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What is Homeopathy?

In 1796, a German physician named Samuel Hahnemann, discovered a different approach to medicine which he called homeopathy.  This comes from the Greek words meaning “similar suffering”.  The basis of this medical model is referred to as "the law of similars".  While working with a species of South American tree bark (cinchona), Hahnemann found that this substance actually helped to improve the symptoms of malaria.  When Hahnemann ingested small doses of this tree bark he experienced the same symptoms of malaria.  This led him to a life's work of finding other substances that would prove beneficial for other conditions. 

How does it work?

Homeopathic remedies work by stimulating the body's own natural ability to heal.  Although the remedies are minute doses, their action is on the underlying cause of the disease.  The treatment focus is to improve the localized symptoms, while supporting, strengthening and stimulating the body's defense mechanisms.  However, it is not the symptoms that are being treated, but rather the whole person.  As a result, the ultimate goal is that a patient will see an overall improvement in their health.

The materials that are used to create homeopathic remedies include substances from plants, minerals and animals, just to name a few.  These preparations are made by diluting the original substance, in many cases past Avogadro's number. 

Homeopathy has been extremely successful in Europe, India and many other countries around the world.   In the United States, homeopathic remedies are required to meet certain legal standards for strength, quality, purity, and packaging. In 1988, the FDA required that all homeopathic remedies list the indications for their use (i.e., the medical problems to be treated) on the label.  The FDA also requires the label to list ingredients, dilutions, and instructions for safe use.