Homeopathy is a system of alternative medicine based on the doctrine of similia similibus curentur ("like cures like"), according to which a substance that causes the symptoms of a disease in healthy people will cure that disease in sick people.
Homeopathic remedies are prepared by repeatedly diluting a chosen substance in alcohol or distilled water, followed by forceful striking on an elastic body, called succussion. Each dilution followed by succussion is said to increase the remedy's potency.
Homeopathic remedies have been the subject of numerous clinical trials, which test the possibility that they may be effective through some mechanism unknown to science.
Homeopathy is a vitalist philosophy that interprets diseases and sickness as caused by disturbances in an immaterial vital force or life force. Disturbances are believed to manifest themselves first in mental symptoms, and eventually progress to physical disease if untreated. Homeopathy rejects germ theory, viewing the presence of pathogens as a symptom, rather than cause, of disease.
Homeopathy is widely believed to be perfectly safe because homeopathic medicines are made from a very small amount of the active ingredient. Followers claim that two hundred years of practice, research and trials have proved the safety of this gentle system of medicine for both people and animals.
Unlike some conventional drugs, homeopathic medicines are non-addictive and have no dangerous side effects. Homeopathy is safe to use for babies, children and pregnant and breastfeeding women, ideally under the supervision of a homeopathic doctor.
Members of the Faculty of Homeopathy are doctors and are bound to act within the competence of their profession and their level of training and qualification in homeopathy. This means that a homeopathic medicine would not be prescribed when, for example, a conventional treatment is actually the better option for a patient.
Coming Soon: List of Homoeopathy Practioners by Region
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