The History of Homeopathy

How It Shaped Medicine and Why It’s Making a Comeback

Homeopathy is one of the oldest, safest, and most widely used systems of natural medicine in the world. Though often misunderstood in today’s pharmaceutical-dominated culture, homeopathy was once a central part of mainstream medicine—taught in universities, practiced in hospitals, and trusted during epidemics.

Today, interest in homeopathy is rising again, particularly among families, wellness professionals, and individuals seeking gentle, non-toxic healing options that treat the root—not just the symptoms. This article explores the full history of homeopathy: its founding, rise, fall, and global resurgence.

What Is Homeopathy?

Homeopathy is a complete system of energetic medicine founded in the late 1700s by German physician Dr. Samuel Hahnemann (1755–1843). Grounded in both scientific experimentation and holistic philosophy, it operates on three foundational principles:

1. Like Cures Like (Similia Similibus Curentur)

A substance that causes symptoms in a healthy person can, in diluted form, treat those same symptoms in someone who is sick.

Example: Coffea cruda (unroasted coffee) may cause restlessness or insomnia in large doses. In homeopathic form, Coffea 30C is used to treat sleeplessness marked by a racing mind.

2. Minimum Dose

Homeopathic remedies are prepared through a process called potentization, involving serial dilution and succussion (vigorous shaking). This process retains the energetic imprint of the original substance while removing toxicity. Remedies are labeled by potency, such as:

• 6X, 12X – lower potencies, often used for cell salts

• 30C, 200C – most commonly used for acute and constitutional care

• 1M and above – high potencies used in deep, chronic cases
  

Despite being ultra-dilute, homeopathic remedies act on the body’s vital force, triggering an individualized healing response.

3. Individualization

No two people are treated exactly the same. Homeopathy honors the unique emotional, physical, and mental symptoms of each person. Two patients with the same diagnosis may receive different remedies based on how their symptoms express.

The Golden Era of Homeopathy (1800s–Early 1900s)

By the mid-1800s, homeopathy was well-established across Europe and the United States. Its gentle, effective approach gained widespread respect as an alternative to the harsh practices of the time—bloodletting, purging, and toxic compounds like mercury and arsenic.

Homeopathy in the U.S.:

• Over 100 homeopathic hospitals and dispensaries were operating by 1900.

• 22 homeopathic medical schools trained physicians, including Hahnemann Medical College (Philadelphia) and Boston University’s School of Medicine.

• Thousands of licensed homeopaths practiced in major cities and rural communities.

• Pharmacies stocked hundreds of homeopathic remedies for public use.
  

Epidemic Success

Homeopathy’s reputation soared during deadly outbreaks:

• During cholera epidemics, conventional hospitals reported mortality rates of 40–70%. Homeopathic hospitals reported rates as low as 5–15%.¹

• During the 1918 influenza pandemic, homeopathic physicians reported mortality rates under 1%, compared to 30% in conventional care.²
  

Who Used Homeopathy?

Homeopathy was used by a wide range of people—from working-class families to world leaders and cultural icons.

Notable historical users include:

• Abraham Lincoln, who signed legislation to officially recognize homeopathic medicine.³

• John D. Rockefeller, who used it throughout his life and referred to it as “a progressive and advanced method of treating disease.”⁴

• Louisa May Alcott and Mark Twain, who praised its gentleness and efficacy.

• The British Royal Family, which has used homeopathy since the 1830s.
  

The Flexner Report and the Decline of Homeopathy

In 1910, the Flexner Report, commissioned by the Carnegie Foundation and backed by Rockefeller money, aimed to reform medical education. While it improved scientific rigor in some ways, it also discredited any school that did not teach allopathic (pharmaceutical-based) medicine.

As a result:

• Most homeopathic medical schools were closed or converted

• Funding was withdrawn from hospitals and institutions that used natural therapies

• Homeopathy, herbalism, naturopathy, and midwifery were marginalized

• The American Medical Association began promoting drug-based care as the only “scientific” medicine
  

This ushered in the modern pharmaceutical era—and pushed energetic, whole-person healing systems to the margins of Western medicine.

