This paradox, together with the multi-dilution technique used by homeopaths does make it interesting, yet despite widespread criticism of this branch of natural medicine, the NHS spends £4million a year on homeopathy.
In response to recent suggestions about cutting back public spending, the Health Minister, Rt Hon Mike O'Brien QC MP, told the Science and Technology select committee last month that there "isn't any justification for cutting homeopathy funding."
It would be "illiberal" and "a denial of personal choice" to cut funding now, O'Brien added, as there is "a significant body of clinicians who take a view that homeopathy works".
And while more of us turn to homeopathic remedies, such as Arnica for every day bruises and breaks, and Nux Vomica for hangovers and nausea, the four NHS Homeopathic hospitals - Royal London Homeopathic Hospital; Glasgow Homeopathic Hospital; Bristol Homeopathic Hospital; and The Liverpool Department of Homeopathic Medicine - are treating around 54,000 patients each year.
Homeopathy has produced good results with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, cancer treatment side effects, skin conditions such as psoriasis and acne, ADHD, hay fever, flu, headaches and many other medical conditions.
Like other complementary therapies such as acupuncture, homeopathy makes individual diagnoses, treating the person, not the disease. Each remedy is a unique and potentised energy medicine, drawn from nature, the plant, mineral and animal worlds. It is the dilution process that attracts criticism as remedies are diluted to such a degree that not one molecule of the original substance can be detected after the 12c potency.
The Dilution Process:
- Raw extracts of plants, vegetables or triturations of minerals and salt are mixed with alcohol and made into a tincture to form the basis of the dilution.
- Dilutions are either 1 part tincture to 10 parts water (1x) or 1 part tincture to 100 parts water (1c).
- Repeated dilution such as 6x, 6c or 30c potencies can be bought over the counter.