risk locations such as Mexico City have been asked to work from home; Infosys Technologies Ltd has urged workers not to come to work if they show symptoms. 

Homoeopathy Remedies for H1N1

DUBAI — Leading homoeopathic practitioners have urged the UAE health authorities to explore the benefits of homoeo medicines in the prevention of H1N1 infection.

It is not too late for the Ministry of Health to adopt an open policy for analysing the efficacy of homoeopathy for prophylactic purposes, some of them have said.

Citing that the demand for homoeo medicines as a preventive measure against H1N1 has been on the rise among patients, they urged the ministry to address the issue with the help of the local experts.

The Chief Medical Director of Dr Batra’s Positive Health Clinic in Dubai, Dr Mukesh Batra, who is widely known for his contribution to the field, said past research studies had proved the efficacy of homoeopathy in treating as well as preventing other forms of epidemic flu such as Spanish flu and avian flu.

The need of the hour, he said, is to look out for various methods to prevent as well as to treat the disease.

“Considering the fact that homoeopathic medicines are absolutely safe and knowing that they stimulate the immunity of the body to combat any infection, it makes perfect sense to try homoeopathic remedies. Therefore, in the interest of H1N1patients, the offerings of this medical system must not be overlooked or underplayed,” he said.

Noting that homoeopathic medicines act upon the immune system and restorative energies of the body so that it heals itself, Dr Batra said homoeo remedies automatically play a vital role in preventive medicine as they boost the body’s natural defence mechanisms.

“Health officials here are doing a splendid job in keeping the disease under control. However, at a time when the world is reeling under recession too, looking at alternative medicine options such as that provided by homeopathy could be more feasible and wise,” said Dr Batra.

He claimed that existing medicines in the stream could be effectively used for boosting the immune system and reducing the vulnerability to 
influenza infection.

The UAE’s first licensed specialist in homoeopathy and a former member of epidemic disease research panel of the Indian government, Dr Sinsen Joseph said homoeo medicines had been known for being effective in many countries’ mass preventive campaigns.

“In the case of H1N1, homoeo medicines are now being used in some parts of India under the guidance of the government there. The preventive effectiveness in such instances can be studied before taking a similar step here,” said Dr Joseph who now works as a consultant with City Point International Specialist Medical Centre in Dubai.

“Only if the government here takes an initiative in exploring the potential preventive role of homoeopathy that we can also extend the service and provide the benefits to the public here, including the nationals,” he said.

Another senior homoeopath in the UAE, Dr Najeeb Ahammed of Janson’s Medical Centre in Dubai, said the fact that vaccinating all members of the community is not a practically ideal solution makes the preventive role of homoeo therapies more significant.

“Vaccination is mainly meant for those at high risk of infection. Since homoeo medicines help in building immunity in the body to fight back any infection without creating any side effects, they can be a better option for those not prioritised for vaccination,” he said.

Nobel Scientist Discovers Scientific Basis of Homeopathy

At a time when the British Medical Association is calling for the end of national funding for homeopathy and detractors are describing it as "nonsense on stilts", a Nobel prize-winning scientist has made a discovery that suggests that homeopathy does have a scientific basis after all. In July, Nobel Prize winning French virologist Professor Luc Montagnier shocked fellow Nobel prize-winners and the medical establishment by telling them that he had discovered that water has a memory that continues even after many dilutions.

Until Montagnier's research, the bulk of mainstream doctors and scientist had maintained that there was no scientific way that multiple dilutions used in homeopathy could possibly work. In part, such views stemmed from lack of understanding. In larger part, such views likely stemmed from a desire to stem the rising popularity of homeopathy and eliminate it as a competition to mainstream medicine - much the same as happened in the United States a century ago.

One of the foundations of homeopathy maintains that the potency of a substance is increased with its dilution. Montagnier discovered that solutions containing the DNA of viruses and bacteria "could emit low frequency radio waves" and that such waves influence molecules around them, turning them into organized structures. The molecules in turn emit waves and Montagnier found that the waves remain in the water even after it has been diluted many times. To a lay person, that may not mean much, but to a scientist it highly suggests that homeopathy may have a scientific basis.

In Britain the market for homeopathy is estimated to be growing at around 20% a year. Over 30 million people in Europe use homeopathic medicine. Homeopathy is supported in Britain by Prince Charles and the physician to the Royal Family has been a homeopathic physician since the late 1800s.

While homeopathy is also experiencing a resurgence of popularity in the United States, it is far more popular in much of the rest of the world. In India, approximately 130 million people use homeopathy. In Brazil, homeopathy is a recognized medical specialty where 15,000 medical doctors are certified as homeopathic specialists

The latter half of the 19th century was homeopathy's heyday in the United States. Regular physicians could hardly compete. By 1902 homeopaths did seven times the business of allopaths and there were 15,000 practicing homeopathic physicians in the US. During the 1849 cholera epidemic, homeopaths from Cincinnati kept rigorous records showing that they lost only 3% of their patients, while allopathy lost 16 to 20 times more.

Many highly accomplished individuals past and present have chosen homeopathy as their therapy of choice, including several U.S. Presidents. Many of America's literary greats advocated for and often wrote about homeopathy, including Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Louisa May Alcott, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Mark Twain - as did European greats such as Goethe, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Lord Alfred Tennyson, and George Bernard Shaw.

