Homeopathy is often reduced to a simple placebo effect, particularly because of the principle of extreme dilution which sometimes exceeds the Avogadro limit. However, the preparation of homeopathic remedies is based on a complex process that goes beyond simple dilution: potentisation. Recent studies in quantum physics, magnetic resonance imaging and electron microscopy suggest that high dilutions with succussion have properties that can be distinguished from pure water.

So, are homeopathic remedies really ‘just water and sugar’ ? Let’s decipher the scientific facts.

What is a homeopathic remedy?

Homeopathy is based on a fundamental principle: like cures like. This idea stems from the experiments conducted as early as 1790 by Samuel Hahnemann, the founder of homeopathy.

The Cinchona experiment: birth of the principle of similarity

  • Hahnemann noticed that cinchona bark, used to treat malaria, caused symptoms similar to the disease in a healthy person.
  • He tested this theory with other substances, noting their effects on himself and those around him.
  • This is how he established pathogenesis, a test method that makes it possible to identify the therapeutic effects of substances based on the symptoms they trigger.

The first dilutions: reducing toxicity without losing effectiveness

  • As some of the substances tested were toxic, Hahnemann began to gradually dilute them to avoid adverse effects.
  • He discovered that, despite the dilution, the therapeutic effect seemed to persist, especially if the substance was shaken vigorously between each dilution. -* He thus developed the process of dynamisation, a crucial stage in the preparation of homeopathic remedies.

Beyond Avogadro’s wall: is there anything left in a high dilution?

One of the main arguments against homeopathy is that, from a certain dilution (often beyond 12CH), there would be no molecule of the original substance left, according to the Avogadro constant.

Why is this argument limited?

  • It is based on a static and inert view of matter, as if water molecules had no interaction with each other.
  • However, quantum physics and advances in the nanosciences show that molecules and electrons interact continuously, modifying the structure of solutions in a complex and dynamic way.

Recent studies show measurable differences in highly diluted homeopathic solutions:

  • Nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (NMRI): Homeopathic solutions have specific signatures, even when diluted beyond the Avogadro threshold.
  • Electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy: Homeopathic remedies retain distinct properties that can be differentiated from pure water.

Examples of scientific studies:

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance characterisation of traditional homeopathically manufactured copper (Cuprum metallicum) and plant (Gelsemium sempervirens) medicines and controls (ScienceDirect)

This study shows that homeopathic solutions retain a unique spectroscopic fingerprint, unlike pure water.

Ultra-high dilutions analysis: Exploring the effects of potentisation by electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy and deep learning (ScienceDirect)

Analysis of high dilutions with potentisation highlights specific structures that can be differentiated from a simple solvent.

These discoveries suggest that homeopathy is not limited to a simple placebo effect, but that there are measurable physical and chemical modifications in the high dilutions that have been dynamised.

Dynamisation: a key process ignored by sceptics

Dynamisation, or succussion, is a fundamental element of the homeopathic process that is often concealed by critics.

What is dynamisation?

  • Between each dilution, the solution is vigorously shaken.
  • This shaking causes structural changes in the solution, which can be observed using modern chemical and physical analysis tools.
  • Dynamisation seems to play a key role in the transmission of biological information to the solution.

Differences observed between a simple dilution and a dynamised dilution:

  • A non-dynamised solution is indistinguishable from pure water.
  • A dynamised solution shows measurable changes in spectroscopic imaging.
  • It is even possible to differentiate two different homeopathic remedies, despite extreme dilutions.

This process could explain why certain high dilutions have a measurable biological effect, despite the apparent absence of active molecules.

Basic research on high dilutions and in vitro studies

While clinical studies on homeopathy are often controversial, basic research sheds new light on the mechanisms of high dynamised dilutions.

Some results of laboratory studies:

  • Effects measured on cell cultures and biological models : some in vitro studies show changes in genetic expression and enzymatic activity in response to homeopathic high dilutions.
  • Biophysics studies: researchers are exploring the electromagnetic properties of potentised solutions, suggesting that they could transmit biological information.

These results open up exciting perspectives on understanding the effects of homeopathic remedies, beyond the simple placebo.

Conclusion: homeopathy, much more than a placebo?

What should we remember?

  • Homeopathic remedies are not just diluted plants. They follow a rigorous process of dynamisation, which modifies their properties.
  • Studies in physics and biology show that highly diluted, potentised solutions have characteristics that are distinct from those of pure water.
  • Biological effects have been observed in vitro, paving the way for new research into the mechanisms of action of homeopathy.
    Far from being simply ‘sugar and water’, homeopathy is based on complex principles that deserve in-depth scientific exploration.

Our homeopathic assistant: a modern and accessible aid

Thanks to advances in digital technology, it is now possible to obtain personalised advice in homeopathy via a specialised virtual assistant.
Our homeopathic chatbot offers you: