Homeopathy: Theories and Principles
Homeopathy is based on two theories and three principles.
The main theory behind homeopathic medicine is simple: “like cures like.”
The other theory underlying homeopathy is that of potentization. Practitioners believe the more an ingredient is diluted, the more potent it becomes.
These dilutions may happen several times before a homeopathic remedy is given. For example, a 3C solution is diluted on the C scale (1:100) one time, then shaken up. Then it’s diluted (1:100) a second time and shaken, then a third time. The resulting solution has only molecules of the original ingredient left.
In response, some homeopaths claim the amount of the ingredient itself isn’t what’s important, but rather the energetics of the ingredient—which they say the dilution process activates to initiate a therapeutic effect on the body.
Three Principles
Homeopathy is based on three principles:
The principle of the single remedy: One remedy should cover all the physical, emotional, and mental symptoms of an illness.
The principle of the minimum dose: Only a small amount of substance is first used at first, followed by minuscule increases over time.
History of Homeopathy
Homeopathy was developed by a German healthcare provider Samuel Hahnemann in the late 1700s and early 1800s.
The method became rather popular for a time, eventually developing more than 2,000 homeopathic remedies. The use of homeopathy has fallen off with the advent of newer and better modern treatments, but it’s still used today.
In 1903, the American Medical Association invited homeopaths to become a part of the organization.
Research Into Homeopathy
Results on the effectiveness of homeopathic remedies have been inconsistent, primarily due to the lack of widespread regulations of the practice. This makes the dosage of homeopathic medicines variable.
It’s likely that future studies will shine more light on the safety and effectiveness of homeopathic remedies.
For cancer, animal studies suggest homeopathic remedies—when used along with conventional treatments—may inhibit cancer’s growth, reduce symptoms, and improve quality of life.
At the current time, however, experts can say whether the results can be applied to humans, so more work is needed.
People assigned female at birth
People with breast cancer
People coping with either chemotherapy-related peripheral neuropathy or hot flashes
A study looking at CAM treatments among people with cancer found that homeopathy was the second most popular type, used by 39% of study participants. Most of them used homeopathic treatments to counter the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation.
Finding Homeopathic Remedies
You can buy some homeopathic medications at health food stores.
Homeopathic remedies are generally pretty safe and without significant side effects, since they use only a small amount of a highly diluted substance.
However, if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or being treated for a serious medical condition, talk to your healthcare provider before using these remedies or any other form of alternative medical care.
The Danger of Homeopathy
It’s important to understand homeopathic remedies should not replace conventional treatments for most medical conditions. There’s no evidence these substances have any effect.
If you use homeopathic remedies instead of conventional treatments backed by well-designed studies, you may end up sicker and worse off than you were from just the disease.
While many of these treatments are unlikely to be harmful when combined with conventional treatments, be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about them to make sure you’re staying safe.
Homeopathy vs. Conventional Medicine
Homeopathic medicine and allopathic (mainstream or conventional) medicine are essentially opposites, with homeopaths using the like-cures-like approach and medical practitioners using treatments that produce a different effect than the disease.
But that doesn’t mean they can’t work together. A relatively new approach has been using a combination of conventional therapies along with alternative practices to help control symptoms. This is now referred to as integrative medicine.
What Homeopathy Does Better Than Conventional Medicine
While homeopathic remedies haven’t conclusively been found helpful for any disease, practitioners do offer a service some people feel is currently lacking in conventional medical care: time and listening.
Summary
Homeopathy is a form of CAM that uses tiny amounts of substances that, in larger amounts, cause symptoms in order to treat those symptoms. The theory is called “like cures like.”
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Not typically. Homeopathic treatments are highly diluted substances and are not likely to cause any side effects.
Scientific evidence is lacking, but homeopathic practitioners say these remedies can treat many conditions, including:
Allergies
Arthritis
Cold
Cough
Diarrhea
Flu
Gastritis
Menstrual cramps
Muscle aches
Pain
Stress
Stomach aches
Teething
Homeopathy is best used alongside conventional medicine with your healthcare provider’s knowledge.
Homeopathic medicines are generally safe. The primary danger is that you may put off seeing a mainstream healthcare provider in favor of using homeopathic remedies. This could allow a serious condition to go undiagnosed and untreated.