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Homeopathy
is a system of medical practice based on the attempt to "let
like cure like." According to homeopathic doctors, a substance
that produces certain symptoms in a healthy individual will cure those
symptoms in a sick individual. Some plants, for example, cause rashes.
Homeopathic doctors thus treat rashes with those plants. Onions cause
crying and a watery discharge from the nose. Therefore, onions are
used to treat colds. Samuel Hahnemann, a German doctor, developed
homeopathy in the late 1700's.
Homeopathic remedies are discovered through a process called proving.
In proving, various substances are administered to healthy people and
their effects carefully observed. Homeopathic doctors give patients
only one remedy at a time. They believe that using combinations of remedies
interferes with the effectiveness of each particular remedy. Remedies
are diluted so that the patient receives the minimum effective dose.
This procedure is thought to maximize the benefits of the treatment.
It also helps prevent harmful side effects. Many homeopathic remedies
contain substances that could be toxic or hazardous to people if given
in larger doses. In addition, the medical effectiveness of homeopathic
treatments has not been scientifically proven. For these reasons, homeopathy
has been criticized by many doctors.(Source: World Book) |
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