Homeopathy is a holistic form of complementary medicine, aiming to treat the whole person, rather than just the physical symptoms. It’s theories and principles date back to medicinal practices of ancient Greece an Rome. In 5th century BC, the Greek physician Hippocrates established the idea using the Law of Similars, based on the principle that “like cures like”.
In 1790 Germany, Dr Samuel Hahnemann began researching a new type of medicine he called “homeopathy” following the principles of “like cures like”. He conducted tests (“proving”) and matched individual patient symptoms and lifestyle and other factors as closely as possible to the symptom picture of a particular remedy and prescribed accordingly. In 1812, Hahnemann began teaching homeopathy at the University of Leipzig. During his lifetime he proved about 100 remedies.
By the time of Hahnemann’s death in 1843, homeopathy was firmly established in many parts of the world. Single remedy prescribing is prevalent worldwide. In Germany and France, the use of complex homeopathy, as known as polypharmacy, which uses a combination or several remedies, is also popular.
Homeopathic Remedies
Homeopathic remedies can be used effectively and safely by lay people to treat many minor illness and injuries. You would be to select a remedy to match the symptoms by careful observations.
Before starting on homeopathic treatment, you must first decide whether or not it is safe to self-prescribe. Some symptoms may be indicative of a serious illness and require the immediate attention of a conventional doctor. Babies, small children, pregnant women, elderly and those with chronic medical conditions need extra careful considerations. Check with your homeopathic physician if you are not sure.
Below is a list of homeopathic remedies: