Homeopathic medicines, regardless of quantity and dosage, have never been shown to exhibit any toxicity or side effect or allergies, either by themselves or in combination with any chemical or herbal medicine or any other substance. They have also never been shown to affect, in any way, the action of any chemical or herbal medicine or to cause any kind of addiction.

In a small percentage of patients, in the first days after the start of the homeopathic treatment, they may experience some simple and light symptoms such as a slight headache, some itching, etc., for a few hours to a few days which, however, is harmless to the body and subsides quickly. This happens because the body mobilizes to deal with the disease, without this to mean that if there is no such reaction the homeopathic medicine was not the right one. We emphasize that patients should not attribute any of their symptoms, at the beginning of homeopathic treatment, to a therapeutic reaction because it could be a common cold or a gastroenteritis or food poisoning or anything else and for this if they have really disturbing symptoms they should contact immediately their doctor.

Perhaps the most basic accusation against Homeopathy, is that since in homeopathic medicines the amount of the original substance is astronomically low, almost non-existent, it is not possible for them to have a therapeutic effect and therefore their result is due to self-submission (placebo effect). So, they say the patient is submitted mentally that what he gets is good for him and that’s why he feels improved. This has long ago been rejected for the following reasons:

1. Homeopathic medicines work very well in animals and infants where there is simply no possibility of self-submission (placebo effect).
2. Why is the patient not influenced in this way by other doctors (conventional and alternative) with, possibly, important titles and reputation and this only happens with the particular homeopathic doctor who succeeds to cure him?
3. Why, while different homeopathic medicines may have been given from the same homeopathic physician, the patient shows improvement only when is taking the specific right one that is indicated, from this doctor?
4. Why can the positive effect of a homeopathic treatment be reduced or neutralized by an antidote agent (e.g., caffeine, camphor, etc.) that the patient accidentally and unknowingly takes?
5. It is known that the phenomenon of self-submission (placebo effect) is usually short-term and not long-term, like that of homeopathic treatment.

Classical Homeopathy is the first School of Homeopathy, taught by its founder Dr. S. Hahnemann and whose results impressed the whole world. One of the most basic principles of Classical Homeopathy is that the right homeopathic medicine, that the body needs at a certain time (to activate its self-healing mechanisms), is one and only one. Later, as the state of the human organism changes, another homeopathic medicine may be needed, but at that very moment it is one and only. It’s like if you tune your radio to a very specific frequency, to hear the station you’re interested in and if you tune it to another frequency, you’ll hear a different station or nothing at all. This procedure is difficult and requires the doctor’s time, knowledge and experience. Some homeopathic physicians who either do not know what the appropriate homeopathic medicine is, or do not have the time required to take and study a detailed history of the patient, may administer several homeopathic remedies together (two, three, or even thirty, etc.), based on a logic that as long as they have no side effects (and indeed they don’t), whatever is the right one will work and the rest won’t bother. But it is not so! In principle, there are too many homeopathic medicines and the right one may not be included in these that have been selected. But more importantly, even if the correct homeopathic medicine is included in the preparation, the other ones may interfere with it, preventing it of working as it should. For this reason, unfortunately, the therapeutic results of getting many homeopathic medicines together at the same time (“polypharmacy”) are, often, very poor and transitory (while it is an easier procedure) and sometimes they can disturb the course of treatment of a patient following Classical Homeopathy, by “de-coordinating” the action of the correct homeopathic medicine.

Homeopathic medicines are available in a large number of pharmacies in Athens but also in the rest of Greece, under the control and with the license of the National Drugs Administration (EOF). The cost of homeopathic medicines is not high and usually they are accessible to everyone. (LIST OF HOMEOPATHIC PHARMACIES IN ATHENS AND GREECE)

Homeopathic medicines are also available in pharmacies of many countries all over the world (Europe, USA, Russia, India, Australia, South America and elsewhere) in usually very affordable cost.

Homeopathic medicines are sensitive to several factors such as high temperatures, radiation (e.g., solar, electromagnetic, etc.), chemical fumes, etc. and for this reason it is good to store them with care and to avoid prolonged exposure to these conditions. They can be stored in the shade (e.g., in a drawer or closet, but not in the fridge) in a place without strong odors and not too close to sources of electromagnetic radiation (e.g., mobile phones, microwaves, TVs, etc.). When transporting them, it is good to pack them in an aluminum foil that protects them, e.g., from the influence of mobile phones or airport screening machines etc. (that’s why most pharmacies pack them in an aluminum-coated envelope and that’s the right thing to do). Homeopathic medicines have a very long shelf life (several years) if stored in the right conditions.

