JAN Smosarski was delighted to introduce Bryony Coates-Rees, from the Welsh School of Homeopathy, as guest speaker for the March meeting of Narberth Ladies Probus.

Bryony began by giving an overview of alternative medicines and complementary therapies, including reflexology and Chinese traditional medicine. However, the main focus of her talk was homeopathy, the second largest system of medicine and over 200 years old.

Homeopathy was established by the German physician Samuel Hahnemann at the end of the 18th century. It was developed as an alternative to contemporary medical treatments, which were often harsh and caused more harm than good. This led Hahnemann to seek less aggressive cures.

Homeopaths believe that there are many possible remedies for the same medical diagnosis, Bryony outlined a number homeopathic remedies, with appropriate illustrations, such as arnica to treat bruising and allium in alleviating cold symptom, as well as some less familiar ones including snake venom to treat rheumatism.

She then gave a fascinating demonstration to show how remedies are made, using a process of dilution and shaking called succussion. Many homeopathic remedies consist of substances that have been diluted many times in water until there's none, or almost none, of the original substance left. As a result of the succussion process, the original substance leaves an imprint of itself on the water.

Bryony concluded by stating that symptoms are a communication from the vital force as to what needs to be healed, rather than an inconvenience to be suppressed. Homeopaths take a holistic approach and seek to understand the unique pattern of symptoms, emotional responses and personal history of each patient.

There followed a lively question and answer session, with most agreeing that they were now less sceptical about the homeopathic approach to health and wellbeing.

Pam Maggs thanked Bryony for giving such an informative and interesting talk. The next meeting will be on Friday, April 10 at the Plas Hyfryd Hotel. The speaker will be Roz Oak on ‘Scams’. New members are always welcome.