At the turn of the 20th century, the AMA came right out and admitted that competition was destroying physicians' incomes. Thanks to funding from John D. Rockefeller and the Carnegie Foundation, the AMA was able to repress and ultimately eliminate homeopathy and other natural and alternative competition. The 22 homeopathic medical schools that flourished in 1900 dwindled to just 2 in 1923. By 1950 all schools teaching homeopathy were closed.

Ironically, John D. Rockefeller believed strongly in homeopathy. He referred to it as "a progressive and aggressive step in medicine." Rockefeller lived to the ripe old age of 99 using only homeopathy in the latter part of his life.

Scientists Conclude Homeopathy Works to Ease Cancer

Some homeopathic remedies may successfully reduce the side effects of cancer therapies without interfering with the treatment regimen, according to a study conducted by researchers from the Cochrane Collaboration.

Led by a scientist from the Royal London Homeopathic Hospital, researchers reviewed the methodology and conclusions of eight different studies into homeopathic relief of cancer treatment side effects.

The researchers noted that few studies were found to qualify for their review, suggesting that very little conventional scientific research has been carried out into the effectiveness of homeopathic treatment.

One study, deemed high quality by the reviewers, found that a mouthwash made from an herb mixture known as Traummel S successfully reduced the symptoms of stomatisis, a side effect of chemotherapy. In stomatisis, painful sores form in the mouth.

Traummel S includes arnica, belladonna, echinacea and St. John's wort.

Another study given the Cochrane Collaboration's seal of approval found that a cream made from calendula was effective at reducing acute dermatitis in breast cancer patients. In fact, the calendula cream was even more effective at reducing the symptoms of dermatitis than the conventional pharmaceutical remedy, trolamine.

The skin inflammation known as acute dermatitis can arise as a side effect of radiation therapy.

Calendula is one of the genera of plants commonly referred to as "marigolds." Previous research has found that calendula can be effective in treating other skin conditions, such as inflammation or acne. It can also be used to reduce bleeding, and has been shown to have anti-viral and anti-inflammatory effects.

The Cochrane researchers found no evidence that any homeopathic remedy interfered with the effectiveness of conventional cancer treatments. One of the studies reviewed by the research team even found that interruptions in radiation therapy were significantly less common when the treatment was paired with homeopathic care.

The researchers said that more investigation would be needed to independently confirm the findings of these studies.

Homeopathy, Calendula and the Flu

WHAT IS HOMEOPATHY?

Homeopathy was developed more than 250 years ago by Samuel Hahnemann. The basic principle of homeopathy is that if a substance can produce symptoms in a healthy person then it can also work (once specially prepared and diluted) and relieve the symptoms of someone who is sick. This is based on the idea of ‘like cures like’.

For example, when you chop an onion you may get a runny nose and streaming eyes. The homeopathic remedy is Allium Cepia which is derived from onions and would be used to treat these symptoms.
It is often prescribed for hayfever or colds. Homeopaths say more people are choosing homeopathy because they are worried about the side effects of conventional drugs.

Homeopathic remedies are drawn from the plant, mineral and animal worlds. Homeopathy treats the whole person, not just a symptom or disease. Homeopaths say it therefore has the potential to help people with a wide range of physical, psychological and emotional problems.

COLD AND FLU REMEDIES

ACONITE: Used to nip colds in the bud and is considered useful in the early stages of colds, flus, fevers and sore throats.

ALLIUM CEPIA: The symptoms of the Allium Cepia cold will be similar to those you get when chopping an onion, typically with streaming red eyes and nose, watery fluid from the nose with a burning sensation on the upper lip.

GELSENIUM: This is considered to be the best remedy for flu when the symptoms include a dull and sluggish feeling with a dull ache at the back of the neck. These symptoms tend to come on gradually and will include a feeling of chills up and down the spine and aching muscles.

PULSATILLA: For use on a cold where there is a green or yellowish discharge from the nose, changeable symptoms or if a person feels tearful.

OTHER HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES

APIS: Used to treat bee stings and bites where there is hot swelling, redness and burning pain.

ARS. ALB.: Used for vomiting and diarrhoea typical of food poisoning.

ARNICA: Used after physical accidents to reduce swelling and bruising. It is considered to be ideal after dental work or surgery to speed healing.

BELLADONNA: Used for fevers when a patient is red hot but often has cold hands and feet. Belladonna is also used for inflammatory responses where there is throbbing and heat or for throbbing headaches.

CALENDULA: Used for healing cuts and wounds after teeth extraction, during labour. Homeopaths say it helps promote the formation of healthy scar tissue.

HYPERICUM: Used for treating injuries to parts of the body rich in nerve-endings such as the fingertips.

NUX VOMICA: The main remedy for hangovers or any over-indulgence in food and drink. This is considered a good remedy for people who work hard and play hard.
 
RHUS TOX: Used for strains and sprains.

SILICA: Used to force splinters or other foreign bodies out and is considered effective at clearing the end stages of a lingering cough.

