Homeopathy

Homeopathy was started over 200 years ago by the German physician Samuel Hahnemann. The word means "similar disease." Homeopathic products usually contain extreme dilutions of herbs, minerals, or other substances. Common homeopathic ingredients include aconite, antimonium, arnica, belladonna, chamomile, iron, mercury, magnesium, nux vomica, poison ivy, and many others. These products are often so dilute that they do not contain any of the original active ingredient.

Homeopathic remedies are taken by mouth or applied to the skin (used topically) for the common cold, flu (influenza), asthma, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Despite serious safety concerns, homeopathic nosodes have been used in place of vaccines for measles, mumps, tetanus, and other infectious diseases.

Homeopathy is guided by several basic theories and principles.

Law of similars. The creator of homeopathy, Samuel Hahnemann, believed that "like cured like." If a substance in large amounts CAUSES a certain disease, then that same substance in small amounts could cure the disease. Hahnemann believed that administering a diluted form of a toxic substance could provide the stimulus the body needed to begin to heal itself.

Law of infinitesimals. In the beginning of homeopathy, small doses of a substance were used. This eventually evolved into using extreme dilutions of the original substance. Hahnemann suggested that the more dilute the substance, the more potent the effect it had against a given disease.

Potentiation through dilution. Related to the law of infinitesimals is the concept of potentiation through dilution. The preparation of a homeopathic product involves a step-wise dilution process along with "succussion." Each dilution is succussed, or shaken vigorously. It is believed by homeopathic practitioners that this process leaves behind the image, essence, or spirit of the original compound in the water. The more times this process is repeated, or the more dilute the end-product, the stronger the homeopathic preparation.

Homeopathy was created before there was a modern-day understanding of chemistry, physics, and the science of drugs. As a result, these theories and principles are generally inconsistent with our current understanding of science and are not generally accepted by the medical or scientific community.

When taken by mouth: Homeopathy is LIKELY SAFE. There are no known serious safety concerns from homeopathy treatment. Since most homeopathic products contain little or no active ingredients, these products are not expected to have any beneficial or harmful effects. Reported side effects are usually mild, such as stomach problems, headache, and dizziness. Sometimes homeopathy results in a worsening of an existing condition, which might be because the condition is not being properly treated.

When applied to the skin: Homeopathy is LIKELY SAFE. There are no known serious safety concerns. Since most homeopathic products contain little or no active ingredients, these products are not expected to have any beneficial or harmful effects. Reported side effects are usually mild, such as rash. Sometimes homeopathy results in a worsening of an existing condition, which might be because the condition is not being properly treated.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

The appropriate or safe use of homeopathy depends on several factors such as the condition being treated or the person administering the treatment. Be sure to seek and follow relevant directions from your physician or other healthcare professional before using this treatment.

Homeopathic, Homeopathic Medicine, Homeopathic Nosodes, Homeopathic Remedies, Homeopathie, Homéopathique, Homeopatía, Homeoprophylaxis, Maladie Semblable, Médecine Homéopathique, Nosodes, Remède Homéopathique, Similar Disease.

Natural Medicines disclaims any responsibility related to medical consequences of using any medical product. Effort is made to ensure that the information contained in this monograph is accurate at the time it was published. Consumers and medical professionals who consult this monograph are cautioned that any medical or product related decision is the sole responsibility of the consumer and/or the health care professional. A legal License Agreement sets limitations on downloading, storing, or printing content from this Database. Except for any possible exceptions written into your License Agreement, no reproduction of this monograph or any content from this Database is permitted without written permission from the publisher. Unlawful to download, store, or distribute content from this site.

For the latest comprehensive data on this and every other natural medicine, health professionals should consult the Professional Version of the Natural Medicines. It is fully referenced and updated daily.

© Copyright 1995-2021. Therapeutic Research Faculty, publishers of Natural Medicines, Prescriber's Letter, and Pharmacist's Letter. All rights reserved.