Good Advice
Homeopathic remedies can be found in many pharmacies and health food stores. You can find a practitioner in your area or more information about homeopathy through the National Center for Homeopathy in Alexandria, Va. (703/548-7790 or website ). Another source for a medical or osteopathic doctor who’s also a homeopath, is the American Institute of Homeopathy, also in Alexandria (703/246-9501 or online at here )
According to doctors we interviewed and the National Center for Homeopathy, fees for treatment range from $100 to $400 for the first consultation and then from $50 to $100 for follow-up visits. Remedies range from $5 to $15, and sometimes are used in one dose. The consultations may be covered by your insurance if the homeopath is also a medical doctor or osteopath.
If you decide to try homeopathic remedies, heed the advice given by the physician homeopaths we interviewed :
- Get a diagnosis from a medical doctor if you have – or even suspect you have – arthritis. There are more than 100 different types, and your diagnosis will determine the proper treatment.
- Don’t try to treat yourself if you have a systemic rheumatic disease such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. And don’t expect homeopathy alone to be enough. Consult your regular medical doctor as well.
- Don’t give up your prescription medications without your doctor’s OK. It can be dangerous to stop some drugs abruptly.
- Look for a homeopath with “classical” training and years of experience, certification from a national homeopathic organization and, preferably, medical training.
- Use only products labeled with the words "produced in accord with the U.S. Pharmacopoeia Convention" to be sure you are getting a pure homeopathic product, not one mixed with drugs or other substances.
- Read the labels if you have alcohol concerns: Some remedies are diluted with alcohol.
- Take only one remedy at a time, and keep detailed notes about what you take and any effects you feel. This will help you determine if it appears to help your symptoms or track any adverse effects.
- Don’t continue a therapy that isn’t working: Homeopaths say remedies show effects for minor ailments in a few days. For a chronic disease such as arthritis, it may take up to two months. If you don’t improve after that period, it’s probably not the right remedy – or homeopathy may not be the right treatment.
- Remember, more is not better: The whole philosophy of homeopathy is small doses. Take the remedies as directed, in tiny amounts.
- Side effects are rare, as homeopathic remedies have little (if any) active ingredients. However, if you develop new symptoms, stop taking the remedy right away and consult your doctor and a homeopath.
By Judith Horstman
