The beginnings of homeopathy: Samuel Hahnemann and the law of similars

Homeopathy is an alternative medicine founded by Samuel Hahnemann, a German doctor born in 1755. Initially practising conventional medicine, he turned away from the aggressive treatments of his time, such as bloodletting and purging, which he considered ineffective and harmful.

The discovery of the principle of similarity

In 1790, while translating a medical work, Hahnemann discovered the use of cinchona bark to treat malaria. Curious, he ingested some himself and observed symptoms similar to those of the disease. This observation allowed him to formulate the law of similarities:

‘Similia similibus curentur’ – ‘like cures like’

In other words, a substance that causes symptoms in a healthy person could, in minute doses, treat the same symptoms in a sick person.

The experimentation and creation of medical substances

Hahnemann then undertook experiments by testing different substances on himself, his family and his friends. He catalogued their effects in what would become the homeopathic materia medica, the essential basis of the practice of monodistic homeopathy and individualised homeopathy.

Potentisation and dilution: the foundations of homeopathy

One of the pillars of homeopathy is based on successive dilutions. Hahnemann observed that the more a substance was diluted and dynamised (shaken vigorously at each stage), the more effective it became while losing its toxicity.
He thus developed the dilution scales, still used today, such as the Hahnemannian centesimal (CH) and Korsakovian (K) dilutions.

The Organon: the reference work of homeopathy

In 1810, Hahnemann published ‘The Organon of the Art of Healing’, a fundamental work in which he sets out the principles of classical homeopathy. Although this method was controversial from the outset, it attracted many followers who were drawn to its gentle and personalised approach.

The global expansion of homeopathy: from major epidemics to medical institutions

In the 19th century, homeopathy spread rapidly throughout the world, gaining notoriety thanks to its application during major epidemics.

Homeopathy in the face of epidemics

Several epidemics have marked this period:

  • Cholera epidemics (1830s-1850s): homeopaths claimed higher cure rates than those of conventional treatments.
  • Spanish flu (1918): homeopathic doctors reported lower mortality rates, which increased interest in this alternative medicine.

Homeopathy in Europe and the United States

  • Europe: From the 19th century onwards, schools of homeopathy were established in Germany, France, the United Kingdom and other European countries. In London, Dr Frederick Quin founded the London Homeopathic Hospital in 1849, boosting the credibility of homeopathy in England.
  • United States: homeopathy grew from 1844 with the founding of the American Institute of Homeopathy. Patients appreciate a more humane and less invasive approach than traditional methods.

Homeopathy in the 20th and 21st centuries: between controversy and popularity

With the advent of modern medicine, major advances such as antibiotics and vaccines have gradually marginalised homeopathy in some countries. However, it remains popular and supported in regions such as:

  • Europe (France, Germany, Switzerland, Belgium)
  • India, where it is integrated into the healthcare system
  • Latin America, particularly Argentina and Brazil

Today, homeopathic consultations, homeopathic granules and natural remedies are still sought after for the holistic and personalised care of patients.

A homeopathic assistant at your service

With the evolution of digital technology, it is now possible to obtain advice in homeopathy via a specialised virtual assistant. Our homeopathic chatbot, inspired by the principles of Hahnemann, helps you identify the homeopathic remedies suited to your symptoms.

Why use our virtual homeopathy assistant?

  • Fast and personalised recommendations
  • A comprehensive database of homeopathic medicines
  • 24/7 support for natural health monitoring.

Homeopathy, although controversial, remains a popular approach due to its gentle action that respects the body.

Our chatbot expert in homeopathy will help you discover this alternative medicine.
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