Homeopathy is a complete system of medicine that treats mental, emotional and physical illness. Homeopathic medicines are chosen to treat the whole person, because homeopaths believe the mind and body operate as one, and you cannot treat one part of the body without affecting the whole. Medicines are chosen to fit all the characteristics of the patient, so physical disorders are considered in relation to the individual’s mental and emotional state.

How homeopathy works

Homeopathy works on a principle known as ‘the law of similars’ or ‘like cures like’. This law states that a substance that can cause a disease can also relieve it.

How long has homeopathy been used?

It was Samuel Hahnemann, a brilliant doctor working in 1796 who developed the scientific and philosophical foundations of this gentler way of healing. These scientific principles form the basis of successful homeopathic practice today. Over 200 years ago, the German doctor and chemist Samuel Hahnemann developed the system of homeopathic medicine. He had a very clear and humane approach to the practice of medicine: "The highest ideal of cure is rapid, gentle and permanent restoration of health, or removal and annihilation of the disease in its whole extent,in the shortest, most reliable and most harmless way, on easily comprehensible principles" (Samuel Hahnemann, Organon of Medicine).

How homeopathic medicines are made?

To maximise the healing potential of the medicines he used, Hahnemann prepared them in a very specific manner. This involved diluting the substance concerned, then shaking it vigorously with impact. This sequence of actions is known as succussion. A substance can be diluted and succussed many times, and Hahnemann termed this process potentisation. Hahnemann observed that potentisation made the medicines more effective and reduced the likelihood of unwanted effects. Each new homeopathic medicine undergoes a particular process called a ‘proving’. Volunteers or ‘provers’ take the new substance until they experience symptoms. All symptoms that result from taking the substance are recorded in detail. In this way a huge variety of natural substances are tested for their healing and curative properties and can be added to the homeopathic pharmacy. Unlike orthodox drugs, homeopathic medicines are not tested on animals.

Are homeopathic remedies safe?

Homeopathic remedies are a unique, potentised energy medicine, drawn from the plant, mineral and animal worlds. They work by gently boosting the natural energy of the body, and are very safe, even for pregnant and sensitive patients. There is no danger of addiction or toxicity.

Are homeopathic drugs regulated?

Homeopathic drugs in the United States are subject to a well-defined regulatory processes that more closely resemble those that apply to allopathic medications than to dietary supplements. Index terms: Alternative medicine; Food and Drug Administration (U.S.); Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act; Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia; Homeopathy; Regulations; Toxicity Am J Health-Syst Pharm. 2006; 63:86-91

Who uses homeopathic remedies?

• Celebrities such as Paul McCartney, David Beckham, Twiggy, Caprice, Susan Hampshire, Tina Turner, Louise Jameson, Gaby Roslin, Jude Law, Sadie Frost, Nadia Sawalha, Jennifer Aniston, Jade Jagger, Roger Daltry, Annabel Croft and Meera Syal, as well as The Queen and Prince Charles, are all users of homeopathy.
  
  
• An estimated 5.75million people a year in the UK go to see a complementary practitioner for treatment and it has been estimated that one in four members of the public would like to access complementary medicine on the National Health Service.
  
  
• In a survey conducted by One Poll, 78 per cent said they would like to access both conventional and complementary treatment on the NHS.
  
  
• In April 2007, Mintel published research on complementary medicines which showed that public interest in the UK was growing. Over-the-counter homeopathic treatments, such as arnica cream, had seen a 24 per cent growth over a five year period from 2002-2007.
  
  
• Homeopathy is the most frequently used CAM therapy in five out of 16 surveyed countries in Europe and among the three most frequently used in 11 out of 16 surveyed countries.
  
  
• In India, alternative treatments, including homeopathy, are well established and integrated into the healthcare system, with 94 per cent of people saying that they have faith in alternative remedies, and 62 per cent trusting homeopathy.
  
  
• In 2000, a House of Lords Select Committee report on Complementary and Alternative Medicine listed homeopathy as a “group one” therapy, along with osteopathy, chiropractic, acupuncture and herbal medicine. Group one therapies are recognised as having their own diagnostic approach and treatment methods.
  
  
• People with long-term chronic illness are most likely to use CAM, most commonly seeking treatment for musculoskeletal problems, stress relief, anxiety and depression.
  
  

Does homeopathy really work?

• Up to date research evidence shows that of the 134 randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of homeopathy published in peer-reviewed journals, 59 are positive (that is, demonstrating that homeopathy has an effect beyond placebo), eight trials are negative, and the remaining 67 are inconclusive. This is despite the fact that researchers in the field suggest RCTs are not the best research tool to test homeopathy or any other individualised treatment. New research models are being developed to better reflect homeopathic clinical practice.
  
  
• In 2005, the largest service evaluation of homeopathic treatment reported that 70 per cent of 6,500 follow-up patients experienced improvement in their health. Eczema, asthma, migraine, irritable bowel syndrome, arthritis, depression and chronic fatigue improved.
  
  
• A study over one month in 2007, looking at a total of 1,602 patients seen at follow-up appointments in all five UK NHS homeopathic hospitals, found that eczema was currently the most common referral to homeopathy by NHS doctors.Other commonly treated complaints were chronic fatigue, menopausal disorder and osteoarthritis.
  
  
• Dr David Reilly and his team at Glasgow University have conducted four double blind placebo controlled trials, carried out over a period of 18 years, specifically designed to examine the evidence for the hypothesis that any benefits of homeopathy are due to the placebo effect. All four trials involving a total of 252 patients have produced similar, positive results demonstrating that homeopathy has an effect greater than placebo and that these results are reproducible.
  
  
• Homeopathy has been available on the NHS (National Health Service - UK) since 1948.
  
  
• There are 4 NHS funded homeopathic hospitals in the UK. The largest, the Royal London Homeopathic Hospital treats around 2,000 patients per week.
  
  
• In 2005, a report commissioned by Prince Charles and carried out by economist Christopher Smallwood found that following a pilot study where patients were treated with complementary and alternative medicines there was a 30 per cent drop in the number of consultations with GPs and a saving in prescription drugs bills of 50 per cent.
  
  
• Many MPs support homeopathy. In 2007, 206 MPs signed an Early Day Motion welcoming the contribution of homeopathy to NHS healthcare.
  
  
• Registered members of The Society of Homeopaths have been integrating homeopathy with conventional healthcare in clinic projects nationwide, and some are working in specialised services in the NHS.
  
  
• Because of their long use in the United States, the U.S. Congress passed a law in 1938 declaring that homeopathic remedies are to be regulated by the FDA in the same manner as nonprescription, over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, which means that they can be purchased without a physician's prescription.