It has been established that there are some substances which, without causing any kind of side effect, can interfere with the action of the homeopathic medicine and thus alter or neutralize its effect. The main things we avoid during homeopathic treatment are the following:

1. CAFFEINE Contained in products such as: Coffee (decaffeinated coffee and coffee substitutes are allowed but not to contain the” guarana” herb). “Colla” or “redbull type” soft drinks etc. Coffee liqueurs (e.g., Baileys, Kahlua, etc.). Painkillers with caffeine. Certain cosmetic skin firming creams, etc. Black tea in quantity (up to a cup of black and 2-3 cups of green tea 2-3 are allowed). Sweets or ice cream with coffee or mocha. (Cocoa and chocolate are normally allowed, in reasonable amounts).
2. MINT / MENTHOL Contained in products such as: Toothpastes and mouthwashes with mint (pharmacies have products suitable for homeopathy). Cosmetics with menthol (e.g., shaving foam, etc.). Mint chewing gums and candies (also those for sore throat). Liqueurs with mint. Spearmint as an infusion (in cooking is allowed).
3. CAMPHOR / NAPHTHALINE / CLOVE SPICE (EUGENOL) Contained in products such as: Camphor or naphthalene (avoid to smell) for moths (newer moth repellants and natural lavender are allowed). Rubbing ointments with camphor (e.g., some heating ointments for musculoskeletal problems and common colds with a strong smell). Camphor heating patches. Varnishes, oil paints, turpentine (not to inhale fumes). Clove oil (eugenol) is present in some cosmetics and older dental materials.
4. PSYCHOTROPIC SUBSTANCES Like cannabis, cocaine, opioids, LSD, etc.
5. Sometimes (rarely) we may should avoid a specific substance when some particular homeopathic medicine is administered, e.g., when is given Seppia, we avoid vinegar or when is given Sulphur, we avoid chamomile infusion.
6. When a patient is receiving Classical Homeopathy treatment, he must avoid taking combinations of homeopathic medicines (in the same preparation) because they can sometimes interfere with the correct homeopathic medicine and alter the good course of the treatment (of course without causing side effects).
7. The patient should not take homeopathic medicines by himself, even if he has been helped by some particular one in the past (to the same health problem), because in that occasion he could need a different one. It is best for him to inform the homeopathic doctor who will suggest the appropriate option.

Apart from those mentioned above, there are no other essential restrictions (not even regarding the diet) during the homeopathic treatment and in any case further clarifications can be given by the clinic secretary or the doctor himself.

Smoking is certainly an unhealthy habit that is not recommended, but it has not been shown to interfere with homeopathic treatment (beyond harmful effects on the disease itself). A significant percentage of patients, who follow homeopathic treatment for various health issues, spontaneously stop smoking during treatment.

Some chemical medicines can negatively affect the functioning of homeopathic medicines (without themselves being affected by the homeopathic medicine). The main ones are antibiotics, corticosteroids (cortisone), some psychiatric drugs, codeine and other opioids, eugenol (clove oil), anesthetics (e.g., xylocaine) and some hormonal preparations. We note that taking the above substances, at the same time with the homeopathic treatment, does not in any case cause any problem or side effect other than to neutralize the effect of the homeopathic medicine. It is emphasized that in serious or urgent situations any medication can (and should) be used, regardless of whether it affects homeopathic treatment, always in conjunction with appropriate medical assessment and supervision. In some cases, homeopathic and conventional chemical treatment can coexist if that is necessary for the good of the patient.

The taking of the homeopathic history is largely based on the information given by the patient himself and his relatives and more specifically, on his symptoms, the course of his health problems over time, his laboratory and imaging tests, the conclusions of the medical specialties in the context of which, possibly, the incident has already been assessed, etc. In addition to the above information, a series of questions are often asked about the special characteristics of each person, such as how the weather conditions affect him, what food preferences he has, even information about his personality and the way he behaves, or about events and situations that have influenced him in the course of his life. In this way, the doctor can choose the, one and very specific, homeopathic medicine that suits the patient at that time and will help him overcome his problems (it is a choice that is not at all simple or easy). It goes without saying that the medical physical examination and objective assessment, as well as the laboratory and imaging tests that are necessary, are not abolished under any circumstances. In every case with significant symptoms there should always be a classical medical diagnosis (if possible) and if it’s not already existed when the patient turns to Homeopathy (which is the most frequent case) the homeopathic doctor should seek it, together with the competent medical specialties. The first homeopathic examination is very important and can last an hour or more and the patient should have available his laboratory and imaging tests as well as the medication he is taking or has taken (chemical, homeopathic or any other).

In the event of an unexpected health problem (e.g., a common cold, diarrhea, sore throat, skin irritation, conjunctivitis, etc.) it is best for the patient to contact the homeopathic physician who can give him the appropriate homeopathic medicine and general instructions on what to do. Of course, if necessary, a medical physical examination and objective assessment will be performed as well as the relevant laboratory and imaging tests. In (rare) occasions where the patient faces an acute and urgent health problem with severe symptoms and potential danger, he should immediately and urgently seek medical help in an emergency department of an on-call hospital, without the need for any communication with the homeopathic physician.

Dental treatment in most cases is necessary and irreplaceable. Sometimes homeopathy can give very valuable results that help the work of the dentist (this is why many dentists are trained in Homeopathy). For example, it can be beneficial in chronic inflammation of the gums (such as chronic gingivitis/periodontitis, etc.), persistent or recurring abscesses and fistulas, acute and persistent pain after dental surgery (e.g., apicoectomy) or in dry socket/alveolar osteitis incidents, jaws neuralgias etc. What dentists, who handle patients in homeopathic treatment, should do is to limit the use of anesthetics, antibiotics and eugenol (as much as possible and of course without the patient to suffer or to be at risk). Especially in cases where patients suffer from serious systemic diseases and are greatly improved with homeopathic treatment, it is important to protect (if possible) their good course.

