Gandhi once said: "Homeopathy cures a larger percentage of cases than any other method of treatment and is beyond doubt safer and more economical and a most complete medical science."

Yehudi Menuhin considered homeopathy "the safest and more reliable approach to ailments and has withstood the assaults of established medical practice".

Many people - rich and famous, poor and ordinary -choose homeopathy as their preferred health treatment.

The Queen and her family have always been loyal fans of homeopathy. Did you know that a specially-designed black leather box filled with homeopathic remedies accom-panies the Queen everywhere she travels?

Thanks to Gandhi, in India and other countries homeopathy has become the first, and sometimes only, form of treatment available to the poor. Why? Maybe because homeopathy is all of the following:

Effective: It has proved itself in treating every conceivable type of health care situation.

Consistent: Remedies do not go in and out of fashion and do not disappear because they are no longer useful. The same remedies have always been used for the same conditions.

Natural: It doesn't use synthetic substances but relies on the healing properties of plants, minerals and other natural substances.

Safe: It is non-toxic and without any side-effects. There's no risk of poisoning, even if bottles of the medicines are consumed, or addiction or build-up of tolerance, even with long-term use.

Non-invasive: Homeopathic remedies are extremely gentle. They assist the body's natural processes rather than interfere with subtle, natural functions.

Easy to use: Basic homeopathic remedies can be used at home as a first aid in acute situations.

A family medicine: Homeopathy is ideal for babies, children, the aged, in long-term treatment and even in pregnancy.

Individual: Remedies exactly fit a person's needs rather than a one-fit-all approach.

Preventative: Remedies can be used to prevent the onset of many conditions, including cold, flu and anxiety. Professional treatment can prevent many potential chronic diseases or halt their progress.

Broad in scope: Besides their use in common conditions, remedies are capable of helping chronic diseases for which there is no medical treatment available. Homeopathy is a remarkable tool for personal growth and transformation, assisting and accelerating self-development.

Cost Effective: Remedies are inexpensive. They are not patented like drugs whose price can be fixed by the manufacturer.

Scientific: In spite of misconceptions, homeopathy is as scientific as mainstream medicine. It doesn't base its effectiveness on animal experiments, which have no relevance to humans, and prescribing is not based on empirical or accidental discovery of effects but on a rational, systematic observation of the effects of remedies on healthy and sick people.

To learn how to use homeopathy at home, contact the centre for information about workshops and homeopathic first aid courses.

Elizabeth Whitney is a qualified, registered homeopath and can be contacted at Advanced Homeopathic Centre, 62 Palmeira Avenue, Hove.

Call 01273 390938 or email elizabethwhitney@onetel.net.uk