At age 58, Jo Stokes began to experience various menopause-related issues such as hot flashes, weight gain, sleep disturbances, headaches, itchy skin, and swollen ankles. In search of relief, she opted for a prescription hormone replacement therapy gel, but it exacerbated her symptoms instead of helping.
A seminar centered on menopause in the workplace led her to consider homeopathy. Initially doubtful, her skepticism diminished after just one month of treatment, during which her hot flashes and swollen ankles vanished, along with a reduction in her other symptoms.
“The awful headaches, which I had suffered from every two weeks, completely disappeared from the first day I started the remedies,” Stokes shares. “I had endured these problems for so long that I was in disbelief that, within just a few days, all these symptoms simply disappeared!”
Humble Beginnings
Homeopathy, which originated in Germany over 200 years ago, is guided by two fundamental principles: “like cures like,” suggesting that a substance causing symptoms in a healthy person can remedy similar symptoms in someone unwell; and the “law of minimum dose,” which states that smaller amounts can have a greater impact.
Pat Deacon, RSHom, HMC, has dedicated over 30 years to practicing homeopathy across the UK and Canada, now offering virtual services via Zoom.
Her journey into homeopathy began while seeking a solution for her son’s eczema, which escalated into asthma. After traditional treatments failed, they turned to a local homeopath, leading to both physical improvement and significant emotional transformations.
“The notion that a treatment could enhance both physical health and personal happiness intrigued me,” says Deacon. “I knew I wanted to be part of this journey.”
Throughout her career, Deacon has worked with clients at various stages of life, with a growing number of patients over 60. She addresses a range of issues, including menopause, depression, arthritis, allergies, multiple sclerosis, chronic fatigue, and immune system deficiencies resulting from chemotherapy.
Simpler Solutions
According to Deacon, one of homeopathy’s many benefits is its ability to help patients reduce their reliance on conventional medications, thereby avoiding the associated side effects and costs of pharmaceuticals. Homeopathic remedies typically come in liquid or pill form and range from $6 to $20.
Natural menopause expert and homeopath Sarah Davison, BSc (Hom), LCHE, DipPsych, highlights a common misconception that homeopathy consists mainly of herbs and supplements.
Instead, the remedies are natural substances—often derived from plants, minerals, or animals—that are “potentized” through processes of agitation and dilution, which helps distribute the active ingredients effectively.
These homeopathic treatments function similarly to vaccines by introducing a weakened form of symptoms, stimulating the body’s intrinsic healing mechanisms. “Since your body undertakes the healing process, side effects are non-existent,” explains Davison. Homeopathy involves a series of consultations that tailor prescriptions to address not just symptoms, but also the underlying causes and the uniqueness of the individual.
Moreover, Deacon notes that homeopathy’s simplicity makes it an eco-friendly option, as it demands fewer resources compared to standard pharmaceuticals.
Hopeful Outcomes
Growing up, Deacon viewed aging as a relentless cycle of doctor visits. “It seemed like my parents spent their entire lives moving from one appointment to the next,” she recalls.
Homeopathy shifts the focus from merely treating ailments to enhancing the quality of life, making it as fulfilling as possible. “Homeopathy revitalizes individuals,” says Deacon.
Additionally, for those with autoimmune conditions, homeopathy offers renewed hope. While traditional medications typically manage symptoms, homeopathy aims to resolve their root causes.
Research supports these claims. A 2019 observational trial with 50 rheumatoid arthritis patients indicated that customized homeopathic remedies had beneficial effects on symptom management.
Another study showed that a Bach flower remedy cream successfully managed symptoms and reduced pain associated with mild to moderate carpal tunnel syndrome.
First Steps
If you’re interested in exploring homeopathy, Davison suggests starting with free “curiosity calls” to homeopaths of interest. She emphasizes that you are not limited to local practitioners. “I work with clients globally,” she mentions.
Additionally, exploring courses such as the Centre for Homeopathic Education’s free online Home Prescriber course (https://www.cheonline.co.uk/the-home-prescriber-course) can also be beneficial.
This article first appeared in the May 2025 issue of Intomodel magazine.
