Homeopathy

Homeopathy is an alternative medical system developed in Germany at the end of the 18th century by Samuel Hahnemann[1][2][3][4][7]. It is based on two primary concepts: “like cures like” (the idea that substances causing symptoms in healthy individuals can, in extreme dilution, treat similar symptoms in illness) and the “law of infinitesimals” (the notion that extreme dilution increases remedy potency)[1][2][3][4][7]. Homeopathic remedies consist of highly diluted substances from plant, mineral, or animal origins, commonly with no molecules of the original substance left[1][2][3][4][5]. Scientifically, there is no evidence demonstrating effectiveness of homeopathy for any disease, and its mechanisms contradict established principles of chemistry and biology[2][3][6][8]. Most medical and regulatory bodies consider homeopathy a pseudoscientific practice rather than a molecular biological target[3][4][6].

Other names

Homoeopathy