Herbal medicine and homeopathy – #Part 2
Jul 14, 2021 23:43:46 GMT
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Post by gordana on Jul 14, 2021 23:43:46 GMT
Homeopathy – Unveiling the history
The word Homeopathy (Homoeopathy) comes from the Greek words "Homoios" – similar, and "Pathos" – suffering.
The story about the creator of homeopathy Samuel Hahnemann has all the characteristics of all the stories about the great inventors. About it are written hundreds of books. Sometimes, reading the details about the life of Hahnemann and his work, then about how homeopathy for just over 200 years has become so special medical system, one can truly think that it's no wonder that at the same time it is so much recognized and challenged.
"Similia similibus curentur" is the slogan and the basic principle of homeopathy, and means: "Like cures like."
The idea of the similarities in treatment existed in ancient civilizations, but the first time it was scientifically explained by Hippocrates in his works. He was the first who had mentioned the two types of treatment – by similar and contrary agents, what is a fundamental difference between the allopathic approach of conventional medicine and a common basis of all holistic medical systems. In a scientific settings of his laws, Hippocrates had used Babylonian Magick, the teachings of Egyptian priests, Ionic and Italic philosophy, the teachings of Pythagoras and Empedocles. During a long period of time, his teaching was completely neglected in the countries of Europe, but it was very appreciated, has been developed and preserved in the East, and had a long way to return to Europe – via the Arabs it has been returned to France, from France to Italy, where it was welcomed by alchemists, who had preparing a major medical renaissance at that time.
One great physician and philosopher that time has united the ideas of earlier centuries and with the ingenuity of practitioner, has implemented the idea into action – it was Paracelsus (16th century). He vigorously attacked excludability then current Galen’s ideas (Galen of Pergamon, 2nd century, the Roman physician and philosopher of Greek origin) and pointed to the value of the Hippocratic learning. Another idea important for the emergence of homeopathy was also developed by Paracelsus, whose greatest contribution in treating was setting up of a basic principle of toxicology: "All things are poison, and nothing is without poison; the dose alone makes a thing not poison." He had managed to unify medicine and philosophy, what, after him (except for a few physicians and inventors), no one has achieved – until Hahnemann (end of the 18th century, in 1796).
His private life and thus the life of his family were very difficult in practical terms, because Hahnemann put his science and medicine on the pedestal of his life. They moved often and faced with poverty.
Although during his first fifteen years Hahnemann desperately struggled to make a living as a physician, he died in his 88th year as highly respected and esteemed physician and scientist – in Paris, in 1843.
Let's pass through the basic moments of his biography and the history of homeopathy, as two parts of one whole. Hahnemann has united his life and work in one, which is the principle of the holism.
The word Homeopathy (Homoeopathy) comes from the Greek words "Homoios" – similar, and "Pathos" – suffering.
The story about the creator of homeopathy Samuel Hahnemann has all the characteristics of all the stories about the great inventors. About it are written hundreds of books. Sometimes, reading the details about the life of Hahnemann and his work, then about how homeopathy for just over 200 years has become so special medical system, one can truly think that it's no wonder that at the same time it is so much recognized and challenged.
"Similia similibus curentur" is the slogan and the basic principle of homeopathy, and means: "Like cures like."
The idea of the similarities in treatment existed in ancient civilizations, but the first time it was scientifically explained by Hippocrates in his works. He was the first who had mentioned the two types of treatment – by similar and contrary agents, what is a fundamental difference between the allopathic approach of conventional medicine and a common basis of all holistic medical systems. In a scientific settings of his laws, Hippocrates had used Babylonian Magick, the teachings of Egyptian priests, Ionic and Italic philosophy, the teachings of Pythagoras and Empedocles. During a long period of time, his teaching was completely neglected in the countries of Europe, but it was very appreciated, has been developed and preserved in the East, and had a long way to return to Europe – via the Arabs it has been returned to France, from France to Italy, where it was welcomed by alchemists, who had preparing a major medical renaissance at that time.
