Homeopathy comes from the Greek words "homeo" meaning similar and "pathos" meaning disease or suffering; hence, the name homeopathy. Homeopathy is based on the principle that 'like cures like' - in other words, a substance taken in small amounts will cure the same symptoms it causes if it was taken in large amounts. This like-cures-like approach stimulates a person's own curative powers by administering very small doses of natural substances, i.e. plant, mineral and animal. These homeopathic remedies specifically match different symptom patterns or "profiles” of illness, and act to stimulate life force or “vital force”.
Homeopathy is a holistic science and as such it addresses the whole person--her life, her personality, her emotions, her genetic background and the cause of her illness. Homeopathy views symptoms as the body’s natural reaction in fighting the illness. Homeopathic remedies, when properly prescribed, can eliminate the underlying cause of sickness, thus establishing a healthy balance between an organism and its environment.
Homeopathic remedies are manufactured by repeatedly diluting and succussing (shaking) a preparation of the original substance, mainly plants and minerals, in water and alcohol. After this the prepared solution is added to lactose tablets or pillules.
Homeopathy was established for over 200 years ago by German physician Samuel Hahnemann, This idea dates back to Hippocrates (460-377BC), who also thought that symptoms specific to an individual should be taken into account before making a diagnosis.