Homeopathy works on the principle of ‘let like be cured by like’, also called the Law of Similars. In Latin, the language of the doctors and scientists of old, this is ‘Similia Similibus Curantur’. It means that what a substance is capable of causing, it may also cure, by stimulating the body to recognize and react against the illness.
Homeopathy uses a small amount of an individually selected substance, to stimulate our bodies’ own healing to protect us. A substance is chosen which, in crude amounts, could produce symptoms similar to those the patient suffers. Yet the amount is small enough so that even very dangerous substances can be used safely.
For example, onions make your eyes burn and water, and homeopathic onion can be used to help hay fever because it has similar symptoms.
It is important to realize that the remedy itself does not heal; the homeopathic remedies work by stimulating the body’s own ability to heal. A bit like a computer program being introduced to the body to teach it how to heal itself.
Contrast homeopathy with ‘allopathy’, the principle of opposites, which is the basis of most modern drugs. Modern medicines are commonly ‘anti’ medicines, for example, anti-inflammatories, anti-biotics, anti-depressants. These act against the symptoms, rather than with the whole patient.
HOW HOMEOPATHIC MEDICINES ARE MADE
Your homeopathic medicine is usually a small pill or tablet, based on lactose or sucrose. Liquid formulations are also used.
Any substance can be used in homeopathy, whether vegetable (eg. herbs), animal, plant or mineral (eg. metals, stones or salts).
Unlike conventional medicines or even herbs, all homeopathic medicines are gentle and without side-effects, when used according to instructions from a registered homeopath.
We use many thousands of different homeopathic medicines, and each is available in a range of potencies.
Only tiny amounts are used, and the remedies are prepared under strict conditions, in specialist laboratories.