One great physician and philosopher that time has united the ideas of earlier centuries and with the ingenuity of practitioner, has implemented the idea into action – it was Paracelsus (16th century). He vigorously attacked excludability then current Galen’s ideas (Galen of Pergamon, 2nd century, the Roman physician and philosopher of Greek origin) and pointed to the value of the Hippocratic learning. Another idea important for the emergence of homeopathy was also developed by Paracelsus, whose greatest contribution in treating was setting up of a basic principle of toxicology: "All things are poison, and nothing is without poison; the dose alone makes a thing not poison." He had managed to unify medicine and philosophy, what, after him (except for a few physicians and inventors), no one has achieved – until Hahnemann (end of the 18th century, in 1796).
There begins the history and philosophy of homeopathy.
The man who lived his science
Dr. Hahnemann's biography is inseparable from the history of homeopathy.
Dr. Samuel Hahnemann (Christian Friedrich Samuel Hahnemann) was born at 1755 in the German town Meissen, Saxony, where during childhood he studied plants, because already at that time he showed great interest in botany. Medical studies began in Leipzig and ended in Erlangen. During the study of medicine he simultaneously has deepened his knowledge of botany, chemistry and foreign languages. By the end of the faculty he mastered Latin, Greek, English and Spanish. Even at that time of early studies at Leipzig, he was disappointed by poor learning conditions, and he mainly declined to engage in the social life with other students. This period of his life was very difficult. From Leipzig he moved to Faculty of Medicine in Vienna, but due to financial difficulties has been forced to abandon the studies for a while. At that time he has earned money by dealing with translation as well as teaching French.
His private life and thus the life of his family were very difficult in practical terms, because Hahnemann put his science and medicine on the pedestal of his life. They moved often and faced with poverty.
Although during his first fifteen years Hahnemann desperately struggled to make a living as a physician, he died in his 88th year as highly respected and esteemed physician and scientist – in Paris, in 1843.
Let's pass through the basic moments of his biography and the history of homeopathy, as two parts of one whole. Hahnemann has united his life and work in one, which is the principle of the holism.
After completing his studies and receiving medical degree in Erlangen in 1779, Dr. Hahnemann started his own medical practice. Very soon he ceased to dealing his profession, due to disillusionment with common medical practices as aggressive purging, bloodletting, and the use of toxic chemicals. As in some way he had to earn money, he worked as a translator of literature in the fields of chemistry, biology and medicine. Beginning of revolutionary discovery was caused by his work on a translation of William Cullen's "Materia Medica" into German.
In mentioned book, on twenty pages Cullen described indications for treatment with Peruvian bark, which is the source of quinine, with the explanation that the success of treatment of malaria is the bitterness of the bark. Hahnemann was not satisfied with that explanation, given that he already was fascinated with knowledge about Peruvian bark, as well as the principles of similarity. He decided to do something unusual. He took a small dose of Cinchona over several days to observe its effects, and he realized that it caused symptoms similar to malaria. Every day he was taking some number of smaller dosages and day by day precisely recorded observations about the effect of the substance on healthy person.
He wrote: "The Peruvian bark, which is used as a medicine for malaria fever is effective because it can cause symptoms similar to malaria in healthy individuals." This testing of the drug was also the beginning of the research and foundation of one of the first principles of a new method of treatment – homeopathy. His observations have led to a revolutionary understanding of the nature of the symptoms. He realized that the symptoms are positive response of the body to stressful experiences – they are an effort of the body to heal itself.
At the same time, it was the first proving of the homeopathic remedy. Knowing the history of medicine, and therefore the views of Paracelsus, traditional and herbal medicine, he realized that these views are probably correct, but that evaluation about them cannot be bring too easily, until the drugs are not checked experimentally, in healthy subjects. Such way of checking he named "proving". Further proving and testing he undertook with members of his family and friends.
