Frequently Asked Questions

Homeopathy is a therapeutic method that uses diluted extracts of natural substances to relieve symptoms. The active ingredients in homeopathic medicines include plants, animals, or minerals that relieve the same symptoms they cause at full strength (e.g., a micro-dose of coffee bean helps to relieve nervousness).

Homeopathic medicines have been used for more than 200 years. Today, homeopathic medicines are used by millions of families and recommended by health care professionals around the world to relieve many common, everyday conditions such as allergies, coughs, colds, flu, stress, muscle pain, and teething.

For BOIRON^®, this refers above all to medicines that are:

• registered with health authorities and comply with quality pharmaceutical standards;
• prescribed and recommended by healthcare professionals (doctors, midwives, pharmacists, etc.);
• used by approximately 300 million people worldwide.

Homeopathic medicines are useful in most common illnesses. They provide healthcare professionals with specific responses in many areas: ENT, gynaecology, paediatrics, dermatology, etc. They are used by many doctors (GPs and specialists), midwives, dentists and veterinarians. Furthermore, homeopathic medicines are increasingly used as supportive care.

In-store and online at Dis-Chem, Clicks, Wellness Warehouse and independent pharmacies and health shops, countrywide.

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An increasing number of scientific studies on homeopathic medicines are being conducted and published in peer-review journals. Clinical research is providing evidence of the efficacy of homeopathic medicines, and basic laboratory research is confirming the biological activity of highly diluted substances and helping the scientific community better understand their mechanism of action.

Homeopathic medicines above 6CH have a low risk of side effects and no contra-indications. They can be safely taken with other conventional medications and are sometimes recommended to complement other treatments.

A homeopathic medicine is obtained from a precise and controlled process of successive homeopathic dilutions. With each homeopathic dilution, the medicine is deconcentrated and then vigorously shaken (also called “succussion”). This process transforms the original solution into a therapeutically active medicine.

The emblematic form of homeopathic medicines is the tube of granules. Tubes and doses, which contain granules and globules, are the characteristic forms of homeopathy. But they are not the only ones: many homeopathic medicines also come in the form of syrups, tablets, gels, ointments, eye drops, etc. Whatever the form of homeopathic medicines, their production is subject to the same quality and reliability requirements.

We do not recommend touching the pellets and tablets with your fingers or hands. Introducing any moisture to the pellets or tablets will begin the dispensing of the medicine, and any oils on your skin may coat them and hinder absorption once the medicine is in your mouth.

The list of ingredients refers to the raw material used as the basis for the homeopathic medicine. The name of the ingredients are in Latin so that doctors all over the world can easily and accurately identify the medicines. One of the characteristics of homeopathic medicines is that they are in micro-doses.

Medicines that come in tubes or doses (granules and globules) are taken orally, outside mealtimes, and melt in the mouth:

• Granules are generally taken 5 by 5, repeatedly throughout the day.
• The entire dose of globules must be taken in one go.
• The duration of the homeopathic treatment and the number of administrations is indicated on the prescription and/or the leaflet.

In all cases, the doctor’s prescription or the pharmacist’s advice must be complied with.

There is more than one way to treat oneself with homeopathic medicines. In some cases, a doctor trained in homeopathic therapy may prescribe a treatment suited to your own circumstances: based on your symptoms but also your medical history, sensitivity, etc. In other cases, it is possible to self-medicate. With advice from the pharmacist, homeopathy can provide a reliable, fast solution suited to the circumstances. Some homeopathic medicines are intended for family medication, easy to use and adapted to common illnesses. If in doubt, or if the symptoms persist, seek medical attention.

Homeopathic medicines are prescribed by healthcare professionals trained in this practice: GPs or specialists. Pharmacists can also recommend them.

The doctor can prescribe homeopathic medicines in an “acute” situation, i.e., to treat a condition which occurs suddenly and occasionally. In this case, the treatment is prescribed for a few hours or a few days. They can also use them for certain recurrent diseases, i.e., which come back regularly, such as pollen allergy, migraines, rheumatism, herpes, etc. In this case, the doctor prescribes a treatment for a longer period of time, in an attempt to reduce or even eradicate the number, duration and intensity of the episodes. In all cases, the doctor opts for a treatment suited to the patient and his/her specific response to the disease.

Your doctor, pharmacist or midwife can prescribe a homeopathic treatment, alone or in combination with other medicines. Carefully follow their recommendations and ask them for advice if in doubt.

There are no known drug interactions with homeopathic medicines above 6CH or with any of the BOIRON® branded medicines. Homeopathic medicines can safely be taken together or with other conventional medications and are sometimes recommended to complement other treatments.

Homeopathic medicines are for everybody. GPs or specialists integrate them into their practice as they are useful in many areas: general medicine, paediatrics, ENT, allergology, gynaecology, etc. Homeopathic medicines can therefore be prescribed or recommended to adults, children and elderly people. Pregnant women can also use homeopathy. However, care should be taken to comply with the doctor’s prescription and the precautions for use mentioned on the packaging or leaflet.

For babies who are not yet spoon-fed, granules (or globules) must be dissolved in a little water, in a bottle or a glass. As soon as the baby is spoon-fed, give him/her the suckable granules using the pellet counter and the content of the doses using a teaspoon, and repeat the operation several times. Granules or globules are preferably taken before meals. Tip for parents: To save time, the total number of granules to be taken during the day can be diluted in one go in a water bottle, then administered to the baby the number of times indicated by the doctor. If you melt the granules in a glass, it is easier to administer the liquid to the baby with a pipette.

The most efficient route of administration for oral homeopathic medicines is sublingual absorption (under the tongue). To allow for better absorption, homeopathic medicines should be taken in a mouth free of strong flavours or anything that may coat the mouth.

We recommend taking the medicine 15 minutes before or after eating, drinking, or brushing your teeth (unless otherwise indicated on the box). Whatever food particles or flavours remain in your mouth may interfere with or delay absorption. However, there is no reason for food consumption to be staggered or withheld due to digestive interaction. Since the absorption takes place through the mucous membrane coating on the inside of the mouth, food in the stomach has no influence.

No, we do not recommend taking a BOIRON® medicine past its expiration date.

Given the small amounts of highly diluted active ingredients, you will not suffer a drug overdose from ingesting an amount of homeopathic medicine larger than the recommended dosage. In dilutions above 6CH, the toxic properties of the original substance have been removed; the medicine is safe and sold over the counter. Always read and follow the directions on the label and do not take more medicine than is recommended.

Homeopathy has been used to treat animals for more than 150 years: – pets such as dogs, cats or new domestic animals; – farm animals: cows, goats, sheep, pigs, poultry, rabbits, etc. Veterinarians are trained in homeopathy and breeders have also taken on board how useful this therapy is for their livestock: non-toxic to animals, they leave no residue in milk or meat. Organic farming certification bodies recommend the use of homeopathy in their specifications.