More Homeopathy on Britain NHS as Health-cash is squeezed

Homeopathy spending on the NHS could now rise despite the Health Service facing drastic cuts.
Health Secretary Andrew Lansley yesterday rejected calls from MPs on the Commons science committee to ban funding of the unproven treatment.

He effectively gave the green light for spending on homeopathy to go up, because of his plans for patients to be able to ‘shop around’ until they find a GP willing to prescribe complementary therapies.
This means more patients will have access to such treatments. There will be no restrictions on the advertising of homeopathic treatments, he added.

Taxpayers pay about £4million a year for homeopathy on the NHS.
Critics responded with fury at the prospect of an increase at a time when some local Trusts are cutting back on cataract operations, hip replacements and IVF treatment.
Homeopathy, which counts Prince Charles among its fans, claims to treat and prevent disease by using greatly diluted forms of herbs and minerals.
It is based on the principle that ‘like cures like’ - that an illness can be treated by substances that produce similar symptoms.
For example, homeopaths claim that onions, which make eyes itchy and tearful, can be used to relieve the symptoms of hay fever.

In support: Health Secretary Andrew Lansley yesterday rejected calls from MPs to ban funding of the unproven treatment

Scientists point to the fact that the ‘cures’ are so diluted that they cannot possibly claim to include a single molecule of the original substances.
The homeopathic industry does not dispute this, but says that its remedies retain a ‘memory’ of the original ingredient.

In May, Dr Tom Dolphin, deputy chairman of the BMA’s junior doctors committee in England, told the group’s conference: ‘Homeopathy is witchcraft. It is a disgrace that nestling between the National Hospital for Neurology and Great Ormond Street Hospital there is a homeopathic hospital paid for by the NHS.’
The Commons science select committee was calling for homeopathy to no longer be funded on the NHS. And the Government’s chief scientific adviser, John Beddington, has said he believes that the ‘evidence of efficacy and the scientific basis of homeopathy is highly questionable’.
But yesterday the Department of Health said that efficacy was not the only important factor when deciding whether scarce NHS resources should be spent on a treatment - patient choice was essential too.
It said: ‘We believe in patients being able to make informed choices about their treatments, and in a clinician being able to make informed choices about their treatments.
‘The local NHS and clinicians, rather than Whitehall, are best placed to make decisions on what treatment is appropriate for their patients - including complementary or alternative treatments such as homeopathy - and provide accordingly for those treatments.’

It said doctors should even be able to prescribe homeopathy simply for a 'placebo effect'.
Evan Harris, a former Lib Dem member of the science committee who lost his seat at the last election, said: ‘It looks like Prince Charles has been in touch with the Health Secretary again.
‘Patients who are denied the choice of expensive but effective new medicines for serious conditions are now entitled to ask why Mr Lansley allows the NHS to spend money on ineffective treatments in the name of “patient choice”.’

BMA head of science and ethics, Dr Vivienne Nathanson, added: ‘We believe that limited and scarce NHS resources should only be used to support medicines and treatment that have been shown to be effective. We are concerned that scarce funding will be spent on “treatment” that has no evidence base and that may not work.’
Last week Mr Lansley told MPs that patients should shop around for GPs willing to prescribe complementary therapy.

Homeopathy Finally Explained says Scientist

In a recent paper, Nobel Prize winner, Luc Montagnier, and his team report the results of a series of rigorous experiments investigating the electromagnetic (EM) properties of highly diluted biological samples.

They found that pathogenic bacteria and viruses show a distinct EM signature at dilutions ranging from 10-5 to 10-12 (corresponding to ~3CH to 6CH homeopathic dilutions) and that small DNA fragments (responsible for pathogenicity) were solely accountable for the EM signal.

The EM signature changed with dilution levels but was unaffected by the initial concentration and remained even after the remaining DNA fragments were destroyed by chemical agents.

They observed that the EM signal was destroyed by heating or freezing the sample. Also, a ‘cross-talk’ effect was found whereby a negative sample inhibits the positive signal in another sample if they are left together overnight in a shielded container. It was also noted that the samples needed be ‘vortexed’ (a process akin to succussion) for the EM effects to be present. They propose that specific aqueous nano-structures form in the samples during the dilution process and are responsible for the EM effects measured.

With this initial paper Luc Montagnier and his team have started a very promising line of enquiry, which has direct relevance to homeopathy as they continue to investigate the characteristic physico-chemical properties found in high-dilutions of biological material.

The 'Sweet' Pill - Homeopathy

The market for Homeopathy is poised for a steady growth with established players now even expanding globally.

It is no longer Allopathy's poor cousin. Homeopathy, the third most popular method of treatment in India after Allopathy and Ayurveda, is consolidating its position in India. The Rs 12.5-billion Homeopathy market in India, growing at a phenomenal pace of 25 per cent annually, is slated to become Rs 26 billion market by 2010, states a study by The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM). Homeopathy is also making its mark globally. 

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has termed Homeopathy as the second largest system of medicine. According to US-based The National Centre for Homeopathy, by 2017 the Homeopathy market will be equivalent to the alternative healthcare market, which is Rs 52,000 crore currently. Approximately 500 million people worldwide receive Homeopathic treatment and around 100 million at present use Homeopathy in India, various estimates suggest. With Homeopathy being practiced in 66 countries of the world, the world Homeopathy market is pegged at Rs 135 billion. 

France is a leader in this segment with its Homeopathy market pegged at Rs 45 billion. Studies reveal that in 2006-07, around five crore patients diagnosed their ailments with Homeopathy. This number is likely to exceed about 10 crore in next two-three years in view of Homeopathy's popularity and acceptability among the general masses. 

Going Virtual

Not ignoring the fact that there are not many established players in the industry, Homeopathy still has quite an interesting mix of models. While doctors has been following the traditional model of standalone clinics as well as thinking about franchisee models to expand in tier II cities, interestingly the model that is a big hit is cyber clinic. In fact, Homoeopaths seem to be quite tech-savvy as most of them have exploited this medium to the core. And these doctors don't just think local, but global as well. Just by operating through their small clinics they are able to reach a huge population base. 

Growth Drivers

There are several factors pumping the growing Homeopathy market in India. Until recently, Homeopathy had no platform for advertising or popularity. But with players like Dr Batra's who explored this medium aggressively, the popularity of this stream soared. However, reportedly the group has been slapped with many notices for breaking advertising regulations which prevail for healthcare organisations. 

The debilitating side effects of Allopathy became a boon for Homeopathy.  This is the reason why people are moving away to safer and surer alternatives. People are now looking out for long-term cures and because Homeopathy is safe and permanent, there is a shift from Allopathy to Homeopathy." 

Also, in the alternative segment, Ayurveda is moving neck to neck with this segment, but Homeopathy seems to have certain distinctive advantages. Practicing Homeopath as well as a research scientist in Homeopathy, Jalgoan-based Dr Mahendra Kabra who has 10 research centres in London and runs his cyber clinic gives an insight. "It is true that Ayurveda is quite popular because it's a stream that originated in the country. But, off late the rising cost of Ayurvedic medicine due to paucity of herbal plants and extinction of various species are some limitations affecting Ayurveda. On the other hand, Homeopathic drugs are most eco-friendly. One can treat the global population with a kilo of basic drug substance. It's truly 'nano." 

A recent ASSOCHAM's survey on 'Homeopathy adoption on rise' found that in metros like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore and other satellite towns like Chandigarh, Hyderabad, Lucknow of nearly 5,000 patients randomly surveyed, over 55 per cent preferred Homeopathy as the treatment is safer and physiologically satisfactory with no side effects. The study also found that nearly 80 per cent of them held that Homeopathy users switch on to Allopathy only on exceptional cases and in acute emergencies, otherwise homeopaths are best to be consulted for removal of majority of physical and other aliments. Many of them also said that Homeopathy is increasingly becoming an alternate to allopathic medicines because of their fake contents and patients including doctors loosing confidence in them, the study stated. Many patients also feel that Homeopathy is a more personalised treatment, with greater one-on-one interaction between the patient and the physician. 

Integrated Medicine-The Future

It is a matter of time that more organised players enter this market bringing in standardisation, stricter regulation and increased awareness and then it would be no surprise that India would overtake the other market leaders in the world, considering its huge population base. Experts believe that with the era of 'integrated medicine' just ushering in, wherein all the system of medicine are available under one roof, it is the consumers who will ultimately decide the fate of Homeopathy. Homeopathy will receive a major boost only after its integration with the mainstream medicine. The patient needs to be given a choice. If everything is available under one roof, it should be left to the patient to choose a pathy which works best for him. For, the human body is not a machine but a very interesting phenomena wherein systems keep on changing and there would never be only 'one' medicine that works. Depending on his/ her body type, he/she will be able to decide as to what works best on the body. Hence, there needs to be more synergy between mainstream doctors and homeopaths who should refer all kinds of treatments for the patient, be it naturopathy, ayurveda or allopathy.

He also feels that it is very unfair to always compare Allopathy with Homeopathy as the basis on which the efficacy of these treatment are benchmarked are completely different. 

But as far as having trust and faith in Homeopathy goes, it has left behind allopathy way back. Just that homeopaths themselves need to be confident enough of their own therapy and hone their business skills just like their clinical acumen to make it big. Until then, it will always be a mute spectator and give hope to those for whom all other doors have been closed.

Homeopathy emerging with a Big Bang, Likely to be Rs. 26 Billion Industry: ASSOCHAM

By 2010, domestic homeopathy market is expected to be more than double and touch Rs 26 billion size as it would continue to grow @ between 25-30% against 13-15% of pharmaceuticals industry since takers of homeopathy’s are multiplying not only within the country but through out the world since it roots out aliments for good, according to The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM). The Current homeopathy market in India as estimated around Rs.12.5 billion.

In a paper on homeopathy brought out by the ASSOCHAM, It has been stated that the growth of homeopathy is not only confined to India but world over, its size has gone beyond Rs.135 billion and interestingly the growth rate is almost on par and that is around 25%. France, Interestingly contributes the largest size in world Homeopathy market, which is estimated at Rs. 45 billion, points out the ASSOCHAM paper.

