Chapter 1: A Brief Introduction to Homeopathy

What does Homeopathy mean?

Homeopathy, is derived from the Greek homeo, or "similar" and pathos, meaning "suffering". The governing rule behind homeopathy is "Like cures like" meaning that diluted amounts of a substance that would cause a reaction in a healthy individual are given to the sick individual in hopes that it stimulates their body towards health. For example, let's say you went to a homeopathic practitioner with a fever. The practitioner would look fever up in a large book called a repertoire which contains a list of natural substances and their reactions, and prepare a diluted solution of whatever ingredient would cause a fever in a healthy person. 

Where did Homeopathy originate?

In the year 1796, a man by the name of Samuel Hahnemann (shown right) created the idea of homeopathy in response to the idea of miasma, which surmised that the cause of all diseases were infectious gases. Hahnemann first tested his idea after ingesting bark from a cinchona tree to test its efficacy against malaria. Eating the cinchona bark produced joint pain, fever, and shivering; symptoms also seen in those with malaria. This reinforced the idea that small amounts of a substance that normally caused ill health can be used to attain good health. (Further testing with modern day equipment and techniques has revealed that the cinchona tree contains quinine, a compound that kills Plasmodium falciparum, the bacterium that causes malaria.)

       

Is Homeopathy safe?

It can be said with 100% certainty that no human has ever died or suffered injury as the direct result of taking a homeopathic remedy. It is important to note, however that homeopathy can not treat certain conditions. There is no remedy for broken bones, no herbal compounds can repair torn ligaments, and no extract of any substance can cure one of sickle-cell anemia. Most homeopathic remedies one can buy over-the-counter are for minor conditions such as headaches or just general cold & flu remedies.

References:

Haehl, R. (2010). Samuel Hahnemann (Volume 02); His Life and Work, Based on Recently Discovered State Papers, Documents, Letters, Etc. United States: General Books.