Homeopathy is a system of medicine that helps the body to heal itself. A consultation focuses on the whole person, and enables homeopathic medicines to be selected on the basis of all aspects of the patient and their symptoms. This means that each treatment - like each person - is unique.
Homeopathy works on the principle of using like to cure like. It treats an illness with a medicine that would produce similar symptoms in a healthy person. For example, onion can cause streaming eyes and a runny nose. Allium cepa, a homeopathic treatment derived from onions, can alleviate these symptoms in someone suffering from, say, hayfever.
Not only is homeopathy good for humans, but animals can also benefit from
this gentle therapy.

What conditions can homeopathy treat?

Most illnesses will respond to homeopathic medicines and some can be treated solely with homeopathy. Common conditions that often respond well to homeopathy include allergies, anxiety and panic attacks, asthma, back pain and neuralgia, cystitis, eczema,
irritable bowel syndrome, menstrual and menopausal problems, morning sickness and stress. Homeopathy can also be used to treat recurring childhood illnesses such as
glue ear.

What is a homeopathic medicine?

Homeopathic medicines are mainly derived from natural substances, including plants and minerals. Many are available over the counter at a pharmacy or from health food shops.

Is homeopathy safe?

Yes, as homeopathic medicines are made from a very small amount of the active ingredient. Two hundred years of practice, research and trials have proven the safety of this system of medicine for both people and animals. Homeopathic medicines are non-addictive and have no dangerous side-effects, and Homeopathy is safe for babies, children and pregnant or breastfeeding women - under the supervision of an appropriately qualified practitioner.

Is homeopathy officially recognised and regulated?

Homeopathy has been available on the NHS since 1948 and has received the patronage of he Royal Family for six generations.

Our Homeopath, Penny Mitchell, is a member of the Alliance of Registered Homeopaths (ARH), a professional organisation that supports and promotes a high standard of safe, effective practice.

What does the treatment involve?

A homeopathic practitioner seeks to treat the whole person. As well as asking about your symptoms, a homeopath will be interested in how you feel emotionally and the unique way in which your symptoms affect you. Questions about your lifestyle, eating habits and preferences, sleep patterns, medical history and state of mind help the homeopath to form a complete picture of you in order to prescribe the correct homeopathic medicine.