The system of homeopathy was devised by a German doctor called Samuel Hahnemann over two hundred years ago and has been in use ever since. It is based on the principle of "like cures like" or The Law of Similars. This means that substances capable of causing an adverse reaction (such as pollen for hayfever sufferers) can also stimulate a positive reaction when a tiny, or homeopathic dose is taken. Nettles for example, can cause a stinging rash if touched - yet people with a similar type of rash may be treated with a homeopathic remedy made from nettles called Urtica Urens.
Remedies are made from a variety of substances including plants, minerals, metals, pharmacological compounds, animals (although animals are not killed for this purpose), glandular secretions and substances such as moulds, house dust etc. They are carefully prepared in homeopathic pharmacies by a process of dilution and succussing (shaking) which leads to the creation of various potencies. The remedies are taken as small pillules which dissolve in the mouth, or sometimes in liquid form.
It is believed that homeopathic remedies help to trigger the body's own healing processes. It is not a "one size fits all" therapy but instead takes an individual approach with remedies carefully chosen to match each person's specific symptoms and also their particular characteristics. This is known as constitutional prescribing. It is based on the idea that people have different ways of experiencing symptoms, different family histories, susceptibilites and emotional responses and may therefore need a remedy unique to their particular constitutional make-up. The aim of homeopathy is to treat the whole person in order to help improve health and wellbeing. It is this individual approach which ensures that the most appropriate remedy is seleced for each patient.
Homeopathy is an extremely safe and gentle therapy and is suitable for people at all stages of life. It can be safely used by babies and during pregnancy.
Remember that homeopathic remedies can be used at the same time as conventional medication. It is recommended that patients also seek advice from their medical practitioner.