Homeopathy seeks to stimulate the body’s ability to heal itself by giving very small doses of highly diluted substances. The therapeutic method was developed by German physician Samuel Christian Hahnemann at the end of the 18th century. Hahnemann defined two main principals:
1. The principal of similar (or “like cures like”) states that a disease can be cured by a substance that produces similar symptoms in healthy people. This idea, which can be traced back to Hippocrates, was developed by Hahnemann after he repeatedly ingested cinchona bark, a popular treatment for malaria, and found that he developed the symptoms of the disease. He theorized that if a substance could cause disease symptoms in a healthy person, small amounts could cure sick people who had similar symptoms.
2. The principle of dilutions (or “law of minimum dose”) states that the lower the dose of the medication, the greater its effectiveness. This process is referred to as “potentization” is believed to transmit some form of information or energy from the original substance to the diluted remedy.
Homeopathy treats people based on the genetic and personal history, body type and current physical, emotional and mental symptoms. Treatments are tailored to each person and it is not uncommon for different people with the same condition to received different treatments. Homeopathic remedies are derived from natural substances that come from plants, minerals or animals. Common remedies include red onion, arnica (mountain herb) and stinging nettle plant.
Homeopathy has been used in United States since the 19th century and presently there are an estimated 3.9 million adults and approximately 900,000 children who used in any given year. People use homeopathy for a range of health concerns from wellness to prevention, to the treatment of diseases such as allergies, asthma, chronic fatigue syndrome, depression, digestive disorders, ear infections, headaches and skin rashes.
Homeopathic remedies are prepared in accordance to the guidelines written into law by the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act in 1938. The Food and Drug Administration that requires homeopathic remedies meet certain legal standards for strength, purity and packaging and it is widely accepted that they have no adverse side effects, if taken under the supervision of a trained professional.