The pace of action of homeopathic medicines depends upon many factors. If the disease is of recent origin, the cure should be achieved within a short period. In such cases, if the selection of the medicine, its potency and repetition schedules are correct, then homeopathic medicines also work quickly. In chronic cases, it takes more time for complete cure. Homeopathic medicines, if correctly chosen, will never palliate the disease, rather it eradicates the disease permanently and completely, for which it is quite natural that more time is required. Moreover, the duration of treatment is likely to be prolonged if there is negligence on the part of the patient in controlling his diet and habits, etc.

It is not true that onion, garlic, tea, coffee, alcohol, tobacco, perfumes etc. are prohibited under homeopathic treatment. But, the substances which may antidote the effects of a particular medicine should be stopped. For example, tea and raw onion may neutralize the actions of Thuja occ., Coffee affects while taking Psorinum and use of camphor is contra-indicated for most of the homeopathic medicines. So, these items are to be prohibited during use of the respective medicines. But, it goes without saying that homeopathic medicines would act better in those patients who are non-addicts and when taken in clean mouth, without the influence of any strong-smelling substance.

Homeopathic medicines have no side effects. The term side effects? Of a medicine comes from modern pharmacology. These drugs are aimed at certain area(s) of the body, such as the cardiovascular system, the gut, the kidneys, etc. Though they have a primary area of action, they also affect other areas of the body. If these other effects are undesirable, they are known as adverse side effects. Homeopathic medicines are not employed against any particular system or organ of the body. Rather, the homeopathic remedy is chosen on the basis of the totality of symptoms of the patient and targets the patients as a whole. Side effects, such as tissue destruction, do not occur under Homeopathic treatment.

There are no expiry dates of homeopathic medicines. But the medicated globules may be rejected when their white colour changes. In case of liquid form, if there is change in colour or sediments are detected, then the medicine should also be discarded. Freshly prepared homeopathic medicines, in alcohol, have strong smell which gradually diminishes with passage of time. But some patients attribute it to be diminution of their efficacy and do not like to continue those odourless medicines. This is a wrong notion, because the quality of the medicines, existing in dynamic form, remains unaltered. However, it is advisable to store Homoeopathic medicines in a dry cool, covered place away from strong sunlight and strong smelling substances.

Yes, Homeopathic can complement allopathic treatment. If you have been taking allopathic medication for a long time, it is not advisable to stop immediately. In such cases, your homeopathic doctor will advise you to start homeopathic treatment alongside allopathy. As your condition improves, you may reduce the consumption of allopathic medicines gradually.

Homeopathic medicines may look alike, but they are not the same. The concept is similar to allopathic capsules. The matter that cures you is captured within the small white pills. The basic ingredients of homeopathic medicines are derived from 3000 different sources, including plants and minerals. Their active principles are extracted into various solvents and the liquid homeopathic medicine is poured into small, highly porous, absorptive sugar globules for better taste. The content within these white sugar pills aims to cure you.

Homeopathy believes in correcting the disorder instead of suppressing it, unlike steroid-based drugs. Therefore, using steroids is against the philosophy of homeopathy. All homoeopathic medicines use scientific methods of extracting medicinal properties from natural substances. There is no scope or need to adulterate the medicines with any other substance, as that would eliminate the curative properties of the medicine. Moreover, at homeopathic medicines are prepared in an open pharmacy (glass pharmacy) where our patients can actually see the making of homeopathic pills. However, if you have doubts regarding the contents of homeopathic medicines, you can get them tested at a laboratory for steroids. There are some specific tests that help evaluate the presence of steroids in a given compound.

You might see an improvement in your condition within a few weeks of starting homeopathic treatment; on the other hand, it might even take a few years to see positive results. The duration of homeopathic treatment depends a lot on factors like the duration of your illness, progress of the disorder and earlier treatments you may have taken for the same. For example, if you are suffering from arthritis since 8-10 years, you might have to take homeopathic medicines for at least 2-3 years to see an improvement in your condition. This does not mean you can stop your treatment. You might have to continue with homeopathic medicines for some more time to get completely cured.

The recurrence of your illness depends on several factors. You have to take medicines as advised by your homeopathic doctor for the recommended duration. If you stop the treatment midway because you see an improvement in your symptoms, there are high chances that your illness might recur. Your homeopath knows exactly how long you need to continue treatment for complete recovery. So, to avoid recurrence, take the suggested dose of homeopathic remedy for the duration recommended by your homeopath. There might also be certain post-treatment, self-help care tips that your homeopath might suggest. To avoid the recurrence of your illness, follow the post-treatment tips suggested by your homeopath.

Certain restrictions on food are mandatory in any system of medicine for effective treatment. For example, diabetics are not allowed to consume foods that are high in sugar, and the intake of salt should be reduced by those with high blood pressure. These restrictions are applicable irrespective of whether patients opt for allopathic or homeopathic treatment. Certain specific restrictions are imposed for homeopathic treatment; for example, it is usually recommended that patients must refrain from eating or drinking anything 15-30 minutes before or after the consumption of homeopathic medicines. This is due to the way in which homeopathic medicine works and has nothing to do with avoiding the intake of a particular food product for a lifetime. A patient undergoing homeopathic treatment has to keep the medicine below their tongue so that it comes in contact with the nerves. Homeopathic medicine is absorbed through the tongue and inner lining of the mouth. This is the reason why some homeopaths advise patients not to eat anything at least 15 minutes before or after taking the medicine, so that nothing else interferes with the absorption of the medicine.

A homeopathic doctor plays a vital role in your treatment. They are the ones who discuss your entire case with you before deciding the best suitable medicine for you. If you are getting better with their treatment, it is ideally not a good idea to change your doctor. However, if you have to change your doctor for some reason, please do so only after consulting with your current doctor. Randomly changing your doctor may affect your treatment.

Surgery is necessary in conditions where medicines have limited or no scope. There are a number of diseases which are labelled as 'surgical', where homeopathy works curatively and can even avoid surgery in some cases. Some examples of such ailments are septic recurrent tonsillitis, piles, some cases of appendicitis, certain cases of kidney stones, small-sized uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, warts, corns, etc. Homeopathy has also worked well as a useful adjuvant therapy in post-operative care, or after surgical procedures like bypass surgery. The homeopathic medicine Arnica is a medicine of choice in such cases.