Media Centre

December 2008 press releases

12 December

How to avoid the doctor’s surgery this winter

With the annual prospect of nasty colds and flu over the winter months, the British Homeopathic Association (1) has begun an information campaign for flu sufferers on the appropriate use of homeopathic medicines.

To help patients stay out of the doctor’s waiting room, the BHA has produced an online self-help guide to safely using homeopathic medicines available over the counter (2). Download our flu advice sheet.

The guide recommends medicines such as Aconite for a sudden internal cold feeling with shivering, Belladonna for a very hot head and shiny eyes, when the body is cold, and Gelsemium for chills up and down the spine, with a strong desire to sleep.

“These are all common symptoms of flu”, says Dr Sara Eames “and are easy to differentiate. Even when you feel dreadful, you will be able to quickly find the right medicine. I suggest we all stock up on these basic medicines, so that self-treatment can begin as soon as symptoms start.”

For more persistent winter problems such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), musculo-skeletal conditions and fatigue, a consultation with a suitably qualified homeopath can bring lasting benefits, as homeopathy seeks to treat the whole person rather than simply the illness (3).

Dr Eames adds, “Homeopathy is not just for the vulnerable – all family members can benefit from this gentle and effective treatment at this time of year.”

Ends...

Melanie Oxley, Media Consultant moxley@britishhomeopathic.org 0870 444 3950

Dr Sara Eames, President of the Faculty of Homeopathy sara.eames@uclh.nhs.uk

Notes to editors:
(1) The British Homeopathic Association supports patients who wish to access homeopathy in the NHS. Homeopathy was incorporated into the NHS at its inception in 1948 and is available in primary care and by GP referral at five homeopathic hospitals: Bristol, Glasgow, Liverpool, London and Tunbridge Wells. Homeopathy is delivered by medically-qualified doctors and other health professionals who are members of the Faculty of Homeopathy.
(2) Specialist homeopathic pharmacies can advise on homeopathic medicines for common acute conditions. Links to pharmacies can be found on the BHA website at www.britishhomeopathic.org/links.html
(3) A register of homeopathically qualilfied doctors is available free from 0870 444 3950 or at www.britishhomeopathic.org/getting_treatment/find_practitioner