In 1945, Martin Gumpert wrote the book "Hahnemann: The Adventurous career of a Medical Rebel". Here can be found some interesting details about Hahnemann's ingenious and unflagging researches:
He wrote: "The Peruvian bark, which is used as a medicine for malaria fever is effective because it can cause symptoms similar to malaria in healthy individuals." This testing of the drug was also the beginning of the research and foundation of one of the first principles of a new method of treatment – homeopathy. His observations have led to a revolutionary understanding of the nature of the symptoms. He realized that the symptoms are positive response of the body to stressful experiences – they are an effort of the body to heal itself.
At the same time, it was the first proving of the homeopathic remedy. Knowing the history of medicine, and therefore the views of Paracelsus, traditional and herbal medicine, he realized that these views are probably correct, but that evaluation about them cannot be bring too easily, until the drugs are not checked experimentally, in healthy subjects. Such way of checking he named "proving". Further proving and testing he undertook with members of his family and friends.
In 1945, Martin Gumpert wrote the book "Hahnemann: The Adventurous career of a Medical Rebel". Here can be found some interesting details about Hahnemann's ingenious and unflagging researches:
"Day after day, he tested medicines on himself and others. He collected histories of cases of poisoning. His purpose was to establish a physiological doctrine of medical remedies, free from all suppositions, and
based solely on experiments." [Gumpert, 92] In his search for proving of new remedies, "Hahnemann sent his children into the fields to collect henbane, sumach, and deadly nightshade. They grew up like young priests of the Asclepieion of Cos... they felt the leaves, blossoms and tubers with small but expert hands... everyone was obliged to join in the work... for there was no other way to succeed in his titanic plan of rescuing the wealth of natural remedies from the quagmire of textbooks, and displaying it in the bright light of experience." [Gumpert, 93-94] The members of his family and his friends have had the main roles in this mission: "The family huddled together and every free moment of every one of them, from the oldest to the youngest, was made use of for the testing of medicines and the gathering of the most precise information on their observed effects." [Gumpert, 114] The results of his investigations were pedantically catalogued: "Hahnemann neatly and conscientiously assembled and numbered his observations of the symptoms excited in himself and his children by the most varied of medicines." [Gumpert, 114]
based solely on experiments." [Gumpert, 92] In his search for proving of new remedies, "Hahnemann sent his children into the fields to collect henbane, sumach, and deadly nightshade. They grew up like young priests of the Asclepieion of Cos... they felt the leaves, blossoms and tubers with small but expert hands... everyone was obliged to join in the work... for there was no other way to succeed in his titanic plan of rescuing the wealth of natural remedies from the quagmire of textbooks, and displaying it in the bright light of experience." [Gumpert, 93-94] The members of his family and his friends have had the main roles in this mission: "The family huddled together and every free moment of every one of them, from the oldest to the youngest, was made use of for the testing of medicines and the gathering of the most precise information on their observed effects." [Gumpert, 114] The results of his investigations were pedantically catalogued: "Hahnemann neatly and conscientiously assembled and numbered his observations of the symptoms excited in himself and his children by the most varied of medicines." [Gumpert, 114]
Hahnemann has found and proved that the disease can be cured by substance which in healthy person causes the same symptoms of the disease. It has been the first and the basic law of homeopathy "Similia similibus curentur – let likes be cured by likes."
Hahnemann again began to deal with medical practice, but now by applying drugs at completely different principles. An even greater incentive they gave him the treatment results that were significantly better than the results of the then official medicine.
His next step was the connecting of what he has already comprehended with the aforementioned principle of toxicology.
In later work with patients he noted that many drugs have side effects. Wanting to avoid them, Hahnemann began to dilute the drugs. However, logicaly, after a significant dilution of the drug, therapeutic effect would be reduced or did not exist. Then Hahnemann came up with the idea that in the process of dilution shake the drug (not to stir – what he was doing until then). The drug dissolved this way had no side effects, and it was effective, even more efficient than the baseline concentration. This phenomenon Hahnemann explained as "transferring of energy from medicament to the substrate-solvent" and such drug he named potentised remedy.
