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Khaleej Times
19-07-2025
- Health
- Khaleej Times
'Not one medicine for all': UAE doctors say homeopathy personalises treatment
After being told she needed a hysterectomy due to fibroids, a woman found a healing path through homeopathy. As her symptoms improved within two months and her fibroids shrank significantly — leaving just one small fibroid — experts explained that homeopathy activates the body's self-regulation to achieve long-term healing. The 46-year-old mother of two (name requested to be withheld), based in Dubai, was dealing with multiple large fibroids — about five large fibroids in her uterus — and diabetes. These fibroids were impacting her life, causing frequent bleeding. She was left with no choice but to undergo a hysterectomy based on the doctor's recommendation. Usually, many women have no symptoms, but common signs include heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding, bleeding between periods, pelvic pressure or pain, lower back pain, frequent urination, painful intercourse, and difficulty conceiving. In severe cases, fibroids can lead to anaemia due to blood loss. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. She decided to try homeopathy at Wellth and started working with homeopathy practitioners. Dr Yasir Shafi, a homeopathy practitioner at Wellth who supervised her treatment, explained: "Homeopathy is a form of alternative medicine that uses natural remedies mainly from plants and minerals, in highly diluted doses, to stimulate the body's self-healing response. It follows the principle of 'like cures like' — treating symptoms with remedies that would produce similar symptoms in a healthy person." He added, "Treatment is tailored to the individual's physical, emotional, and mental state." Dr Shafi noted that treatment duration varies from person to person. Acute conditions may improve within days or weeks. At the same time, chronic issues, such as fibroids, often require several months of consistent treatment. Progress depends on the size of the fibroid, overall health, and adherence to the treatment plan. He also mentioned, "Medicines are mainly derived from plants or minerals. These are potentised through a homeopathic process and prescribed in different potencies." "It's important to understand that these medicines are not the same for all fibroid patients," he said. "Homeopathy is a highly individualised approach based on the patient's nature, history, and symptoms. Each patient receives medicine suited to their unique condition — not one medicine for all." Regarding the 46-year-old woman, she committed to a year-long treatment plan focusing on personalised natural remedies and lifestyle changes. Within just a couple of months, she noticed an improvement in her symptoms. A follow-up scan showed her fibroids had shrunk significantly, leaving just one small fibroid. This was remarkable since she had been advised that hysterectomy was her only option. The best part was that she also managed to bring her diabetes under control through holistic methods without conventional medicines. Dr Asher Shaikh further explained: "How long treatment takes depends on the condition and the individual. Acute issues, such as fever, cough, or food poisoning, can improve within hours or a day. Chronic problems like allergies, eczema, psoriasis, autoimmune disorders, hormonal imbalances, PCOS, migraines, gut issues like IBS, inflammatory bowel disease, thyroid issues, or anxiety may take a few weeks to show deeper improvement and a few months for long-term stabilisation." He added, "Many patients report early signs that the remedy is working: better sleep, improved mood, more energy — even if the main complaint hasn't fully resolved yet." Dr Shaikh described the process: "Homeopathy begins with an in-depth consultation. We don't rely solely on test reports; we also discuss emotions, sleep patterns, fears, digestive health, and life history. This helps us choose a remedy that fits the whole person, not just the diagnosis." He noted that this process typically includes thorough case-taking lasting 60 to 120 minutes for chronic cases, along with emotional counseling. Remedies are customised from over 2,000 options based on the patient's profile, with potency and dosage determined by their condition and sensitivity. Lifestyle advice on nutrition, stress management, and habits that may affect healing is also provided. Dr Shaikh recommended considering homeopathy if individuals have recurring or chronic issues like allergies, PCOS, anxiety, IBS, eczema, migraines, or hormonal problems. It's also suitable if you're tired of side effects from conventional medicine or want a natural approach that supports your body's healing abilities. "Homeopathy is a safe treatment option for infants, pregnant women, and the elderly, making it a gentle care choice. It can also complement conventional treatment when full relief is not achieved or help support the immune system during recovery," he added.