Homeopathic treatment is clearly not forever! The duration of treatment in many cases can be predicted, approximately, by the homeopathic physician (after he has been sufficiently informed about the case). The duration of homeopathic treatment depends on many factors and the special data of each case. In an acute situation the effect of Homeopathy can be almost immediate and is generally achieved in a short time. In chronic cases of serious diseases, with a course of many years and with many unsuccessful treatment attempts (with other methods), a much longer time of homeopathic treatment may be required. Since homeopathy works by mobilizing the body’s defense mechanism, the most important perhaps factor, that determines the duration (and success) of the treatment, is the condition of this mechanism and its ability to respond to the homeopathic medicine. Anyway, even in the most difficult cases, the patient should see some significant improvement in a specific and reasonable period of time, that will be determined by the homeopathic doctor in advance (e.g., within six months). This is necessary in order to make sense to continue the treatment, otherwise the incident simply does not respond well and the patient should look for something else. In general, in a case that has not responded well to homeopathic treatment, it is difficult to answer the question of whether Homeopathy cannot cure it (because it clearly has limits and does not cure everything) or whether the particular homeopathic physician was unable to identify the appropriate homeopathic medicine (or the series of medicines) that the body needs (such a probability applies to all homeopathic doctors).

Homeopathy, ideally, always tries to achieve a complete and long-lasting cure and often succeeds. Of course, there are cases where this result may not be possible, but even in these cases, if a chronic and incurable disease goes well (and this can also be maintained) with homeopathic treatment, without the side effects of chemical treatment, this is something really important. In the event that a homeopathic treatment has been correctly and successfully completed and the patient is considered fully cured, the result, as it is a creation and acquisition of the patient’s organism (and not strictly of the homeopathic medicine) tends to remain stable over time, but this is not guaranteed and depends on his level of health and on the type and chronicity of the disease. Each organism, depending on its genetic origins (heredity), has certain susceptibilities and predispositions and this cannot be completely eliminated with Homeopathy or with any other treatment method known to date. Depending on the damages that a human organism receives (e.g., overwork, mental stress, various abuses, etc.) there is a limit beyond which, however resistant and healthy it is, it will “get sick” (at the points where it is more sensitive). This is exactly the same for someone cured successfully with Homeopathy, i.e., if he will receive intense damage (physical or mental) that exceeds the limits of his defense, he may relapse and fall ill again, in his sensitive parts. Of course, this is not easy to happen because these limits are high enough, like them of a previously healthy person.

In our opinion, only scientists with a degree in medical sciences such as doctors, dentists (on dental issues) and veterinarians (in animals) can practice Homeopathy, for many reasons. First and foremost, despite the fact that homeopathic medicines are harmless and have no side effects, it is extremely important that the healer has the certified medical knowledge and clinical experience, in order to be able to assess the patient’s health progress and respond to critical questions. Does the patient’s health improve sufficiently or not, in the course of homeopathic treatment? What is the meaning of his laboratory and imaging tests? May be the patient is in immediate danger and he should not receive homeopathic treatment but some other type of treatment and medical intervention? The inability of a healer to answer the above critical questions can, sometimes, lead to an unpleasant course of events that is unfair, discredits and exposes Homeopathy. Medical Associations of the country, such as the Medical Association of Athens (ISA) have repeatedly stated their views on this matter, suggesting that homeopathic treatment should be, strictly, a medical act. In Greece there is the possibility of a high level of education in Homeopathy and doctors (also dentists, veterinarians and pharmacists for the pharmacology subject) could e.g., to follow the course of studies of the Hellenic Society of Homeopathic Medicine and to get further postgraduate training at the International Academy of Classical Homeopathy.

Homeopathy is something different from herbal medicine. In phytotherapy (otherwise respectable and with considerable potential) herbal preparations are used in detectable and much higher concentrations that often have therapeutic dosage limits which if exceeded could have toxicity and side effects, by themselves or in combination with other substances or chemical drugs. Being a substance of plant origin does not mean that it is by definition harmless (e.g., opium is also of plant origin). In homeopathic medicines the dilutions are astronomically high and that’s why there can be no side effects regardless of dosage.

Homeopathy is a therapeutic system based on observation and practical application and which is governed by scientifically proven laws and rules, so has absolutely nothing to do with Metaphysics or religious doctrines and beliefs (it is understood that it fully respects the religious belief of each patient).

Homeopathy can clearly be applied, often with great success, to animals and concerns almost the entire range of their ailments, even some very difficult cases. Homeopathic veterinary medicine is widespread abroad and has recently been developing in Greece as well. The European Council explicitly states (Regulation 1804/1999) that in the organic products, of all member states, Homeopathy and Phytotherapy should be preferred as a treatment for sick or wounded animals, in order to minimize residues from chemical drugs, hormonal preparations, etc. for the consumer (organic farming).