Hahnemann again began to deal with medical practice, but now by applying drugs at completely different principles. An even greater incentive they gave him the treatment results that were significantly better than the results of the then official medicine.
His next step was the connecting of what he has already comprehended with the aforementioned principle of toxicology.
In later work with patients he noted that many drugs have side effects. Wanting to avoid them, Hahnemann began to dilute the drugs. However, logicaly, after a significant dilution of the drug, therapeutic effect would be reduced or did not exist. Then Hahnemann came up with the idea that in the process of dilution shake the drug (not to stir – what he was doing until then). The drug dissolved this way had no side effects, and it was effective, even more efficient than the baseline concentration. This phenomenon Hahnemann explained as "transferring of energy from medicament to the substrate-solvent" and such drug he named potentised remedy.
By describing and applying of such way of treatment, he has provoked distrust and ridicule of the majority of his colleagues. However, nothing could discourage him in an effort to continue to make experiments, and by treatment and achievements in practice further demonstrates the effectiveness of his treatment methods.
The effectiveness of homeopathy became noticeable when he treated patients with typhoid fever with great success, after Napoleon siege and occupation of Leipzig. Then, in 1831, when Europe was hit by a severe epidemic of cholera which was took more than half of the lives of those who were infected, Hahnemann proposed treatment with homeopathic medicines as well as hygiene procedure. The success of this treatment was clear and mortality has been reduced to only 2.4–21.1% from 56–70%, as it was in treating of patients with conventional method.
Hahnemann and his work soon gained a large number of supporters and followers across Europe, then Russia and America and later throughout the world.
His first written work was "Essay on a New Principle" in 1796. "Fragmenta de viribus" in 1805 presented the first published details of 27 provings, including Pulsatilla, Ignatia, Aconite, Drosera and Belladonna.
"The Medicine of Experience" in 1805 was some kind of forerunner of Organon.
In 1810 Hahnemann established the principles of homeopathy in "The Organon of the Art of Healing" and after that began lectures on homeopathy at the University of Leipzig.
In 1811 was published "Materia Medica Pura", the work where in detail were described the principles of homeopathic treatment as well as proved homeopathic remedies and their effects.
By the end of 1820s he continued to publish essays and books, and updating "Organon" and "Materia Medica Pura". These works still are an alphabet of homeopathy.
The effectiveness of homeopathy became noticeable when he treated patients with typhoid fever with great success, after Napoleon siege and occupation of Leipzig. Then, in 1831, when Europe was hit by a severe epidemic of cholera which was took more than half of the lives of those who were infected, Hahnemann proposed treatment with homeopathic medicines as well as hygiene procedure. The success of this treatment was clear and mortality has been reduced to only 2.4–21.1% from 56–70%, as it was in treating of patients with conventional method.
Hahnemann and his work soon gained a large number of supporters and followers across Europe, then Russia and America and later throughout the world.
His first written work was "Essay on a New Principle" in 1796. "Fragmenta de viribus" in 1805 presented the first published details of 27 provings, including Pulsatilla, Ignatia, Aconite, Drosera and Belladonna.
"The Medicine of Experience" in 1805 was some kind of forerunner of Organon.
In 1810 Hahnemann established the principles of homeopathy in "The Organon of the Art of Healing" and after that began lectures on homeopathy at the University of Leipzig.
In 1811 was published "Materia Medica Pura", the work where in detail were described the principles of homeopathic treatment as well as proved homeopathic remedies and their effects.
By the end of 1820s he continued to publish essays and books, and updating "Organon" and "Materia Medica Pura". These works still are an alphabet of homeopathy.
