Homeopathy

Schism · 20-06-09, 12:14 AM

Hey all

I've really been suffering with hayfever so far this year, so I thought I'd turn to my good friend Google and look for some help.

I've come across this thing called Homeopathy, which I've read many times that it's actually relieved all symptoms/cured their hayfever! Apparently you have to do and see a professional Homeopath to find the right treatment, but you can also do it online, but I'd be a bit uneasy about ordering pills off the internet off a random site.

You guys every heard of this?

Cheers.

Jono310 · 20-06-09, 12:59 AM

hey, yeah, homeopathy is well known for sorting out all sorts of problems, hayfever, allergies, back pain, all sorts of problems.

My housemate has lots of problems with food allergies and has just recovered from having ME, he went and saw a homeopath and it really helped him with things.

Its really important hat you actually go and see one though, rather than just order stuff off the internet, because through a few simple skin tests and by asking you questions they should be able to determine which type of pollen it is you react to that triggers your hayfever....you cant get that over the net!

go see your GP, they will more than likely be able to recommend a good homeopath in your area!

it sucks to suffer, this is the first year i've had hayfever, and at this stage its just sneezes, but seeing how bad my dad gets it does not bode well for my future summer happiness! ah well!

hope that helps! J

Sachmo_51_6 · 20-06-09, 08:36 AM

Homeopathy is an interesting one. It's considered an 'alternative medicine' (which straight away may either attract you or repel you, depending on what type of person you are).

You're probably aware that it works by using 'super diluted' solutions of naturally occurring substances that cause the same symptoms as those you are suffering from. So if your hay fever causes streaming eyes, you might be given a 'super diluted' onion drink (because onions also cause streaming eyes).

There is a lot of debate as to whether or not homeopathy actually works. This is mainly because 99.999999999% (I'm not exaggerating!) of the 'remedy' that you buy is just water.

I can't remember exactly how they do it (the BBC did a documentary about it a while back), but essentially, they take a drop of onion juice (assuming that's what they're making it out of!), add 100 drops of water, shake it, take one drop of the resulting solution, and add 100 drops of water, shake it, take one drop and and 100 drops of water and so on... so the end product is essentially all water.

Interesting statistic for you: If the standard dilution for homeopathy was used in a solution, you would need to give 2 billion doses per second to six billion people for 4 billion years to deliver just ONE molecule of the original ingredient to one of the patients. (courtesy of wikipedia)

Some people say that it's nothing more than a placebo, and that homeopaths are a load of snake oil salesmen, but some people say it has helped them out (as in the post above).

Personally, I'd stick to conventional medicine to start with because:

a) it's got a better proven record of success- particularly for things like hay fever (a veritable hoard ofnasal sprays, tablets, anti-histamines and eye drops)

b) I'm pretty sure conventional medicine will work out cheaper (although I base this on absolutely nothing, being too lazy to go away and research prices!)

Larkino · 20-06-09, 09:52 AM

Apparently the solution is diluted so much that there is no molecules left in the original solution...
A real scientist would say it's just based on the placebo effect.

It works because the water is supposed to keep a "memory" of the original virus (etc.). There is no scientific evidence that water has any sort of "memory", which is why a lot of conventional scientists or doctors would say it's BS.

Also I don't think homeopathic medicines have to be tested (unlike normal medicines).

Though if it's not expensive, why not try it?

**the_icks** · 20-06-09, 09:55 AM

I once went to a homeopath about my piles....

He gave me some cream and demonstrated to me how to use it, when I got home I asked my wife to apply some so she put some on her finger and pushed my piles back in.. to which I immediately shouted "no, you're doing it wrong the homeopath had a hand on each shoulder!!"

at least I think he was a homeopath.

Larkino · 20-06-09, 09:56 AM

Your disgusting lol

grabrail · 20-06-09, 09:58 AM

Plus conventional medices undergo rigourous tests from scientists who are out to prove it doesn't work, whereas "alternative" medicines are not subject to rigourous control, they work more on faith that it works.

as said above it more of a placebo BUT the grey area lies in the fact that placebos do actually seem to work for lots of people becauase they believe it works. Mind over Matter and all that.

However if you convince someone they are only taking a placebo then it more than likely will not work for them, you really need to believe it will work.

I suspect that bringing questions like this to an open forum is a dangerous thing, as many people have many different opinions, and you could be swayed by anyone of them which may prove to be wrong. You need to make your own mind up whether or not you trust the conventional scientists method of making and refining drugs which are proven to work, or whether you trust theoretical medicines, which interestingly when subjected to scientific tests, theres always a "reason" as to why the scientific test failed. such as "Homeopathy doesn't work in the realms of science"

your call.

robertjb · 20-06-09, 10:10 AM

If you're struggling with hayfever, I'd try Piriton. It works amazingly well, and if you take it in the morning before you leave the house you shouldn't have any problems with it! I've used it for years now, it really is the best medicine available for it.

