Ask the expert

Here Laura Kenyon provides answers to some of your most frequently asked questions about homeopathy:

I’m having trouble sleeping and find myself tossing and turning all night. Some of this is related to stress at work. What can you recommend?

It's important to find out the root cause of sleep disturbances to successfully treat them. Mental over-stimulation, worries at work and emotional upsets are all treated with different remedies. Sleeplessness can also be a common side effect of many medical drugs. To help with sleeplessness, try Aconite, Calc carb or Ignatia.

My baby sometimes gets colic pain. Can she be treated with homeopathy?

Colic can easily be helped with homeopathy. Try Chamomilla which helps for sleeplessness and Colocynthis which soothes writhing pain when the baby is pulling its legs up to its abdomen. If your baby suffers from persistent colic, always go and see your doctor first.

I hate getting colds and wondered if there’s a good homeopathic remedy to treat them?

Over-the-counter cold remedies usually suppress or hide symptoms where as homeopathic remedies stimulate the body's natural recovery. Try Allium Cepa for a dripping nose, sneezing and dull head pains and Pulsatilla for the later stages of a cold when you might be suffering from thick mucous and a loss of smell and taste.

Are there homeopathic remedies for my children’s surface cuts and bruises?

Homeopathic Arnica is useful in all trauma, but must not be applied directly to the skin for surface cuts, it can however be applied to bruises or taken internally. Hypericum can be taken internally to prevent infection from cuts.

What’s the best homeopathic remedy for period pain?

Try Mag Phos for spasmodic cramping pain and Colocynthis for stronger pain. Persistent period pain can denote an underlying problem such as endometriosis, fibroids or cysts and should be investigated if its symptoms cannot be eased.

Can homeopathy be taken with conventional medication or should I stop taking my conventional medicine whilst on homeopathy?

Homeopathy can be used in conjunction with conventional medicine but it’s important that both your homeopathic practitioner and conventional doctor are aware of any drugs and remedies you are taking. If any symptoms persist you should always consult a qualified doctor.

Can homeopathy be taken while pregnant or breast feeding?

Although it is generally considered safe to take homeopathic medicines whilst pregnant or breastfeeding, they should only be taken on the advice of your GP.

Can animals be treated with homeopathy?

A growing number of people use homeopathy on animals as well as humans. The medicines can be administered directly to the animal or can be placed in pet food.

There are a number of vets who incorporate homeopathy into their everyday practice. Addresses are available from the British Homeopathic Association.