It cites reasons for growing homeopathy market in India, saying that homeopathy, besides providing for effective means treating chronic aliments is also available and easily accessible online to over 1 crore patients across the country. The online homeopathy connectivity worldwide is estimated in 95 countries and interestingly majority of them are economies of scale in which allopathy until recently has been more prevalent and invouge, says ASSOCHAM President Mr. Venugopal N Dhoot. In 2006-07, patients diagnosing their aliments with homeopathy throughout the country were estimated at 4-5 crore, whose number is likely to exceed about 10 crore in next 2-3 years in view of its popularity and acceptability among the general masses, says the ASSOCHAM paper.

Releasing the paper, Mr. Dhoot said that homeopathy which a few years ago was not considered a long lasting solutions has lagged behind allopathy in many respects as it kills the roots of aliments without any side effects. In one to one and personalized treatment with greater private interactions both homeopathy physician and its patients derive the utmost satisfaction with the least cost for consultation. This is another reasons as to why the Indian traditional treatment called the homeopathy has been spreading in every nook and corner of the country and world as well.

Mr. Dhoot made a mention of the ASSOCHAM recent survey on “Homeopathy adoption on rise” in which it was found out that in metros like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore and other satellite towns like Chandigarh, Hyderabag, Luknow etc., of nearly 5000 patients randomly surveyed, it was found out that over 55% spoke very high for homeopathy, arguing that though it takes longer to root out aliments but the treatment is safe and physiologically satisfactory for, there are no side effects.
Nearly 80% of them held that homeopathy users switch on to allopathy only on exceptional cases and in acute emergencies, otherwise homeopaths are best to be consultated for removal of majority of physical and other aliments. “Many of them also said that homeopathy is increasingly becoming an alternate to allopathic medicines because of their fake contents and patients including doctors loosing confidence in them.
There are over four lakh registered homeopaths in the country currently, with approximately 13,000 more being added every year. The size of the homeopathic drugs market is also expanding very fast. Even though these medicines cost only a fraction of allopathic or even ayurvedic medicines.

Another reason for homeopathy’s popularity has been the growing disillusionment with conventional allopathic medicine, which has, for many years, been the first line of treatment for most patients. Many patients also feel that homeopathy is a more personalised treatment, with greater one-on-one interaction between the patient and the physician.
In India, there are 2860 hospitals, with a total of 45,720 beds, providing traditional Indian systems of medicine and homeopathy and 22,100 dispensaries of traditional medicine. The number of registered traditional medicine practitioners and homeopaths comprise 587,536, that are both institutionally and non-institutionally qualified.

There is a huge gap between homeopathy and healthcare industry. This gap will continue to persist due to the lack of hospitals and institutions. There are very few institutions for hospitalisation and that is where a lot of money comes from. To add to this, the distribution of products in homeopathy is very poor. This is because homeopathy medicines are hardly available in 10-15 outlets in a city, compared to the reach of allopathic medicines. But abroad, this is not the case. There are very few practitioners of homeopathy but the medicines are well distributed and hence, there is a big market in France, UK and USA.

Homeopathy is an effective means of treating chronic ailments. These ailments include hair & skin problems, respiratory problems, arthritis and other miscellaneous treatments like thyroid, bed-wetting, diabetes, and obesity.

Evidence Check in Homeopathy: 2/11

Evidence Check in Homeopathy: 1/11

Homeopathy to fight Dengue

Homeopathic medicine can increase the resistance to dengue virus and prevent dengue spreading among the public. It is a natural system of defence for human beings. It is totally safe without any side effects and injurious to health.

Homeopathy Consultant Dr. M.I. Latheef said many dengue prevention treatment camps were successfully held in many places by homeopathy doctors. Homeopathy treatment is a national requirement at this juncture to face the dengue epidemic, he said.

It is not a curative treatment but a preventive one, by enhancing natural immunity to prevent dengue successfully. Slave Island is an area known to be prone to dengue mosquito breeding. During the dengue prevention campaign, nearly 3,000 people were treated with homeopathy medicine. It was found only 50 people were affected by dengue.

"Homeopathy is not curative but a preventing treatment. When homeopathy treatment is given to a person it will increase the immunity and resistance in the body. Therefore, when a dengue mosquito bites a person who had taken the preventive treatment, it will not affect that person. The body is capable of resisting adequately," Dr. Latheef told the Daily News.

He reiterated that the concept of homeopathy medicine is stimulating immunity and making the body to fight and resist the bacteria when it is required. While Western medicine destroys the bacteria at a time, immunity will remain at the same level.
The possibility of falling sick again when the medicine was stopped remain since the immunity in the same level has not increased.

Homeopathy is a system of medicine that strengthens the natural defence mechanism in humans. When a person is bitten by a dengue mosquito he or she can be treated at the primary stage before the secondary stage sets in since that patient has taken homeopathy treatment.

Homeopathy is Nanotechnology

The two century aged homoeopathy and most modern science nanotechnology. We can easily tie-up these systems together. Our most controversial truth ‘dilution increases the strength of the medicine (actually not the dilution but the potentisation). It can be scientifically explainable with the knowledge of nanotechnology.

WHAT IS NANOTECHNOLOGY?
It is the science of small things. The proverb small is beautiful can be now rewritten as small is strong and beautiful.
Nano is a Greek word; its meaning is ‘dwarf”. The idea of nanotechnology was put forward by ‘`Richard p Feynman.’ The name nanotechnology was given by’ Nariyo tanigouchi’ of Japan.

