Homeopathy, << `hoh` mee OP uh thee, >> is a system of medical practice based on the attempt to “let like cure like.” According to homeopathic physicians, a substance that produces certain symptoms in a healthy individual will cure those symptoms in a sick individual. Poison ivy, for example, causes rashes. Homeopathic physicians thus treat rashes with poison ivy. Onions cause crying and a watery discharge from the nose. Therefore, onions are used to treat colds. Samuel Hahnemann, a German physician, developed homeopathy in the late 1700’s (see Hahnemann, Samuel).
Homeopathic remedies are discovered through a process called proving. In proving, various substances are administered to healthy people and their effects carefully observed. Homeopathic physicians give patients only one remedy at a time. They believe that using combinations of remedies interferes with the effectiveness of each particular remedy. Remedies are diluted so that the patient receives the minimum effective dose. This procedure is thought to maximize the benefits of the treatment. It also helps prevent harmful side effects.
Many homeopathic remedies contain substances that could be toxic or hazardous to people if given in larger doses. In addition, the medical effectiveness of homeopathic treatments has not been scientifically proven. For these reasons, homeopathy has been criticized by many physicians.
