About Homeopathy

Homeopathy is a complete system of medicine used widely around the world, based on over 200 years of development and research. It uses highly diluted substances given as pills or liquids to stimulate the body's natural tendency to heal itself. Homeopaths seek to restore the health of the whole person by curing the illness at its source.

Treating the person rather than the disease in this way means that all aspects of health are considered: emotional, mental and physical, treating anything from a simple bruise to complex, chronic illness. It aims to treat whatever is the imbalance in the person.

Each person is an individual and homeopaths seek to find how the patient uniquely expresses his illness, finding a homeopathic medicine (or remedy) that "matches" it. This process is based on the "Law of Similars" or "Like cures Like" meaning that if a substance given in a large dose can cause a state of illness then it can also cure that state when given in a very small dose.

Substances that are used as medicines are chosen from mainly plants, minerals and animals. At a homeopathic pharmacy the crude substance undergoes a precise process of succession (vigorous shaking) and dilution to transform it into a dynamic, therapeutic medicine. The process ensures that the effect of the remedy is upon the healing response of the body and that the potential for any side-effects is eliminated.

It is important that remedies are administered correctly: matching the substance to the patient and in the appropriate strength. On this basis they are safe and suitable for all age groups and states of health including in pregnancy, for babies, and the elderly. Homeopathic treatment can be used alone or safely alongside conventional treatments.

If you are interested in reading the latest evidence and research for homeopathy please see the Society of Homeopaths research page.