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Medical Author:

Robert A Hauser, MD

Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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The practice of homeopathy was developed and founded by German physician Samuel Hahnemann in 1790. The term homeopathy was derived from the Greek homoios, meaning similar, and pathos, meaning suffering. Hahnemann's fundamental principle, the Law of Similars, noted that if a remedy could mimic the symptoms of a particular disease, it would strengthen the healing response. In simple terms, this concept has been referred to as "like cures like." Hahnemann developed homeopathic remedies based upon medicinal herbs, vitamins, minerals, and even bee venom. Current practitioners have even made formulations from drugs such as antibiotics.

In addition to "like cures like," Hahnemann developed two other principles by which his system of healing was guided. The first was called the Law of the Infinitesimal Dose, which stated that the more diluted a remedy, the more powerful its effect on treating an illness. The other principle noted that, in order for an accurate assessment to be made, the patient and the illness must be observed on an individual basis because no two individuals respond to the same remedy in the same way.

Remedies are formulated based on differing potencies. A remedy's potency is based upon the concept that a particular substance, an herb for example, is diluted numerous times to achieve a desired effect. The potencies of a particular remedy are expressed in centesimal (c) and decimal (x) scales. Based upon homeopathic theory, lower potencies are used for physical illness, whereas highest potencies are used for mental or emotional problems.

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