Like cures like
The traditional “law of similars” proposes that a substance producing certain symptoms in a healthy person may be selected for someone with similar symptoms.
A guide to history, principles & evidence
Why Homeopathy?
A closer look at a system of complementary medicine that began more than two centuries ago. Discover its origins, the ideas behind its practice, how preparations are made and what modern research tells us.
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01 / The introduction
What is homeopathy?
Homeopathy is a system of complementary medicine developed by German physician Samuel Hahnemann in the late eighteenth century. It is traditionally associated with two ideas: “like cures like” and the use of highly diluted preparations.
The word is formed from Greek roots often translated as homoios (similar) and pathos (suffering). The name reflects the system's historical principle of selecting a preparation based on a claimed similarity between symptoms.
Understanding homeopathy means looking at both its historical philosophy and the standards used today to evaluate whether a treatment is safe and effective.
Minimum dose
Homeopathic preparations are commonly made through repeated dilution. The traditional system proposes that smaller doses may have greater effects, an idea not established by modern pharmacology.
Individualised selection
Traditional homeopathic consultations may consider a person's symptom description and broader history when selecting a preparation. Individualisation itself does not prove a remedy works.
02 / A journey through time
More than 200 years of history
The story of homeopathy is part of the wider history of medicine, publishing, education and healthcare institutions.
Samuel Hahnemann (1755–1843), a German physician and medical translator, developed the system during a period when medical practice looked very different from today. His writings introduced a new therapeutic framework that later spread through Europe and beyond.
In India, the documented story is particularly associated with John Martin Honigberger, Mahendra Lal Sircar and the early homeopathic institutions of Bengal.
1790
Hahnemann's reported self-experiment with cinchona bark later became a key story in the development of his ideas.
1796
He published an essay outlining a new principle for investigating the medicinal powers of substances.
1810
The first edition of Organon of the Rational Art of Healing was published, later known as the Organon of Medicine.
1839
John Martin Honigberger's documented association with Punjab is widely cited in accounts of homeopathy's introduction to India.
1867
Mahendra Lal Sircar publicly declared his conviction in homeopathy, a notable moment in its Indian history.
1868
Sircar began publishing the Calcutta Journal of Medicine, an early journal associated with homeopathy in India.
1881
Calcutta Homoeopathic Medical College was established, becoming an important institution in the system's Indian history.
1973
The Central Council of Homoeopathy Act provided a statutory framework for education and professional regulation.
Historical note: Some institutional accounts mention 1810 as an early arrival date in India, while scholarly historical writing generally treats Honigberger's 1839 activity as the better-documented milestone. The exact “first arrival” date is therefore not universally agreed.
03 / Stories worth knowing
Did you know? Six fascinating facts
A few details that make the history of homeopathy especially interesting.
A translation sparked a question
While translating a medical text by William Cullen, Hahnemann questioned the explanation for cinchona bark's use. His later self-experiment became central to the story of homeopathy's origins.
Its founder was a prolific translator
Hahnemann worked across languages and translated medical and scientific texts. His translation work helped expose him to debates about medicines and their effects.
A royal connection in Punjab
John Martin Honigberger is associated with the court of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Accounts of this episode became part of the documented history of homeopathy in India.
A doctor who changed direction
Mahendra Lal Sircar was a formally trained physician who publicly expressed his commitment to homeopathy in 1867. He also became known for promoting scientific education in India.
An early medical college
Calcutta Homoeopathic Medical College was established in 1881, helping create a formal educational institution for homeopathic studies in India.
A date marked around the world
April 10 is observed by homeopathic organisations as World Homoeopathy Day, marking the birth anniversary of Samuel Hahnemann.
04 / Preparation explained
How are homeopathic preparations made?
Traditional homeopathic preparations may begin with plant, mineral or other source materials. A preparation may then undergo serial dilution and succussion, a process of vigorous shaking, according to the chosen preparation method.
Different scales are used. In the centesimal (C) scale, each step is nominally a 1:100 dilution. The figures below illustrate the arithmetic of this scale, not a recommendation or a statement of clinical effectiveness.