One nanometer is equal to 0.000000001 of a meter. that is 1/50000 of a hair. Size of one hydrogen atom is 0.1nm.size of virus is 10-200nm.
With the use of this technology `encyclopedia Britannica’ can be collected in a pin head. The whole written knowledge of human kind can be stored in 30 ordinary pages.

Scientists use TEM(transmission electron microscopy AFM(atomic force microscopy),STM(scanning tunneling microscopy) for this purposes. An ordinary microscope shows 1000fold enlargement of the object, while the above said microscopes showing 30 million fold enlargement of the objects.

With their aid, we can see and manipulate atoms. We can arrange the atoms in unnatural forms and can prepare new molecules or matter of unbelievable properties. In 1996, Harry Kroto.Rick Smelly and Robert Curl got Nobel Prize for preparing such a new molecules of Carbon—carbon60—this new molecule was nick named as `bucky ball’. this is the strongest material ever made. If its molecular density is increased by 70% we get a new material which is doubly stronger than diamond.

When Nano carbon particles impregnated in cellophane sized thin transparent plastic, its strength increases more than that of a steel bar.

With the help of nanotechnology we can make nanotubes and nanowires.there size may be an atom wide. it can conduct electricity, electromagnetic waves ad may act as super conductors. When this technology become common our computers can be dwarfed to thumb size and its capacity improves gigantically.

NANOTECHNOLOGY IN MEDICAL SCIENCE
As we know there is no medicine for killing viruses. But after the emergence of nanotechnology we can find out and kill each virus with the aid of medicine or mechanics.
Chemotherapy medicines can be applied to specific points without destroying healthy cells. can carryout surgeries without perceptible wounds or blood shedding. Lithotripsy also possible in similar way.
Non-corrosive, lifelong implants can be fitted inside our body.
Skin creams and dresses made-up of Nano particles not only protect us but also monitor our body systems and automatically inject required medicines/vitamins/hormones/energy to our body.

HOMOEOPATHY AND NANOTECHNOLOGY
When Homoeopathic medicines dilutes and potentise, the kinetic energy(in succusion) or the mechanical energy (in tricturation) is converted and stored as potential energy. According to E=MC2 , energy cannot be destroyed .it can only be converted into other form. By this process of nanification Homoeopathic medicines becomes soft as a dew drop and same time strong as a tsunami wave.

As we see earlier 1 nm is equals to 10-9 of a unit, that means 1 Nano unit is 10-9 of a unit, that is equals to 9x potency of homoeopathic medicine. As you know when 1 gram material is potentised and divided into 0.000000001 of the crude substance ,its potency become 9X .Nano unit is the basic measurement in Nanotechnology. Experiments carryout through this science is about the fractions of this basic units.
Nano materials are formed by the natural ingredients but showing unnatural properties, examples of natural Nanomaterials are spider web and enamel of teeth.

Scientists found out that by the process of nanification, atoms can be arranged in new order and form new molecules showing unbelievable properties when compare with the mother substance. This is the explanation applicable to homoeopathy. We use even very common household materials for preparing medicines and they shows astonishing properties and capabilities.

Another point to discuss is:
Many Homoeopathic medicines showing side affinities and organ specificity. For example. Lachesis effects on left side of the body, lycopodium affects the right side of the body. Euphrasia showing effects in eyes, while chelidonium shoving effects in liver. Berberis vulgaris is useful for the left sided kidney problems etc. Scientists think Nanoparticles of these medicines posses some type of auto navigating system to find and reach the target diseased organ. If nanotechnology is applied on this basis we can convert the nanoparticles of homoeopathic medicines into Nano balls” with in which we can insert other medicinal agents to reach the site easily and safely. For example for cancer of left kidney, if we use Berberis vulgaris Nanoballs containing chemotherapy drugs, it will reach safely to the left kidney without disturbing other parts. Now a days this principle is using unknowingly by the Homoeopathic mixture prescribers and they get good results.

CONCLUSION
Based on age, Homoeopathy is the most modern system (only 211 yrs) .Homoeopathy is the first system in which the process of nanification started and continuing in the name of potentisation. As scientists, searching and finding new horizons in Nanotechnology that become actually our sky to fly high. We all homoeopaths must study the new awakenings in the modern science and use it suitably for explaining Homoeopathy and developing this system.

'Hom. Med. Ars. Alb. will help fight the Flu Virus'

While people are panicking about the side-effects of Tamiflu, homeopath doctors seem to have come up with a safer alternative. Arsenicum album is an old medicine that has shown its healing effects since 180 years, they said.

On Wednesday, the government and homoeopaths will declare that Arsenicum album as a sure and safe precautionary medication for swine flu. Dr BT Rudresh, Governing Council member, Central Council for Research and Homeopathy, spoke to DNA on homeopathy’s panacea for swine flu.

Is Arsenicum album a sure cure for H1N1 flu? Will the government officially vouch for it like Tamiflu?
Yes. Arsenicum album is the remedy for swine flu and it will protect a person from the virus. The government will officially declare this as the preventive medicine for swine flu on Wednesday with consent from various doctors and ayurvedic experts.

