Patients rally to protect homeopathic services in Tunbridge Wells
Two of the major Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) funding the homeopathic hospital in Tunbridge Wells have given notice of their intention to withdraw funding from the service, as part of a cost-saving exercise designed to save £9.6 million. Both South West Kent and Maidstone Weald PCTs (which merge on 1 October to form West Kent PCT) have said that from 1 October, patient referrals will be considered by an 'Individual Treatment Panel' which will "ensure that the treatment recommended is evidence-based". This is likely to mean that getting homeopathic treatment in these areas will become extremely difficult. A vigorous campaign opposing the cuts is underway with support from local GPs and patients. The campaigners meet weekly and hand out posters, information and encourage people to sign a petition every Saturday in Tunbridge Wells. The British Homeopathic Association is fully behind the campaign to protect the services, which if cut would only save the PCT involved around £160,000.
If you would like to support the campaign, please contact me for further information.
Labels on homeopathic remedies become clearer
Certain homeopathic remedies, such as Arnica, Nux vomica and Sulphur are now allowed to carry indications on their labels thanks to the National Rules Scheme of the Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Authority (MHRA), which came into force on 1 September. The new regulation means that a number of remedies indicated for certain acute, self-limiting conditions such as travel sickness and nausea, headache, minor skin conditions, hay fever, common digestive disorders and muscular pain will have this information displayed on their packaging. This change is welcomed by the British Homeopathic Association and will make homeopathy more accessible to the public (read statement on our home page). However, the move has upset some people in conventional circles, including sceptic Professor Michael Baum, whose interesting and rather un-scientific response to the news was "it's like licensing a witches' brew as medicine so long as the bat wings are sterile."
Case study: how homeopathy helps the whole person
 Jane Gilchrist, 93 from Bromley, describes how successful homeopathy has been for her over the years. Jane is a staunch supporter of homeopathic treatment. As well as working as a volunteer at the Royal London Homoeopathic Hospital, she has defended homeopathy on both national TV and radio on numerous occasions.
When did you first start using homeopathy?
When I was 70 years of age. I had gout and orthodox treatment had severe side-effects. A friend gave me a homeopathic remedy - a tissue salt - which had an immediate result. I was also still experiencing hot flushes 20 years after menopause. A homeopathic physician gave me the remedy Lachesis and I have never had another hot flush.
It sounds like homeopathy has been successful for you!
Completely. I have had heart disease since 1976 and have taken a homeopathic remedy for the condition for 23 years. I never take anything else. My cardiologist says "I've never had one like you - go on taking the homeopathy!". I'm a patient for doctors being examined in cardiology at Lewisham Hospital, because apparently I have "a lovely murmur"! This proves that I do have a serious heart condition.
In addition I have used homeopathy for fractured wrists and bruising and these have healed up in no time. I've also had no further trouble with IBS after taking homeopathic remedies.
Which homeopathic remedies do you use?
For my heart I take Crataegus, which was prescribed by my homeopathic doctor. I also take Latrodectus mactans (made from black widow spider venom) as a constitutional remedy for general wellbeing and the vascular system. In addition I use Arnica for first aid, Aconite for anxiety, Hypercal for cuts and Alumina for constipation.
How important do you think it is that homeopathy is available on the NHS?
Absolutely essential. So many people cannot afford private consultations. Homeopathic remedies cost a fraction of orthodox medicines and could be saving the NHS a great deal. Patients with a whole host of chronic diseases such as ME, MS, allergies and rheumatic conditions are not being successfully treated with orthodox medicine.
What would you say to somebody who believes that homeopathy is a placebo?
Babies, toddlers and animals do not know what they are being given so how can it be a placebo? Countless mothers will vouch for its success. Dairy herds have been treated with homeopathy for mastitis with amazing results.
Jane Gilchrist in action:On the BBC On Radio 4's Today programme
Find a GP in your area who practises homeopathy
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Suddenly ill? Think of Aconite
 Commonly known as "monkshood", Aconitum napellus is a higly toxic plant that has been used historically to poison the tips of arrows. Its name derives from the Latin word for dart - "acon".
The well-known homeopathic remedy Aconite is used for a wide variety of conditions but more often than not it helps with ailments that come on suddenly and acutely, and often in strong, healthy people. They may have been exposed to an abrupt change in climate, or are experiencing shock, fright, burning pain or numbness.
Fear with associated restlessness indicates Aconite. In the past, the homeopathic remedy was used by followers of homeopathy to treat fevers and severe pains that would otherwise have been treated by blood-letting. The remedy can also be given at the onset of coughs, colds and eye, ear or throat complaints that have associated inflammation and infection.
Want to read more on Aconite? Get the Autumn issue of Health & Homeopathy by joining the BHA as a Friend today. Other topics covered this issue include post-natal depression, men's health, and advice on which remedies to include in your homeopathic first aid box, plus much more including a brand new q & a page. To receive the magazine, simply send me an email.
Web visitors vote for homeopathy on the NHS
A survey of visitors to the British Homeopathic Association's website, www.trusthomeopathy.org, has shown that over 77% think homeopathy should be available to patients on the NHS. Just under 2,500 votes were cast over a twelve month period. These figures echo findings from a web poll conducted by the BBC recently, which asked web visitors 'Should the NHS fund complementary medicine?'. Just under 65% voted 'yes'. Over 17,500 votes were cast on the BBC's website.
Bye for now!
I hope you have found this issue useful. Let me know if there is any particular subject you would like to see covered in future issues – just email
me with your ideas. I look forward to hearing from you!
Best wishes,
Sarah
Sarah Buckingham
sbuckingham@trusthomeopathy.org
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