His publication "The Chronic Diseases" in 1828 opened up a new chapter of researching the underlying causes of the diseases. At the same time it was the first presentation of miasm theory. He had classified them in three different groups of rooted causes (three basic miasms): skin diseases (Psora), gonorrhoea (Sycosis) and Syphilis.
"Organon of the Art of Healing" is the masterpiece that explains the four cardinal maxims of homeopathy: like cures like, one remedy, minimal dose and potentised remedy. These principles form a system of checks and balances which make doctrine of similarities safe and effective modus operandi. Even in the first comprehensive work on the new method, "The Medicine of Experience" (1805), these four golden rules were present. This is the essence of homeopathy.
The 1st edition of Organon appeared in 1810. To update this material, Hahnemann published subsequent editions in 1819, 1824, 1829 and 1833. The 6th and final edition was completed shortly before his death in 1842, but unfortunately remained unpublished until the German edition in 1920 and the English version in 1921. These documents record the evolution of homeopathy through seven levels of development.
In "The Chronic Diseases" (1828) and the 6th edition of "Organon" (1829) as already has been said, Hahnemann for the first time presented theory of miasm.
The 1st edition of Organon appeared in 1810. To update this material, Hahnemann published subsequent editions in 1819, 1824, 1829 and 1833. The 6th and final edition was completed shortly before his death in 1842, but unfortunately remained unpublished until the German edition in 1920 and the English version in 1921. These documents record the evolution of homeopathy through seven levels of development.
In "The Chronic Diseases" (1828) and the 6th edition of "Organon" (1829) as already has been said, Hahnemann for the first time presented theory of miasm.
Hahnemann was faced with the problem of relapse in chronic patients. After homeopathic treatment, chronic disease would be temporarily cured, but it would enough that some external influence weakened the patient and the disease would returned over time. He has soon realized that these diseases cannot be permanently cured only by life force, changes in diet or lifestyle. Hahnemann then has started exhaustive research, trying to find an answer to the question – what is the hidden common denominator that lies behind chronic disease and all its symptoms, i.e. what is it that produces so deep and invisible weakness that represents original predisposition to chronic disease?
The common denominator of many acute and chronic diseases is something named miasma. Hahnemann was not first who used the term "miasma", but definitely is most contributed to their uncovering and understanding. The term "miasm" comes from the Greek word miasma, what freely translated means shadow, stigma, pollution or weakness.
Miasm theory have continued to study by his followers, and this work as well as work on provings of new remedies, new aspects of homeopathy and its scientific background, the works on harmonization with modern scientific methods lasts today. Homeopathy is continually developing.
The common denominator of many acute and chronic diseases is something named miasma. Hahnemann was not first who used the term "miasma", but definitely is most contributed to their uncovering and understanding. The term "miasm" comes from the Greek word miasma, what freely translated means shadow, stigma, pollution or weakness.
Miasm theory have continued to study by his followers, and this work as well as work on provings of new remedies, new aspects of homeopathy and its scientific background, the works on harmonization with modern scientific methods lasts today. Homeopathy is continually developing.
His medicine system has continued to evolve and his work has been continued by his disciples and followers. The largest contribution in that time was given by: James Tyler Kent, Constantine Hering, Adolph Lippe, Eugene Beauharis Nash, Oscar Eugene Boericke, Clemens Von Boenninghausen and others. Also, the great contribution to homeopathy gave his wife, Mélanie Hahnemann.
The spread of homeopathy
During his lifetime, Hahnemann was tried to crown his work in 1833, when on January 22 opened the first homoeopathic hospital in Leipzig. However, during the ten years of work, the hospital was struggling with financial problems. Hospital was lead by a number of directors who were half-homeopaths and who mixed allopathic and homeopathic treatment method. Hahnemann tried to lead a hospital himself, but for man seventy years aged it was too big challenge, especially to do it from a city so much distant from Leipzig – at that time he lived in Paris. Hospital was closed in October, 1842.
