Major Medical Treatments: Homeopathy

What is Homeopathy?
Homeopathy uses very tiny amounts of natural substances to cure symptoms. It is based on the theory that illness is caused when the body's "vital force" is out of balance. Homeopathic medicines, called remedies, help restore the vital force so the body can heal itself. The practice is common in Europe and is gaining status in the U.S.

The remedies are based on a belief that "like cures like." Dr. Samuel Hahnemann, a German doctor and chemist, began homeopathy in the 1790s. He found that when healthy people took a substance like coffee, they had symptoms—like trouble sleeping. But very dilute amounts of the same substance could cure the symptoms. So, a remedy with coffee might be used to help insomnia. Remedies have even been used with success on pets.

Homeopathic remedies are made from plants, minerals, animals—even from gemstones, like amethyst. They are sold in small vials of white pellets made from sugar or milk sugar, for a few dollars each. Homeopathic remedies are classed as drugs by the Food and Drug Administration. Most are sold over-the-counter, but some do need a prescription.

 How homeopathic remedies are made