Does homeopathy really work? Here's what expert says

Homeopathy has been a topic of discussion (some might even say debate!) for ages. While some believe it works, others have their reasons to steer clear of it.

Recently, Bollywood actor Anushka Sharma took to her Instagram Stories, stating that homeopathy has “played an important role” in her life. The remark drew significant attention online, with many users criticising her stance, sparking a debate over the efficacy of homeopathic medicines.

To separate fact from fiction, Firstpost interacted with Dr Kushal Banerjee, Senior Homeopath at Dr Kalyan Banerjee’s Clinic, who shared his views on the matter based on his years of practice and experience.

Internet reactions

Post the actor's claim on Instagram, X user @theliverdoc condemned and shared strong opinions against homeopathy.

"Homeopathy is 'medicine' made of water, alcohol, and sugar. So you're paying premium prices for fancy sugar pills containing precisely no medicine at all, all based on an 18th-century belief that "like cures like" and that shaken water somehow remembers things. Pathetic. "But it worked for me!" Of course it did. Most illnesses fade on their own, and people reach for these pills right as they're about to recover anyway, so the sugar takes credit for timing it never controlled. Bonus: a long, caring chat with the homeopath makes you feel deeply heard while consuming absolutely nothing," he posted.

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He further stated "The rest of the world has caught on. The UK's NHS stopped funding it, France ended reimbursements, Germany is pushing to scrap state support, and both Spain and Australia reviewed the evidence and found a clean zero."

Does homeopathy really work? Dr Kushal Banerjee answers it all

1. What is the biggest difference between homeopathy and allopathy?

Homeopathy is based on the principle of "likes cure likes" – hence the name. It also use a process of diluting of the medicinal substance which is believed to enhance its therapeutic effect. Allopathy uses drugs in their crude forms.

2. Why do some people prefer homeopathy over allopathy?

Homeopathy does not cause any adverse effects in the body. It also has a scope which may be different from conventional medicine. As a result patients who are not responding to conventional medicines or have been told that they cannot be helped turn to homeopathy.

With greater awareness about disease and side effects of medicines more and more patients are turning to homeopathy. In many instances, homeopathy is able to treat the disease in a permanent way and this also a draw for many patients.

3. Can homeopathy and allopathy be used together? Is it safe to do so?

Yes, and it is safe to do so. No adverse interactions have been noted between the two kinds of medicines.

4. For which health conditions is homeopathy most commonly used?

Homeopathy is a complete system with a wide scope. It’s use spans conditions like acne vulgaris to the management of end stage renal disease. It is very commonly deployed on respiratory and skin allergies

5. Are there situations where you would advise a patient to choose allopathic treatment instead of homeopathy?

Yes, in cases of cardiac arrest, severe road traffic trauma, some conditions where there is imminent threat to life and various notifiable infectious diseases conventional management should not be delayed.

6. Many doctors say there is not enough scientific evidence for homeopathy. How do you respond to that criticism?

There is enough evidence to support the use of homeopathy in many clinical conditions. Having said that, there is also an urgent need to generate high quality evidence in more quantity. Practitioners and institutions related to homeopathy need to dedicate more resources to this. There is also a need to examine bias in publications against homeopathy which throttles research. Editorial biases also affect the dissemination of research and information about homeopathy. Active efforts in suppressing research which put homeopathy in a positive light is also another important area of concern.

7. Can homeopathy help with chronic conditions differently from allopathy? If yes, how?

Yes, homeopathy is often able to provide a permanent or more long lasting resolution. This can be in conditions related to skin, respiratory conditions and various conditions involving the immune system.

8. What are some common myths about homeopathy that you would like to clear up?

Homeopathy is safe and free of side effects. It is backed by a body of peer reviewed published research. It does not induce a worsening of any condition.

Homeopathy and conventional medicines may be taken at the same time without any fear of adverse interactions.

9. Can homeopathy be used for serious illnesses, or should patients rely on allopathy in such cases?

Homeopathy is being used to manage serious illnesses like organ failures, advanced cancers, mutli systemic auto immune disorders etc. It is safe to do so under the guidance of experienced practitioners.

The use of conventional medicine should be condisdered with a medical practitioner if the patient requires it. The welfare of the patient should be the only focus for any physician.

10. What should a patient keep in mind when deciding between homeopathy and allopathy?

The absence of side effects in homeopathy. In comparison, allopathy may be better suited for the initial management of acute emergency situations. If the patient is looking at slowly reducing or stopping medicines for a recurrent condition, homeopathy may be better suited.