Long before Hahnemann’s death homeopathy had already begun to spread to two very influential countries – England and the United States.
Long before Hahnemann’s death homeopathy had already begun to spread to two very influential countries – England and the United States.
England
Queen Adelaide, wife of King William IV of England is credited with bringing homeopathy to England. Duke Ernst had brought Hahnemann to Georgenthal in 1792 as a physician in charge of the asylum there. In 1835, Queen Adelaide summoned Dr. Johann Ernst Stapf, one of Hahnemann’s most trusted students to Windsor Castle for treatment. Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, Queen Adelaide’s nephew, came to England to marry Queen Victoria in 1840, and then he renewed the Royal patronage of homeopathy.
The first British physician who brought homeopathy to England was probably Dr. Frederick Harvey Foster Quin. He met Hahnemann in Kothen, in 1826 and studied with him in Paris in the 1830’s. Later he was appointed as physician to Queen Victoria’s favorite uncle, Leopold. In 1832 he set up practice in London. Quin established the British Homeopathic Society in 1844 and founded the London Homeopathic Hospital in 1849.
United States
Homeopathy came to America in 1825 via Dr. Hans Burch Gram. From 1865 to 1885 experienced its peak, and then it was accepted in England. Gram opened the first homeopathic practice in America, in New York City, in 1825.
Queen Adelaide, wife of King William IV of England is credited with bringing homeopathy to England. Duke Ernst had brought Hahnemann to Georgenthal in 1792 as a physician in charge of the asylum there. In 1835, Queen Adelaide summoned Dr. Johann Ernst Stapf, one of Hahnemann’s most trusted students to Windsor Castle for treatment. Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, Queen Adelaide’s nephew, came to England to marry Queen Victoria in 1840, and then he renewed the Royal patronage of homeopathy.
The first British physician who brought homeopathy to England was probably Dr. Frederick Harvey Foster Quin. He met Hahnemann in Kothen, in 1826 and studied with him in Paris in the 1830’s. Later he was appointed as physician to Queen Victoria’s favorite uncle, Leopold. In 1832 he set up practice in London. Quin established the British Homeopathic Society in 1844 and founded the London Homeopathic Hospital in 1849.
United States
Homeopathy came to America in 1825 via Dr. Hans Burch Gram. From 1865 to 1885 experienced its peak, and then it was accepted in England. Gram opened the first homeopathic practice in America, in New York City, in 1825.
In 1833 Constantine Hering was sent to America from Germany, as a student who was supposed to write a dissertation that denies homeopathy. He traveled to Suriname as a botanist and became one of the biggest advocates of homeopathy. Hering established the first homeopathic medical school in the United States in 1835, The North American Academy of the Homeopathic Healing Art (known as the Allentown Academy), which produced the first wave of American educated homeopathic physicians.
He created the famous Hering's law or the law of the Direction of cure. This means that the recovery is moving by familiar pattern i.e. cure takes place with symptoms disappearing from:
• from above downwards
• inside outwards
• from centre to periphery
• from more important to less important organs or system
• in the reverse order of appearance of symptoms
He created the famous Hering's law or the law of the Direction of cure. This means that the recovery is moving by familiar pattern i.e. cure takes place with symptoms disappearing from:
• from above downwards
• inside outwards
• from centre to periphery
• from more important to less important organs or system
• in the reverse order of appearance of symptoms
When the large number of German immigrants began to settle in Pennsylvania in the 1820’s, it was the beginning of the establishment of a new branch of American homeopathy. Dr. Stapf had sent some homeopathic books and remedies to Dr. William Wesselhaft. Wesselhaft together with Dr. Henry Detwiller formed the first homeopathic study group in Pennsylvania, 1820’s.
The first homeopathic medical college was The Homeopathic Medical College of Pennsylvania in 1848, with Hering as one of its founders.
Same year, Dr. I. Tilsdale Talbot founded the New England Female Medical College of Massachusetts.
