The German physician Samuel Hahnemann (1755 – 1843) is credited with being the founder of Homeopathy. He created the word from the Greek homoios - meaning “life”, and pathos – meaning “suffering”. At one stage in his medical career, Hahnemann took an infusion of cinchona bark (quinine), which produced symptoms similar to malaria. Therefore he surmised that cinchona bark would help those actually suffering from malaria. He found that the normal dosage was too strong and caused aggravations in patients so he diluted the remedy. He cured many of his malaria patients with this method. Hahnemann claimed that an illness could be cured by giving patients minute doses of a drug that in a healthy person would produce symptoms like those of the particular illness. He called this law, the “Law of Similars” (similia similibus curentur).

Another special factor in homeopathy is that the medicines are diluted and potentised in a way that no toxic effects can occur from the medicine. In fact, homeopathy is one of the safest complementary therapies available and yet deeply effective. Hahnemann's ideas and theories quickly flourished and homeopathic medical schools spread throughout Europe. Germany for example has a high rate of popularity in homeopathy, which is the leading therapy used there. In England homeopathic treatment is given under the National Health Service. In India millions of people use homeopathic medicines under medically trained doctors who have specialized in homeopathy. Many people around the world use homeopathy with great results.

Homeopathic medicine treats that whole person, mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually. Each person is an individual and thus is treated as such. Ailments treated with homeopathy are on an individualistic basis, which means we take the characteristic symptoms of you as a person, and not necessarily your illness. Ailments that can be treated with homeopathy on an individualistic basis range from bruises, migraines, hay fever, cystitis, fertility problems and colds to emotional problems such as a lack of self esteem, anger and grief. It can also help transition stages in ones life such as adolescence, pregnancy and menopause.

Medicines are made from herbs and plants such as pulsatilla, daisy and club moss. From the periodic element table we have the homeopathic medicines phosphorus and sulphur amongst others. Medicines have also been made from mammal milks and venoms but thanks to the process of making homeopathic medicines, there are no toxic elements and thus are free of side effects. Homeopathy is safe, effective and kind to the body so that even a pregnant woman or a new born baby can take it. It is also important to know that it is environmentally friendly with hardly any carbon emissions used during manufacture. Homeopathic medicines are not expensive and a vial of tablets can last for years if stored correctly.

The first time you visit a homeopath for a chronic issue they will want to know all about your presenting complaint. They may also want to know your interests, hobbies and work situation to determine what type of person you are. Your medical history will also be discussed. A homeopath needs to have a good picture of you so that they can choose the best single medicine for you. You may be given a medicine at the consultation or it may be posted out to you shortly afterwards with instructions. If it is the proper medicine, you will soon begin to feel better. An excellent sign is taking to the bed for a few hours of deep healing sleep. If you follow the instructions given with your medicine, it is very rare that you will experience any effects other than healing.

I first became interested in homeopathy at the age of nineteen. I had a slightly impacted wisdom tooth with a severe abscess. I was put on antibiotics and told that once the abscess was healed, I would have to get my wisdom tooth removed. After two rounds of antibiotics I still had pain and swelling. A friend suggested homeopathy and though I was skeptical I went to the local homeopathic pharmacy. I was given a medicine and within 6 hours the swelling, pain and abscess has completely disappeared to my amazement. To this day I no longer have problems with my wisdom teeth. This was the first of many instances where homeopathy helped me and thus led me to study full time for four years to become a classical homeopath. Many Natural Therapists use homeopathy as an adjunct to their modality for acute conditions. However for chronic conditions you are advised to contact a qualified classical homeopath using a directory such as Natural Therapy Pages or the Australian Homeopathic Association - homeopathyoz.org.

Suggested Reading Castro, Miranda (1990) The Complete Homeopathy Handbook – A Guide to Everyday Health Care, Pan Books, London