Homeopaths often see patients with long-term, chronic problems, many of which have failed to respond to conventional medicine. These include eczema, chronic fatigue syndrome, asthma, migraine, irritable bowel syndrome, arthritis, anxiety and depression.

The system of homeopathic medicine is designed to treat the whole person and can therefore be considered in almost any situation where a person's health is depleted. It can also be very useful in the treatment of minor ailments, from cuts and bruises to coughs and colds.

Homeopathy cannot replace all forms of healthcare, but can be used as the treatment of first choice in a wide range of conditions. It can be used in a complementary way in other situations, for example, to support good recovery after operations. Homeopathy doesn't interfere with conventional medicine and should be seen as a complementary treatment, not as an alternative.

Despite the differences in approach, homeopathic and conventional treatments can work very well alongside each other. Consulting with a medical doctor and a homeopath can allow you to receive the best of both worlds, with the most effective treatments being tailored just for you. Quite often with certain illnesses this is absolutley necessary.

Homeopathy is perfectly safe. This is because homeopathic medicines are made from a very small amount of the active ingredient. Two hundred years of practice, research and trials have proved the safety of this gentle system of medicine for both people and animals.

Unlike some conventional drugs, homeopathic medicines are non-addictive and have no dangerous side effects. Homeopathy is safe to use for babies, children and pregnant and breastfeeding women, ideally under the supervision of a registered homeopath.

Homeopathic medicines are mainly plants, animals and minerals, stored in water and alcohol. They are manufactured by repeatedly diluting and succussing (shaking) a preparation of the original substance. The medicine is then added to lactose tablets or pilules.

There are a variety of potencies, e.g. 6C which means that the substance has undergone 6 stages of a series of dilutions and succussions. The more stages of dilution and succussions the substance has gone through the more potent the medicine. All medicines vary in the duration of action dependent on many factors specific to the individual and the illness.