Homeopathic remedies can work side-by-side conventional medicines in treating some of the world’s deadliest diseases, claims an expert in the field.
Uli Holzer, co-founder of the new Southern College of Homeopathy in Tonbridge, says she disagrees with the World Health Organisation (WHO)’s view that the controversial treatment cannot help sufferers of HIV, malaria, TB or influenza.
The WHO was responding to a letter from the Voice of Young Science Network, a groups of African and UK medics, which says homeopathy is putting people’s lives at risk – particularly in the developing world.
One of its members told the BBC: “We need governments around the world to recognise the dangers of promoting homeopathy for life-threatening illnesses.
“We hope that by raising awareness of the WHO’s position on homeopathy we will be supporting those people who are taking a stand against these potentially disastrous practices.”
Before becoming a homeopath, trained nurse Mrs Holzer worked for 15 years in the intensive care department of a German hospital.
She told Kent on Sunday her experiences have enabled her to see the benefits of both conventional medicines and holistic remedies, adding that different people responded better to the latter than others.
“If I caught a serious illness then I would probably start with homeopathy, but if I didn’t get anywhere then I would probably seek medical attention as well,” she said.
“I do think it’s important that people are aware of their limits though and understand that there is no guarantee a homeopathic remedy will work for them.
“They also need to understand there is a difference between treating people and curing them.
“Obviously you would need medical attention if you suffered a broken bone or had a heart attack, but conventional medicine has its limits too when it comes to illnesses and conditions like arthritis.
“I would never advise a patient to avoid taking certain medicines but I think it’s important people have a choice.
“There’s no reason why they can’t use conventional techniques and homeopathic remedies together.”
Homeopathy is a system of medicine based on treating the individual with highly-diluted substances given in mainly tablet form, which those who practice it say triggers the body’s natural system of healing.
It works on the principle that a substance that might cause symptoms in a healthy person is used to cure those same symptoms in illness.
For example, one remedy which might be used in a person suffering from insomnia is coffea – a remedy made from coffee.
But the remedies are often so greatly diluted they contain few or no active ingredients, but homeopaths argue the water has a ‘memory’ of the active ingredient.
The treatment is highly controversial with many conventional doctors, who point to scientific studies dismissing homeopathy’s claims.
Mrs Holzer and two other local homeopaths set up the Southern College of Homeopathy – which has an open day on September 5 – to train new homeopaths and increase use of the practice throughout the UK.
She said: “It’s getting more popular because it’s all natural and there is no toxicity in the remedies we provide. I think the use of homeopathy will continue to grow.”
POSTED: 24/08/2009 10:57:33
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