Homeopathy's Global Resurgence

Although homeopathy was suppressed in the U.S., it continued to flourish internationally:

• In India, it became part of the national health system and is now taught in over 200 colleges

• In the UK, it remains integrated in private practice and royal family care

• The World Health Organization recognizes homeopathy in its global Traditional Medicine Strategy⁵

• Over 200 million people worldwide use homeopathy as part of their regular health care⁶
  

In the past two decades, homeopathy has re-emerged in the U.S. as more individuals, parents, holistic practitioners, and naturopathic doctors seek non-toxic, whole-body healing.

What Conditions Can Homeopathy Support?

Homeopathy can be used for both acute illnesses and chronic conditions, including:

Common Applications:

• Fevers, flu, colds, sore throats, earaches

• Menstrual pain, PMS, perimenopause, hot flashes

• Skin conditions: acne, eczema, hives

• Anxiety, grief, emotional overwhelm

• Headaches, migraines, TMJ

• Stomach upset, constipation, bloating, heartburn

• First aid: injuries, dental pain, bruises, burns

• Sleep issues, restless legs, nightmares

• Hormonal imbalance, thyroid symptoms

• Support during pregnancy, postpartum, and teething

• And so much more
  

Remedies are chosen based on the totality of symptoms—not just the diagnosis. A skilled homeopath considers physical signs, emotional states, personality traits, and even environmental factors.

What Are Cell Salts?

Cell salts (also known as Schüessler salts) are a specific subset of homeopathy that focus on biochemical mineral balance. Introduced in the 1870s by Dr. Wilhelm Schüessler, these 12 remedies are made from essential minerals found naturally in the body.

They are prepared in low potency (6X) and are especially useful for:

• Children

• Long-term rebuilding

• Nervous system support

• Structural repair

• Emotional balance
  

Examples:

• Calc Phos – for fatigue, growth spurts, post-illness

• Ferrum Phos – for early-stage illness, inflammation, low-grade fevers

• Mag Phos – for cramps, spasms, tension headaches

• Silicea – for skin, nails, slow healing, pus

• Nat Mur – for headaches, dehydration, emotional grief

Cell salts are safe, gentle, and ideal for beginners or sensitive individuals.

➡️ To explore how cell salts relate to astrology and mineral needs, read my detailed guide:

The Healing Spark of Schüessler Cell Salts

Why Homeopathy Still Matters

Homeopathy remains one of the only healing systems that treats:

• Body + Mind + Vital Force as a unified whole

• Illness as a disturbance in the system, not a broken machine

• Symptoms as intelligent signals, not enemies to suppress
  

It is:

• Safe for all ages—including infants and pregnant women

• Non-toxic, with no side effects or drug interactions

• Affordable, shelf-stable, and self-empowering

• Compatible with both conventional and holistic care
  

Final Thoughts

Homeopathy isn’t new. It’s time-tested. And in a world increasingly aware of the limitations of conventional medicine, it offers something rare: an approach that respects the intelligence of the body, the emotions of the heart, and the energy that connects them both.

Whether you’re seeking support for acute symptoms, long-term wellness, or emotional balance, homeopathy is a safe and powerful tool to have in your health toolbox.

Want to learn how to use it at home? Explore my Homeopathy 101 presentation, subscribe to my newsletter to be sent the presentation or reach out for a wellness consult.

References

1. Dewey, W.A., “Cholera Epidemics and Homeopathy,” Transactions of the American Institute of Homeopathy, 1903.

2. Winston, Julian. The Faces of Homeopathy: An Illustrated History of the First 200 Years, 1999.

3. Ullman, Dana. The Homeopathic Revolution: Why Famous People and Cultural Heroes Choose Homeopathy, 2007.

4. Dana Ullman, “John D. Rockefeller and Homeopathy,” Huffington Post, 2011.

5. World Health Organization. Traditional Medicine Strategy 2014–2023.

6. National Center for Homeopathy. (https://www.homeopathycenter.org)