Homeopathy

Homeopathy is a system of medicine that has been in use for more than 200 years. Although the philosophy of homeopathy extends back to the days of Paracelsus in the sixteenth century, modern homeopathy has been credited to Samuel Hahnemann, MD. Homeopathy is based on the principles of like-cures-like. Highly diluted substances are given orally to treat symptoms that would normally be caused by giving the same substance at pharmacological amounts (i.e. giving homeopathic poison ivy to treat someone who has a skin condition that mimics a poison ivy rash). The exact mechanism of how homeopathy works remains unknown. There are few studies reported in medical journals, but decades of clinical observation have found it to be beneficial. The substances given may be derived from plant, animal, mineral or food sources. Specific dilutions (called potencies) are prescribed depending on the nature of the condition. Traditionally, low potencies are prescribed for acute conditions and high potencies are prescribed for more chronic diseases. This form of treatment is preferred for children due to effectiveness, gentleness, ease of administration, and safety.