6CSix 1:100 steps
30CThirty 1:100 steps
200CTwo hundred 1:100 steps
A 30C preparation corresponds to a nominal dilution of 1 in 10⁶⁰. At such dilutions, it is extraordinarily unlikely that a typical dose contains even one molecule of the starting material.
05 / The consultation
What happens during a consultation?
Homeopathic consultations are often described as individualised. A practitioner may ask about the main concern, when symptoms began, what makes them better or worse, previous diagnoses, investigations and current medicines.
- 01
Understand the concern
Discuss symptoms, duration, severity and how they affect daily life.
- 02
Review health history
Consider prior diagnoses, reports, allergies, treatments and medicines.
- 03
Discuss appropriate options
Review available care, evidence, limitations and whether a medical referral is needed.
- 04
Monitor responsibly
Arrange follow-up where appropriate. Worsening or urgent symptoms need timely medical assessment.
06 / What research tells us
Homeopathy and modern scientific evidence
Historical importance and continued use are not the same as proof that a treatment works. Modern evaluation looks at well-designed clinical trials, systematic reviews, reproducibility, safety and comparison with placebo or established care.
The U.S. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health states that there is little evidence to support homeopathy as an effective treatment for any specific health condition. It also notes that some products labelled homeopathic may contain substantial active ingredients and can cause side effects or interactions.
Highly diluted preparations present a scientific challenge because many may contain no molecules of the original substance. No widely accepted scientific mechanism has been established to explain specific effects from these ultra-dilute preparations.
For these reasons, homeopathy should not replace evidence-based diagnosis, proven treatment, prescribed medicines or vaccination. Do not delay medical assessment or stop prescribed treatment on the basis of information on this page.
07 / Questions patients ask
Frequently asked questions about homeopathy
What is homeopathy in simple words?
Homeopathy is a system of complementary medicine developed by Samuel Hahnemann. It is traditionally based on “like cures like” and serially diluted preparations.
How does homeopathy work?
Traditional homeopathic theory proposes that specially prepared remedies can produce therapeutic effects. However, no scientifically established mechanism demonstrates that highly diluted preparations treat specific diseases.
Is homeopathy scientifically proven?
Major evidence assessments have not established reliable effectiveness for homeopathy in treating any specific health condition. The NCCIH describes the evidence as limited.
What does 30C mean in homeopathy?
30C describes thirty successive dilution steps on the centesimal scale, with each step nominally diluting the previous preparation by 1:100.
Are homeopathic products completely safe?
No product should be assumed completely safe. Some products labelled homeopathic may contain active ingredients, cause side effects or interact with medicines. Product quality can also vary.
Can homeopathy replace conventional treatment?
It should not replace evidence-based treatment, prescribed medicines, vaccination or necessary medical evaluation. Consult your treating doctor before changing any treatment.
Who founded homeopathy?
Homeopathy was developed by German physician Samuel Hahnemann (1755–1843) in the late eighteenth century.
When is World Homoeopathy Day?
April 10 is observed as World Homoeopathy Day by homeopathic organisations, marking Hahnemann's birth anniversary.
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Educational information only; not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Homeopathy has not been established as an effective treatment for specific diseases. Seek appropriate medical care for symptoms, emergencies or worsening health. Never stop or delay prescribed treatment without consulting your treating doctor.
Sources & further reading
Explore the references
The explanations on this page are original summaries. These sources are provided so readers can check the historical record, scientific assessments and product-safety guidance directly.
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) – Homeopathy: What You Need to Know. Evidence, proposed principles and safety.
- A short history of the development of homeopathy in India. Peer-reviewed historical review, Homeopathy, 2010;99(2):130–136.
- Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy (CCRH) – Homoeopathy: A dossier. Historical milestones and institutional chronology.
- Directorate of AYUSH, Government of NCT of Delhi – Origin and Growth of Homeopathy in India. Indian historical overview.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration – Homeopathic Products. Product regulation, quality and safety concerns in the United States.
- National Homoeopathy Research Institute in Mental Health – About Homoeopathy. Institutional historical background.
- Hahnemann S. Organon of Medicine. Historical primary text; editions and translations differ.
Regulatory statements are jurisdiction-specific. The FDA information describes the United States regulatory position and should not be read as a statement of Indian law. Historical sources may differ in their interpretation of early dates and events.