Homeopathy is a system of complementary medicine based on the principle of ‘like cures like’, first described by Hippocrates. It was developed over 200 years ago by a respected German doctor Samuel Hahnemann who was looking for a way to reduce the harmful side effects of the medicine of his day. He observed that a substance that can cause a disease can also relieve it.

He developed a method of dilution and succussion (vigorous shaking), which produced a medicine that was not only less toxic, but also more potent. For example, coffee is a stimulant but taken in homeopathic form it may relieve insomnia. The homeopathic remedy made from onions (Allium Cepa) can relieve hay fever symptoms similar to those caused by chopping an onion.

Today remedies are prepared using the same method. Remedies are made from a range of natural substances such as minerals and plants. Each remedy is made from a small amount of the material substance, which is crushed, diluted and shaken. As this process is repeated, the material content is diluted but the energy content is increased.

Homeopathic medicines are prepared under license in specialist pharmacies. See links to two such pharmacies in the UK:

Hippocrates recognised not only the body’s natural ability to heal itself, but also the need to understand the whole person when treating illness. Homeopathy recognises that mental, emotional and physical health are inextricably linked so treatment takes all levels of health into account.

Homeopathy is used by 600 million people around the world and is considered one of the safest forms of medicine. In many countries it is integrated into the health care system and covered by public health insurance.