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- Developed by Samuel HahnemannFDA: Homeopathy: Real Medicine or ...
- From the Greek homoios (meaning like) and pathos (meaning suffering)FDA: Homeopathy: Real Medicine or ...
- Law of similars used to test or "prove" and match symptomsFDA: Homeopathy: Real Medicine or ...
- Law of infinitesimals states that potency is increased with dilutionFDA: Homeopathy: Real Medicine or ...
- Not regulated in the same manner as pharmaceutical drugs by the FDAFDA: Homeopathy: Real Medicine or ...
- No perceptible "active ingredients"FDA: Homeopathy: Real Medicine or ...
- May contain more than 10% alcoholFDA: Homeopathy: Real Medicine or ...
- Over 3,000 practitioners in the U.S.FDA: Homeopathy: Real Medicine or ...
- Annual sales of over $200 millionAmerican Association of Homeopathic Pharmacists: Fact Sheet
- Regulated by the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act of 1938American Association of Homeopathic Pharmacists: Fact Sheet
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Homeopathic treatment is an alternative form of medical treatment that was first developed by a German physician during the 18th century. Homeopathic solutions are diluted enough so that no molecules of the original therapeutic substance remains in place. Homeopathy has come under criticism from mainstream medicine practitioners, claiming no scientific evidence of success with homeopathic treatment has been documented beyond the effect of any other placebo.FDA: Homeopathy: Real Medicine or ...
Background
Samuel Hahnemann began developing the theories behind homeopathic treatment in the late 1700s. Hahnemann believed that exposing the body to elements that produced symptoms similar to diseases, in small amounts, would help relieve the disease itself. To test his theories, he conducted experiments on himself and family members. Called "provings", these experiments would be used to create a list of symptoms caused by natural elements, which could then be used to match against symptoms of a patient's illness. However, Hahnemann also believed that the more diluted a solution became, the stronger and more potent the effect would be on the human body.Quack Watch: Homeopathy: The Ultimate FakeCriticism
One of the fundamental criticisms of homeopathy treatment revolves around the law of infinitesimals. Chemists believe that according to Avagadro's Number there is a limit to the amount that something can be diluted and still contain any molecules of the original substance. Many homeopathic treatments surpass this limit and modern chemical analysis cannot find any residual elements of the curative proponent. While Hahnemann realized that there was a limit to the reduction of his solutions, he also believed that a healing property of the active ingredient, or "spirit-like" essence, was left behind in the water. There have been many studies on homeopathic treatments using modern scientific methods. However, none of the studies has proven any effectiveness of homeopathic medicine beyond what is known as the placebo effect.Quack Watch: Homeopathy: The Ultimate FakeAbout this page
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