The History of Homeopathy

References to the basic principles of homeopathy are found in ancient writings and in the traditions of native medicines.  These principles were rediscovered over 200 years ago by German physician Samuel Hahnemann (1755-1843), who developed them into the science that he called Homeopathy (from the Greek words homoios, similar, and pathos, disease or suffering).

This new system of healing quickly spread throughout Europe and beyond.  Members of Britain’s Royal family have used it since Queen Victoria’s reign.  By the late 1800’s, homeopathy had become one of the most popular healthcare systems in North America, valued by both doctors and families using home remedy kits.

The popularity of homeopathy declined with the advent of pharmaceutical drugs and other modern therapies in the early 20th century.  In recent decades, however, many people have turned to alternate forms of medicine to avoid side effects from conventional treatment.  Today, the number of people using homeopathy is exploding throughout most parts of the world.  It is now an accepted form of medicine in many European and Latin American countries, the UK, and India.  Here in Canada, efforts are currently under way to gain government recognition of homeopathy as a distinct profession.