The homeopath then relates the description of your current symptoms to all this background knowledge in order to prescribe the correct remedy at the right strength. Choice of remedy is therefore based on you and your condition, not just on your symptoms.

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What is a remedy?
Remedies are derived from a variety of natural materials including plants and minerals and are prepared in licensed laboratories under strict quality control. They are given in tablet, granule or powder form and are available in different, but extremely dilute strengths which are identified by a potency number. Choosing the right remedy at the appropriate strength is very important.

Over-the-counter remedies are usually strength 6C. This means that the substance has undergone 6 steps in a series of dilutions, where each step involves taking 1 part of the remedy and diluting it in 99 parts of alcohol.

A fascinating but as yet unexplained characteristic of homeopathic remedies is that the more dilute a remedy, the more effective it is. For example, a remedy diluted 30 times by a factor of 100 (strength 30C) is much more potent than a 6C remedy, even though it contains less of the original substance.

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How often do I have to take the remedy?
This will vary, depending on the severity or nature of the problem. It can be as frequent as one tablet every half hour or as infrequently as one tablet monthly or per annum. Remedies which have acted only need to be repeated when the symptoms recur.

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How should I take the remedy?
Avoid putting anything in your mouth for half-an-hour before or after taking your remedy. Some homeopaths advise completely avoiding strong substances like coffee and mint while taking remedies.

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How should I store the remedies?
Most medicines are fairly delicate and need to be treated quite carefully. Homeopathic remedies should be stored away from strong light, strong temperature variations and strong smells. All three can inactivate them.

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Can I use homeopathy and aromatherapy at the same time?
You should not store your homeopathic remedies in the same place as your aromatherapy oils and you should not take a homeopathic remedy at exactly the same time as you apply an aromatherapy oil, but you can undergo both treatments for your illness.

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How should I handle the remedies?
As little as possible. It is best to tip one pillule into the lid of their container and then tip the medicine into your mouth. Try to touch the remedy with your fingers only if you really have to, and as little as you can. Handling remedies too much can inactivate them.

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Should I stop my other medication?
No. Homeopathic remedies can be safely taken along with other medicines. It can be very dangerous to stop a medicine which you have been using for some time. The remedies will not interfere with your other drugs. You will be able to reduce your other drugs if you begin to improve under the influence of the homeopathic ones.

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Why have I heard that some homeopaths tell their patients to stop their other drugs?
It is very unusual for a qualified health care professional to give such an instruction. Some non-medically qualified homeopaths have been known to give such advice and it stems from their distrust of mainstream medicine. The reason they will give is that some drugs can inhibit the effects of the homeopathic remedies. It is true that some drugs can produce such an inhibitory effect, particularly steroids and other drugs which suppress the immune system. However, experienced homeopathic practitioners will tell you that it is still possible to see the remedies produce good effects in the face of these drugs. Drugs should only be stopped when it is deemed they are no longer clinically necessary.

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Can homeopathy provide an alternative to vaccination?
There is no evidence to show that homeopathic medicines can be used instead of vaccination. The Faculty of Homeopathy recommends that immunisation is carried out in the usual way, unless there are strong medical contraindications.

For an information sheet about the balance of risks involved in making decisions about immunisation and the role that homeopathy can play, click here.

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How do I find a good homeopath?
The British Homeopathic Association distributes a free list of medically qualified homeopaths, practising across the country. If you would like a copy, telephone us on 0870 444 3950 or email info@trusthomeopathy.org You can also use our search facility to look for a homeopathic doctor near you.

Doctors who have also qualified in homeopathy work in many settings such as general practice, private practice, clinics and hospitals including the five NHS homeopathic hospitals in the UK.

Those who have passed the Faculty of Homeopathy Membership examination can be identified by the letters MFHom or FFHom after their names.

Some doctors and other healthcare professionals such as pharmacists, nurses, dentists and midwives are Licenced Associates of the Faculty of Homeopathy and have the letters LFHom after their name. This means that they have passed the Primary Health Care Examination and have achieved a basic level of training in homeopathy relevant to their own professional area of expertise.

Not all homeopaths are medically qualified. As yet there are no national standards of training and accreditation for these practitioners. It is your responsibility to check that they are registered with a professional body and have insurance.

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How can I find a homeopathic vet?
In addition to the BHA's list of homeopathic vets, the British Association of Homoeopathic Veterinary Surgeons provides a list of vets trained in homeopathy. Some of the vets included in this list have gained the Faculty of Homeopathy's veterinary qualifications Vet MFHom or Vet FFHom.