Homeopathy

Janine Kotze
M.Tech Hom (UJ)
072 670 5459
janinekotze1@gmail.com

What is homeopathy?

Homeopathy is a complementary and holistic system of medicine that is well accepted in South Africa.
Homeopaths prescribe remedies that stimulate the body’s self healing mechanism. Symptoms are viewed as an external manifestation of an imbalance in the body. This method of treatment strives to correct imbalances, instead of suppressing symptoms.

When remedies are prescribed by a qualified homeopath, they are safe and effective, even during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Homeopathy has also been found to be very effective and safe for babies.
Homeopathy was founded in 1796 by a German doctor, Samuel Hahnemann.

The main principle of homeopathy is that ‘Like cures like’. This means that an ill person can be cured by giving a remedy that will cause similar symptoms in a healthy person.

A homeopath could for instance prescribe a remedy called Allium cepa, made from the common onion, for hay fever. This is because onions cause burning and watering of the eyes as well as a runny nose, which are similar symptoms than those experienced by most hay fever sufferers.

Homeopathic remedies are made out of mineral, plant and animal substances e.g. Calcium sulphate (mineral), Atropa belladonna (plant) and bee venom (animal). Remedies derived from animals can be omitted for vegetarians or vegans.

When a remedy is made, the original substance is diluted with water until it is only present in very small quantities. The more homoeopathic remedies are diluted, the more effective they become. This principle seems strange, but has been verified in practice. The dilution process also makes the remedies safe and non-toxic.

Science cannot yet explain how homeopathy works. Many recent scientific studies show, however, that homeopathy alleviates symptoms without side effects.

Some of the conditions that have been effectively treated with homeopathy are: Influenza, hay fever, eczema, asthma, shingles, psoriasis, otitis media, heartburn, Crohn’s disease, IBS, gallstones, constipation, menstrual pain, menopausal symptoms, gout, osteo-arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, prostate enlargement (BPH) and many others.

Homoeopathy can also treat emotional problems such as anxiety, shock, grief, depression, insomnia and attention disorders.

Who am I?

I qualified in 2005 with a master’s degree in Homeopathy after 6 years of study, and have been in private practice since then. During my studies I also researched the efficacy of homeopathic remedies in children with bedwetting.
As part of my hunger for knowledge and always looking at the most effective way to treat my patients, I have done other courses such as HIV counseling, iridology, reflexology and auricular therapy.

I treat patients of all ages and with a variety of medical conditions. I can also assist patients in preventing illness or improving their general wellbeing. In my practice I have found homeopathy to be very beneficial for infants and children and I have also developed a great affinity for working with them.