1860th – Dr. Tullio Verdi (graduated of The Homeopathic Medical College of Pennsylvania in 1856), was appointed to the Bureau of Health.
The so-called golden age of homeopathy lasted between 1850 and 1900, in the United States.
The first fall began in 1901, when the A.M.A. (American Medical Association) became more efficiently in suppressing homeopathy. In 1910 the Carnegie Foundation issued the infamous Flexner Report. The Flexner Report was an evaluation of American medical schools chaired by Abraham Flexner, in cooperation with leading members of the A.M.A. The Report actually was aimed to sanction and reject homeopathic schools.
With the development of the pharmaceutical companies, the pressure on homeopathy has getting bigger. By 1950 all the homeopathic colleges in the U.S. were either closed or no longer teaching homeopathy.
The first homeopathic medical college was The Homeopathic Medical College of Pennsylvania in 1848, with Hering as one of its founders.
Same year, Dr. I. Tilsdale Talbot founded the New England Female Medical College of Massachusetts.
1860th – Dr. Tullio Verdi (graduated of The Homeopathic Medical College of Pennsylvania in 1856), was appointed to the Bureau of Health.
The so-called golden age of homeopathy lasted between 1850 and 1900, in the United States.
The first fall began in 1901, when the A.M.A. (American Medical Association) became more efficiently in suppressing homeopathy. In 1910 the Carnegie Foundation issued the infamous Flexner Report. The Flexner Report was an evaluation of American medical schools chaired by Abraham Flexner, in cooperation with leading members of the A.M.A. The Report actually was aimed to sanction and reject homeopathic schools.
With the development of the pharmaceutical companies, the pressure on homeopathy has getting bigger. By 1950 all the homeopathic colleges in the U.S. were either closed or no longer teaching homeopathy.
India
Simultaneously with a turbulent development and often uncertain outcomes on the West, homeopathy finds its way to India and there develops on a completely different way.
In India homeopathy began to be practiced during the life time of Hahnemann, when a German Physician and Geologist came to India about 1810 for geological investigations and remained for some time in Bengal, where he was giving homoeopathic remedies to the people.
In India homeopathy is linked with the name of Dr. Honigberger. He was a Frenchman, attached to the Court of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Dr. Honigberger arrived at Lahore in 1829-1830. In 1839 he was invited to treat Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Punjab, who has been seriously ill of paralysis of vocal cord with swelling of feet because local physicians were unable to improve his health. After that event, Dr. Honigberger went to Calcutta and started there his practice.
"In the treasury of nature, there are many Gems; those only are worth carrying away, which we know how to set." – Dr. Honigberger
Dr. Mahendra Lal Sircar was the first qualified physician in India. He was inspired by the favour of lay-homeopath Babu Rajen Datta, who practiced homeopathy and treated successfully many patients. Ultimately, more and more people started to apply homeopathic treatments for various diseases.
Due to its popularity, homeopathy does not need no special recognition by the Indian government for a long time. In April 1937 Md. Ghias-ud-idin, M.L.A. submitted a resolution in the Legislative Assembly for the recognition of homeopathy. The resolution was passed and forwarded to the State Government for its implementation. Bengal was the first province to constitute a Homeopathic State Faculty in 1943.
"All India Institute of Homeopathy" was formed in 1944 with its central office at Delhi.
Simultaneously with a turbulent development and often uncertain outcomes on the West, homeopathy finds its way to India and there develops on a completely different way.
In India homeopathy began to be practiced during the life time of Hahnemann, when a German Physician and Geologist came to India about 1810 for geological investigations and remained for some time in Bengal, where he was giving homoeopathic remedies to the people.
In India homeopathy is linked with the name of Dr. Honigberger. He was a Frenchman, attached to the Court of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Dr. Honigberger arrived at Lahore in 1829-1830. In 1839 he was invited to treat Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Punjab, who has been seriously ill of paralysis of vocal cord with swelling of feet because local physicians were unable to improve his health. After that event, Dr. Honigberger went to Calcutta and started there his practice.