Khaleej Times
21-06-2025
- Health
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Camel milk rises as superfood with low lactose, vitamin-rich composition
Camel milk, once confined to traditional Emirati households and niche markets, is now being reinterpreted as a modern superfood that is rich in nutrients. In addition to being a vitamin-rich food with naturally low lactose levels, it is also high in vitamin C, iron, and proteins that support the immune system. Some reports have also suggested that consuming this nutrient may lead to improvements in autism symptoms. Due to its unique composition and immune-modulating properties, camel milk has emerged as a promising complementary ingredient in the treatment of autism. "Camel milk is a safe option for many children with autism, providing a valuable complementary approach within an integrative treatment framework," Dr Yasir Shafi, homeopathy practitioner at Wellth, told Khaleej Times. Camel milk is rich in immunoglobulins, lactoferrin, and the antioxidant vitamin C. It supports gut health, reduces oxidative stress, and may enhance behavioral and cognitive outcomes. Studies, including those published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, have noted improvements in social interaction, motor planning, and behavior in individuals who consume camel milk under medical supervision. Its A2-like protein composition and low allergen content make it a safe option for people with autism. Milana Boskovic, director of marketing and R&D at Al Ain Farms Group, noted, "Research is currently being conducted on its potential benefits for individuals with autism. It is widely regarded as a clean, natural alternative with minimal processing." A heritage of nutrition Camel milk has been a vital part of Bedouin diets for centuries. Beyond staple food, camels were the primary source of life preservation, as the Bedouins used camels not only to provide milk and meat but also as the main way of transportation and shelter from harsh cold temperatures during winter nights. Camels hold cultural, nutritional, and economic significance in Emirati heritage, and they are protected under UAE law and regulations. The UAE preserves its welfare and movement, safeguarding its historical and cultural significance. These measures include rules for grazing, importing and exporting camels, and guidelines for camel racing. Global milk market "According to a recent market report by SkyQuest Technology, the global camel milk market was valued up to $15.6 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow further," said Boskovic. Export opportunities are growing, particularly in regions such as Europe, the US, and Southeast Asia, where demand for lactose-free and functional foods is increasing. With long-life milk and powder formats, the UAE is well-positioned to tap into this potential. She explained camel milk is increasingly recognized for its superior nutritional profile. It is hypoallergenic and rich in high-value proteins, as well as calcium. It is easily digestible, even for individuals with lactose intolerance, and can be used by the general population as well as those with specific dietary needs. Camel milk is becoming more attractive to health-conscious consumers looking for natural, functional alternatives to traditional dairy — whether for wellness, digestion, or a native booster for the immune system. The milk contains bioactive compounds like lactoferrin, lysozymes, and immunoglobulins that have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. These components help strengthen the immune response, protect against harmful pathogens, and may support gut health — a crucial aspect of overall immunity. Some of the most recognized benefits include: • Easier digestion due to lower lactose content • Support for diabetes management thanks to its insulin-like proteins • Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects It is creamy in texture and contains healthy fats, making it easy for the gut to tolerate. Boskovic noted that raw camel milk is unprocessed, and it may contain risks for people if taken on the spot fresh from the animal — we would certainly never recommend that. 'As with all milk, camel milk should be cooked to avoid ingesting any bacteria that may come from the process of outside collection from the camel.' 'Pasteurized camel milk is heat-treated at a temperature of up to 90°C to eliminate bacteria, then cooled for bottling and consumption, with a shelf life of up to 5 days when stored properly in the refrigerator,' she added. Consumption has remained stable, evolving from a traditional staple to a modern wellness product. The UAE has seen several initiatives — from government-backed food security strategies to private-sector innovation. Al Ain Farms Group is the first global company to successfully develop the natural option of long-life milk without any chemicals added. They plan to commercialize the launch further, capturing increasing consumer demand for the product both domestically and internationally. Key challenges in producing milk include high production costs and low consumer awareness of the functional and healthy benefits naturally contained in camel milk. Some regions are more developed in accepting camel milk and understanding its benefits, but global awareness still needs to be developed.
