Homeopathic medicine is a system of therapeutics that appears to work by stimulating the body's autoregulatory mechanisms using microdoses of toxins. The principle was first expounded by Hippocrates, the so-called father of medicine, in 450 BC and was rationalised into a clinical system by a German physician, Samuel Hahnemann, in the late 18th century.

Homeopathic medicines are prescribed to fit each individual's needs, given in much smaller and less toxic doses than traditional medications, and are used for both prevention and treatment.

Homeopathy is extremely popular with patients and its use has steadily increased in recent years - now there are estimated to be over 100,000 physicians practicing homeopathy world wide, and over twelve thousand medical doctors and licensed health care practitioners administer homeopathic treatment in the United Kingdom, France, and Germany. It is also widely practiced in India, Pakistan, South America, and Mexico.

A two-page summary of the research evidence base for homeopathy can be downloaded here.

An important basic difference exists between conventional medical therapy and homeopathy. In conventional therapy, the aim often is to control the illness through regular use of medical substances. If the medication is withdrawn, however, the person often returns to illness. Homeopathy aims to stimulate the body's own healing ability, and to correct the disturbance that is causing the symptoms.