"In the treasury of nature, there are many Gems; those only are worth carrying away, which we know how to set." – Dr. Honigberger
Dr. Mahendra Lal Sircar was the first qualified physician in India. He was inspired by the favour of lay-homeopath Babu Rajen Datta, who practiced homeopathy and treated successfully many patients. Ultimately, more and more people started to apply homeopathic treatments for various diseases.
Due to its popularity, homeopathy does not need no special recognition by the Indian government for a long time. In April 1937 Md. Ghias-ud-idin, M.L.A. submitted a resolution in the Legislative Assembly for the recognition of homeopathy. The resolution was passed and forwarded to the State Government for its implementation. Bengal was the first province to constitute a Homeopathic State Faculty in 1943.
"All India Institute of Homeopathy" was formed in 1944 with its central office at Delhi.
The Government of India made The homeopathic enquiry committee on September 30, 1948 which accepted homeopathy as a scientific system of medicine and recommended the formation of a Central Council and the establishment of Provincial Homeopathic Council.
President of India appointed a Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia Committee under the Ministry of Health in September 1962 to lay down standards of medicines used in homeopathy.
President of India appointed a Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia Committee under the Ministry of Health in September 1962 to lay down standards of medicines used in homeopathy.
Current state of homeopathy
Today, we can say that India is homeopathic superpower. Homeopathy is the second most practiced system of medicine in India. Currently there are over 200,000 registered homeopathic doctors, with approximately 12,000 that are added every year. There are over 120 homeopathic medical schools in India. Nineteen of them are maintained by the state, most of which are affiliated with universities.
Homeopathy is widespread in Europe. It is particularly popular in Great Britain where the Royal Family has been under homeopathic care since the 1830s. Almost as much it is popular in France. Homeopathy is one the most popular therapeutic systems in Nederland.
Besides homeopathy's special popularity in the previously mentioned countries, it is widely practiced in Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, Cuba, Greece, Belgium, Italy, Spain, Australia, South Africa, Nigeria, Russia and former states of the Soviet Union.
It is difficult to predict how much popular homeopathy will be in the United States in the nearest future. Growing numbers of consumers learn to self-prescribe homeopathic remedies for common acute conditions and they probably will demand homeopathic treatments for more serious health disorders.
What is certain is that homeopathy cannot be suppressed nor stopped. Surely it will be more attacks on this medical system, because it directly threatens the profits of the pharmaceutical industry. But, it is impossible to suppress the truth, and when it comes to homeopathy, history will show it.
Today, we can say that India is homeopathic superpower. Homeopathy is the second most practiced system of medicine in India. Currently there are over 200,000 registered homeopathic doctors, with approximately 12,000 that are added every year. There are over 120 homeopathic medical schools in India. Nineteen of them are maintained by the state, most of which are affiliated with universities.
Homeopathy is widespread in Europe. It is particularly popular in Great Britain where the Royal Family has been under homeopathic care since the 1830s. Almost as much it is popular in France. Homeopathy is one the most popular therapeutic systems in Nederland.
Besides homeopathy's special popularity in the previously mentioned countries, it is widely practiced in Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, Cuba, Greece, Belgium, Italy, Spain, Australia, South Africa, Nigeria, Russia and former states of the Soviet Union.
It is difficult to predict how much popular homeopathy will be in the United States in the nearest future. Growing numbers of consumers learn to self-prescribe homeopathic remedies for common acute conditions and they probably will demand homeopathic treatments for more serious health disorders.
What is certain is that homeopathy cannot be suppressed nor stopped. Surely it will be more attacks on this medical system, because it directly threatens the profits of the pharmaceutical industry. But, it is impossible to suppress the truth, and when it comes to homeopathy, history will show it.
Gordana Jujić