Also referred to as homeopathic remedies, this treatment in natural and non-toxic, making it safe for all ages. The remedies are prepared by specialist homeopathic pharmacies. The preparation involves a process of dilution and succussion – a vigorous type of shaking.
Remedies are most commonly prescribed in tablet, liquid or powder form. As they are different to conventional medication be sure that you fully understand how to take them.
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What are homeopathic medicines made from?
Remedies are made from plant, mineral, animal or chemical sources. Whatever the original source is, it will be diluted and then shaken vigorously. Homeopaths believe that the more times this process is carried out, the more potent the remedy is.
As the remedies are so diluted, some skeptics say they are in fact nothing but water. Research has suggested that shaking during the process changes the properties of the water. This leads to biological activity.
How this affects the human body has however, yet to be proven in clinical trials.
Are homeopathic remedies licensed?
Most homeopathic remedies sold in the UK are made by specialist pharmacies. Although they are prepared to quality standards, the majority of these medicines are unlicensed. They are prepared according to the standards of official homeopathic pharmacopoeia, which provide safety and quality assurance.
The homeopathic pharmacies are regulated by the General Pharmacy Council. There are a small number of licensed homeopathic medicines with specific purposes (for example, for hay fever). These can be purchased in health food shops and clinics.
If you purchase remedies outside of the UK that aren’t from an established homeopathic pharmacy, be sure to check the remedy is good quality. One way to do this is to check that the pharmacy you’re purchasing from is regulated by the relevant medicines agency in that country.