**the_icks** · 20-06-09, 10:21 AM

would say that hayfever remedies are not to be sniffed at!!

I had courses of steroid injections and all sorts as a child (might explain a few small things). I live behind about 40 acres of rapeseed which seems to have the worse effect on me, but I think exposure to it over the years has built up a natural resistance as I have not suffered for years.

Are you sure you are not pregnant?? Wendy found that havfever (and a aversion to chicken) were the best indicators of pregnancy - saved us a fortune in tests!!

Locally produced honey is a good remedy - go to a farm shop!!

barcelonic · 20-06-09, 10:21 AM

an old friend of mine's mother was a homeopathy practioner. i've never tried it but it supposed to help with some things. whether this is just a placebo effect i cannot say but its largely irrelevant if it works for you. the mind is a powerful thing.

give it a go and im sure we'd all like to know how u get on.

Schism · 20-06-09, 02:05 PM

Thanks all for your input

I think I may ask my GP when I have my next appointment for Hayfever.

joewarne · 20-06-09, 02:16 PM

i use Loratodine (sp) for my hayfeaver just one tablet every morning and im usually ok

barcelonic · 20-06-09, 10:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Schism

Thanks all for your input

I think I may ask my GP when I have my next appointment for Hayfever.

i think i know what he'll say tho. i asked my GP about an alternative treatment before and he said to try it if u like it won't affect anything. they don't recommend it but they don't advise against it either. they just say "if it helps you feel better then its only a good thing".

grabrail · 21-06-09, 08:38 AM

I think Homeopathy is starting to be an accepted method, and there is a push to get it accepted on the NHS. So your GP may not be so sceptical

Amiethest · 21-06-09, 05:51 PM

I'm a medic, so I'd say antihistamines. The concentration of active ingrediant in homeopathy is comparable to a molecule of H20 in the entire ocean. I'm very sceptical.

20-06-09, 12:14 AM	#1
Schism Mini Mac Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Leicester Posts: 7,402	Homeopathy Hey all I've really been suffering with hayfever so far this year, so I thought I'd turn to my good friend Google and look for some help. I've come across this thing called Homeopathy, which I've read many times that it's actually relieved all symptoms/cured their hayfever! Apparently you have to do and see a professional Homeopath to find the right treatment, but you can also do it online, but I'd be a bit uneasy about ordering pills off the internet off a random site. You guys every heard of this? Cheers. __________________ Free XBox

20-06-09, 09:52 AM	#4
Larkino Call me Vlad Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: South London Posts: 9,512	Apparently the solution is diluted so much that there is no molecules left in the original solution... A real scientist would say it's just based on the placebo effect. It works because the water is supposed to keep a "memory" of the original virus (etc.). There is no scientific evidence that water has any sort of "memory", which is why a lot of conventional scientists or doctors would say it's BS. Also I don't think homeopathic medicines have to be tested (unlike normal medicines). Though if it's not expensive, why not try it? __________________ Free Xbox 360 S \| Free Wii \| Last.FM Last edited by Larkino; 20-06-09 at 09:55 AM..

20-06-09, 09:56 AM	#6
Larkino Call me Vlad Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: South London Posts: 9,512	Your disgusting lol __________________ Free Xbox 360 S \| Free Wii \| Last.FM

20-06-09, 10:21 AM	#10
barcelonic iBook Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Swansea Posts: 2,927	an old friend of mine's mother was a homeopathy practioner. i've never tried it but it supposed to help with some things. whether this is just a placebo effect i cannot say but its largely irrelevant if it works for you. the mind is a powerful thing. give it a go and im sure we'd all like to know how u get on. __________________ APOLOGIES FOR TYPOS I HAVE A NEW KEYBOARD Join the Consoles.RI conga today! __ Free Loader \| UK Freebies Recieved: Spoiler Xbox 360 Premium Xbox Live Gold (12 Months) £34 Bank Transfer (Thx Furbs) £19.38 BT Godfather II (PS3) "Talking about music is like dancing about architecture" - Frank Zappa

20-06-09, 02:05 PM	#11
Schism Mini Mac Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Leicester Posts: 7,402	Thanks all for your input I think I may ask my GP when I have my next appointment for Hayfever. __________________ Free XBox

20-06-09, 12:59 AM	#2
Jono310 iPod 20gb Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Manchester Posts: 824	hey, yeah, homeopathy is well known for sorting out all sorts of problems, hayfever, allergies, back pain, all sorts of problems. My housemate has lots of problems with food allergies and has just recovered from having ME, he went and saw a homeopath and it really helped him with things. Its really important hat you actually go and see one though, rather than just order stuff off the internet, because through a few simple skin tests and by asking you questions they should be able to determine which type of pollen it is you react to that triggers your hayfever....you cant get that over the net! go see your GP, they will more than likely be able to recommend a good homeopath in your area! it sucks to suffer, this is the first year i've had hayfever, and at this stage its just sneezes, but seeing how bad my dad gets it does not bode well for my future summer happiness! ah well! hope that helps! J

20-06-09, 08:36 AM	#3
Sachmo_51_6 iPod Nano 2GB Join Date: May 2009 Location: Plymouth/Loughborough Posts: 133	Homeopathy is an interesting one. It's considered an 'alternative medicine' (which straight away may either attract you or repel you, depending on what type of person you are). You're probably aware that it works by using 'super diluted' solutions of naturally occurring substances that cause the same symptoms as those you are suffering from. So if your hay fever causes streaming eyes, you might be given a 'super diluted' onion drink (because onions also cause streaming eyes). There is a lot of debate as to whether or not homeopathy actually works. This is mainly because 99.999999999% (I'm not exaggerating!) of the 'remedy' that you buy is just water. I can't remember exactly how they do it (the BBC did a documentary about it a while back), but essentially, they take a drop of onion juice (assuming that's what they're making it out of!), add 100 drops of water, shake it, take one drop of the resulting solution, and add 100 drops of water, shake it, take one drop and and 100 drops of water and so on... so the end product is essentially all water. Interesting statistic for you: If the standard dilution for homeopathy was used in a solution, you would need to give 2 billion doses per second to six billion people for 4 billion years to deliver just ONE molecule of the original ingredient to one of the patients. (courtesy of wikipedia) Some people say that it's nothing more than a placebo, and that homeopaths are a load of snake oil salesmen, but some people say it has helped them out (as in the post above). Personally, I'd stick to conventional medicine to start with because: a) it's got a better proven record of success- particularly for things like hay fever (a veritable hoard ofnasal sprays, tablets, anti-histamines and eye drops) b) I'm pretty sure conventional medicine will work out cheaper (although I base this on absolutely nothing, being too lazy to go away and research prices!)

20-06-09, 09:55 AM	#5
the_icks Mr Baldy Chicken Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 14,486	I once went to a homeopath about my piles.... He gave me some cream and demonstrated to me how to use it, when I got home I asked my wife to apply some so she put some on her finger and pushed my piles back in.. to which I immediately shouted "no, you're doing it wrong the homeopath had a hand on each shoulder!!" at least I think he was a homeopath.

20-06-09, 09:58 AM	#7
grabrail iBook Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Nottingham Posts: 2,325	Plus conventional medices undergo rigourous tests from scientists who are out to prove it doesn't work, whereas "alternative" medicines are not subject to rigourous control, they work more on faith that it works. as said above it more of a placebo BUT the grey area lies in the fact that placebos do actually seem to work for lots of people becauase they believe it works. Mind over Matter and all that. However if you convince someone they are only taking a placebo then it more than likely will not work for them, you really need to believe it will work. I suspect that bringing questions like this to an open forum is a dangerous thing, as many people have many different opinions, and you could be swayed by anyone of them which may prove to be wrong. You need to make your own mind up whether or not you trust the conventional scientists method of making and refining drugs which are proven to work, or whether you trust theoretical medicines, which interestingly when subjected to scientific tests, theres always a "reason" as to why the scientific test failed. such as "Homeopathy doesn't work in the realms of science" your call.

20-06-09, 10:10 AM	#8
robertjb iPod 20gb Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 455	If you're struggling with hayfever, I'd try Piriton. It works amazingly well, and if you take it in the morning before you leave the house you shouldn't have any problems with it! I've used it for years now, it really is the best medicine available for it.

20-06-09, 02:16 PM	#12
joewarne Mini Mac Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Great Yarmouth Posts: 4,742	i use Loratodine (sp) for my hayfeaver just one tablet every morning and im usually ok

21-06-09, 08:38 AM	#14
grabrail iBook Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Nottingham Posts: 2,325	I think Homeopathy is starting to be an accepted method, and there is a push to get it accepted on the NHS. So your GP may not be so sceptical

21-06-09, 05:51 PM	#15
Amiethest is meant to be revising Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Nottinghamshire Posts: 6,451	I'm a medic, so I'd say antihistamines. The concentration of active ingrediant in homeopathy is comparable to a molecule of H20 in the entire ocean. I'm very sceptical. __________________ Well since as my SERPS are now dead, I won't belearning how to get an iPad for nothing anymore\| My Free Xbox 360 sitehas tanked \|And the only one that was an experiment and doesn't make money is Free 3DS darn it. Want to know how to get greens (referrals) for FreebieJeebies? I'll tell you how..... Work hard, like the rest of us! Feel free to ask questions!