Do you have any previous experience with this medication?
Yes. In 1918 when Spanish Flu epidemic had spread in Ohio, of the 24,000 patients who were treated with allopathy medicines, the mortality rate was 28.2 %, while of the 26,000 patients who were treated with homeopathic medicine, the mortality rate was 1 %. Homeopathic medicines are over 200 years’ old and they hardly fail to deliver. In case of Arsenicum album, it has been prepared by taking into account all the symptoms of cold, cough, fever, breathlessness, fear, phobia and anxiety and create a curative. It increases the immunity level in people and thus helps them fight the virus.

Will the medicine be available over the counter and can people take it without prescription?
So far 7,000-8,000 people in government hospitals have been given this medication and I have given this medication to 4,000-5,000 people in my clinic alone. Apart from this, recently in a camp in Nandini Layout, 1,500 people have been given this medication. If people go to a pharmacy and ask for the medication, there are chances that they can be cheated. Thus the medication should be administered as per homeopathic prescription only.

What is the dosage which one has to be administered with? Can people take it till the swine flu fear and virus dies down?
People are advised to take the drug thrice a day for three days as it provides immunity for 10 days. After which the dosage can be repeated again followed by a break.

Are there any side effects to this medication?
The medication has proved itself over a period of time. Most modern medicines which were wonders before have become blunders now. I ask people to compare for themselves and see. So far there have been no side effects of any homeopathy medication and people are advised to take them after consulting doctors.

'Homeopathy works Brillantly'

Homeopathy really does work and doctors should recognise its healing effects, say researchers.
A study found that allergy sufferers who were given homeopathic treatment were ten times more likely to be cured than those given a dummy pill instead.

Doctors should be more positive about the alternative medicine, which is the only complementary therapy available on the NHS, the researchers said.

Their study attempts to settle the controversy over homeopathic treatment, which critics say is not effective because of the tiny level of active substance used in most remedies.
It works on the principle that a substance which in large doses will cause the symptoms of an illness can be used in minute doses to relieve the same symptoms.

Critics argue that the active substance is so diluted that homeopathic remedies have no more effect than placebo or dummy treatment.
The study put homeopathy to the test in 50 patients suffering from nasal allergies. They were given either a homeopathic preparation or a placebo.

Each day for four weeks patients recruited from general practices and a hospital in London measured their nasal air flow and recorded symptoms such as blocked, runny or itchy nose, sneezing or eye irritation.
Both groups reported that they got better - but on average patients who received homeopathy had a 28 per cent improvement in nasal air flow compared with 3 per cent among those in the placebo group.
The study was carried out by doctors in Glasgow, led by Dr David Reilly of the Glasgow Homeopathic Hospital, one of five specialist hospitals in Britain. He said the difference in results from the two treatments was statistically significant.

Dr Reilly said this was the fourth trial carried out by his hospital, all with similar results. In addition, there were positive findings in 70 per cent of a further 180 clinical trials.
'I hope this will encourage doctors to examine the volume of evidence supporting homeopathy - they might be quite surprised at the positive outcome in many trials,' he said.

He added that it would take consistent scientific investigation to persuade some doctors, but attitudes were changing.
About 20 per cent of doctors in Scotland have basic homeopathic training compared with one per cent 15 years ago.
'It isn't just about the remedies, which can be put to the test in trials, but about a greater holistic approach in encouraging self-healing and self-recovery.'

Dr Bob Leckridge, president of the Faculty of Homeopathy - the body for doctors, vets, nurses and other health professionals - said: 'This latest research builds on existing evidence that homeopathy works, something that hundreds of doctors and their patients have known for 200 years.'

Taking Homeopathy Along With Allopathy

Homeopathy is an effective, scientific and holistic system of medicine, which boosts the natural tendency of the body to heal itself.

It recognizes that all symptoms of ill health are expressions of disharmony within the whole person, therefore homeopathy treats the man in disease, and not the disease in man.

Homeopathic treatment is specific to particular patient and stimulates the body's immune system to be strengthened against all illnesses, not just a single disease.

Homeopathic treatment will be helpful in a number of ways:

1. As homeopathic medicines are prescribed for the individual as a unique mind-body entity, they can improve the overall health, emotionally as well as physically.

2. Homeopathic treatment can help improve the symptoms, which have not been addressed by the existing allopathic medication.

3. Homeopathic treatment can help reduce the side effects of the allopathic medication.

4. The need for some or all of your existing allopathic medication may reduce gradually as the improvements with homeopathic treatment are sufficient enough.

A word of caution to all the patients taking long term allopathic treatment is that reductions in allopathic medication should only be made following discussion with allopathic doctor or consultant. Though it may be safe to reduce the dose of some allopathic medicines like painkillers, certain medicines such as steroids etc can cause dangerous or uncomfortable withdrawal reactions if they are stopped too suddenly.

Homeopathic physicians love to work in collaboration with general practitioners (GPs) and hospital consultants if both, the patient and the doctor/consultant concerned are in agreement.

Because homeopathic remedies are prepared from natural materials by a special method, which involves considerable dilution, they cannot cause side effects themselves and do not interact with other medicines.

