The Family Encyclopedia of Homoeopathic Remedies

Citation

Goodier, J. (1998), "The Family Encyclopedia of Homoeopathic Remedies", Collection Building, Vol. 17 No. 1, pp. 48-49. https://doi.org/10.1108/cb.1998.17.1.48.8

Peter Webb has worked as a general practitioner and as a homeopathic practitioner for more than 20 years, and this book is endorsed by the British Homoeopathic Association. The book is divided into three main sections: common illnesses and their remedies; problems of newborn babies, children and adolescents; and special disorders of adults. Before these is a short account of homeopathy, including a description of the production and administration of remedies, and explanations of remedy pictures, aggravation and constitutional remedy. Remedy pictures are the description of the typical patient that would benefit from a specific remedy. Constitutional remedies are those developed for specific individuals. One particular feature of homeopathy is the specific targeting of the remedy to the individual.

In the main sections of the book specific diseases are described and one or more remedy is suggested. In several cases, mainly those involving major infections, conventional treatment is recommended. In cases of high blood pressure weight reduction, dietary modification and giving up smoking are recommended with homeopathic remedies being used if life style alterations do not work. Many remedies are given for a range of (at least partially) psychological conditions. The book ends with further reading, useful contacts ‐ homeopathic associations in the English speaking world and UK homeopathic pharmacies ‐ and Web sites. There is an index which, together with the clear layout of the book, makes finding recommendations on a particular condition easy.

I have to admit that I am not wholly convinced of all the arguments of homeopathy, particularly the argument that the effects increase as the strength of the remedy is reduced to the point where no active ingredient is present in the administered dose. Many of the remedies would seem possible at reasonable concentrations as they are likely to affect the immune system, or have a known pharmacological effect. Most of the remedies recommended are at dilution 6°C that is 1:1012, but at even that dilution there would be thousands of molecules of active ingredient per drop and so some pharmacological effect is likely. Homeopathic remedies certainly do work, at least for some people. It is encouraging that the author, and the BHA, see homeopathic treatments as part of a range of medical approaches that can be used depending on circumstances. Although the book carries the disclaimer that it is a reference book, the press notice describes it as “a comprehensive guide to treating conditions of every kind using safe and natural homeopathic remedies” and self treatment is possible. But as Dr Webb points out, appropriate treatment depends on accurate diagnosis, and it requires a qualified homeopath to choose constitutional remedies and to deal with serious illnesses, so but for all but the trivial conditions it would be necessary to see a qualified person.

Having read substantial parts of this book I have a better understanding of what homeopathy is about and how it treats diseases. The chief value of the book will be as a handy reference book for those practising or receiving homeopathic treatment. It will also be of interest to those practising other approaches to medicine to see what their patients may be combining with the therapy they are recommending. It would be a useful addition to public library stock as it complements the usual popular accounts such as that by Scott and McCourt which do not cover such a wide range of remedies.