What Is Homeopathy?

Homeopathy is a medical treatment method based on the principle of similarity, using individually selected potentised medicines and medical knowledge obtained through medicine provings.

All five elements must be present simultaneously: its medical nature, the use of a single medicine, the use of potentised medicines, the law of similars and evidence obtained through medicine provings.

Homeopathy is a regulatory treatment. When you have a health problem or illness, it aims to support health from within. This is done using one of the individually selected homeopathic medicines, each of which is specially prepared or dynamised.

The Principle of Similarity

The prescribed medicine is the one whose symptoms, observed during a medicine proving, most closely resemble the patient’s symptoms and overall presentation:

Similia similibus curentur.

Let like be treated by like.

The word “homeopathy” comes from the Greek words homoios, meaning “similar”, and pathos, meaning “disease” or “suffering”. The name refers to the law of similars.

Potentisation

Most homeopathic medicines originate from natural sources within the mineral, plant and animal kingdoms. They are gradually triturated with lactose—particularly in the case of insoluble minerals—or diluted in an alcohol-and-water mixture and subjected to succussion.

This process is called potentisation or dynamisation and represents the essence of homeopathic medicine.

Dilutions may be prepared at ratios of 1:10 (decem; D potencies) or 1:100 (centum; C potencies). Each potentisation stage is identified by a consecutive number. D6 or C6 indicates that the corresponding potentisation process has been performed six times.

Preparation Method

1. First Potentisation Level

One part of the mother tincture is diluted with 9 or 99 parts of an alcohol-and-water mixture and then shaken firmly 10 times. This produces D1 or C1.

2. Second Potentisation Level

One part of D1 or C1 is diluted with 9 or 99 parts of an alcohol-and-water mixture and shaken firmly 10 times. This produces D2 or C2. The process continues in the same way.

From a therapeutic perspective, it is generally considered that there is no significant difference between D and C potencies. Therefore, a C potency at the same numerical level may be used instead of a D potency:

D6 ≈ C6

Medicine Provings

As homeopathy has existed for more than 200 years, homeopathic medicines have traditionally been tested, wherever possible, on healthy individuals.

Symptoms that arise—most of which are subjective—are collected and classified. Symptoms subsequently confirmed through practical use form the medicine’s symptom profile.

More than 200 years of experience have suggested that certain medicines have a particular relationship with specific organs or syndromes. The medicines considered effective in practice will be introduced during this seminar.

Acute and Chronic Conditions

In an acute condition, it is generally sufficient to assess the person’s current presentation and select the appropriate approach accordingly.

In chronic conditions, considerably more information needs to be gathered. In addition to the current complaints, previous illnesses, the person’s reactions and feelings during those illnesses, bowel movements, urination, menstrual symptoms, appetite, sleep and dreams—as well as other areas that may not appear directly related to the illness—are explored. The person’s emotional and mental state is also recorded.

The appropriate homeopathic medicine is selected according to the overall picture created by this information.

Can Homeopathy Be Used Alongside Conventional Medicines?

Homeopathic medicines may be used as a complementary approach while conventional medicines are being taken. In some homeopathic practices, a gap of 10–15 minutes between a homeopathic medicine and other medicines is preferred.

However, prescribed medicines must not be discontinued, reduced or changed without the knowledge and approval of a doctor. Doctors, pharmacists and other relevant healthcare professionals should be informed about all medicines, supplements and complementary products being used.

Do Homeopathic Medicines Have Side Effects? Are They Dangerous?

Many highly diluted homeopathic products may have a low risk of direct pharmacological effects or interactions. However, this does not mean that every homeopathic product is automatically “free from side effects” or “completely harmless”.

In rare cases, a temporary intensification of existing symptoms has been reported at the beginning of use. Some products may also contain measurable amounts of the original substance, alcohol, lactose, sucrose or other inactive ingredients.

Homeopathy During Pregnancy, Childbirth, Breastfeeding and Childhood

When considering the use of homeopathic products during pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or childhood, the product’s potency, contents, preparation method and inactive ingredients should all be taken into account.

Low-potency products, mother tinctures, alcohol-containing liquid preparations and products containing multiple ingredients require professional assessment.

Before using any homeopathic product during these periods, advice should be sought from a doctor, pharmacist or appropriately trained healthcare professional. Homeopathy must not be used as a substitute for medical treatment.

This text is intended for informational purposes only. Homeopathy is a complementary approach and is not a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment. Do not discontinue or change prescribed medicines without consulting a qualified healthcare professional.