Homeopathy

How Homeopathic products work

Similasan products stimulate the body's natural defenses by utilizing microdilutions of natural active ingredients.

In the production of homeopathic medicines, natural active ingredients (originating from mineral, plants or animals) undergo a process of serial dilution. This simply means that we create a very weak dilution, or a microdilution of the ingredient. Technically, a solution’s concentration is represented by an "X". For example, an ingredient diluted to the level of 6X contains 0.000001% of the active ingredient. This homeopathic mode of action is similar in theory to a conventional allergy or flu shot, yet the natural active ingredients in homeopathic products are much more diluted.

We’re often asked why some ingredients, such as apis (honey bee), belladonna and mercurius are used. After all, these substances can trigger significant reactions when used in strong concentrations. In homeopathy, however, the dosages are not concentrated enough to poison the body. The body triggers the immune system to react to the underlying problem. For example, a microdilution of honey bee will trigger the body to fight symptoms such as burning, stinging and swelling, which are in many cases the symptoms of allergy.

In summary, homeopathy is a completely unique way of treating ailments. Rather than imposing a chemical drug on the body with the hope of temporarily masking symptoms, homeopathic natural active ingredients attempt to stimulate a physiological reaction of the body's healing mechanisms. In other words, homeopathy encourages the body to maintain proper health by imposing a gentle stimulus, and letting your system do the rest.

History of Homeopathy

Homeopathy is derived from the Greek words homeo, meaning similar, and pathos, meaning suffering. The principle of homeopathy is based on the Law of Similars. It was Dr. Samuel Hahnemann who discovered the benefits of homeopathy. He pioneered the dilution process still used by all homeopathic formulators. Today, after 200 years of homeopathic drug proving, there is a basis or "pathogenesis" that each formulator and homeopathic practitioner follows when diagnosing and treating patients.

Dr Samuel Hahnemann: the Father of Homeopathic Medicine

Samuel Hahnemann developed the homeopathic approach to medicine more than 200 years ago. Hahnemann was awarded his doctorate in medicine from the University of Erlangen, Germany in 1779. After practicing medicine for 5 years, he found that conventional medicine at the time was invasive, riddled with side effects, and often did more harm than good. He wanted to develop a system that would serve as a gentle first line of defense.

After reading a 20-page dissertation describing the use of cinchona bark to treat malaria, Hahnemann experimented with this ingredient. To his surprise, he found that cinchona bark actually caused malaria symptoms when taken in large doses. He then hypothesized that cinchona was effective in helping treat malaria due to its ability to cause these symptoms. In subsequent treatments on people suffering from malaria, he confirmed that while cinchona helped, it was very harsh and caused other difficulties. Hahnemann found that diluting the cinchona eliminated its harsh side effects while maintaining its beneficial healing effects.

Hahnemann then had a brilliant idea: to progressively dilute the substances and to mix or grind the dilution in each stage of concentration.

Homeopathy Today

Stemming from Hahnemann’s experiments, homeopathy went on to become a form of medical treatment used by physicians worldwide. In the U.S. homeopathy was widely practiced in hospitals in the 19th and early 20th centuries. As recently as 1998, the World Health Organization recognized homeopathy as one of the systems of traditional medicine that should be integrated with conventional medicine to ensure adequate health care*. In the U.S. today, there are hundreds of homeopathic OTC products found in drug stores, grocery stores, health food stores and mass merchandisers.

* Brinkaus, B, Schindler, G, Linder M, et al. Socioeconomic aspects of homeopathy as seen by decision-makers and service providers in the health care system. In Ernst E, Hahn E. Homeopathy; A Critical Appraisal. Butterworth-Heinemann, Oxford, UK, 1998; 221-233

Health Canada - Information on Homeopathic products.

Public Health Agency of Canada - Information on complementary & alternative health.

HMCC - The Homeopathic Medical Council of Canada (HMCC) is a professional association which represents the interests of homeopathic doctors and promotes homeopathic medicine throughout Canada. Its membership consists of homeopathic doctors, homeopathic medical students, and suppliers of homeopathic medicine for professional use.

CSH - The Canadian Society of Homeopaths. A national association for Canadian practitioners and supporters of homeopathy. This organization is the first of its kind in Canada – a national professional association and registering body that is entirely independent of any particular school.

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