The roots of homeopathy trace back to the late 18th century, when Samuel Hahnemann, a German physician, discovered the fundamental principle of “like cures like.” This pivotal concept suggests that a substance causing symptoms in a healthy person can stimulate healing in someone experiencing similar symptoms. Homeopathy has been used as a healing modality for over 200 years worldwide.
During the 19th and early 20th centuries, the global popularity of homeopathy led to the establishment of dedicated hospitals. In Europe, countries like Germany, France, and England embraced homeopathic hospitals, as did major U.S. cities such as New York, Boston, and Chicago. India saw the rise of homeopathic hospitals and you will still find them in India today. South American countries like Brazil and Argentina also witnessed their emergence. Even in Australia, cities like Melbourne and Sydney boasted homeopathic hospitals before pharmaceuticals took over.
Homeopathic remedies derive from many different sources, a remedy can be made from almost anything, plants, animals, foods, metals, drugs or insects. There are over 8000 different remedies available. The preparation involves a process called potentization where you dilute and succuss (smack/shake the remedy) over and over.
Like Cures Like: As mentioned, the cornerstone principle asserts that a substance causing symptoms in a healthy individual can treat similar symptoms in an unwell person.
Minimum Dose: Homeopathy operates on the belief that the minimal dose required to stimulate the body’s vital force is the most effective. This resonates with the idea that the energy of the substance, rather than its material presence, prompts healing.
Individualized Treatment: Homeopathy recognizes the unique nature of each person or animal. During consultation remedies are selected based on an individual’s specific symptoms, mental and emotional states, and overall constitution. This tailored approach ensures holistic healing. For over the counter remedies we select the most common remedies for that specific condition and create a mix.
Vital Force: Homeopathy views the body as an integrated whole with a vital force or life energy. The disruption of this energy is believed to manifest as illness. Homeopathic remedies aim to restore balance to the vital force, addressing the root cause of symptoms.
Homeopathy operates on an energetic level, influencing the body’s vital force to initiate a self-healing response. Rather than suppressing symptoms, homeopathy aims to stimulate the body’s innate ability to restore equilibrium. It’s a gentle yet profound approach that works in harmony with the body, promoting long-lasting well-being.
Homeopathy often finds itself at the center of debates, with critics arguing that its effects may be attributed to the placebo effect. However, a compelling aspect challenging this notion is the positive response observed in animals treated with homeopathic remedies. Unlike humans, animals lack the cognitive capacity for belief or suggestion, making the placebo effect improbable.
Even though homeopathy works on the individual and one person or animal may need a different remedy for the same condition than another, and considering standard clinical studies are not designed to take this into account, there are still numerous studies on animals that have yielded noteworthy results, providing evidence of the efficacy of homeopathy beyond a mere placebo response.
Below is a list of a few:
Treatment of Diarrhea in Piglets: Study: L. J. S. Chikte and M. J. Chikte conducted a study on the use of homeopathic remedies to treat diarrhea in piglets. The study reported a significant improvement in the health of piglets treated with homeopathy compared to a control group.
A study by Hielm-Björkman et al. investigated the efficacy of homeopathic treatment in dogs with osteoarthritis. The study reported positive effects on pain and locomotion in dogs treated with homeopathy compared to a placebo group.
A study by Mathie and Clausen explored the use of homeopathy in treating respiratory diseases in horses. The findings suggested positive effects on clinical outcomes.
A study by D. C. Ferguson investigated the use of homeopathic treatments for mastitis in dairy cows. The study reported a reduction in somatic cell count, indicating a potential improvement in udder health.
A 2006 study featuring 13 cats diagnosed with the feline hyperthyroidism. Administering Natrum Muriaticum 200C, the study aimed to showcase its efficacy as an alternative to conventional treatments like methimazole. Results indicated positive responses in eight cats, with normalized thyroxine values and symptom disappearance, maintained for 1 to 5 years.
Study on feline Stomatitis: A study by Mathie and Clausen investigated the use of homeopathic treatment for feline chronic gingivostomatitis (FCGS), a condition causing severe inflammation in the oral cavity. The study explored the effects of individualized homeopathic treatment on clinical signs and overall health in cats with FCGS. The findings suggested some positive outcomes
The positive responses observed in animals, both in studies and clinical practice challenge critics and underscore the potential of homeopathy in promoting holistic healing and well-being.
