What Is Homeopathy?
Homeopathy is a natural system of medicine that has been used for over 200 years to support the body’s ability to heal itself. It works on the principle of “like cures like”—that a substance which can cause symptoms in a healthy person can, in a highly diluted form, help treat similar symptoms in someone unwell. Homeopathic remedies are gentle, non-toxic, and tailored to each individual’s unique physical, emotional, and mental state.
Key Points About Homeopathy
Individualised Treatment: Homeopathy treats the whole person, not just a disease label. Two people with the same diagnosis may receive different remedies, based on their unique symptoms and overall constitution.
Natural and Non-Toxic: Remedies are safe, and suitable for people of all ages—including babies, the elderly, and during pregnancy.
Backed by Research: Homeopathy is supported by ongoing research worldwide, including through the Homeopathy Research Institute (HRI), an international organisation dedicated to high-quality scientific studies in homeopathy. Evidence from both clinical practice and published studies highlights its effectiveness, particularly in chronic and complex conditions.
Mind-Body Healing: Homeopathy recognises the deep connection between emotions, mental state, and physical health. By addressing the root cause of imbalance, it supports healing on all levels.
Works Alongside Other Treatments: Homeopathy can be used alongside conventional medicine and other therapies without interference, making it a versatile option in integrated care.
Promotes Lasting Wellness: Rather than suppressing symptoms, homeopathy works to restore balance and vitality, encouraging long-term improvements in health and resilience.
A Once Mainstream Medicine: In the 19th and early 20th centuries, homeopathy was widely taught and practiced across the United States. Many leading medical schools, including Boston University, the University of Michigan, and New York Medical College, had homeopathic departments or were entirely homeopathic institutions.
However, in 1910, the Flexner Report—a review commissioned by the Carnegie Foundation—led to the closure of many alternative medical schools that didn’t align with the pharmaceutical-based model of medicine. This report significantly shifted the focus of medical education toward drug-based treatment, and homeopathy was gradually pushed out of mainstream medical training in the U.S., despite its proven success at the time. Today, there is a resurgence of interest as more people seek personalised, holistic approaches to healthcare.
A few fun facts about homeopathy
The Swiss government initiated a report that went beyond looking at clinical trials and included population heath and observational data. It concluded that homoeopathy could be both clinically and cost effective. It is covered under their medical benefits scheme.
"In India, where homoeopathy is a national medical system, the market is growing at 25% a year, and more than 100 million people depend solely on this form of therapy for their health care, the popularity of the dilute remedies shows no signs of abating. (Prasad, 2007).
According to Dr Isaac Golden, who has been studying homeopathy prophylaxis for over 40 years, homeo- prophylaxis is used extensively throughout South America and India during times of endemics with overwhelming success. Listen to his interview here.
Homeopathy is a favourite form of medicine and used extensively in Central and South America, India, Europe, and Asia.
Before the release of the Flexner report in 1910 (Carnegie foundation), homeopathy was taught in all medical schools across the United States and was a solid foundation of medicine. In fact twice as many doctors practiced alternative medicine than conventional. Watch this 7 minute video for a quick rundown of the take-down of homeopathy.
According to the WHO Global Report on Traditional and Complementary Medicine 2019 over 100 countries use homeopathic medicine,and it is the second most prescribed medicine in the world.
For Scientific research on homeopathy, check out the Homeopathic Research Institute.