Frequently Asked Questions

How do Homeopathic Medicines Work?
Homeopathic medicines stimulate the body to heal itself. They have been working effectively in clinical practice all over the world for 200 years.

When asking the patient to describe symptoms, the homeopath wants to go beyond such blanket terms as merely "rheumatism" or "asthma" and to discover how that particular problem presents in you as an individual in your own unique response to the disease process. Family history, past and present illness, emotional difficulties, individual sensitivities and many other aspects of the patient are discussed. The homeopath assists the patient to understand how seemingly separate symptoms can be related. The homeopath then chooses a homeopathic medicine that matches as closely as possible the symptoms.

Homeopathy is not herbalism or naturopathy. While we do use many of the same natural substances homeopathic medicines are uniquely different from naturopathic products because of the way they are made.

How do you know they work?
There is an abundance of evidence for their effectiveness:
  • 200 years of case reports
  • Sequences of case reports i.e a series of cases of patients with the same clinical condition
  • Numerous placebo-controlled clinical trials
For a summary of recent research refer ECCH research summary under Research.

How is the strength of Homeopathic medicines shown?
Homoeopathic medicines are ultra dilute using a method of dilution called potentization. This involves a dilution process and a succussion process (ie vigorous shaking).

To make a 'C' potency the dilution ratio is 1: 99 (ie 1 drop of substance to 99 drops of water/alcohol). Between each dilution step the medicine is succussed eg 30C means the dilution step followed by succussion is done 30 times.

If a medicine is a '1M' potency, the dilution/succussion step has been completed 1000 times.

The 'X' or 'D' potency is made with a ratio of 1:9 (1 drop of substance and 99 drops of water/alcohol).

The 'LM' or 'Q' potency is diluted by the ratio of 1: 50,000 (ie 1 drop of substance to 50,000 drops of water/alcohol).

You can see from this homeopathic medicines are extremely dilute. Converse to conventional medicine, the more dilute the medicine the greater the potency or strength (because it has been succussed more times).

Are The medicines toxic?
All homeopathic preparations made from toxic, radioactive or prescription-only substances, or pathogenic micro-organisms, or animal, human or other materials containing or possibly containing, pathogenic, fungi, viri, bacteria etc must have been processed till they have been made to a dilution of more than one part in one thousand parts (1:1000) in premises complying with a Code of Good Manufacturing (British Pharmocopea) for Medicinal Products. A homeopathic medicine that is 12c or 24x has been potentised beyond Avogardo's number and is thought therefore to be potentised beyond the possibility that some of the original material exists within the medicine. Potenties below this threshold are called material doses and above this threshold are called non-material or dynamic doses.

Do they cause side effects?
Healing takes place in different ways and reactions to a medicine vary. Sometimes there is an immediate improvement. Sometimes healing begins with an increased feeling of well being, even though symptoms initially remain. In some cases, old symptoms recur as part of the healing process. Occasionally there is a temporary worsening of the symptoms prior to improvement. However, there are no toxic side effects from homeopathic medicines.

Can they interact with conventional medicines to produce harmful effects?
There is no evidence of this, however, it is recommended that the advice of a registered Homeopath be sought regarding this matter.

How do Homeopaths work? What do they do when you come for consultation?
The Homeopath will work with you to build up a comprehensive profile of all your symptoms, including:
  • Physical aches and pains
  • Unusual discharges
  • Stress problems including emotional and cognitive problems
  • Reactions to weather and other aspects of the environment
  • Problems with any body system or organ
The Homeopath will then match this profile with a profile of symptoms for a homeopathic medicine.

What is to stop anyone putting up a shingle in public and calling themselves a Homeopath?
There is no restriction on this in law. However there is an effective system of self-regulation through the New Zealand Council of Homeopaths NZCH), which only grants accreditation to competent Homeopaths. Members of the public should ensure that they seek out an NZCH-registered Homeopath when they need homeopathic treatment.

How is Homeopathy regulated?
Homeopathy is currently not regulated in New Zealand. However homeopaths who are registered members of NZCH and have the designation RC Hom have:
  • completed a diploma in homeopathy or its international equivalent
  • demonstrated competency through the submission and approval of 5 case histories
  • shown through a panel interview that they are aware of safety and privacy considerations
  • have completed a First Aid Certificate U/S 6041/2
  • have proof of on-going education
  • have read and signed the NZCH Code of Ethics and Rules of Practice
Do members of the public have any redress against incompetent or unethical practice by Homeopaths?
The New Zealand Council of Homeopaths (NZCH) has a set of Standards of Practice which binds all Homeopaths listed on the Register. There is a comprehensive procedure for investigating complaints.

Are Homeopathic consultations covered by my health insurance?
The following health insurance providers cover homeopathic consultations under some of their policies. Please contact the provider directly to find out which policies cover this. Are Homeopaths opposed to vaccinations?
There are different schools of thought about this within the homeopathic community. Some Homeopaths support vaccination. Others are concerned that the long-term effects of vaccination on the immune system are not fully known and therefore not taken into consideration in cost/benefit calculations. There is evidence within the mainstream medical literature that vaccination may predispose towards auto-immune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.

NZCH believes that:
  • Parents have a right to make their own informed choice about whether to vaccinate their child or not.
  • More research is needed to elucidate the long-term balance of costs and benefits arising from vaccination.
For more information about vaccinations go to the website for the Immunization Awareness Society www.ias.org.nz and the Ministry of Health www.moh.govt.nz.

Can Homeopathy help people who have had a severe reaction to a vaccination?
Yes there are many recorded cases of people making dramatic recoveries with homeopathic medicines following a bad reaction to a vaccination. Expert advice from a registered homeopath is usually required.

Is Homeopathy safe to take in pregnancy?
Yes pregnant and breast-feeding woman can safely take homeopathic medicines, even very young babies benefit from the correctly prescribed homeopathic medicine.

Can animals benefit from Homeopathic medicines?
Animals respond very well to homeopathy. In New Zealand there is a homeopathic course specifically for people who wish to specialize in treatment of animals. Those who are registered with the New Zealand Council of Homeopaths go through a similar process as homeopaths who work with humans, firstly becoming an Intern(Animal Homeopathy) and then a RC Hom (Animal Health) once the registration process has been completed.