Homeopathy emerging as most reliable treatment method

    The medical fraternity of homeopathy doctors in city was of the view that it is fast emerging as the most reliable technique of treatment around the world.

The birthday of Dr.Samuel Hahnemann on 10th April, founder of homeopathy, is observed as the World Homeopathy Day.

A function was held in the city to observe the World Homeopathy Day. Speaking on the occasion, Dr Anil Katiyar, a noted homeopath said, "The good aspect is that homeopathy is capable of curing a person completely and there are no side-effects from this mode of treatment."

Physicians were of the view that India has turned a global leader in field of homeopathy.  With about 3 lakh registered homeopaths, 10,000 government dispensaries, 30,000 hospitals, 182 homeopathy medical colleges, more than 18,000 students and more than 600 pharma companies dedicated to the cause of research, India is the clear market leader in homeopathy.

Another doctor said, "Homeopathy is prevalent in about 86 countries of the world which includes USA, Canada, UK, France, Germany and others. The total financial revenue of homeopathy market stands at 135 billion dollar per year with substantial yearly growth being witnessed every year."

He further added, "Several countries including India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh have accorded the status of National Official Medical System to homeopathy. For research and development purposes, a Central Homeopathy Institute and to establish the quality of medicines a Homeopathy Pharmacopoeia Laboratory has been established."

Another doctor present during the occasion added that homeopathy is the only medical science in world in which medicines are tested on human bodies and it is now even used for animals and birds also.

Homeopathy patients often say health improved

Among patients at more than 100 German and Swiss homeopathic practices, researchers found that many reported long-term improvements in chronic conditions such as headaches, allergies and sleep problems.
However, the findings do not necessarily mean the controversial alternative therapy is responsible for the benefits, according to the researchers.
Homeopathy, which originated in Germany in the 1700s, is based on the principle of "like cures like" -- substances that, according to homeopathy, would create certain symptoms in a person can, in a highly diluted form, treat those same symptoms.
Homeopathy is controversial because a number of its central concepts do not accord with modern science, and many studies have found that the remedies are no more effective than inactive placebo substances.
The current study, published in the journal BMC Public Health, looked only at how homeopathy patients tend to fare in their everyday life. Therefore, it does not settle the question of whether the remedies are actually effective, lead researcher Dr. Claudia Witt told Reuters Health.
"This observational study design does not allow (us) to determine any causality between the improvement and the given homeopathic remedy, nor does it exclude the placebo effect," said Witt, of Charite University Medical Center in Berlin.
The findings are based on an eight-year follow-up of 3,709 adults and children treated at 103 homeopathic practices. At the end of that time, Witt's team found, one-third were still undergoing homeopathic treatment, while a bit less than a third had stopped because their health had improved, and a similar proportion had stopped because they felt their treatment was not working.
On average, the study found, patients did report significant improvements in their symptoms over time. Nearly half said their symptom severity had declined by at least 50 percent.
However, Witt and her colleagues say, it's not possible to tell whether the homeopathic treatments bestowed the benefits, because many patients also used other types of alternative care, as well as conventional medicine.
The placebo effect may also have been at work, according to the researchers, with some patients feeling better simply because they believed the homeopathic remedies would help.

http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/homeopathy-can-treat-skin-diseases-effectively/497489/

http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/homeopathy-can-treat-skin-diseases-effectively/497489/

‘Homeopathy can treat skin diseases effectively’

Listing the benefits of homeopathy in skin diseases which can be broadly classified on the basis of their cause into infections, allergies or auto-immune disorders and physiological disturbances, Dr Batra’s Homeopathy Clinic today stated the skin problems can be effectively treated with homeopathy. In a press release issued here today, it state that Infections can be due to viruses, bacteria, fungi, or parasites. While measles, chicken pox, herpese, and warts are common examples of viral infections, impetigo, folliculitis and abscesses are bacterial infections. Fungal and infestation by lice are parasites skin infections. Eczema and urticaria are allergic manifestations where psoriasis, lupus and vitiligo are auto-immune in nature. Physiological disturbances such as hormonal changes along with other contributory factors can lead to conditions like acne and seborrhoeic deramatitis.
Homeopathy recognises the body as a unified whole of physical as well as psychological components and confronts the problem deep within. Homeopathic medicines unlike antibiotics, anti-fungals, anti-parasitics or anti-virals do not target causative organisms. They boost the immune system of the body to fight and overpower them instead, it is for this reason that homeopathic remedies are invaluable in the prevention of diseases too. for example, morbillinum and variolinum have been used to prevent measles and chicken pox respectively. Homeopathy does not advocate the use of external applications as they ten to suppress the disease only to return with a vengeance at a later time or to affect another more important organ or system manifesting in a completely different way.
In acute diseases like measles and chicken pox the homeopath uses his discretion in deciding whether to medicate or not, knowing that these diseases are self limiting and usually run their natural course uneventfully. However medicines may be prescribed to treat the distressing symptoms and to prevent complications. Outbreaks of herpes siumples can be easily controlled by the use of remedies like nitric acid and rhus tox. In case of herpes zoster, depending upon the site involved, the medicine is selected. for example, ranunculus bulbosis is useful for herpes zoster affecting the trunk and aranea diadema is good for herpetic trigeminal neuralgia.