Homeopathy was founded on the principle of ‘like cures like’ i.e. substances which can produce symptoms in a healthy person, can cure the same symptoms in a sick person. This principle dates back to Hippocrates the Greek father of medicine (460 – 377 B.C.) but also has its origins in Chinese, Indian, Mayan and Native American culture. Dr Samuel Hahnemann (1755 – 1843) codified this principle into the field of medicine he coined ‘homeopathy’, derived from the Greek words meaning ‘similar suffering’ referring to the healing principle of ‘like cures like’.

Homeopathic medicines are special preparations called remedies that come from animal, mineral and plant sources. Remedies begin as whole substances that get broken down into soluble form. By a method called potentisation (a series of dilutions and succussions or vigorous shaking) the soluble substance is reduced to nanoparticles suspended within a solution. Hahnemann discovered that through this process the healing properties of remedies were enhanced, they could penetrate deeper into tissues and, toxicity was eliminated.