I am convinced that the world is divided into two kinds of people—those who believe in homeopathy and those who don’t. And since I belong to the first kind, I am delighted to bring you news about an invaluable book, Homeopathic Reminiscences, that has just been published.

Written by renowned homeopath Dr Sarabhai Kapadia, the text is punctuated with photographs of patients of his son another eminent homeopath, Dr Pratesh Sarabhai.

Suresh K has bad breath and is embarrassed while talking. How should he tackle the problem?
a Bad breath is most likely caused by poor oral hygiene. Brush at least twice a day using a good flouride toothpaste like Colgate Total. Floss regularly and rinse with a mouthwash like Listerine, especially before a social occasion. Avoid eating onions and garlic. Get teeth cleaned by a dentist once every 6 months.
Dr Hufrish Suraliwala BDS, consultant dental surgeon, BD Petit Parsi General Hospital

Vaali Ram has greying hair and is looking for a solution. He also wants to know if it indicates any major health problem.
Greying of hair is an inevitable and natural part of ageing and occurs around the age of 35. However, premature greying is becoming common. Grey hair does not indicate any impending health problem nor does it spread with contact. There is no cream or oil to prevent greying. A good diet with protein, vitamins, iron and minerals fruits, vegetables, pulses, milk, eggs, fish etc. will make hair healthy and shiny. Frequent washing is not a problem if a mild shampoo is used. Hair must be oiled once a week. Avoid excessive use of chemicals like gels, mousse or dyes.
Dr Malvika Kohli dermatologist and consultant, Jaslok Hospital

The large ‘‘before-after’’ patient photographs speak eloquently about the miracles of the science. Reflecting deep faith in homeopathy as a system of total health care, the book draws upon Mumbai-based Dr Sarabhai’s clinical case studies which will no doubt be of great interest to homeopath professionals. But for lay persons like you and me, the exciting part is the way the layers of mystery shrouding the science are peeled away systematically.

It requires a determined mindset to read through it all, since the dramatic photographs distract and then convince, but finally one comes away more convinced than ever that the wise old German Dr Samuel Hahnemann knew exactly what he was talking about.

According to me, the best part of homeopathy is that its focus is to count upon and develop the natural powers or the vital force of the living body. This is possible only if the natural law of cure is fully understood and carefully applied. Visham vishasya aushadham and Samah samm samayati or ‘like cures like’ is an observation recorded long ago in Ayurveda.

The treatment system of modern medicine is based on the principle of contraries, i.e. by use of drugs that shall create a condition contrary to that which is the disease. For example, to use drugs causing diarrhoea in the treatment of constipation. There is also the treatment based on substitution of whatever is supposedly lacking in the system. If there is a deficiency of vitamins and minerals, these are supplied by external sources.

Homeopathy does not believe in either of these systems, but in regenerating the vital power of the body itself. Interestingly enough, prevention of acute diseases is one of the major achievements of modern science and the underlying principle of vaccines is homeopathic i.e. of similia. The classical homeopath believes in using this ‘like cures like’ system and in doing so uses drugs in infinitely minute doses.

As Dr Pratesh Sarabhai explains, ‘‘In this age of instant gratification and the ever-present desire for immediate relief, several aspects have taken a turn for the worst in terms of inviting chronic diseases.’’ The young doctor resolutely convinces his patients that ‘‘this impatient search for ‘fix-it-now’ is something homeopathy does not believe in.’’ The book is yet another step in that direction.

Homeopathic Reminiscences. Priced at Rs 995. Distributed by Wilco International. Phone: 022-2041420. E-mail: wilcovsnl.com. B. Jain Publishers Pvt Ltd, Phone: 011-23583100. bjainvsnl.com

Do keep calling and writing. And do keep smiling. For all your health queries, call 022-22161313 or log onto http://www.rashmiudaysingh.com. Write to P. O. Box No 19946, Colaba, Mumbai-5 or e-mail holrashmiudaysingh.com