Homeopathy is a system of medicine founded in the early 19th century by a German physician, Dr. Samuel Christian Hahnemann (1775-1843). It is based on the Law of Similars. The law of similars states that a disease is cured by a medicine that creates symptoms similar to those the patient is experiencing.

Dr. Samuel Hahnemann described this principle by using a Latin phrase: Similia Similibus Curentur, which translates: "Let likes cure likes." Hahnemann developed the principle into a system of medicine called homeopathy, and it has been used successfully for the last 200 years.

Definition/Principles 

Classical homeopathy rests on three principles:

• the law of similars,
  
• the single medicine, and
  
• the minimum dose.
  

Homeopathy attempts to stimulate the body to heal itself.

It is a system that looks at individuals and not at diseases. All symptoms, no matter how uncomfortable they are, represent the body's attempt to restore itself to health. So instead of trying to suppress a cough with a cough suppressant , a homeopath will use a remedy that will stimulate the body to move in the direction it is already going, and, in the process, remedy the cough.

Homeopathic Products

Homeopathic products are made by homeopathic pharmacies in accordance with the processes described in the Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United States the official manufacturing manual recognized by the FDA.

Homeopathic products may be made from plants such as aconite, dandelion, plantain; from minerals such as iron phosphate, arsenic oxide, sodium chloride; from animals such as the venom of a number of poisonous snakes, or the ink of the cuttlefish; or even from chemical drugs such as penicillin or streptomycin.

Homeopathic products are diluted carefully until little of the original remains. A plant substance, for example, is mixed in alcohol to obtain a tincture. One drop of the tincture is mixed with 99 drops of alcohol (to achieve a ratio of 1:100) and the mixture is strongly shaken. This shaking process is known as succussion. The final bottle is labeled as "1C." One drop of this 1C is then mixed with 100 drops of alcohol and the process is repeated to make a 2C. By the time the 3C is reached, the dilution is 1 part in 1 million! Small globules made from sugar are then saturated with the liquid dilution. These globules constitute the homeopathic medicine.

Although such infinitesimal quantities are considered by some to be no more than placebos, the clinical experience of homeopathy shows that the infinitesimal dose is effective.

The manufacture and sale of homeopathic products is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. Although the practice of homeopathy is regulated under state law, the use of homeopathic products for self care of acute ailments is available to all. Most are available without a prescription.

About the Author

Jeff Behar, MS, MBA