Homeopathy

Dr Samuel Hahnemann (1755-1843) believed in a unique concept. He thought that any given substance has properties to be a poison and a cure at the same time. This belief can be well understood by reading his personal experience.

This German doctor had often treated malaria-afflicted patients. He knew that the bitter cinchona was the cure for malaria.

Once he read a report that stated cinchona was an effective cure for it was too bitter. Dr. Hahnemann did not accept this. He took a bit of this bitter medicine himself. He experienced malarial like symptoms. Surprised, he tested it on others. They too exhibited the same symptoms.

This led the doctor to believe that the substance that had caused the sickness was the cure too. To lend credence to his ideas he experimented with poisonous substances like rabid dog's saliva, arsenic, mercury etc.

Homeopathic medicine

Homeopathic medicines are derived from minerals, plant kingdom, and many other substances.

Insoluble substances are powdered with lactose and sugar. While, the soluble substances are mixed with alcohol and water in varying proportions. This mixture is subject to a process called as dilution.

Development of Dr.Hahnemann's findings

During the course of his experiments Dr. Hahnemann made many discoveries.

He realized that medicines turned more effective when their concentration reduced. By a reduction of the concentration, the substance became a potent medicine and an impotent poison.

Another important theory propounded by the doctor was the theory of dilution. He felt that the remedial substance and the diluents should be shaken together in a rhythmic manner. The rhythmic shaking gave a certain potency to the medicine. Subjecting the solution to further dilution could increase this potency.

Dr.Hahnemann and his followers tested the various medicines on themselves and others. They maintained a record of their findings. This voluminous record is the huge storehouse of homeopathic knowledge.

Approach of homeopathy

Homeopathy never offers a symptomatic cure. They believe that symptoms are the expression of a disease or ill health. Ill health is caused by many different factors. So the root cause has to be identified. The whole individual is treated.

This approach ensures that the illness never recurs.,/p

Controversies

Like any theory of alternative medicine, homeopathy too has its share of controversies.

Homeopathic medicines are sold in pharmacies and other medical stores. The Federal Food Drug and Cosmetics Act has recognized it, but they are not recognized on the same level as other drugs.

Some homeopathic medicines have been experimented upon people. But no medicine has vigorously been tested like the modern allopathic medicines.

Homeopathy is not confined to specific regions. It is popular all over the world. Homeopathy can be believed in. But no attempt must be made to cure a disease on the basis of homeopathic knowledge alone. Homeopathic medicines can be offered as a supplementary cure for major sickness. But attempting treatment of a major disease with homeopathy alone could be disastrous.