The science of Homeopathy has been the subject of many debates and discussions - people bombarding the propagators and followers of this science with allegations and accusations of various kinds. But even after all this, Homeopathy has emerged victorious and put a stop to all of these with the help of research-based evidences and successfully treated cases. Here are some of the common myths (about Homeopathy) that have clearly fallen apart:

Myth: Homeopathy cures all diseases permanently.

Fact: Not always, to be honest. Homeopathy gives lasting results for sure. The word permanent is theoretical, which cannot be promised for, in difficult diseases.

Myth: There are too many dietary restrictions to be followed during homeopathic treatment.

Fact: The only medical restrictions that a homeopath may impose depend upon the disease that the patient suffers from; for example, diabetics should avoid sweets and a high carbohydrate diet. Since homeopathic medicines act through nerve endings, traditional homeopaths do not prefer the use or consumption of any substance with strong odors like toothpaste, garlic, onions, etc., as this could affect the action of homeopathic medicines. Modern homeopaths recommend having the medicines after rinsing the mouth half an hour before and after meals and also advocate placing the medicine below the tongue for best results.

Myth: Coffee and onion cannot be taken during homeopathic treatment.

Fact: Can be taken, keeping a gap of about half an hour.

Myth: Homeopathy cannot help surgical cases at all

Fact: A number of surgical conditions can be treated effectively with Homeopathy, for e.g. recurrent tonsillitis, piles, fissures, fistula, chronic ear discharge, vocal cord nodules, kidney and gall bladder stones, small-sized uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, warts and corns. However, every medical science has its set of advantages and limitations. Thus, in certain cases where the disease has reached an advanced stage or in emergency cases, surgery is essential and cannot be avoided. In fact, many surgeons and dentists use Homeopathy pre and post operatively. A homeopathic remedy Calendula is recommended as an external application by many surgeons to facilitate better surgical wound healing without leaving behind ugly scars.

Myth: Diagnosis is not required for homeopathic treatment.

Fact: Diagnosis helps to make better prescription of homeopathic medicines.

Myth: All homeopathic medicines are the same

Fact: Although all homeopathic medicines look alike, essentially they are not the same. The basic ingredients of homeopathic medicines come from 3000 different sources that are mainly derived from plants and minerals. Their active principles are extracted into various solvents. For better palatability, the liquid homeopathic medicine is poured into small globules, which are highly porous and therefore absorptive. Although they may look alike, every homeopathic remedy is different from another.

Myth: Homeopathic medicines are prescribed only on the mind symptoms of the patient.

Fact: Not correct. Study of disease, diagnosis and mental attributes are studied in homeopathy.

Myth: Homeopathy and Allopathy cannot be taken together

Fact: In patients suffering from drug-dependant diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure, allopathic drugs cannot be suddenly withdrawn; hence, homeopathic medicines may be taken with allopathic medicines. However, allopathic medicine is often palliative or suppressive. For example, if a patient with headache takes a painkiller, his symptoms would get masked and therefore a good prescription by a homeopath could become difficult. Similarly, some medicines in Allopathy tend to suppress rather than cure while homeopathic medicines may expel toxins. In such cases, it is better to take Homeopathy alone.

Myth: Vitamins, iron-tonic, etc. should not be taken during homeopathic treatment.

Fact: Can be taken. Tonics and supplements are part of homeopathic treatment!

Myth: Homeopathic medicines are slow to act and cannot be used in acute cases

Fact: Most people take recourse in Homeopathy for chronic problems such as arthritis, allergic asthma or skin conditions, etc., which take a longer time to be treated with any other system of medicine too. However, in acute ailments like fever, diarrhoea, acute cold, cough, etc., homeopathic remedies act as fast as conventional medicines, sometimes even faster.

Myth: Homeopathy cures all diseases.

Fact: No system of medicine can cure all the diseases.

Myth: Homeopathy is a placebo therapy.

Fact: Homeopathy is a proven therapy, used successfully for last 200 years in over 170 countries; supported by scientific studies. It shows once ignorance if one believes that homeopathy is placebo. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized Homeopathy as an accepted system of medicine and the world's second largest system of medicine. There have been many double blind trials conducted where the efficacy of Homeopathic medicines have been proved. Studies have shown the ability of Homeopathic medicines to induce physiological changes in the body temperature. Homeopathy even works on animals in diseases like distemper and fifty percent of veterinary doctors in UK use Homeopathy. It shows effective results in infants even in acute diseases such as abdominal colic. This would not have been possible if homeopathic remedies were placeboes.Actually some continue assuming that homeopathy is mere placebo, but it is superstitious.